Our Clinical Team

Dr. Vijay Raj 

BMedSci, MBBS(Hons), FRANZCP, Cert. Child Adol. Psych.

Child, Adolescent & General Adult Psychiatrist

Ninoshka

Social Worker

About Ninoshka

Ninoshka has worked in the mental health space for the last 7 years, primarily with youth, adolescents, and their families in early intervention spaces. Ninoshka is passionate about guiding and empowering individuals, families, and communities on their mental health journey. Ninoshka is an attentive listener and supports people to explore and understand their experiences through reflective practice. Ninoshka moved from Sydney to Shepparton in 2021 for a short contract and decided to relocate here to enjoy regional living. Outside of work, Ninoshka enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, travelling, and watching shows/movies with her partner and pets.

Key skills 

• Creating a safe therapeutic space and valuing the therapeutic relationship

• Strong advocate for better supporting vulnerable populations, being mindful of cultural sensitivity and appropriateness.

• Respectful, empathetic, and compassionate

• Remaining curious, non-judgemental, and eager to learn

Approach 

Ninoshka holds social work ethics and values at the core of the work she does. This includes practicing with professional integrity, promoting social justice and maintaining respect for all. Ninoshka works from a person-centred, strengths-based and recovery focused lens to empower individuals within a therapeutic space, to better assist them in their day-to-day living. Ninoshka works holistically, from a systems lens, to assess and recognise an individual as a sum of their parts, environments, and experiences.

Prior experience

Ninoshka has worked in a variety of roles within mental health, from psychosocial support in the community for adults living with chronic mental health issues to conducting biopsychosocial mental health assessments and short-term therapy (individual and group) in a youth and adolescent early intervention mental health service. Ninoshka has also worked in the early psychosis space in completing assessments and providing acute care within a multidisciplinary team. Since moving to Shepp Ninoshka has worked with more complex mental health presentations in a child and youth setting.

Qualifications/Training 

• Bachelor of Social Work, University of Sydney.

• Master of Counselling Social Work, University of New South Wales.

• Circle of Security Program (COSP) Certified Facilitator, Circle of Security International.

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Memberships

• Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

• Member of the Health and Community Services Union.

Ashleigh

Registered Psychologist (telehealth services only)

About Ashleigh

Ashleigh is a registered psychologist and student in a Master of Clinical Psychology (Post-Registration) program. Ashleigh has worked in the mental health care space since 2013 and offers an inclusive, client-centred, strength and solution-focused approach to therapeutic sessions and assessment. Ashleigh’s practice is underpinned by evidence-based therapeutic approaches, involving talk-based therapy to help individuals understand themselves and their experiences. Outside of work, Ashleigh enjoys teaching psychology students in a tertiary setting and spending time with her dogs.

Key skills 

• Creating a welcoming therapeutic space, with active collaborative care.

• Practice that is evidence based and research informed.

• Translating complex psychological insights into clear and relatable conversations.

• Completing and preparing actional assessments for use at school, work and home.

Approach 

Ashleigh holds psychological work ethics and values at the core of the work she does. This includes practicing with professional integrity, providing individual and tailored care for everyone seen. Ashleigh works from a client centred, positive psychology and solution-focused approach. With therapy modalities involving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Attachment Informed Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (AI-EMDR).

Prior experience

Ashleigh has worked in a variety of roles within mental health, from occupational rehabilitation to inpatient care as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ashleigh has also worked in supportive roles for NDIS participants and military veterans practising from a trauma informed care position. Ashleigh also helps to train provisional psychologists and teach psychology students across tertiary institutions.

Qualifications/Training 

• Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Advanced Psychology), Swinburne University

• Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced, Monash University

• Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), Monash University

• Currently undertaking Master of Clinical Psychology (Post-Registration), Cairnmillar Institute.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

• Board Approved Supervisor (Psychologist)

• Adjunct Fellow, Macquarie University.

Memberships

• Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS).

• Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.

• Member of the EMDR Association of Australia.

• Member of the Australian Association for Research in Education.

• Member of Australia Clinical Psychology Association.

Registration

·         AHPRA registration number: PSY0002124656

Our Nursing Team

Chantelle

Assistant Manager / Endorsed Enrolled Nurse / Accredited rTMS Practitioner

About Chantelle 

Chantelle has nearly a decade’s worth of experience working within the healthcare field. She is extremely passionate about mental health - having worked majority of her career within the mental health sector. When not at work Chantelle enjoys spending time with her friends and family and can often be found with a book in her hands. 

Key skills 

• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork skills

• Friendly, personable style with clients

• Warm, compassionate and respectful

Approach 

Chantelle aims to build rapport and trust with clients through her bubbly personality and caring nature. She has a strong passion to make a difference and desire to learn, and strongly believes in patient-centred care/person-centred practice with a multidisciplinary focus.

Prior experience

Throughout her training and practice, Chantelle has had the privilege of working in a variety of settings including private clinic, community health, general practice and hospitals including a mental health unit. She is currently undertaking a Diploma of Counselling to further her skills. 

Qualifications/Training 

• Diploma of Nursing, GOTAFE.

• rTMS Certification (RANZCP endorsed), Neurocare.

• Currently undertaking Diploma of Counselling, AIPC.

• Leading a Therapeutic Support Group, Relationships Australia.

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• First aid and CPR Certified.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Memberships

• Member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation 

Registration

• AHPRA registration number: NMW0002051700 

Liana

Registered Nurse / Accredited rTMS Practitioner

About Liana

Liana completed her Bachelor of Nursing in her hometown of Shepparton. Liana is extremely passionate about the importance of personal wellbeing and mental health, having worked majority of her nursing career in the mental health sector. When not at work Liana enjoys spending her time with her children, family, and friends. She loves to go hiking, chasing waterfalls, and going to Melbourne to watch musical theatre. Her favourite colour is purple, and she is an animal lover, having two cats herself.

