“Connection, Compassion, Advocacy and Growth”

Shannan Connell (Director and Psychologist)

Shannan has been working as a psychologist since 2008, after graduating from Griffith University with First Class Honours. Shannan began working in the field of disability and supporting families with complex needs for the QLD government, before then moving to a behavioural intervention clinic. Shannan has always had a passion for working with individuals on the Autism spectrum and made this her area of focus when opening her own practice in 2013. Shannan has had extensive experience working in the home and school settings. Over the years of practice she has naturally evolved from working in the home setting physically to virtually, finding it to be more effective and flexible in many ways.

Shannan is registered as a Board-Approved Supervisor, enabling her to mentor and provide supervision to psychologists and provisional psychologists. Shannan is no longer taking on new referrals and focuses on supervising graduate psychologists on the team. 

Shannan is a dressage enthusiast, spending her time outside of psychology; training, coaching and competing. Shannan loves spending time at home with her family and animals.

Jonathan Shai (Psychologist)

Jonathan is a registered psychologist with experience working with diverse population of clients. Jonathan is working towards being a Board Approved Supervisor and plans on supervising graduate psychologists from 2025.

Jonathan has supported individuals experiencing Autism, depression, anxiety, mental health concerns and personality disorders. Jonathan believes that a key to effective therapy is having a genuine interest in the people he works with while offering a non-judgmental space. His approach is based in empathy, using principles from Acceptance Commitment Therapy, mindfulness and CBT. Jonathan completed his Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith University, and his Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science at Bond University. Jonathan has been working in the mental health public sector since June 2018, supporting people around their illness to improve their quality of life.

Jonathan operates from our Mullumbimby and Lismore office, or via telehealth (any location), school and in home appointments from families located between tweed heads and Lismore. Jonathan has a waitlist.

Lewis Fry  (Speech Pathologist)

Lewis Fry – BA SPTH (Hons); CPSP – Speech Pathologist

Lewis is an honours graduate from the University of Newcastle. He provides high level communication and swallowing management across a broad range of clinical areas and ages. Having worked in disability during his university years, Lewis brings an extra understanding of the specialised care required for the management of people living with complex disabilities. He has excellent skills providing evidence-based communication assessment and intervention for NDIS participants, and particular skills working with Autism. Lewis also has a passion for supporting the development of graduate speech pathologists.

Other areas of particular interest include neurodegenerative conditions, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and providing high level services to people living with these conditions. He further has a passion for voice, and is a LSVT certified practitioner. Lewis offers school or home appointments between Tweed and Lismore and office appointments from our office at Mullumbimby, Monday to Thursday. Lewis currently has a waitlist.

Ben Shine (Clinical Psychologist)

Ben Shine (Clinical Psychologist) BSc, BSc (First Class Honours), MSc, PGDipClinPsyc

Ben graduated as a clinical psychologist from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand in 2024 after completing his studies and placements in areas of child and family health, correctional psychology, and a year-long internship in adult mental health in a non-government multi-disciplinary team.

Ben has experience working with a variety of clients across the lifespan with diverse presentations. He has experience in assessment and diagnosis of various difficulties including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood and anxiety related disorders, trauma disorders, and personality disorders. He also has experience in supporting diverse presentations through clinical intervention using CBT, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and metacognitive therapy (MCT).

Ben loves to engage and interact with different people and believes that he can get along well with people from all walks of life. Ben is a firm believer than genuine connection and the therapeutic relationship is a key contributor to the success of therapy and prides himself on his ability to establish and maintain this connection.

Ben is passionate about learning and is always looking to improve and expand his knowledge and understanding of the psychological techniques to inform evidence-based best practice.

Ben is available for appointments from our Gold Coast Office from August 2024.

Kate Dillon (Psychologist)

Kate is a  registered psychologist who began with us in 2020, experienced with children of all ages. She has a keen interest in people from all walks of life, experiencing a range of mental health concerns, trauma, and those with developmental disorders. 

Kate completed her undergraduate degree at Griffith University in Mt Gravatt in QLD and honours year at the University of the Sunshine Coast, having two girls along the way. She grew up in the Northern NSW and has recently returned with her young family to the area. 

Kate offers unconditional positive regard to all her clients, and approaches the therapeutic relationship with empathy, care and a genuine interest in the lives of all of her clients. Her tools are based in ACT, CBT and mindfulness. She also has an interest in Narrative Exposure Therapy, Positive Psychology and the facilitation of group therapies and workshops.

In her free time, Kate loves to attempt to garden, hang out with her young girl and horse, cook new recipes, learn Auslan and walk on the beach. 

