Each of our therapists have completed extensive training in accordance with our individual areas of expertise as well as enjoying offering support for general health and wellbeing. We are also committed to the Ethical and Professional Guidelines established by our governing bodies, including AHPRA; APS; and Clinical College of APS.
CLINICIANS:
Dr Tracey M Walker
Clinical Psychologist, Director and Founder of Minding Family
“Every heart sings a song.”
Tracey’s primary focus is working with children, adolescents and families.
She has extensive experience supporting individuals and families for a wide range of clinical difficulties including stress, depression and anxiety. Anxiety problems can be diverse and include generalised and separation anxiety, phobias and related conditions such as Perfectionistic Traits and Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder. She is particularly passionate about supporting parents and being able to empower families to find the right balance for their lives. She also has a strong understanding of the Autism Spectrum Conditions and other complex neurodevelopmental difficulties such as ADHD, Tourette’s Disorder, Learning Disorders and enjoys completing detailed psychological diagnostic assessments for these conditions to enable early intervention and appropriate learning support to be coordinated in the educational environment.
Tracey also enjoys delivering workshops and training sessions and has been an adjunct and guest Lecturer for James Cook University.
Qualifications and Accreditations:
- B Psych (Hons); D Psych (Clinical)
- Member of Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
- Fellow of APS Clinical College
- AHPRA Approved Supervisor for 4 + 2, 5 + 1 Intern Programmes, Clinical Registrar Programme, and Working in addition to Higher Studies Programme.
- Accredited with APS to Assess and Treat ASD’s
- Accredited to provide assessment and intervention under the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Linda Nerboni
Provisional Psychologist – Currently on Medical Leave
“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together” – Brene Brown
Linda is a warm and approachable person who is passionate about supporting individuals of all ages to experience optimal wellbeing. She believes it is a privilege to come alongside children, adolescents and adults and assist them to identify their strengths, appreciate their value, and experience resilience in the face of challenges.
Working from a strengths-based perspective, Linda uses evidenced based treatment strategies tailored to individual needs and clients’ personal goals. She has experience working in the education system and supporting children and adolescents presenting with a range of emotional, social and behavioural challenges. She is developing her skills in psychometric testing.
Linda’s interests include positive psychology, neurodevelopmental disorders and how neural diversity within the home influences family relationships. She is also interested in resilience, bullying and forgiveness.
Qualifications and Accreditations:
- BPsych (Hons)
- Associate Member of Australian Psychological Society (AMAPS)
Aasmund Lahlum Helness
Provisional Psychologist
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards”
Aasmund moved from Norway to Australia in 2015 to study psychology, and graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from James Cook University in 2019. He is now joining the team at Minding Family, where he will be working towards general registration under the supervision of Dr. Tracey M. Walker, Mrs. Kellie Burton, and Ms. Ellen Nolan.
Aasmund is eager to work with people across the whole lifespan and is looking forward to working with a range of presentations, especially anxiety and mood disorders. He is passionate about areas such as assessment, testing, and research.
Qualifications and Accreditations:
- BPsych (Hons)
Brittney Bogotto
Provisional Psychologist
“We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us”
Brittney enjoys working with and supporting people who have neurodevelopmental concerns (i.e. Autism, ADHD) or disabilities, supporting the needs of the parents and caregivers as part of an holistic approach to therapy.
Brittney highly enjoys working with young children, adolescents and young adults using a combination of evidence-based therapies that best suits the individual needs of the client. She believes in creating a safe and supportive environment in which she can work alongside her clients in reaching their goals.
Brittney is skilled in providing behavioural support and advice for families with very young children through to young adults.
Brittney has strong interests in psychometric assessments and understands its importance in shaping the person’s approach to therapy. Her use of psychometric assessments is thorough, valid and purposeful, and her feedback is clear, practical and evidence-based.
Having graduated from JCU with a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Graduate Diploma of Psychology in 2018, Brittney is currently undertaking her internship as a Provisional Psychologist in preparation for full registration.
Qualifications and Accreditations:
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology
- Brittney complies with the provisional registration of AHPRA
Stephanie Brus
Provisional Psychologist
“When things change inside you, things change around you.”
Steph graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor in Psychology (Honours) in 2014. From there, Steph went on to work with families, children and young people who had been involved with, or were at risk of entering the child protection system. During this time, Steph worked in Mount Isa, Mornington Island and Townsville, and gained extensive experience working with families who experience multiple and complex challenges such as mental health, disability, alcohol and drug use, parenting challenges, domestic and family violence, family separation and intergenerational trauma.
Steph’s experiences have led her to further pursue a career as a Psychologist and is now completing the 4+2 pathway to registration. Although Steph has a special interest in complex childhood trauma and its impacts across the lifespan, Steph is excited to diversify her knowledge and skills. Steph is keen to work with people from across the lifespan and with a variety of presentations including neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders and other challenges with cognitive, emotional and social wellbeing.
Steph is passionate about ensuring people have a positive and welcoming experience when they access supports. Steph uses a warm, non-confrontational, and client-centred approach to help clients feel comfortable and ready to participate. Steph also believes in “going slow to go fast” – taking the time to gain a thorough understanding of a person, their journey and their needs, so that the best outcomes can be achieved.
Qualifications and Accreditations:
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence Practice.
Maejoy Obach
Provisional Psychologist
“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” – Maya Angelou
Maejoy (she/her) is a Filipino-Australian Provisional Psychologist with a passion for enhancing the social and emotional wellbeing needs of preschool and school-aged children, young people, and families of all genders and cultural backgrounds.
As a clinical psychologist in training, Maejoy can support all psychological presentations across the lifespan. She is particularly interested in supporting neurodiverse individuals (e.g., autism, attentional and learning difficulties) to achieve their best potential in areas such as confidence, emotional regulation, social relationships, and communication. She is also interested in supporting children and young people experiencing sadness, worry, anxiety, depression, behavioural difficulties, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. She has trained in evidence-based practices such as CBT, trauma-focused CBT, ACT, polyvagal and attachment theory, and mind-body interventions. She enjoys the creativity involved in ensuring that sessions are engaging, empowering and fun for children and young people. In addition, she is skilled in conducting various psychological assessments and brings a collaborative, recovery-focused, and strengths-based approach to her practice.
Maejoy has four years of therapy and assessment experience as a provisional psychologist in youth mental health and private practice. Combined with her previous involvement in community development and youth empowerment, she has developed a passion for providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed psychological practice. She is also skilled in supporting the needs of children who have experienced adversity and trauma throughout their lives.
Maejoy is due to complete the Master of Psychology (Clinical) program at James Cook University in December 2023 and plans to specialise in supporting children, young people, and families. She will be with us here at Minding Family until the end of June, 2023.
Qualifications and Accreditations:
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
- Master of Psychology (Clinical) – current
- Accredited to provide assessment and intervention under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
ADMIN TEAM
Dr Tracey M Walker (Principle Psychologist and Practice Owner), Ms Shae Burns, Mrs Emma Thompson and Ms Jodi Spratt (Reception and Admin Duties);
We have a team of glorious individuals, Emma, Shae and Jodi, who share the Reception and Administration duties for Minding Family. Together, they have more than 30years’ experience and help make our beautiful clinic welcoming and a safe and respectful place to visit. Their attention to detail along with their sensitivity to Mental Health and Wellbeing will help your use of Minding Family’s services be as smooth and efficient as possible.