Our Team

All of our team have special interest and experience in neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders in children and adolescents.

​Dr Berlinda Yeoh
Developmental Paediatrician
MBBS (Hons 1) USyd FRACP MPH

Dr Berlinda Yeoh is a specialist developmental and behavioural paediatrician who is passionate about supporting children and adolescents reach their fullest potential. She has extensive experience and specialises in managing learning, developmental and mental health disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disorders, Anxiety and Depression in children and adolescents. She graduated from medicine at University of Sydney in 2000 (1st class honours) and did her Paediatric specialist training at both the Children's Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick. She is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, member of the RACP Chapter of Community Child Health and the Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural Paediatrician Society of Australasia. She has a completed a Master of Public Health at the University of NSW.
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​Dr Yeoh previously worked for over a decade at Royal Far West, Manly, leading a multidisciplinary team supporting children from remote and rural NSW communities with complex developmental, behavioural and mental health disorders in the context of complex social circumstances and trauma exposure. She has now worked in private practice for over 10 years, previously working at the Sydney Developmental Clinic specialising in learning, ADHD, behavioural and emotional disorders prior to establishing the Child Development Clinic in 2018.

Having four teenage children herself, she relates to the joys and challenges of parenting.

Dr Pooja Kashyap
Paediatrician
MBBS, MD, FRACP

Dr Pooja is a paediatrician committed to working with families to maintain the health and wellbeing of children. She has over 14 years of experience and is an academic gold medallist trained in General paediatrics with special interest in developmental and behavioural paediatrics, focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual disability, anxiety and Specific Learning Disorders. During her paediatric training, she worked across different paediatric centres across NSW including the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Royal North Shore Hospital. She also spent time gaining experience in the department of psychological medicine working with children and adolescents with complex behavioural, developmental, mental health and specific learning disorders. Her research includes “Developmental Disabilities in Indigenous Children in rural NSW’. She is currently appointed at Gosford Hospital as a Paediatrician.

​She continues to be actively involved in medical student teaching and holds a conjoint lecturer position at UNSW, Rural Clinical School. She has previously served as an examiner for medical students at University of Newcastle.

Outside of work, Pooja enjoys reading, classical music and spending time with family.

Dr Conni Knebel
Developmental Paediatrician
MD FRACP

​Dr Knebel is a specialist in Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics with an interest in, neurodevelopment disorders, cognitive profiling, learning difficulties, attachment and parenting, developmental delay, FASD, Autism, ADHD and anxiety.
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Conni is a Staff Specialist Developmental Paediatrician at the Westmead Children’s Hospital. She completed her paediatric training at the Sydney Children’s Hospital after graduating in Germany. There, she also commenced her training in paediatrics and neonatology at the University Children’s Hospital in Munich. Conni has worked in many countries around the world and many services in the greater Sydney area. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with patients, families and services in the community.  

She is undertaking research in the field of developmental surveillance and children affected by substance use. Dr Knebel is a member of the Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural Paediatric Society of Australasia. She is trained in formal Autism assessment tools as well as developmental assessment tools and diverse parenting programs such as Circle of Security. Her approach is comprehensive, thorough and strengths based.

Dr Mark Selikowitz
Developmental Paediatrician
BA (Hons), MB ChB (Hons), MRCP (UK), DCH, FRACP

​Dr Mark Selikowitz is a specialist developmental paediatrician with over 40 years’ experience in diagnosing and treating learning and behavioural disorders in children. He trained in Cape Town, London, and Sydney, and holds qualifications from South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Australia. He was the Director of the multidisciplinary Child Development Clinic at the Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital before establishing the Sydney Developmental Clinic in 1993.

Dr Selikowitz has written four highly successful books on developmental disorders in childhood, including ADHD: The Facts and Dyslexia and Other Learning Disorders: The Facts. All four books are published by Oxford University Press and have been translated into a number of languages. ADHD: The Facts won a ‘Highly Commended’ Award from the British Medical Association and is in its third edition. He has also co-authored numerous original research articles on developmental disorders in childhood.

Dr Selikowitz is committed to objective testing and to a solution-focused, evidence-based treatment plan tailored to each individual child and family.

​​Dr Nicky Edmunds
Paediatrician
BMedSc, MBBS, MMed(Paed), FRACP
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​Dr Nichola Edmunds is a Paediatrician who has a special interest in neurodevelopmental and behavioural conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and comorbid mental health conditions.

