MEET OUR TEAM

Helen has focused her 20 year career specifically working with children and adolescents. She has gained extensive experience and knowledge from working in the private and public sector. Helen's main goal is to help children with different learning needs reach their full potential to have an enjoyable and happy life. Helen implements a holistic approach when treating children and bases her therapeutic model on evidence based interventions. Helen provides psychological, educational and behavioural interventions for children with Autism, ADHD, ODD, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Learning difficulties, Speech delays, emotional, behavioural and social problems. Helen and her team at Learn to Shine are open to working with any child and their family. 

Growing up in the UK, I started working in the field of disability 30 years ago when I volunteered as a 15-year-old, to be an outward bounds instructor, taking kids with genetic terminal illness on adventures – abseiling, canoeing etc, once a month. After graduating with my BSc [hons], I continued to work in the field of disability advocacy and support, working within the field of mental health and homelessness.  · I became interested specifically in Autism and developmental delay, after working with adults in a residential setting in 1999 who had been moved from institutions to a homebased setting and we were using what I now know as behaviour techniques and PECS to teach the residents life skills and communication.  · Some of these adults had been institutionalised for over 40 years however with individual goals, they learned to eat at a dining table, travel within the community, and of course enjoy a trip to the pub! · After my interest was sparked, in 2001 – I took the opportunity to become a ABA tutor with the Educational Psychology department in my local council, who were participating in a research Study run by the University of Southampton, quickly moving up to being a team leader, working with a number of families in Sussex.  · In 2004, we relocated to Australia and I continued to work as an ABA therapist, Team Leader and Therapist coordinator – training therapists for an ABA service provider. · In 2009, I started working as a programme Supervisor, and Consultant continuing to progress.  · I have now been working in the field of ABA for 18 years and in 2019 with my 3 children now at school, I started working at Learn to Shine as a Behavioural Consultant, supervising ABA programmes for Learn to Shine Families. I also started my MEd ABA, at Monash University to solidify my understanding of the science behind the work I do.  · I gain so much from my work with children and young adults with Autism and developmental delay, it never feels like work! Favourite saying:  “If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” This is ABA, find that motivator, change the environment – teach the child!

Michelle works as a receptionist at our Vermont clinic. Apart from reception, she coordinates the ABA therapy roster for our clients, 

and the rosters for our therapists. Michelle is a qualified allied health assistant, and has worked previously in speech pathology, 

supporting children with ASD, ADHD and developmental learning difficulties. She has also provided tutoring support to high school students, from all year levels.

Apart from her work at reception, she is also a behaviour therapist. She has worked for five years as a therapist, in both clinic, school and home based settings. 

Michelle loves this work because every day is a fresh start, and a new adventure.

 Jason has a degree in Human Movement and Education.  He has experience of over 25 years teaching adolescents, coaching children and athletes from an introductory level to professional levels.  He has seen some of his students become Olympic athletes, A.F.L. Footballers (men’s and women) and Commonwealth Games athletes.  Jason helps and motivates children of all ages and abilities gain confidence in their physical gross motor skills in a fun and engaging environment. 

Amy has recently graduated from her Exercise Sports Science degree at Deakin University. With an ability to adapt her approach to each individual, Amy enjoys helping children of all ages and abilities to reach their personal goals. Amy aims to incorporate her knowledge of fitness components to develop engaging and fun sports therapy sessions improving gross motor skills, social interaction and coordination.

  Stephanie has completed her Certificate in Education Support and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Since completion, Stephanie has worked alongside multiple psychologists and behaviour consultants implementing programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Developmental Delays, Intellectual Disabilities, and Cerebral Palsy. Stephanie has been in this field of work for 6 years and loves getting creative, playing, and engaging children to learn in a fun and motivating way! 

   With a personal connection to children with special needs, as well as university qualifications in the field of psychology, Jamie strives to provide quality care and support, to her clients. Throughout her involvement in high performance sport, Jamie has gathered a wide range of experience working with children and adolescents in different fields. Jamie is passionate about creating a safe, warm and fun environment, in which children are able to reach their full potential, and enjoy coming to therapy! 

 Megan has a background in Early Childhood Education and has experience working alongside children of all ages. She has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and has joined the Learn to Shine team as a Child Behaviour Therapist. Megan assists the consultants/psychologists by implementing the children’s individual ABA therapy programs, working one on one with children, ensuring their learning and development is fun, exciting, and engaging. Megan’s passion is supporting and nurturing children throughout their development by making learning fun!  

Jacqui is a Child Behaviour Therapist at our Lilydale Clinic and lover of ABA therapy. She also has a background of teaching in Primary Schools.

Lucy (BA Arts/ Social Work) is a student play therapist recently completing a Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Child Play at Deakin University about to undertake her Masters. She is passionate about working with children and their families to help young people reach their full potential. She has had many years of experience working with children with ASD as an (ABA) therapist.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Applied Movement Science / Masters of Physiotherapy at Victoria University, with a particular interest in working with children with disabilities to enable them to improve their quality of life by maximizing their physical ability.    I have a passion for sports and helping others and have taken up a number of opportunities where I have been able to do both. Such as sports coaching primary and high school age student groups and training and participating in volunteer surf life lifesaving.    I strive to create environments where individuals feel comfortable, whilst also challenging to improve their gross motor skills and exercise behaviours. 

Currently I am studying Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University and I absolutely love it! Growing up with a sister who has an intellectual disability allows me to understand the challenges she faces but has also allowed me to witness the rewards she has achieved. I have a passion for helping people and for sports. I love how I can combine these together enabling individuals to grow and develop new skills in a safe and fun environment.