Key skills 

• Empathetic, compassionate, and supportive nature

• Client centered, respectful and inclusive.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills

• Organised and efficient

Approach 

Liana endeavors to provide a safe, open, and supportive environment for all clientele, whilst developing an inclusive, therapeutic relationship through her caring and supportive nature. She has a strong passion for breaking the stigma and normalising mental health and the importance of educating others to help support those in need.

Prior experience

Throughout her training and practice, Liana has had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, with her most recent being the psychogeriatric sector, prior to commencing at Healthy Mind Solutions.

Qualifications/Training 

• Bachelor of Nursing, La Trobe University.

• rTMS Certification (RANZCP endorsed), Neurocare.

• Leading a Therapeutic Support Group, Relationships Australia.

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• First aid and CPR Certified.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Memberships

• Member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation 

Registration

• AHPRA registration number: NMW0001626095

Kodi

Mental Health Nurse / rTMS Therapy Technician

About Kodi

Kodi completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University, Burwood. Kodi later returned to the country to complete her graduate year in 2020, she couldn’t stay away. Kodi is extremely passionate about mental health particularly working with children/adolescents and eating disorders. When not at work Kodi enjoys spending her time with her child, family, and friends. She loves to go to gym, riding horses, and playing video games. Her favourite colour is black and favourite food is anything pasta!

Key skills 

• Empathetic & compassionate.

• Strong advocate, autonomy is important.

• Family orientated.

• Approachable & inclusive.

Approach 

Kodi strives to provide a supportive and client centered environment. Kodi strives to tailor each clients experience and treatment individually and collaboratively with her clients with a priority placed on their needs and their family needs.

Prior experience

Throughout her training and practice, Kodi has had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, with most of her time working with children and adolescents’ mental health prior to commencing at Healthy Mind Solutions.

Qualifications/Training 

• Bachelor of Nursing, Deakin University.

• Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing, La Trobe University.

• Advanced Training in Eating Disorder Focused Family Based Therapy, CEED.

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (BDT) Skills Essentials, DBT Training Australia.

• Leading a Therapeutic Support Group, Relationships Australia.

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• First aid and CPR Certified.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Memberships

• Member of the Health and Community Services Union

Registration

• AHPRA registration number: NMW0002314657

Tyler

Registered Nurse / Mental Health Clinician

About Tyler

Key skills

Approach 

Prior experience

Qualifications/Training 

• Bachelor of Nursing, La Trobe University.

• Leading a Therapeutic Support Group, Relationships Australia.

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• First aid and CPR Certified.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Memberships

• Member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation 

Registration

• AHPRA registration number:

Mady

Registered Nurse

About Mady

Key skills 

Approach 

Prior experience

Qualifications/Training 

• Bachelor of Nursing, La Trobe University.

• First aid and CPR Certified.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Memberships

• Member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation 

Registration

• AHPRA registration number:

Ebony

Registered Nurse / rTMS Therapy Technician

About Ebony

Ebony has worked in the Healthcare sector for almost 8 years. Beginning her journey working in Aged Care as a PCA whilst studying her Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe University. Completed her Graduate Year of Nursing at GV Health, Shepparton. Spent some time Agency nursing before settling into a permanent job at Healthy Mind Solutions.

Key skills 

·        Can-do attitude

·        Empathetic listener

·        Effective communication skills

·        Friendly, considerate & approachable

Approach 

Ebony takes the holistic approach to healthcare and emphasises the importance of all aspects of health and wellbeing. Ebony strives to provide high quality care to her patients so in turn they can achieve the best possible health care outcomes.

Prior experience

Throughout her training and practice, Ebony has had the opportunity to work in the Aged Care sector and the hospital setting prior to commencing at Healthy Mind solutions.

Qualifications/Training 

• Bachelor of Nursing, La Trobe University.

• Leading a Therapeutic Support Group, Relationships Australia.

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• First aid and CPR Certified.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Memberships

• Member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation 

Registration

• AHPRA registration number: NMW0002329850

Naomi

Endorsed Enrolled Nurse / rTMS Therapy Technician

About Naomi

Key skills 

Approach 

Prior experience

Qualifications/Training 

• Leading a Therapeutic Support Group, Relationships Australia.

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• First aid and CPR Certified.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Memberships

• Member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation 

Registration

• AHPRA registration number:

Our Management & Administration Team

Aimee

Practice Manager

About Aimee

Aimee joins HMS with more than 10 years of experience in administration, management and bookkeeping, working across the Veterinary and Tourism sectors.  Aimee was born and raised in Shepparton.  As such, she understands rural communities’ challenges in accessing quality and timely mental and allied health services. Aimee’s desire to help improve patient wellbeing and outcomes and access to these services prompted her to join the HMS team in December 2022.  She looks forward to supporting and enhancing the organisation’s services to the Goulburn Valley Region. Outside the office, Aimee enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends and pets and volunteers as a foster carer for the Shepparton Animal Shelter.  

Qualifications/Training 

• Bachelor of Business, La Trobe University.

• Fundamentals of Practice Management, University of New England.

• Currently undertaking Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Monarch Institute.

• Accredited Youth Mental Health First Aider, MHFA Australia.

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Memberships

• Member of Australian Association of Practice Management.

Brigette

Medical Receptionist

Qualifications/Training 

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.

Beth

Medical Receptionist

Qualifications/Training 

• Resilience First Aid Starter Training, Driven.

• NDIS Worker and Working with Children Clearance.