Nicky graduated from the University of Sydney School of Medicine in 2009. She completed her paediatric specialist training at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. She is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and a member of the Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural Paediatrician Society of Australasia. Nicky has also completed a Master of Medicine (Paediatric Medicine) at the University of Sydney. She is trained in developmental and autism assessment standardised tools. She is involved in a number of research projects and is an Honorary Research Fellow for the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Nicky has always loved working with children and their families. She offers a warm, empathetic, family and child-centred approach to care.

​Dr Komal Kumar
Developmental Paediatrician
BSc., MBBS, FRACP
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​Dr Komal Kumar is a specialist developmental and behavioural paediatrician with special interests in learning difficulties, Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She graduated from University of Queensland Medical school in 2011 and trained in paediatrics at Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth and Children’s Hospital at Westmead. She further specialised in child development at South Western Sydney Community Paediatrics Department where she now holds a staff specialist position. Her role focuses on vulnerable child populations including refugee children and adolescents in South Western Sydney.
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Dr Kumar’s special interest is reframing developmental difficulties in a strengths based framework for both the home and school settings. She achieves this by prioritising a collaborative framework with her patients’ therapists and school. She is currently pursuing research projects in neurodevelopmental genetics and intersectional neurodiversity in medical models of care.

​Dr James Wickramasuriya (Wick)
Psychiatrist
MBBS (Syd.) FRANZCP Cert Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

​Dr James Wickramasuriya (Wick) is a specialist Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatrist with 20 years’ experience in treating emotional and behavioural difficulties, including by telepsychiatry.  He graduated from the USyd in 1999 and trained at the St Mary’s Hospital, London and in Sydney at the Institute of Psychiatry at Redbank House, Rivendell Adolescent Unit and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Dr Wick is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and a member of the Faculty of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

Dr Wick worked for over 16 years as Senior Staff Specialist at Redbank House in-patient Child, Adolescent and Family Service and was Clinical Director of Adolescent Services. Currently he also works at Royal Far West, Manly; as Senior Consultant at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District; and the Black Dog Institute Randwick, where he is furthering his interest in difficult-to-diagnose and manage complex mood disorders.
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Dr Wick’s specialist interests includes behavioural & complex anxiety/mood disorders and management of complex childhood trauma. He utilises treatment modalities informed by medical, family systems, attachment, behavioural, cognitive, psycho-dynamic and trauma-informed theory. He works with family members together and individually and collaborates with other professionals.

Dr Anjana Thazhissery
​Psychiatrist
MBBS FRANZCP Cert Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

​Dr Anjana is a specialist child and adolescent psychiatrist with special  interest in neuro-developmental disorders, complex trauma, anxiety, school refusal and mood disorders.

She completed her medical degree at Mumbai University in India. On completion of her training, she gained experience in South-East Asia where she was involved in establishing child psychiatric services.  Since migrating to Australia, she  completed her specialist psychiatric fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry and also holds a Certificate in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. She continues to work as a Staff Specialist in South-West Sydney and holds a conjoint lecturer position with the university of NSW.

Dr Anjana is  passionate about working with children and their families.  She takes a holistic approach to treatment that is evidence-based and combines pharmacological (medication) treatment options with psycho-social interventions, using an attachment framework and strength-based individual work. Having had the opportunity to gain experience  and work across different continents, she has developed the skills of successfully integrating cultural and spiritual perspectives in her understanding and treatment of mental health issues.
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She is committed to improving mental health literacy in our community and aims to debunk the myths and prejudice associated with mental illness. She works collaboratively with families, carers, educators and primary health care providers , inspired and stemming from the philosophy that “it takes a village to raise a child”.

Dr Mohammad Al-shinnag
​Clinical Geneticist
MBBS, FRACP, HGSA
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​Dr Mohmmad Al-shinnag is a consultant clinical geneticist with a special interest in developmental delay, intellectual disability, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

He focuses on clinical assessment for underlying genetic conditions and utilises advanced genetic testing technologies (such as whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing) to investigate for children with developmental delay, intellectual disability complex health issues to establish clinical and molecular diagnoses. He provides advice on the risk of recurrence of genetic conditions in the family, assists and provides genetic counselling in reproductive planning (future pregnancies) and provides guidance regarding management when a diagnosis is established.

