Pyschology Team at KidsPoint

Consulting mental health care professionals

 

Shannen Aungiers

Clinical Psychologist

Shannen is a motivated, caring and compassionate Psychologist who has a range of experience working with children and adolescents. Shannen is a Clinical Psychologist registered through AHPRA, and is a current member of the APS.  She has worked in schools, community mental health settings, group homes and family homes, providing support to children/adolescents and their families/carers.


Shannen believes that childhood and adolescence is a crucial period for developing psychological wellbeing, including developing healthy social and emotional behaviours. Shannen believes that it is important for the younger generation to receive appropriate support to ensure that they are able to thrive and develop in an ever-changing world and develop the skills needed to progress into adulthood.

Shannen has experience working with children and adolescents presenting with a range of condition, including (but not limited to); anxiety disorders, depression, school refusal behaviours, suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviours, interpersonal difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Shannen uses an eclectic style of therapy, drawing from evidence based interventions, including (but not limited to); Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing.

Whilst Shannen enjoys providing individual intervention/s, she is also experienced in facilitating a range of group programs that promote social and emotional wellbeing. Shannen is also trained to complete various diagnostic assessments, including (but not limited to); ASD, ADHD, ID, SLD, and mental health assessments.

Lizzy Lanting

Registered Psychologist

Lizzy is an enthusiastic and caring Psychologist, working comprehensively from early childhood through to adolescence and young adulthood. Lizzy has a warm and approachable personality and she understands the importance of developing sound and trusting rapport with clients and treating them with respect and kindness. Lizzy has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology, and is registered with AHPRA. 

 Prior to Psychology, Lizzy started her journey as an early childhood educator (holding a Diploma in Children services) igniting a passion for early intervention and developing and building on skills with young children and their beautiful developing brains. Lizzy finds joy in developing meaningful relationships with clients and their families as this is a vital component contributing to the successes of the therapeutic process. She wants her clients to feel empowered and heard in the therapeutic setting providing a platform to extend this concept out in the community.

 

Lizzy has worked in a range of settings including preschools, primary and secondary schools, group homes and family homes, as well as in a clinical setting. In these roles Lizzy has focused on providing support to, and facilitated skill development of children and adolescent clients as well as their support systems, including teachers, support workers, families and carers.

 

Lizzy has extensive experience working with children and young adults on the Autism Spectrum including associated co-morbidities such as anxiety (social anxiety, generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, specific phobias), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, suicidal ideations, school-refusal, obsessive compulsive disorder, and a thorough understanding of sensory processing disorder. Lizzy employs positive behaviour support technique in the development of comprehensive behaviour support plans. In addition to ASD, Lizzy has worked with children with trauma backgrounds, moderate to mild intellectual disabilities, and children in the foster care system.  

 

Lizzy can deliver Psychometric assessments and the following psychological interventions: Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). 

 

  

Dan Vallins

Social Worker

Daniel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, he graduated from Australian Catholic University in 2012. Since graduating Daniel has worked in numerous hospitals in NSW over the last 8 years in various roles. Daniel has a passion to see the people that he supports overcome any barriers in their lives.

 Daniel enjoys providing counselling to clients from all background specialising in adjustment to illness and new diagnosis. He sees it as a privilege to be able to support people in what is a difficult period in their lives and helping them build on their resilience, strengthening relationships and meeting their needs.

 Daniel is a light-hearted person and enjoys interacting and getting to know the people around him. Daniel thrives in seeing people feeling empowered to make a difference in their own lives.

 When Daniel isn’t at Kids Point he is working in NSW health supporting patients in a rehabilitation facility. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends as well as exercising through running and playing basketball.

 Daniel has been on the Central Coast for the last 2 years having moved from Sydney with his family. Daniel enjoys the Central Coast life and the less chaotic lifestyle it offers.

 

  • Dexter

    Dexter

    Therapy Dog

    Shannen is the proud DogMUM of Dexter who is a nine year old, beautiful, cheeky chocolate Labrador.

    Dexter is very friendly and loves lots of pats, cuddles and kisses. Dexter helps kids to feel nice and calm when visiting the clinic, and enjoys a nice walk around the lake.

    Dexter always loves a treat…..

  • Reinette Chavet - Clinical Psychologist Registrar

    Reinette is a Clinical Psychology Registrar with 8 years’ mental health and disability experience. She recently completed a Master of Clinical Psychology at Macquarie University, is registered with AHPRA, and as a member of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Reinette has diverse experience in a range of areas, including residential supported living facilities, medical research, mental health worker outreach programs, and practising as a psychologist across schools, private clinics, and NDIS settings.