Kate is available for school and home visits in the Lismore area, and Telehealth appointments, Tuesdays,  Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Rulan Cadiogan (Provisional Psychologist)

Rulan is a provisionally registered psychologist, due to receive her general registration this year. Rulan completed her honours year at Monash University. She enjoys working with all age groups and has experience coaching and working with younger aged children. Rulan takes a holistic approach to her practice, using a variety of evidence based modalities when working with clients. She encourage self-awareness in overcoming problems and working toward goals.
Rulan works collaboratively with clients to underline their resilience and unique strengths. Rulan’s practice is supported by techniques such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and motivational interviewing. She uses these to explore individual and environmental constraints to client wellbeing.
Rulan values being part of the Northern Rivers community, and is an active member of several community organisations. Outside of work, Rulan enjoys playing and coaching soccer and exploring all that the Northern Rivers has to offer with her family.
She is available for appointments from Monday – Friday in the Northern Rivers region.

Kaitlyn Patterson  (Occupational Therapist)

Kaitlyn grew up in the Northern Rivers area and completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Southern Cross University. Whilst completing her studies, Kaitlyn gained experience working with people across many different environments including in the clinic, schools and in client’s homes.

Kaitlyn has experience supporting clients with Global Developmental Delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder and cognitive delays. She provides a family centered approach when working with children and their families to help them achieve their functional goals. Kaitlyn has experience in completing a variety of assessments and interventions for children of all ages. Kaitlyn has an interest in early intervention and supporting children as they transition to primary school. Kaitlyn enjoys collaborating with teachers and parents to ensure successful implementation of therapy supports.

Kaitlyn is passionate about empowering clients to reach their fullest potentional in ways that are meaningful and important to them. Kaitlyn has experience in running cooking and LEGO group programs with children of similar ages. She is passionate about these programs as they enable children to learn important life skills in a safe and nurturing environment.

Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys cooking, reading, gardening, and going to the beach.

Kaitlyn is available for appointments Tuesday-Friday, servicing areas of Lismore and surrounds.

Elisa Holdik (Speech Therapist)

Elisa is passionate about supporting her clients in achieving their personal communication and swallowing goals. Elisa has a Master of Speech Pathology from The University of Technology Sydney and a background in supporting NDIS participants with complex disabilities. Elisa is bilingual (German) and enjoys working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

During her clinical placements, Elisa worked in schools, clinics, care homes, and via telehealth. Elisa has experience in providing assessment and therapy for speech, language, stuttering, aphasia, apraxia of speech, voice disorders, intellectual disability, dementias, Parkinson’s Disease, Schizophrenia, and swallowing. She has an interest in social communication, and working with children, teenagers, and adults on the Autism spectrum. Elisa also has experience working in schools in regional Australia and liaising with teachers to support children in accessing the curriculum.

Elisa works with a holistic and strengths-based approach to support her clients and caregivers on their individual journey. Elisa sees the importance of delivering services in the client’s ideal context to support generalisation and progress towards functional therapy goals.

When Elisa is not in the clinic, she enjoys going on adventures with her friends and family, surfing, hiking, horse riding and learning Swedish.

Elisa is available for appointments Monday to Thursday. Elisa currently has a waitlist.

Sarah Rowlands (Speech Therapist)

Sarah completed her Speech Pathology degree at the University of Queensland and has since spent several years within a private practice on the Sunshine Coast. She is very excited for her move to the Northern Rivers in 2024.

Sarah is passionate about delivering effective and compassionate therapy, aiming to empower children and their families while demonstrating kindness, warmth, and fun. She takes a strengths-based approach relevant to clients’ needs and functional goals, striving to ensure her therapy involves collaboration with relevant stakeholders for functional progress. With a diverse background working in schools, homes, via telehealth, and in clinics, she has experience supporting language and speech development, social communication, fluency, and literacy. She particularly enjoys supporting neurodivergent children, finding fulfillment in contributing to their growth and development.

Continuously motivated by the impactful nature of speech therapy, Sarah draws inspiration and energy from the meaningful connections she establishes with clients and their families to assist them in achieving their goals and thriving in their environments. She finds joy in spending time outdoors and with her loved ones.

Sarah is available for school or home appointments in the Lismore region. Additionally, she welcomes clients to the office in Lismore or Mullumbimby from Monday to Thursday for in-office appointments.

Sarah Volaric (Provisional Psychologist)

Sarah is a provisional psychologist and completed her Masters of Psychology at Curtin University. Sarah is due to receive her general registration this year. During her studies Sarah completed her placement in a private practice, gaining experience working with individuals across the lifespan and with various presenting concerns.

