Our Team

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

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

Dr Berlinda Yeoh is a specialist developmental and behavioural paediatrician with extensive experience and interest in managing ADHD, Anxiety, developmental, learning and mental health disorders in children and adolescents. She graduated from medicine at University of Sydney in 2000 (1st class honours) and did her Paediatric specialist training at 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 New South Wales.
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​Dr Yeoh has worked for over 10 years at Royal Far West, Manly, leading a multidisciplinary team to support children from remote and rural NSW communities with complex developmental and behavioural disorders. She has experience in assessing and managing children and adolescents with anxiety and mood disorders. She previously worked at the Sydney Developmental Clinic specialising in learning, ADHD, behavioural and emotional disorders prior to establishing the Child Development Clinic.

Dr Natasha Fernandez
Paediatrician
MBChB FRACP

Dr Natasha  Fernandez graduated from the University of Auckland in 2006 and has enjoyed the diversity of training in Paediatrics across different areas across Australia, including Perth, regional Western Australia and the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick. She also completed a fellowship year in paediatric Acute and Chronic Pain which remains an area of interest for her. She is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural Paediatric Society of Australia. 

She has a special interest in behavioural and learning disorders in children, in particular,  ADHD, Anxiety, specific learning disorders and mental health disorders. She gained experience in this field while previously working in a tertiary child development unit specialising in the assessment, diagnosis and management of behaviour and learning difficulties. 

Her passion for children’s health is long-standing and she is committed to practical healthcare and building lasting relationships with her patients and their families. Natasha believes in a multidisciplinary approach in achieving the best outcomes for each child.

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 Geoff Crawford
Paediatrician
MBBS FRACP GradDipArts

​Dr Crawford is a consultant Paediatrician who has specialised in the assessment of children and adolescents with learning and behaviour concerns. He is a graduate from the UNSW, a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians and a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He has a Graduate Diploma in Arts from the University of Wollongong.
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He worked for 10 years at the multidisciplinary Serfontein Clinic, the first of its kind specialising in the assessment of children with ADHD. Since 2002 he has worked in his private practice in Sydney CBD and does outreach clinics in the Hunter district and in Wollongong. He looks after his patients into early adult life.

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 Consultan 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.

Jessica Staniland
Psychologist (Clinical)
​BPsych (Hons) MPsych(Clinical)

​Jessica is a warm and engaging Senior Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience  in the area of child and adolescent development, mental health and wellbeing. She  takes a supportive and collaborative approach in working with the child directly, as well as with their family, school and involved professionals.  

Jessica has expertise in diagnostic assessment of learning disorders,  ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and mental health disorders. She is competent in delivering individual and group interventions using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy and parent behaviour management training.   

Jessica is an author and award winner in the Autism field, supporting the wellbeing of children with ASD and reducing the associated stigma.  She also has experience in supporting children in isolated areas access psychological support. She has participated in research projects with the University of Sydney and Macquarie University exploring the effectiveness of online therapy for Conduct Disorders and Anxiety Disorders.

She is a nationally registered Clinical Psychologist with AHPRA, and is an approved supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia. ​

Mary Nguyen
Psychologist
BSc (Psych), PDDip (Psych)

Mary is a friendly and passionate psychologist who is committed to providing care and support to children and families to optimise their learning and mental health needs. Mary achieves positive outcomes through understanding the individual needs of children through the implementation of evidenced based interventions. She is competent in delivering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Creative Therapy.

Mary has gained extensive experience in working with culturally diverse children, adolescents and families. Her expertise lies in delivering tailored individual therapy specifically in the areas of, but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Anger Management and Behavioural Management. She has facilitated numerous group programs tailored to social skills and assertiveness training for children.
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Mary is a nationally registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and is an associate member of the Australian Psychology Society (APS).

Amber Stapleton
Psychologist
​BA(Psych) PGDIP(Psych) MA(Psych)

Amber is a warm and approachable psychologist who aims to provide a collaborative approach by working together with the child, parent, and other health care professionals to ensure the best outcome for the child and family.

Amber has gained experience working at the Sydney Developmental Clinic working with children and adolescents with learning difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and other behavioural presentations.
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​Amber has experience in administering psychological assessments, including IQ/cognitive testing and academic testing. Amber has a special interest in providing psychological interventions for children and adolescents experiencing a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, anger, behavioural problems, developmental difficulties, social skills, and relationship problems.

​Amber is a nationally registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Kaelan Jones
Psychologist
​BPsyc(Hons) MprofPsyc GDPPP

​Kaelan has a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a Master of Professional Psychology from the University of Wollongong, and Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology Practice from the Australian College of Applied Psychology. Kaelan underwent her internship year as a Provisional Psychologist with the Child Development Clinic in 2019. 

During her time studying, Kaelan has gained experience working with children and adolescents in both a school and private practice setting. She has worked with children and adolescents presenting with Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kaelan has experience in providing psychological intervention and administering psychological assessments, including cognitive and academic achievement testing.
 
Kaelan is passionate about early intervention to ensure that all young children have the potential to live their life to their fullest capacity. Kaelan is committed to working collaboratively alongside other health care professionals to effectively support the wellbeing and development of children, adolescents, and their families. 