    Reinette is passionate about early intervention and preventative care and believes that building up skills in emotion regulation and resilience is key to long-term good mental health. Reinette believes that childhood is a critical period for the development of mental, social, and emotional skills. She adopts a systems approach targeting children in addition to their caregivers, providing parental and caregiver supports and training. Reinette advocates for the promotion and access of mental wellbeing for all individuals, having worked extensively among minority and disadvantaged populations, particularly individuals experiencing acute illnesses such as psychosis, and those with multiple and complex disabilities. She believes it is critical that accessibility is ensured for all individuals and uses client-centred adjustments to interventions to meet individual needs, such as utilising modified CBT for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

    Reinette has experience providing individual, family, and group therapy, across a range of presentations. Reinette has experience managing different anxiety disorders such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety, and Acute Phobias, psychosis disorders such as Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), low mood and depression, suicide ideation and self-harming behaviours, social skills deficits, parental distress, dissociation, and trauma; using a variety of Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Positive Behaviour Support, and Motivational Interviewing techniques.

  • Alesha Johnston - Provisional Psychologist

    Alesha is a dedicated and empathetic Provisional Psychologist, committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. With a Masters of Professional Psychology and registration as a Provisional Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Alesha offers a fresh perspective to her work.

    As an active member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and serving on the board, Alesha showcases her commitment to the field of psychology. Her warm and empathetic approach fosters a safe and supportive environment for her clients.

    Alesha is passionate about supporting children and adolescents during their crucial developmental stages, recognising that these formative years lay the foundation as they progress into adulthood. She believes in ensuring that young individuals not only thrive but also develop healthy social and emotional skills.

    Utilising evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), Alesha tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. She is also skilled in diagnostic assessments, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), Intellectual Disability (ID), and mental health assessments for conditions such as anxiety and depression.

    Alesha is committed to empowering children and their families, guiding them towards a bright future by fostering resilience and facilitating growth.

  • Guy Dobson - Clinical Psychologist

    Guy is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in child and family psychology having spent the past 15 years working in Child Protection, Juvenile Justice, and the NSW Children’s Court. His expertise is with complex presentations of childhood behaviour, mental health, and family dysfunction.

    Guy utilizes a Social Ecological approach in the assessment and treatment of clinical disorders of childhood and adolescence including Trauma, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression. Social Ecological Theory posits that complex issues in the family are better understood and treated by viewing the family as being a part of several interconnected systems that make up the family ecology. These systems include, the family, extended family, neighbours, school, peers, and the community. Each of these systems impact and are impacted upon by the other systems in both positive and negative ways. Therefore, it is important to take all these interactions into account when attempting to understand factors linked with problem behaviors occurring in the family system (be it parent, child, or adolescent).

  • Lili Budd - Registered Psychologist

    Liliana provides empathetic and person-centered care. She is warm and friendly in her approach, and enjoys supporting children, adolescents, and families overcome barriers to reach their fullest potential. She is dedicated to help her clients develop greater flexibility in their thinking, recognise and utilise their strengths and develop skills to improve their effectiveness in responding to life challenges.

    Liliana graduated from a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2020, and a Diploma of Psychological Practice in 2023. Liliana is a Registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner and Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

    Liliana has experience working with children, adolescents and adults presenting with low mood and Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), suicide ideation and self-harming behaviours, relationship and interpersonal difficulties, work and academic stress and burnout. She also has experience working within Occupational Rehabilitation, supporting injured workers return to meaningful work, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselling.

    Liliana has experience in the delivery of evidence-based psychological interventions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Liliana also has experience in diagnostic assessments for ADHD, Specific Learning Disorder (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia), and mental health (Depression and Anxiety Disorders).

    In her spare time, Liliana enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pet dog, swimming and walking at the beach, camping, and yoga.

     

  • Deb Delaney -Clinical Psychology Registrar

    Debra is a Clinical Psychology Registrar whose main interest is in providing a non-judgemental, warm and professional service to families and individuals undergoing psychological assessment processes. Debra has completed a Master of Clinical Psychology and a Bacher of Social Science (Psychology) and her special interests also include the diagnosis of and interventions for Autism. Debra has undertaken specialist training in this area and takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach. This approach acknowledges that all neurotypes have unique strengths, interests, and support needs. This approach also involves understanding the role of the environment and societal barriers in exacerbating challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

    Debra also enjoys working with families and young children and has training and experience in providing Family Therapy using a strengths-based model designed to work with the entire family to facilitate positive growth and development and assist with behavioural or emotional concerns.

    Debra also has experience supporting people with a range of complex needs and challenging behaviours. Debra sees all behaviour as efforts to communicate and aims to understand what it is the person needs in that moment. Debra has experience in performing comprehensive assessment and analysis of behaviour and developed evidence-based, person centred behaviour support plans in collaboration with families.