Our Practitioners
Avonia Donnellan
AHPRA Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist, Master of Clinical Psychology, Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Grad Cert Educational Management.
Avonia is compassionate, down-to-earth, and non-judgemental, continually looking for ways to hone her skills over a storied 25 year psychology career. She has worked in metropolitan and rural settings with a focus on meeting the mental health needs of adults, youth (16 to 24 years), Aboriginal people, and people with co-occurring chronic health conditions. Avonia is passionate about helping people to improve their mental health and well-being and thrive in their personal, work, or study life. She has expertise working with anxiety, depression, and adjustment following significant life events. Avonia uses a collaborative, person-centred, trauma-informed, culturally secure, and recovery-oriented approach. In her free time, Avonia loves spending time with friends, good books, good food, art house films, live theatre and dance, gardening, and walking on the beach with her dog, Pip.
Dr Stewart Hase
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Doctor of Philosophy, MA Psychology (Hons), Dip Psychology, BA Psychology & Education, Associate Diploma Nursing Education.
An experienced management and executive coach, who has run workshops in leadership, learning, mental health, team development and change for many years, Stewart is best known for developing a learning theory with a colleague that’s now used globally. An author of over 130 books, book chapters and scientific papers, he has been a registered Psychologist in private practice since 1986. Stewart has assisted countless individuals to resolve concerns, improve relationships, develop careers and lead a better life. Living in a small northern NSW fishing village with fabulous beaches, surf and golf course (where he tries to hit a little white ball with a stick poorly suited to the task), Stewart enjoys painting, fishing, being amazed at his grandchildren and continuing to write his fictional stories and articles.
Simonette Vaja
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Master of Arts (Psychology Research), Bachelor of Arts Double-major in Psychology: Organisational Psychology & Counselling, Grad Dip Clinical Hypnosis, Diploma Insight Meditation.
For more than twenty years, Simonette has worked within private practice and the Corporate Wellbeing and Mental Health space in Sydney. With a wealth of experience across a broad range of industries, she has delivered programs and leadership coaching to people from all walks of life, including those in the Banking, Legal, Government, Defence, Health, Aged Care and Not-for-profit sectors. A passionate advocate for supporting individuals through life’s many transitions, Simonette is outstanding at tailoring preventative mental health and wellbeing strategies to suit an individual’s personal growth path – particularly after trauma or crises. As a long-term meditator, she brings with her a range of evidence-based mindful skills and solutions. When not at Mantle, you’ll find Simonette outdoors. She enjoys walking and ocean swims, ‘almost’ all year round! She also hanglides.
Greg Prescott
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Master of Counselling Psychology, Post-Graduate Diploma (Psychology), Bachelor of Science (Psychology).
Greg’s expertise spans more than a decade, working with major corporates as well as in first responder emergency situations and defence and government environments. From executives, through to emergency personnel, he has deep experience in working with men and women during some of their most challenging life moments. Greg worked with major incident responses to situations that include the Sydney Lindt Cafe siege, the 2015 Nepal Earthquake Rescue Mission and the death of Cricketer Phillip Hughes. It is from these events that he has come to develop a passion and understanding for helping others through countless crises and life changes to assist them to be their best at home and at work. Greg favours practical strategies to get quick improvements, before digging into further issues if required. A father of two, he thrives on being a Dad, enjoying great food and wine and racing his car on weekends (not all at the same time).
Larissa Kirpichnikov
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Masters in Counselling, Masters of Organisational Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons), Grad Dip Family Dispute Resolution, Post Grad Cert Therapeutic Play, Accredited NMAS Mediator, Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (Attorney-General’s Dept).
Larissa appreciates that life isn’t always a smooth journey. She also recognises that there’s real power in having someone to confidentially talk to. With a 25-year career that spans Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong, Larissa has worked as a Psychologist, Mediator, Corporate Trainer, Coach, Company Director and Independent Board Director both here and abroad. Her experience includes Corporate, Government, Not-For-Profit, Education and Private Practice. In discussions, Larissa draws on all her counselling, coaching, training and mediation knowledge. She often generates conversations that are both collaborative and authentic. As she sees it, talking about our lives and challenges helps us to make the best possible sense of things and find more options and even solutions. This act of refocus can assist us to thrive with more meaningful, connected and satisfying lives. As a mother of three young Men, she is passionate about Men’s Mental Health and supporting Men to navigate all of life’s stages, relationships, and challenges.
Prabu Dhanapalan
AHPRA Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist, AHPRA board-approved supervisor and Registrar Program Principal Supervisor, Master in Clinical Psychology, Master of Applied Social Science (Counselling), Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Post Grad Dip Psychology, Grad Dip in Couples & Family Therapy. Approved Workers Compensation Provider.
