OUR THERAPEAUTIC TEAM
We are a neurodiverse team! Our studio is a learning environment where all kinds of professional development is encouraged. We engage in regular training in house as well as externally. We are also an internship partner of a few university Masters programs and have students from time to time.
Our model of therapy is delivered as a therapeutic team (therapists + facilitators) to foster connection and a sense of community, as well as a focus on keeping clients regulated.
MEL
Expressive Arts Therapist & Director of Ipsarty
Neurodivergent (she/her)
I'm a registered nurse with over 10 years of community disability, mental health and palliative experience. I also work as a recovery nurse in a clinical setting.
I began using art to provide an expressive therapy outlet to help support and emotionally regulate those with health challenges, disabilities and for caregivers teetering on the edge of burnout.. but now it has grown into an engaging, empowering and nurturing therapy for absolutely everyone!
I'm a total neuroscience nerd and am passionate about educating people on their brain in a relatable way. I am forever a student of all things psychotherapy and continually engage in professional development, and now am involved in training others as a guest lecturer for University students.
As the director of Ipsarty I am focused on supporting my team, teaching and creating professional development. As such, I no longer take a client load in the studio.
Hobbies: Watercolour (or anything crafty), reading, knitting, travel, gardening, hiking, being a crazy bird lady and drinking all kinds of tea
BUTTERS
Therapy Bird
Butters "Butter Chicken" Hadley is a 3 yr old Eclectus Parrot.
She is cheeeeeky and still only a baby, so she is learning new things everyday.
She talks ALOT + whistles.
From time to time she will come to the studio to get used to people, but she's not quite ready to be at every event.
Hobbies: saying hello in different ways, whistling the bombers theme song, chewing furniture, passionfruit, cuddles and showers.
KELLIE
Expressive Arts Therapist and Sand Play Therapist
with Interplay Training
Neurodivergent (she/her)
Kellie is our imagination expert. She is a playful bubble of light and her energy is contagious.
She has always been an Artist and loves the abstract realm and anything experiential. She encourages exploration and incites curiosity. A life long student, Kel can often be seen nose deep in our staff library, and sharing her knowledge with our team through training exercises.
Spending the last decade as a phlebotomist taking blood samples for hospitals far and wide, she is also a master in creating a safe and supported space for clients to explore themselves.
As a neurodivergent therapist she has a unique way of observing the world, that accepts absolutely anyone.
BIANKA
Expressive Arts Therapist and Sand Play Therapist
Neurodivergent (she/her)
Bianka fell in love with expressive therapies while working as admin for us!
Don't let that baby face fool you.. she was born to be a therapist (we knew before she did).
She's a creative soul who's presence in the room is like a gentle hug. Warm, welcoming and playful, she is naturally skilled at allowing clients to take up the space they need.
Her lived experience as a sibling of a brother who's disability took him far too soon from this world, has given her an unwavering sense of empathy and a unique insight.
Hobbies: miniature polymer clay food sculpting, digital illustration, dance
TIRA
Registered Expressive Arts Therapist
Sandplay Therapist
Neurodivergent Advocate (she/her)
Tira has a teaching background with special education and found her way into her psychotherapy masters training (and we're glad she did!)
She's an in house Arts Therapist in a clinical hospital setting, and moonlights for us on Fridays.
She brings with her a curiosity and gentle calm that soothes the soul. Her energy in our space is a naturally empowering force that uplifts and supports each client to see their strengths.
CRAIG
Arts Facilitator
Training Sandplay Therapist and Expressive Arts Therapist
Neurodivergent (he/him)
Craig has extensive experience in the disability world. He is a former art, photography and music teacher at Tafe and ran programs supporting adults living with disabilities.
He is a creative powerhouse and often whips out the guitar during sessions. But it's his deep appreciation and understanding of the human experience that we value in the studio most. He is embracing of vulnerability and emotion, an empathetic and warm presence. As a man with ADHD he is ever familiar with the challenges and strengths, and continues to commit to learning more each day.
CHLOE
Admin/ Reception
Arts Facilitator
Sandplay Therapist
Neurodivergent (she/her)
Chloe is the first face you see as you enter our beautiful space and you can't help but feel welcomed by her warm presence and smile. She is the definition of arty. She paints, sculpts, draws, dances and sews, amongst everything else. She found her way into the studio after her diploma of art.. little did she know.. she had the makings of a natural therapist; hence all the training she's enrolled in. But for the time being she's our admin queen and facilitates whenever she can.
She has an unmistakeable twinkle in her eye and wondrous spirit that's playful and quirky. Her engaging nature creates a natural safety for clients. Never pushy and always ready to flex with their needs, this girl has something that can't be taught in books. She embodies humaness, and celebrates it.