Mohammad Al-shinnag is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Human Genetics Society of Australasia. Mohammad is a staff specialist at the clinical genomics unit at St Vincent’s hospital Sydney. He completed his physician training at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and did his advance training in clinical genetics at Genetic Health Queensland across various hospitals

About the service
We provide diagnostic genetics services and genetic counselling for individuals and families with or at risk of conditions that may have a genetic basis. We conduct clinical assessments, review investigations, and arrange genetic testing to establish a diagnosis, which in turn can assist in the management and inform other family members who are at risk or those planning to expand their families. Some of the common conditions we see in our service:

· Congenital anomalies
· Intellectual disability
· Developmental delay
· Dysmorphic features
· Cardiac malformations and diseases
· Hearing loss
· Neurological and muscular disorders (genetic epilepsy, hereditary spastic paraparesis, peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy)
· Eye disorders (retinitis pigmentosa, congenital cataract, early or late onset macular dystrophy and many other retinal diseases)

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​Psychology Team

Suzanne Davies
Head of Psychology
​Psychologist (Clinical)
​BA Psych, GDIP App Psych, MClinPsych, MAPS

​Suzanne has had over 14 years’ experience working with children and families presenting with a range of developmental, learning, behavioural, and emotional difficulties. 
Suzanne worked at a specialist diagnostic and assessment service for children suspected to be presenting with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder.

Suzanne also worked in a multi-disciplinary team at Royal Far West for 10 years. Here she held the positions of clinical psychology team leader, and senior clinical psychologist. She was involved in a research project in partnership with the University of Sydney. The project explored the role of telehealth in the delivery of a parenting intervention for children with behavioural difficulties. 

Suzanne is a registered psychologist with endorsement in clinical psychology, and a board approved supervisor. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.
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Suzanne utilises evidence based interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Parent Management Training. She is passionate about working in partnership with families to help them achieve their goals. ​

Lauren Ehrenfeld
Psychologist
​Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar
​BPsych(Hons) Assoc MAPS

Lauren is a Psychologist who studied a Master of Clinical Neuropsychology, and is currently completing her PhD at Macquarie University. Clinically, she has a special interest in the treatment and management of anxiety and mood disorders (particularly OCD, separation anxiety, and generalised anxiety). She also has particular expertise in diagnostics of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and learning disorders. 

She is passionate about assisting parents in managing children with anxiety or behavioural difficulties. She believes that a collaborative effort between parents, their child, and the clinician are essential to best support a child reaching their potential. Her therapeutic practice focuses around principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing.

Lauren has also worked in research at examining changes in cognition across the lifespan, the role of lifestyle factors such as diet on mood and cognition, and ways to improve health systems to ensure positive patient outcomes.

Jaclyn Heinrich
Psychologist (Provisional)
BSc-Psych, BPsych(Hons), BLaws, GDip(Law)

Jaclyn is a Provisional Psychologist who completed her Bachelor of Psychology Degree (Honours) at Adelaide University, graduating with first class. She has continued her studies completing two years of a Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology and is now studying her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at Macquarie University. Jaclyn is also a fully qualified solicitor and has chosen to focus on the area of child and adolescent Psychology as a career. 

Jaclyn is conscientious, hard working and passionate about improving awareness of mental health. She is committed to working with young people and their families to assist them to reach their full potential, with a strength-based approach personalised for each client and reinforcing support networks. 

Jaclyn is interested in supporting children with diagnoses of ADHD, ODD, anxiety and mood disorders. She is experienced in conducting a range of psychological assessments which lead to providing evidence-based interventions. Jaclyn likes to take a fun approach to learning, therapy and assessment. She likes to contribute to a happy work environment and keeps up to date with trends to ensure she can connect with her clientele. Jaclyn believes we each learn differently and to be able to reach our full potential, we need to know how we learn best. Most importantly, Jaclyn believes in lifelong learning and focusing on the positive.

Petar Vuceta
Psychologist (Provisional)
BA(Psych), GDIP(Psych)

​​Petar is an enthusiastic and engaging provisional psychologist with more than 15 years of experience working with children. He specialised in the area of personality and problematic smartphone use, in which he has written his thesis. Previously he has worked as a social support worker for people with Autism. He has worked in a collaborative environment with family, employment and disability agencies, speech pathologist, and healthcare workers to enhance and provide goal attainment to people living with ASD.
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Petar is also a former tennis professional, and has represented New South Wales and Australia in national and international competition. He is a proud supporter of the Eels NRL club and his hobbies include horseback riding, rock climbing, skydiving, and fishing. He plays the saxophone
and enjoys Karaoke. His future ambitions are to combine his interests in psychology and sport.

Katie Merriel
Psychologist (Provisional)
BPsych(Hons)

Katie is a calm and bubbly provisional psychologist who is passionate about understanding childhood, adolescent and family needs. She completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science and completed her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science at Bond University, QLD. Katie has a special interest in ADHD, anxiety disorders, perfectionism and body image issues.