Sarah focuses on working from a person-centered perspective, and believes in establishing a strong therapeutic relationship. She focuses on providing a safe and collaborative space for individuals to express themselves and to explore their individual experiences. 

Sarah’s therapeutic approach is guided by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and incorporates techniques from ACT, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. Her areas of interest include emotion regulation, anxiety disorders, depression, mood difficulties and low self-esteem.

In her spare time, you will find Sarah enjoying a walk in nature with her dog or by the beach.

Sarah is available for school or home appointments in the Lismore region. Additionally, she welcomes clients to the office in Lismore or Mullumbimby from Monday to Thursday for in-office appointments. Sarah currently has ability to take new referrals.

Cherie Duncan (Speech Therapist)

Cherie has worked across a diverse range of industries before completing a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Southern Cross University. Cherie is all about providing exceptional service and creating functional based goals to help her clients thrive.

Previously working in acute and rehabilitation services, Cherie has a particular interest for swallowing and communication across adult and geriatric populations, however she loves the diversity of a mixed caseload and sees a range of clients from toddlers to seniors. Cherie has a strong desire to support clients and their families utilising a flexible and compassionate approach and is always willing to customise each therapy session to help clients accomplish their goals.

Cherie has a passion for work life balance so when she’s not in the office her time is allocated to outdoor activities including gardening, surfing, scuba diving, and weekend camping adventures.

Cherie is available for appointments in the Lismore region, Monday to Thursday.

Amelia Meikle (Occupational Therapy Assistant)

Amelia on our Easy Access team as an Allied Health Assistant while she completes her final semester of her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. She looks forward to stepping into her role as an Occupational Therapist later this year. Amelia’s passion for enabling individuals to live their most fulfilling lives inspired her to enter this field in 2020.

Her academic journey includes enriching placements that have honed her skills, particularly in paediatrics. Amelia has experience working in schools, kindergartens, and hospitals. She is adept at supporting early intervention, assessment, and the transition to school settings. Amelia enjoys a play-based therapy approach focusing on creating joyful and educational experiences that promote learning through moments of laughter and fun.

Amelia is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals through compassionate and personalised care in her current and future roles. Amelia utilises her experience to support the development and implementation of therapeutic programs tailored to meet the unique needs of everyone in her care.

Amelia is available appointments in the Northern Rivers region Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Ellice Cook  (Occupational Therapist)

Ellice is a registered Occupational Therapist with a diverse range of experience in mental health, rehabilitation and NDIS sectors across the lifespan. She is passionate about maintaining a holistic client-centred approach in all her interventions, aspiring to not only equip and enable all clients to achieve their goals but also empower them in their individual growth.

Ellice enjoys exploring the outdoors and is a keen creative, dabbling in a range of artistic hobbies including pottery, photography, painting and writing, and enjoys utilising this creativity with her clients to come up with engaging interventions.

Ellice is available Monday and Thursdays in the Southern Gold Coast/Far Northern New South Wales region. Ella and Ellice are looking forward to running Social Skills groups from our Nerang office.

Mark Simpson (Psychologist)

Mark completed his honours degree in Psychology at the University of Nottingham, England before doing his double Masters’ degrees in Sport Psychology in Germany and Sweden. Mark uses a combination of strategies from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with a focus on the individual person and their unique situation. He believes that therapy is most effective when it works both on a practical and cognitive level, giving strategies to cope with difficulties in the short-term while working on a longer-term improvement. Mark has lived and worked in different countries and works well with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. In addition to working with a range of concerns, Mark is experienced with performance psychology, helping athletes, musicians and other performers to improve their practice and performance.

Mark is available for telehealth (video call or phone call) appointments Monday to Friday.

Michele Stoelhurst (Administration)

Michele has joined the Easy Access team to ensure clients, clinicians and all involved are supported along their therapy journey. 

Michele will be the friendly voice on the phone and she looks forward to welcoming, all the clients who attend the Gold Coast clinic. 

With a long background in medical administration, she will be able to assist with your inquiries, providing information on our services or practitioners, all while being super friendly and approachable, you  call on her at anytime! 

Michele has a long history with the ASD community on the Gold Coast, she is passionate about assisting families and loves being apart of the process from the beginning. 

In her spare time she loves to cook, spend time with her grandkids and be outdoors! 

Michele will be based primarily in our Gold Coast office, however will be taking care of and overseeing all the administrative requirements for Easy Access.