Meet the Team
Director
Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth brings a wealth of knowledge to her work, with degrees in Psychological Science and Counselling, alongside a range of additional qualifications. With over a decade of experience working with individuals, families, and community groups, Elizabeth offers a deep understanding of life span development, brain-behaviour models, trauma, neurobiology, and relationships.
Her expertise spans clinical, educational, community, and corporate settings. Whether she’s developing strategic approaches to wellbeing or fostering resilience in the most complex situations, Elizabeth's goal is always to create a sense of acceptance and help people thrive.
In addition to her one-on-one work, Elizabeth is an accomplished keynote speaker, regularly presenting on a variety of mental health topics. Her presentations are known for being engaging, insightful, and tailored to the specific needs of each audience. Elizabeth’s ability to communicate complex psychological concepts in a relatable and accessible way has made her a sought-after speaker in a wide range of settings.
Her passion for sharing knowledge, combined with her genuine commitment to helping others grow, makes Elizabeth a trusted voice in the mental health field.
Educational Therapist
Jane Sahhar
Jane is dedicated to supporting primary and secondary students through developmental and educational therapy, with a passion for mental health and wellbeing. She has a special talent for helping young people build self-confidence, create clear action pathways, and foster resilience—skills that are crucial both in and out of the classroom.
With a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Education, Jane understands the unique challenges faced by students, teachers, and communities. Her experience in both the education and allied health sectors has shaped her holistic approach to care.
Jane’s approach is always about teamwork, believing that when schools and families work together, students are empowered to thrive.
In addition to her formal qualifications, Jane is passionate about lifelong learning, with areas of study including Youth Mental Health First Aid, NLP, Coaching, the Science of Language, mindfulness, mindset, meditation, and yoga. These tools allow her to take a whole-person approach to wellbeing, giving students the support they need to grow not just academically, but personally.
Educational Therapist
Lanara Tomasetti
Lanara works with children aged 3 to 8, she brings not only years of experience but also a deep passion for helping families thrive. With over a decade in early childhood education, Lanara has honed her ability to support parents and children through the challenging moments, especially when it comes to managing difficult behaviours.
She knows that offering timely, thoughtful support can be a game-changer in a child's development, and she’s committed to using proven, evidence-based strategies to build essential skills, confidence, and understanding; both for the child and the family.
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Lanara’s work is always family-centered, making sure that everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered on this journey. Her nurturing presence is felt in every interaction, and we’re grateful to have her as such an essential part of our team.
Counsellor, NDIS Consultant and Community Development Manager
Taimak Cochrane
Tai (pronounced Tay) has an exceptional ability to meet children and teenagers where they are, building trust and rapport in a way that allows even the most withdrawn or resistant young people to feel heard and understood.
With qualifications in counselling and mental health, Tai’s expertise spans a variety of settings, including schools, community programs, and clinical environments. She is passionate about helping young people develop resilience, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging, using evidence-based approaches that empower them to take charge of their mental health.
What sets Tai apart is her deep empathy and unwavering belief in the potential of every person, no matter how hard the journey may seem. Tai's ability to build meaningful connections with kids and teens, particularly those struggling with trauma, anxiety, or behavioural challenges, allows her to guide them toward healing and growth.
Tai’s collaborative approach includes working closely with families and educators, ensuring a unified support system that leads to the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Therapy Dog
Patrick
Patrick may be a small, black toy poodle, but he has a personality as big as his heart! As a beloved member of our team, Patrick works alongside Elizabeth, and he’s much more than just a cute face. Patrick is an intuitive therapy dog with a remarkable gift for sensing what clients need, whether they’re children, teens, or adults. His calming presence brings a sense of ease and comfort to therapy sessions, helping clients open up and feel safe.
Patrick has a special way of connecting with people, especially those who might find it difficult to express themselves or are feeling anxious. His gentle, non-judgmental nature makes him the perfect companion during emotional moments, offering quiet support through a nuzzle, a wag of his tail, or just sitting by your side. Patrick has an innate ability to make even the toughest therapy sessions feel a little bit brighter and a lot more comforting.
In sessions with Elizabeth, Patrick is there to help clients feel grounded, loved, and supported on their journey.
Therapy Dog
Arlo
Say hello to Arlo, our lovable Cavoodle who’s here to bring warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of tail wags to every therapy session! Arlo works closely with Jane, and together, they create a calming and welcoming space where young people feel supported. Arlo has a natural gift for sensing when someone needs a little extra comfort, and his sweet, cuddly nature helps make therapy feel less intimidating.
With his soft fur and gentle eyes, Arlo provides a soothing presence that helps children and teens relax, making it easier for them to open up during their sessions. Whether it’s simply lying by their side or offering a playful distraction when emotions get tough, Arlo has a way of making therapy feel safe and even a little bit fun. His intuitive ability to connect with young people, especially those who might be feeling anxious or overwhelmed, is truly special.
Arlo isn’t just a fluffy companion—he’s an important part of the therapeutic process. By helping to ease tension and foster a sense of calm, he allows Jane to dive deeper into the work, creating meaningful change in the lives of the children and families they support. Together, Arlo and Jane make every session a little brighter and a lot more comforting.