Meet Our Team Members

Benny, Pumpkin & Hero

Happiness Consultants

Pumpkin, Hero & Benny are the pampered pooches in our Leadership team. They enjoy frequent treats, cuddles and generally living their best lives!!

Danielle Dawson

Psychologist / Clinical Psychology Registrar

 

Provider number: 6685482J

Danni is a Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar, registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology Hons), and a Master of Clinical Psychology. Danni provides both therapy and assessment and diagnostic services, including paediatrics.

Danni is highly experienced in therapy and assessment for those with complex physical and mental health conditions, including therapeutic and diagnostic intervention for children and young adults in hospital settings.

Danni is a compassionate and empathic clinician, dedicated to fostering a warm and secure therapeutic environment where individuals can openly explore and comprehend the challenges they face, striving for transformative change. Her passion lies in supporting people through various issues, including:

  • Women’s health
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Perfectionism
  • Grief and loss
  • Relationship issues
  • Chronic health management
  • Complex/developmental trauma
  • Personality vulnerabilities
  • ADHD
  • Disordered eating
  • Sleep issues

 

Danni is LGBTQAI+ and neurodivergent affirming. Her professional journey includes working with individuals throughout the lifespan, including early childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and older adults. She enjoys working with diverse cultural backgrounds and embracing the uniqueness of each person’s experience.

Working from an attachment, trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, Danni draws upon a range of evidence-based interventions. Her toolkit includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT). By tailoring these approaches to individual needs, Danni empowers her clients to reach their therapeutic goals and make meaningful strides in their lives. Danni is also experienced in diagnostic and psychometric assessments.

 

 

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Alexandra Radley

Team Leader / Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Alex is a registered Proficient Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner with extensive experience supporting participants of all ages.

She holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and a Master’s of Counselling from the University of Queensland and is registered with the Australian Counselling Association.

Alex enjoys supporting participants of all ages and has a special interest in complex mental health presentations. Her experience as a support worker sparked her passion for behaviour support, giving her valuable insight into the caring role and fostering her empathetic approach towards both participants and their carers.

In her free time, Alex enjoys walking in nature, reading books, and spending time with friends and family.

Therapeutic Toolkit

Known for her warm, friendly, and empathetic nature, Alex works from a person-centered, strengths-based approach with a trauma-informed lens.

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Nicolette Rusling

Managing Director/Founder

Nicolette is an experienced managing director, with a background in human rights law.

This includes advisory roles government and the not-for-profit sector.

Nicolette is a strong disability advocate, providing advocacy support and legal advice for those participating in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal process.

As a mother of three young children, two with disability, Nicolette brings unique perspective and experience to Hively and is passionate about working with people to achieve positive outcomes.

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Sara Fattahian

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sara is a registered Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, with extensive experience in the disability sector, including several years supporting participants as a PBSP in Brisbane.

Sara holds a Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Behavioural Science (Psychology) and has a strong interest in psychology and complex presentations.

Sara enjoys supporting all ages, with a special interest in working with children and young adults. Sara is passionate about supporting and educating families and stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.

Sara is also highly experienced in supporting children, families and carers, having previously worked as a behavioural therapist supporting children.

Sara is available to provide Positive Behaviour Support across the Wider Brisbane region, including Logan, Ipswich and North Brisbane.

Therapeutic Toolkit

  • Passionate and friendly
  • Person-centered trauma informed lens
  • Assisting in reaching goals and potentials
  • Culturally sensitive – CALD backgrounds

 

Languages

  • English
  • Persian/Farsi
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Alana Hawkins

General Psychologist / Clinical Team Lead

 

Provider number: 6297753Y

Alana is an experienced psychologist, registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Alana provides both therapy and assessment and diagnostic services, including paediatrics. 

Alana’s interest in mental health started in performing arts and curiosity about the stories that make up our lives. She strives to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive space in session.

Since completing Master of Professional Psychology (MPP) in 2019, Alana has worked in inpatient and community settings providing assessment and treatment for a range of presenting concerns with a focus on empathetic and compassionate care.