Prabu grew up in NSW, is in his 30s and discovered his passion for Mental Health 20 years ago after seeing first-hand the many barriers people face daily. Since then, he has worked at numerous public and private clinical practices. Including assisting clients suffering from psychosis, as well as supporting children and families with life difficulties to build resilience. Currently working primarily with adults, Prabu has a lot of experience working in system-based areas such as education, juvenile justice and family support and has worked closely with a range of disadvantaged and culturally/linguistically diverse communities. To this day, Prabu eagerly participates in public speaking engagements, recognising the importance of asserting one’s values in positive ways. He uses his experiences, as well as an engagement with an all-boys school to assist males in exploring their identity to reach their true potential. Married with a cheeky four-year-old, Prabu enjoys science fiction, walks on sunny days and is a keen supporter of Aussie cricket.
Cas Taylor-Skinner
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Post Grad Dip Forensic Psychology, Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology & Criminology).
Cas has a passion for Mental Health, having spent the majority of her 18-year career working with individuals from all walks of life. She has extensive experience working in the NSW Justice system, which is bookended by more recent roles working in community Mental Health in rural and remote areas of NSW. Having worked with people on both sides of law, in rural and urban communities, and raising her own children, Cas is passionate about continuing to break down the barriers that individuals sometimes experience when it comes to seeking help and improving their Mental Health and wellbeing. She also has a special interest in supporting Women impacted by breast cancer as she beat this disease herself. Cas is Mum to two teenage boys and a cat named Hunter. She loves walking, travel and aerial circus. When she doesn’t have both feet planted on the ground, you’ll find her 6 metres in the air working on a new aerial trick!
Reed Clark
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Board-approved supervisor, and Registrar program principal supervisor, Master of Clinical Psychology, Post-Graduate Diploma of Psychology, Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Bachelor of Arts (Chinese).
Reed is best described as hands-on and passionate about family. With 6 children ranging from 3 to 15, he loves spending time with them in the outdoors. Aside from striving for balance daily, Reed is also an endorsed Clinical Psychologist with over 13 years’ experience in Defence, public and private hospital environments. These experiences have fuelled Reed’s passion to support others in their life challenges, to regain balance and be able to enjoy what matters most. In addition to his extensive Clinical expertise, he is also a passionate Mental Health educator. Reed’s philosophy is that Psychology can benefit everyone, in ways that mirror both your physical health and performance. Something he applies whether he’s rehabilitating someone from Psychological injury or improving individuals like a personal trainer would, step-by-step. His approach is tailored specifically to meet your needs – in order to aid you to start living the life you want.
Shelley Miles
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Bachelor of Psychology, Grad Dip Psychology.
With over 14 years’ Psychological experience, Shelley began her career working with children and families experiencing a range of pressures. She has worked across a broad range of environments including health, education, non-government, corporate and sport, as well as mining, construction, utilities, transport, law and finance. A specialist in the area of trauma, Shelley has provided critical incident support to corporate firms in events such as accidental deaths and injuries, as well as stressful occurrences such as organisational redundancies, restructures, change and uncertainty, aggression and conflict. She is a person that cares deeply about helping people maintain their health and wellbeing in all aspects of their life. Big on fitness, Shelley is a keen HIIT trainer, swimmer and cook.
William Morris
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, APHRA Board Approved Supervisor, Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences, Bachelor of Psychology (Hons – Counselling & Organisational Psychology double major).
William is a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephew – who he cares for as they lost a parent at a young age. A registered Psychologist in Australia for 20 years, Will has also worked as an Endorsed Social Worker for 8 of those years in London. A time that provided him with first-hand experience in treating Mental Health issues that impact individuals and society. His passion is for supporting others to relieve their suffering, find their true selves and ultimately flourish. Upon completing his study, Will worked in the drug and alcohol sector and in employment rehabilitation services. Some of his proudest career highlights stem from working for an NHS Acute Care Team, supporting those at risk of hospital admission to remain living at home. In various roles since, he has worked closely with State Emergency Services and the Military, and joins Mantle as part of our training program, pursuing his firm commitment to never stop learning and grow his extensive knowledge.
Kelly Tomlinson
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, AHPRA Board-Approved Supervisor, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Hons).
Kelly’s genuine approach ensures every person she sees is provided with holistic, tailored support within a relaxed, non-judgemental environment. With over a decade of combined experience in military, clinical and sports psychology sectors, Kelly’s definition of success is intertwined with both professional and personal pursuits. Currently she is in the midst of the ‘joys and chaos’ of raising a young family. During the course of her career, Kelly has sought out a diverse range of professional opportunities, including international engagements that have provided a broad framework of lessons and perspectives she’s been able to share and utilise to assist others. Her interests include interior design, travel, photography and coffee.