When Katie is away from our clinic she also volunteers for Lifeline Crisis Service. Through this service she supports predominantly young people in various crises and distress through counselling.

In her spare time Katie loves being outdoors by the beach, either going for a swim or walking along the coast line. She also loves to be around family and friends as well as her pets as she adores animals.

Rochelle Smith
Psychologist (Provisional)
BPsych(Hons)

Rochelle is a kind and empathetic provisional psychologist who completed her fourth year studies at Monash University with a research
focus on adverse childhood experiences, and post traumatic growth. Rochelle has over 15 years experience in the areas of occupational
health and hospital / community care, working collaboratively with clients, their families, and multidisciplinary teams.

​Rochelle is passionate about assisting young people to live to their potential, and to recognise and utilise their personal powers. With an enthusiasm for positive psychology, Rochelle takes a humanistic and strength-based approach to her work and has a special interest in mental health, and building self-esteem/confidence. Outside of work, Rochelle enjoys coastal walks, having fun with family and friends and creative endeavours such as painting and drawing.

Donna Marrinan
Psychologist (Provisional)
BPsych(Hons)

Donna is an empathic individual with a passion for working with children and their families to support their emotional, intellectual, social, and psychological development. Donna completed her Bachelor of Psychological studies with Honours at Western Sydney University, is currently undertaking a Diploma of Psychological Practice with the College of Professional Psychology, and completing her internship with the Child Development Clinic to obtain general registration as a psychologist.
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Donna is particularly interested in the early intervention and management of childhood anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behaviour problems, depression, and other mood disorders in children. Donna utilises psychological tests to identify the mental health needs of individuals, and uses evidence-based intervention strategies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to manage the overall wellbeing of individuals.

Hannah Burrows
Psychologist (Provisional)
BPsych(Hons)

Hannah is a warm and empathetic provisional psychologist passionate about providing support to children, adolescence and their families. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Macquarie University, graduating with first class honours. Hannah has a special interest in anxiety, mood disorders, and teaching resilience skills. She utilises evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Positive Psychology.  
 
Hannah focuses on creating a safe, and supportive therapeutic environment where each client feels comfortable and listened to. Hannah has a background in working with children and families in an educational setting and recently commenced working with children and young people in a private practice setting.  
 
When she is not at the clinic, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing tennis or swimming at the beach.  

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Alison Ryan  
Psychologist (Provisional)
BPsych(Hons)

Alison is a friendly and motivated provisional psychologist who has a special interest in children and adolescents presenting with social anxiety and behavioural concerns. Alison completed her Bachelor of Psychology at Macquarie University, and her Honours at Monash University. 

Alison has experience conducting Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and working with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and anxiety disorders within the NDIS. 

In her spare time, Alison enjoys taking her dog on walks, going to the beach and spending time with her family and friends. 

Grace Armstrong
Psychologist (Provisional)
BPsych(Hons)

Grace is a kind and empathetic provisional psychologist who is passionate about supporting children and their families. She endeavours to provide her clients with the skills and resources to thrive in their day-to-day. Grace completed a Bachelor of Science – Psychology at Macquarie University, and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced at Monash University.

Grace has experience working in a private practice setting with children, adolescents and adults. Here, she provided intervention to clients presenting with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Grace has also worked with children experiencing difficulties with anger management, self-esteem and emotion regulation. 

Grace previously worked as an Educator in a special needs school where she utilised her psychological knowledge to support student’s cognitive, social and emotional functioning within the school setting. Grace is particularly interested in neurodevelopmental conditions including Autism, ADHD and Intellectual Disability, as well as anxiety and mood disorders such as depression. She values a holistic approach to intervention, working collaboratively with families and relevant stakeholders to ensure her clients needs and goals are met. 

When not at work, Grace enjoys spending time with family and friends, and adventuring outdoors. She particularly likes spending time at the beach, paddle boarding and bike riding. ​

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Alex Armistead
Psychologist (Provisional)
BPsych(Hons)

Alex is a warm and enthusiastic provisional psychologist passionate about listening to children, adolescents and their families’ stories, and providing support for their needs. He has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science at UNSW and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced at Monash University. Alex has experience supporting young people in various settings including teaching, tutoring, behaviour therapy and as a provisional psychologist.
 
Alex has experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in a private practice setting. There he provides psychotherapy that is trauma-informed and guided by attachment theory and works with a variety of clients presenting with anxiety, mood disorders, complex trauma as well as neurodivergence, including Autism and ADHD. He also has worked with young people experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation, and resilience as well as supporting gender-diverse youth and their families informed by the Gender Affirmative Model. 
 