Kaelan is a nationally registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). 

Maree Gergich
Psychologist (Provisional)
​BSc, BSc-Psych(Hons), GDipPsych

​​Maree is a Provisional Psychologist completing her placement with the support of the Child Development Clinic. Maree is passionate about working with children and adolescents. She has a particular interest in how child development is influenced by family systems, and the important role attachment plays in parent-child relationships. Maree has a strong belief that every child deserves to develop to their fullest potential and advocates for an early intervention approach to ensure the best outcomes for both children and their families. 
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Maree has gained experience working as a Telephone Counsellor with Lifeline Northern Beaches, where a large portion of callers were adolescents. Through this experience, Maree developed her compassionate, client-centred and non-judgemental approach. She has also gained experience with children and adolescents as a Peer Educator at Sydney Drug Education and Counselling Centre and as a Youth Mentor at Rotary International. 

Maree is also working as a Rehabilitation Counsellor at Altius Group where she supports clients to recover from psychological injuries in the workplace. She is experienced in conducting psychological assessments and counselling clients with anxiety and depression using evidence-based interventions.

Tian Georgiadis
Psychologist (Provisional)
BSc, BSc-Psych(Hons), GDipPsych

Tian is a Provisional Psychologist within Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is working towards her full registration. She completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science at Curtin University in Perth and moved to Sydney to gain a high level of exposure from leading practices.

Tian has worked in a range of settings within rehabilitation firms and governmental agencies and finds that working in collaboration with other health care professionals is most valuable. She is experienced in conducting a variety of psychological assessments and providing evidence-based interventions, and has a special interest in helping children and adolescents presenting with Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Tian is an engaging and empathetic clinician which allows her to build strong therapeutic relationships with a variety of individuals. She has a special passion for empowering children to build on their strengths, overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Tian has a holistic approach based in authenticity and aims to provide a deepened understanding and tools necessary to support the wellbeing and development of children, adolescents, and their families.

Jessie Tsadros
Psychologist (Provisional)
BSc, BSc-Psych(Hons)

Jessie a Provisional Psychologist working towards her full registration with the support of the Child Development Clinic. She joined the Clinic as she is passionate about working within the paediatric field and committed to providing high level care to children with complex needs and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Sydney and is an associate member of the Australian Psychological society (APS).

Jessie has experience working within the healthcare field which has developed and refined her competencies as a clinician. She is experienced in conducting a variety of psychological assessment and providing evidence-based interventions and has a particular interest in neurodevelopmental disorders. 

Jessie is an energetic and vivacious clinician which allows her to build and value strong therapeutic alliances with her clients. She has a special interest in working within context of the child’s support system in order to achieve the best outcomes for her client and their family. Jessie places a high value on collaboration with others which allows her to develop tailored and holistic interventions that are evidence-based and client-centred. 

Jayke Parish
Psychologist (Provisional)
​BSc, BSc-Psych(Hons)

​​Jayke is a warm and friendly Provisional Psychologist working towards his full registration. He is passionate about working with children, adolescents and families from an attachment-based perspective. Jayke adopts a collaborative approach to treatment that involves the child, parent and other health professionals. 
 
Jayke has experience delivering evidenced-based psychological interventions to children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders and attachment-based difficulties. He also has experience conducting cognitive and academic achievement testing. 
 
Jayke is particularly interested in working with adolescents with trauma and anxiety. He places an importance on building a strong therapeutic relationship with his clients that fosters acceptance and values directed growth. 

Samantha Bertoldo
Psychologist (Provisional)
​BSc(Psych), GDipPsychAdv, MProfPsych

Samantha is a provisional psychologist working towards her full registration with the support of the Child Development Clinic. She has completed her Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) through Monash University and her Master of Professional Psychology through the University of Wollongong.

Samantha is committed to providing support to children and families with complex needs. She has experience in a range of settings such as working with people from diverse backgrounds in a crisis setting, administering psychological assessments including cognitive testing, utilising evidence-based interventions and experience as a triage clinician.

Samantha is approachable and passionate about supporting the mental health needs of children, adolescents and their families. She values working from a client-centred, strengths-based perspective using collaboration for a personalised approach to meet an individual’s needs. She has a particular interest in anxiety and mood disorders, as well as strengthening the bonds between young people and their families. 

Laura Boswell
Office Manager​

​Laura is one of our friendly, knowledgeable and approachable reception staff and one of your first points of contact at our clinic.
She has a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning from Canterbury University, New Zealand and has worked in management roles in the education industry in New Zealand for 6 years prior to joining us. She is passionate about child development and supporting our families and our team. 
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Laura loves spending time at the beach with her family and taking advantage of Sydney's beautiful parks and cafes.
 

Rochelle Thompson
Receptionist​​

Rochelle is one of our welcoming receptionists, who is understanding and respectful.  Being confident, calm and capable, she is dedicated to producing positive patient outcomes and delivering exceptional customer service.

Before joining us, Rochelle spent 25 years working as a national manager in magazine publishing, including parenting magazines and children's titles. She is passionate about using all resources available to support our clients and our team.

Rochelle is a movie buff, loves good food and enjoys skiing, camping and holidaying with her family and friends.
  

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