Dr Rachael Proctor
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology), Bachelor of Science (Psychology – Hons).
Rachael is passionate about helping others with their challenges. It’s something she’s been doing as a registered Clinical Psychologist for over 15 years. In that time Rachael has held a diverse range of roles. In areas that include health, policing, education and the military. Her deep experience ranges from assisting executive level leaders to develop their true potential, right through to helping individuals improve their relationships and live their best lives at home, work and in the community. While studying her doctorate research, she focused her efforts on treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and chronic pain following injury and is highly regarded in this area. A committed continuous learner, Rachael enjoys reading, absorbing and putting into practice the latest evidence-based strategies with her clients. When she’s not working, Rachael places real emphasis on family time. She’s also a fiercely competitive ‘social’ netballer, and loves camping, enjoying the outdoors and bush walking.
Paul Clifford
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Bachelor of Arts – Psychology (Hons), Endorsed Organisational Psychologist.
Paul specialises in working with adults struggling life and work issues that are looking to find a greater sense of peace and happiness. With 25 years’ experience, he’s someone that’s relates to people from all walks of life, and has a genuine interest in the individual. Paul’s abilities to empathise and identify issues, often those that are at the core of someone’s stress and distress is what sets him apart. Paul’s expertise extends to working with those seeking both short and long-term therapy. In sessions he helps clients examine their thinking and emotional responses, as well as long held beliefs and past experiences to make sense of the stress or distress they feel. He uses a range of methodologies in a tailored way, exclusive to each client that focuses on measuring and achieving outcomes. When Paul is not focused on those he sees, he’s busy enjoying his passions in sport, music and reading biographies.
Dr Dave Anthony
AHPRA Registered Psychologist and Sport & Exercise Psychologist, Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Applied Psychology (Sport and Exercise), Grad Dip Psychology, Bachelor of Psychology.
Dave is passionate about changing the way everyone engages in therapy and improving their quality of life. With over 15 years’ experience in corporate, sport, defence, health, government and academic environments, Dave provides specialist Psychological services in a way that’s identifiable and relatable. Previously a structural draftsman, he was first introduced to Psychology through a Rotary program, and has been hooked ever since. Dave’s Doctorate involved developing strategies for the enhancement and maintenance of performance with the West Coast Eagles. A lover of surfing, the outdoors and adventure racing, Dave is married and recently welcomed a baby girl to the family, joining their ‘firstborn’, a chocolate labrador called Lani.
Jo Nazareth
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Master of Applied Psychology (Sport and Exercise) Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology).
As a mother of two (one a sensitive soul and the other independently headstrong), Jo is passionate about enhancing individual and group performance across all areas of life – including mental health, employment, relationships, and parenting. Her home activity also means she has an active interest in reducing mental health stigma and improving early intervention and support mechanisms for those moving and progressing through life. With 13 years’ experience in adult and adolescent mental health, Jo has worked in military and performance-based settings. Her methods are collaborative and evidence based, utilising goal-setting to work through concerns, life difficulties and challenges. Out of hours, Jo is an avid runner, netballer and tennis player.
Garrick 'G' Chatterjee
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology – Hons), Master of Human Resource Management, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Garrick, or ‘G’ as he is best known, has over 10 years of experience as a General Psychologist and has worked across a range of fields that include corporate, clinical, government and non-profit environments both locally and globally. G began his career supporting and working with people with a complex lived experience of Mental Health within the community, before moving into occupational rehabilitation and then corporations providing performance coaching and well-being support. When not with Mantle he also provides clinical and critical incident support and services as required. He is also enrolled in a Master in Organisational Psychology currently (completing 2023). Originally from Africa, he was a keen Rugby player in a previous life. He remains a passionate Rugby Union fan as well as AFL and League. When G is not in the stands, he loves to cook.
Jon Chan
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Master of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Bachelor of Arts (Hons Psychology), Bachelor of Business Management.
Jon thrives on seeing those he treats take control of their destiny. His passion for bringing out the best in others has taken him around the globe for 15 years. Including the Asia-Pacific, Russia, North America and remote Australia – assisting and supporting workforce engagement, team cohesion and well-being. Jon’s industry knowledge includes Professional Services, Healthcare, Mining, Construction, Aviation, Utilities, Tourism, Education, Media, Sport and more. He has extensive experience dealing with those in FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) roles. Areas of focus within Jon’s work have included mindfulness, mental toughness, resilience, functional coping and personal identity. A fan of food, Jon also enjoys investing and real estate renos.
Margie Ireland
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons), Bachelor of Behavioural Science.
