Psychologists at the Growing Together clinic:
Lauren Brabham (Educational and Developmental Psychologist)
- Special interest in childhood emotional and developmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- BA (Psych), BA (Psych)(Hons), M.Psych (Ed & Dev), Educational and Developmental Endorsement (AHPRA), Board Approved Supervisor (AHPRA), AAPi.
Lauren is the founder and principal psychologist of Growing Together Psychology.
She is an experienced Educational and Developmental Psychologist who works with children, adolescents and families. She has a special interest in supporting children and families experiencing a range of childhood emotional and developmental disorders. Lauren has experience working with children, adolescents and families in a range of settings including private practice, primary and secondary school settings, early intervention programs and early parenting services.
Lauren brings her bubbly personality, fresh approach and passion for working with children and families to her practice.
A child-focused session with Lauren is both fun and educational. She firmly believes in the importance of play and of the learning that occurs for children through a carefully guided playful experience.
Nicole Gerson (Psychologist)
- Available for in-clinic and Telehealth (Phone/Video) CONSULTATIONS
- Special Interest: psychological and educational assessments as well as supporting children, adolescents and adults.
- BPsycSc, GDipPsych, M.Couns, MPsych (Ed & Dev)
Nicole is a registered Psychologist who has completed her Masters in Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University. Nicole has previously completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology, as well as her Masters in Counselling.
Nicole has experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and their families. Nicole enjoys supporting these individuals who present with a range of social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, including anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem, and relationship concerns.
Nicole also has a passion for conducting psychological and educational assessments to better understand an individual’s strengths and difficulties. Nicole works closely with clients to help develop targeted strategies and assist each client to reach their full potential.
Roosa Hartikka (Psychologist)
- Available for in-clinic and Telehealth (Phone/Video) CONSULTATIONS
- Special Interest: Supporting children and adolescents experiencing emotional, social and behavioural challenges.
- BA(Psych), MA(Psych)
Roosa (pronounced Rosa) is a registered psychologist with experience supporting children and families in various settings, including private practice, schools, and hospital outpatient clinics including child psychiatry and paediatric neurology units. She provides psychological interventions and assessments for children from toddlers to adolescents, while offering guidance and support to parents throughout the process.
With a calm, compassionate approach, Roosa focuses on creating a safe, welcoming space for children and families and building strong therapeutical relationships.
Roosa has experience working with a range of neurodevelopmental and mental health concerns, including emotional regulation, behaviour, social skills, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, school refusal, and self-esteem. She uses a neurodiversity affirming approach, recognising each child’s unique needs and strengths, and incorporating their interests into sessions to enhance engagement and build rapport.
Louise Thorpe (Clinical Psychologist)
- Available for in-clinic and Telehealth (Phone/Video) CONSULTATIONS
- Special Interest: all things Child and Adolescent Psychology, particularly emotion regulation, family therapy, sensory strategies, and the parent-child relationship.
- BPsych(Hons), MPsych(Clin), Clinical Endorsement (AHPRA), MAPS
Louise is a registered Clinical Psychologist who has many years of experience across a range of settings including public health, group programs, schools and private practice. Louise has worked with adults, adolescents, children and families; addressing issues including anxiety and worry, social skills, behavioral issues, sleep troubles, school refusal, complex trauma and neurodevelopmental diagnoses. She works with the client to find a therapeutic approach that suits their personality, preference and situation. This can include CBT, ACT, MBT, DBT and trauma informed care.
Louise’s priority is creating a safe and open therapeutic relationship. She draws on attachment theory and family history to gain a thorough understanding of what is happening for the client and believes you need to understand the function of behaviour to make lasting and meaningful change. Louise loves utilising play and sensory strategies to complement talking therapies. Louise’s client would describe her as warm, understanding, insightful and dedicated.
Renae Wallis (Psychologist)
- Available for in-clinic and Telehealth (Phone/Video) CONSULTATIONS
- Special Interest: working with children and adolescents experiencing social and emotional challenges.
- B.PsychSci, GDipPsych, MEdDevPsych
Renae is a Registered Psychologist with experience working in regional youth mental health services, providing outreach programs to secondary schools, and in rehabilitation. She has worked with children from late primary years through to adolescence and early adulthood.
Renae has a youth-friendly and client-centered focus, and her therapeutic approach is holistic and evidence-based. Renae is passionate about expanding the understanding, resources, and strengths of young people in coping and adapting to challenges in their lives.
Renae is currently undertaking a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology to further expand her skillset and practice in supporting children and families with developmental disorders.
Matthew Cicchini (Provisional Psychologist)
- Available for in-clinic and Telehealth (Phone/Video) CONSULTATIONS (private and NDIS clients only)
- Special interest in working with children and adolescents experiencing a range of social, emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties.