Alana’s passion lies in supporting people through various issues, including:

  • Women’s Health
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Grief and loss
  • Adverse childhood experiences
  • Relationship issues
  • Chronic health management
  • Adjustment to life changes
  • Stress and burnout
  • ADHD
  • Autism

 

Therapeutic Toolkit

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Leahrose Hooper

Administration

Our lovely administrator Leahrose provides support Monday – Friday for the Hively Health team and for those we support.

Leahrose is also studying psychology at university and has a keen interest in both paediatric and sports psychology.

 

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Taylor Clarke

Administration

Our administrator Taylor provides support Monday – Friday for the Hively Health team, and for those we support.

Taylor is a previous experienced salon manager with a strong background in customer service. Taylor is dedicated to improving efficiency while maintaining a welcoming and professional atmosphere.

 

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Louise Hodder

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Louise is a registered Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, with extensive experience in the disability sector. Louise holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

Louise enjoys supporting all ages, including complex presentations / restrictive practices with a special interest in complex mental health and trauma. Louise is also highly experienced in supporting children, families and carers, having supported those in youth justice with mental health challenges.

Louise is available to provide Positive Behaviour Support across the Wider Brisbane region, including Logan, Ipswich and north to Caboolture.

Outside of work and when working from home Louise loves snuggling Murphy (her cute kitty!), although Murphy, not so much!!

 

Therapeutic Toolkit

Louise is a down to earth and friendly practitioner, utilising a person centered approach to empower individuals and make positive changes for the future.

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Dr Thomas Hannan

General Psychologist

Dr Tom is a General Psychologist, registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). He holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons), a Master of Professional Psychology, and a PhD in psychology.

Dr Tom has worked with a broad range of individuals ranging from children/adolescents, young adults, and older adults. He brings a warm, compassionate, and understanding approach to therapy, using predominantly Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to assist clients manage their concerns and improve their quality of life. He has also received training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Areas that Tom is interested in include:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Stress management
  • Emotion regulation
  • Motivation and performance
  • Health behaviours (physical activity, eating, alcohol)
  • LGBTQIA+ experiences
  • Psychological and cognitive assessments

 

In addition to his clinical work, Tom has a strong research background and is a published author within the fields of health psychology and sport and exercise psychology. He has an interest in understanding and helping people modify their health behaviours, including dietary behaviours, physical activity, and alcohol consumption.

Previously, Tom has worked as a Lecturer and Research Fellow within the university sector, and he has experience working on government-funded community health campaigns aimed at helping people modify their lifestyle health behaviours.

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Joshua Todd

Administration

Joshua is part of our administrative team at Hively Health, where he combines his experience in support work for those accessing this NDIS with a commitment to helping others. He is currently studying a psychology degree, bringing valuable insights to his role.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys applying his studies to better understand human behaviour and improve workplace dynamics.

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Valentina Alvarez

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Valentina is a registered Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and a registered Social Worker with the AASW.

Valentina has an extensive background in the disability sector, holds a Master of Social Work from Griffth University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine from Colombia.

Valentina enjoys supporting all ages, including complex presentations / restrictive practices. Valentina also highly enjoys working with children, families and carers to make changes for the better.

Valentina is available to provide Positive Behaviour Support across the Wider Brisbane, Gold Coast and Northern NSW regions.

 

Therapeutic Toolkit

Valentina is a warm and friendly practitioner, utilising a person-centered approach to empower individuals and foster positive change.

 

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
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Freja Rose

Provisional Psychologist

Freja is a provisional psychologist, registered with Australian health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) and is currently completing her Masters of Psychology (Sport & Exercise). Freja’s interest in psychology and mental health started as a dancer in the performing arts industry. Freja has worked with a broad range of individuals ranging from young children, adolescents, young adults and older adults. She has worked within telehealth, school and university settings to provide therapeutic treatment and intervention for a range of presenting concerns.