Alex is interested in getting to know the interests and strengths of the children he works with. He is passionate about working with them to support their well-being and to reach their potential and goals in life.  Alex values the continual development of his clinical skills as a provisional psychologist through practice and self-directed study in psychology and child development. 

Jacinta Yamine
Psychologist (Provisional)
BPsych(Hons)

Jacinta is a kind and friendly provisional psychologist who is passionate about working with children and their families. Jacinta completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Macquarie University and is currently completing her Master's of Clinical Psychology at the Australian Catholic University.

Jacinta has experience conducting Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in inpatient and outpatient settings. She has also worked with children and adolescents diagnosed with anxiety disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental concerns and delays, and behavioural difficulties within the NDIS. This involved building and maintaining relationships with parents and carers, and providing training and support.

In her spare time, Jacinta enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her family and friends.

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​Allied Health 

Caroline Beresford
ADHD coach & consultant BBus AACC​

Caroline Beresford is an accredited ADHD coach and consultant specialising in individual and family-centred ADHD coaching. With a deep understanding of ADHD's impact on individuals and their families, Caroline is dedicated to empowering clients to navigate life with ADHD, fostering personal growth, and strengthening family dynamics. As a mother of two teenage boys diagnosed with ADHD, Caroline's first-hand experiences inform her empathetic coaching approach. She provides valuable insights and support to families navigating the ADHD journey, drawing from her personal knowledge of the challenges faced by both children and their parents or caregivers.

Through her individual and family centred coaching sessions, she helps clients develop self-awareness, identify strengths, and build emotional resilience. Her evidence-based coaching techniques are tailored to each client's unique needs, fostering personal growth, and unlocking their full potential. Caroline actively involves parents, caregivers and siblings and creates a supportive and inclusive environment for open dialogue, providing education, guidance and support to family members. By facilitating discussions on family dynamics, communication strategies, and fostering empathy, Caroline empowers families to strengthen relationships, create supportive structures and effectively support their loved ones with ADHD.

Through her expertise, compassion, and collaborative coaching style, she empowers clients to find peace, improve self-awareness, build emotional resilience, and foster strong family connections while navigating the challenges of ADHD. Contact our team to arrange a session with our ADHD coach, Caroline Beresford, to embark on a transformative ADHD coaching journey for you and your family.

To make an appointment please refer ADHD Coaching appointments.

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​Administration Team

Laura Jaffray
Head of Practice​

​Laura is our highly experienced head of practice who is dedicated to supporting our patients and their families.  As the head of practice, she is responsible for the day to day operations of the clinic ensuring it’s smooth running.  

Laura draws on her high level of organisation and administrative skills and personal manner to effectively support our reception team and clinicians, creating a positive clinic environment.

Working with children and families for over 15 years, Laura is passionate about child development and had over 6 years management experience in the NZ education industry, prior to joining our team in 2018.

Laura is very friendly, approachable and professional.  She has a bachelor of teaching and learning from Canterbury University, NZ.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her young family and taking advantage of Sydney’s beautiful parks and cafes.

Nicole Flipo
Receptionist​​

Nicole is one of our receptionists with a caring and empathetic nature and will always strive to make you feel welcome, comfortable and supported in the clinic.
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Nicole has recently completed her Bachelor of Psychology at UNSW, and will continue with study to reach her goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist. She is passionate about mental health awareness, advocacy and providing support for others. 

Outside of work and study, Nicole enjoys being outdoors, spending time with friends and exploring Sydney’s cafes.

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Grace Gibson
Receptionist​​

Grace is one of our receptionists. She is here to warmly welcome everyone to our the clinic and ensure that they feel comfortable and relaxed.

​She is currently studying a bachelor of Psychology at the University of New South Wales with aims to continue her studies and become a clinical Psychologist.

​Grace specifically has interest in working with children in the future. When she is not working, she loves taking Pilates classes and walking her dog along the beach.

Orla Coote
Receptionist​​

Orla is one of our receptionists. She works at the front desk and is here to greet you as you enter the clinic, and make sure you have an enjoyable time with us.

​Orla has just finished studying a Psychology Degree at the University of Sydney and is about to commence her post graduate studies in Psychology with the hopes of being a clinical psychologist in the not-too-distant future. Whilst not working or studying, Orla loves surfing, reading and taking care of her ever-growing family of plants!

Director - ​Paul Therkelsen
​MBA (exec), BEHons (Electrical), BSc(Com Sci), GDAppFin