- BA (Phil), Diploma of Counselling, BPsych(Hons), MProfPsych
Matthew Cicchini is a Provisional Psychologist and Counsellor with close to four years’ experience working in both practises and community centres. Matthew has completed a dual honours degree in Psychology and Philosophy, and a Master’s degree of Professional Psychology.
Matthew has experience supporting client’s across all ages and has a particular passion for working with children, adolescents and young adults. His focus lies in empowering individuals to enshrine self-awareness and personal growth amidst challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, identity exploration, academic stress, and social/relationship concerns.
Combining his approachable nature with keen analytical skills, Matthew helps clients by selecting and applying therapeutic interventions that align with their preferences. These include CBT, ACT, Emotion Focussed Therapy, and trauma informed interventions such as Cognitive Processing Therapy. Matthew ultimately works to support clients in their journey to developing resilience, manage symptom, and establish the foundations stones to living a flourishing life.
In addition to individual therapy, Matthew has expertise in couples counselling and extends this to working with neurodivergent clients for navigating the complexities
Chantelle Malton (Provisional Psychologist)
- Available for in-clinic and Telehealth (Phone/Video) CONSULTATIONS (private and NDIS clients only)
- Special interest in working with children and adolescents experiencing a range of social, emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties.
- BSc (Psych), GDipPsych Advanced, MProfPsych (in progress)
Chantelle is a Provisional Psychologist who has experience in providing support to individuals in a diverse range of settings. Chantelle has worked with clients at various mental health organisations and has been involved in community engagement events, advocacy campaigns, running support groups and active in conferences, where her passion for mental health informed her decision to become a psychologist.
Chantelle has previous experience as a behaviour support therapist, working with clients who have ASD and other disorders and/or disabilities, to help them learn skills and implement strategies that enable them to gain independence. Chantelle has also worked with individuals who experience eating disorders and has supported young job seekers in managing mental health barriers that prevent them from achieving employment and study outcomes. Chantelle enjoys creating positive connections with every person she encounters and values a flexible practice that incorporates diverse perspectives.
Chantelle enjoys travelling to different countries and immersing herself in different cultures. She has a love for all food and has an interest in a wide range of music from pop, to RnB and even a little jazz. On the weekends she enjoys going to the beach, going for nature walks and watching movies.
Leigh Erasmus (Psychologist)
- On maternity leave (Feb 2025)
- Special interest in working with children and adolescents experiencing a range of social, emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties.
- B.A (Hons).,Grad.Dip.Psych.,M.Psych (Counselling)
Leigh is a Registered Psychologist who has experience working with young children, primary and secondary school aged children experiencing a range of emotional and developmental difficulties to provide tailored support across a range of settings. Leigh works collaboratively with children and parents/carers, as well as teachers and schools where necessary.
Leigh is engaging and compassionate in her relationships with clients. In addition to providing therapy, Leigh is also experienced in providing a range of psychological assessments including cognitive, educational, socioemotional and behavioural assessments.
Would you like to join the Growing Together team of Psychologists?
We are looking for a motivated, passionate and experienced Psychologist to join the clinic!
Feel free to send your resume to info@growingtogether.com.au
In addition to our team of psychologists…
Michael Noordhoorn (Practice Manager)
- BCom (Accounting), Member (ICAA), PRINCE2 Practitioner
Michael is the co-founder of Growing Together Psychology, and supports the Growing Together team as the Practice Manager. Michael is an experienced accountant and business consultant, with over eight years experience working in a global accounting firm, and consulting to a mix of large corporations, smaller organisations and Victorian Government entities (including some within the Health sector).
Michael brings his friendly and professional approach in managing the team of child and family-based Psychologists, and is continually vested in expanding the health services offered at the Growing Together Clinic. Michael’s values are driven towards ‘making a difference’ and promoting health services to all families and individuals.
Gabi Mendelow (Receptionist)
A great addition to our admin team is Gabi who has completed a double degree in Sport Science & Business Management. She is currently studying Psychology driven by a passion and commitment to helping and supporting others. Her understanding, calm and gentle approach creates a sense of ease and comfort for all at the front desk.
Elle Creaser (Receptionist)
Elle joins the team after moving from Colorado, USA to Melbourne where she is pursuing a Masters in Psychology and the local coffee scene. She has worked in early education since 2014 and hopes to develop a long lasting career helping people grow. She also works to be a welcoming presence at the reception desk who can help find solutions for anyone who walks through the door!
Sophie Deasy (Receptionist)
As a graduate of Psychology from Queen’s University, Sophie transitioned from Canada to Melbourne to embark on her Masters journey. Passionate about travel and experiencing new cultures, Sophie is eager to explore all that Melbourne has to offer. Having led and worked with community youth groups, Sophie’s known for her friendly presence and dedication to fostering growth in others.
Join the Growing Together administration team!
Please send through a CV/resume to info@growingtogether.com.au