Freja’s passion lies in supporting individuals through various issues, including:

  • Autism and ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Perfectionism
  • Performance Pressure
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Depression
  • Identity
  • Life transitions
  • Stress and Burnout

 

Therapeutic Toolkit

  • Play Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
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Arissara Kantapura

Administration

Arissara (Sheena) is a valued member of the administrative team at Hively Health. She holds an honours degree in Psychological Science and has experience as a children’s yoga teacher.

Sheena is dedicated to grow her career within the field of psychology and has a keen interest in paediatric psychology.

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Tory Gill

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Tory is a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner on the team at Hively!

Tory has a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling, from the Australian College of Applied Psychology and a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours, from the Australian College of Applied Professions. Tory is currently studying a Masters of Professional Psychology at Griffith University.

Tory has worked in health and community disability settings, providing treatment for a range of presenting concerns with a focus on empathetic and compassionate care. Tory supports all ages and presentations, with a special in interest in supporting children and families.

Therapeutic Toolkit

Tory is a warm and friendly practitioner, utilising a person-centered approach to empower individuals and foster positive change.

  • Play Therapy
  • Art Therapy
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Lauren Perry

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Lauren is a registered Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, with extensive experience in the disability sector and child safety. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Social Work and enjoys supporting all ages, including complex presentations. Lauren also highly enjoys working with children, families and carers to make changes for the better.

Lauren is available to provide Positive Behaviour Support across the Wider Brisbane region, including Bayside, Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane north.

Outside of work Lauren enjoys spending time family, friends, and Cavoodle Sadie. Lauren also runs her own Physical Culture club, teaching dance to girls and women from 2 to 70 years old.

 

Therapeutic Toolkit

Lauren is a warm and friendly practitioner, utilising a person-centered, strengths-based approach to empower individuals and foster positive change.

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Czarina Ofrecio

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner + Social Worker

We are delighted to have highly experienced social worker Czarina Ofrecio as part of the Hively Health team.

Czarina is a registered Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and registered Social Worker with the AASW and holds a Master of Social Work. Czarina has years of experience supporting others in the community sector, with extensive knowledge when it comes to working with people with complex needs and in the area of mental health.

This includes social work support in the areas of disability (NDIS), ageing, homelessness, and mental health in the wider Brisbane region. Czarina utilises a strengths-based, person-centered approach to build capacity to make a difference to the lives of others.

Czarina is available to provide Positive Behaviour Support and NDIS Social Work services across both the Wider Brisbane and Gold Coast regions.

 

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Thomas Meggitt

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Tom is a registered Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner with broad experience in the disability sector. Tom holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from the University of Queensland and has a fascination with how the mind works!

Tom has supported a wide variety of participants, particularly young adults and adolescents with ASD. Tom enjoys working to build rapport and connection with clients and their support network, with a strong focus on person-centred support to help individuals achieve their goals. His prior experience as a peer mentor helped him recognise the significance of adopting an empathetic approach when working with participants.

In his free time Tom loves seeing friends, reading, travelling and going on outdoor adventures.

Tom is available to provide Positive Behaviour Support across the Greater Brisbane Region.

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Karthick Thangavelu

Provisional Psychologist

Karthick Thangavelu is provisional psychologist coming soon to our team!!

Karthick has come to psychology later in life, with a warm and empathetic approach to therapy. He has a strong interest in paediatrics and supporting those in the community,

He is available both in our clinic and in the community, with flexibility for out of hours therapy, up until 7pm upon request.

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Sophie Wendt

Provisional Psychologist

Sophie Wendt is provisional psychologist coming soon to our team!!

Sophie is currently studying a Master in Educational and Developmental Psychology, with a keen interest in paediatrics.

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Alistair

Therapy Dog/Happiness Consultant

Alistair is a trained therapy dog, providing emotional regulation support to the children of Hively Health’s Managing Director, Nicolette Rusling. He is also a big fan of cuddles from the extended Hively team!

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