Ten years ago, Margie made the big decision to give up her career as an Executive Recruiter. It was something she had done for 15 years. Despite struggling at High School and not being confident she would be accepted into Uni, let alone graduate, she did. And more than that, she received a Distinction for her thesis investigating the well-being and performance of executives. Margie has a deep interest in Mental Health, largely due to losing her 69 year old father to Mental Health difficulty in her teens. She then lost her brother who was also struggling. These events led to a strong interest in supporting those experiencing difficulties – not only with building their sense of self-worth, but also their personal and professional potential. In a previous life Margie trained as a performer (but realised she could neither sing or act!), and still draws on this background when running workshops and presentations. A self-described fitness fanatic, out of hours Margie enjoys spin cycling, yoga, mindfulness, writing and mystery documentaries.
Luke Foster
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Master of Business, Bachelor of Psychology (Hons).
Down-to-earth, approachable, and ‘a bloody good bloke’ is the best way to describe Luke. With 12 years’ experience as an accomplished Psychologist in military, national and global organisations, he has extensive experience working with individuals across a range of corporate and personal settings. Luke also works as the lead facilitator for LIVIN, a mental health charity, delivering mental health awareness and stigma reduction education initiatives for schools, sporting clubs, local communities and workplaces. Passionate about philanthropy, travel, visual arts, exercise and sport (especially his team the Bombers), Luke is highly regarded professionally for his ‘on-the-level’ conversational and very relatable therapeutic approach.
Dr John Baranoff
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Sport and Exercise Psychologist, Health Psychologist, and a Clinical Psychologist. Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Clinical Psychology, Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), Bachelor of Science.
Married with 3 children, John knows well the realities of juggling life, work and performing at your peak. With close to 20 years’ experience across clinical, sport and academic settings, he’s provided Psychological support and intervention to individuals in a number of high performance and community environments and uses the latest research to inform his clinical approach. Experienced in dealing with elite sportspeople, John has worked with the AIS, AFL and the AFLPA. He also trains other Psychologists in effective treatments for anxiety and depression. His University of Queensland Doctorate focused on coping with athletic injuries, and those that affect well-being. Naturally, John loves sport, particularly open water swimming, running and cycling. He’s also a keen guitarist.
Dr Liza Ng
AHPRA Registered Psychologist (Board Approved), Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Psychology, Post-Graduate Diploma of Psychology, Bachelor of Science.
Liza brings a unique international perspective to Mantle, having been a Psychologist on three continents – not only in Australia, but also England and Asia. With over 25 years in both the public and corporate sectors in Australia alone, she is a registered Psychologist and Supervisor with AHPRA, and has been a member of the Australian Psychological Society over 20 years. Liza gained her Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate qualifications at Monash University, where she has subsequently lectured in the Masters of Psychology programme. Liza’s practice is generally informed by psychodynamic psychotherapy principles (ie. childhood events, shaping adult lives). However, she also draws on other therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Action Potential Therapy (ACT) among others. When she is not immersed in her work, Liza enjoys reading, the arts, gardening and music.
Dr Ross Leembruggen
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology – Hons), Cert IV Workplace and Business Coaching, Grad Dip Clinical Hypnosis, Doctor of Business Administration, Master of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, Master of Business (Distinction), Cert IV Training and Assessment.
Dr Ross Leembruggen is a highly experienced Psychologist, with a far-reaching career that spans more than 23 years. He has worked in both the public and private sectors, including fields that include Sport and Recreation, Defence, Corrections and Workplace Consulting. In that time he has put in place in support, treatment and guidance for individuals, families and communities in areas that include depression, anxiety, work-related stress, PTSD, addictions, sleeping difficulties, conflict at work, relationships, financial concerns, grief, vocational guidance and parenting. His approach to care is 100% focused on those he consults with. For Ross, it’s all about being compassionate and committed, and providing high quality, evidence-based psychological services that make a difference. A fan of the outdoors, when Ross is not at his desk he’s out hiking, surfing, skiing or playing touch footy or soccer.
Dave Burroughs
AHPRA Registered Psychologist, BsC (Hons) Psychology.
Dave has had a 20 year international career as a Psychologist, strategist, consultant and advisor. With an early career path that has included construction and earthmoving, hospitality, and small business ownership, through to leadership positions in ASX companies working with C-suites and Boards, he is a recognised expert in workplace Mental Health who is a regular on the national and international speaking circuit. With a knack for untangling complexity, Dave is experienced in dispute resolution, workplace dynamics, executive stress, leadership self-care and risk management. A keen surfer, fisherman, history-buff and traveller, he keeps busy not only with his hobbies, but also raising a family of three.