Meet The Team
Good Start Psychology is a dedicated, boutique psychology clinic, nestled in the heart of the northern suburbs. Since the start of the NDIS in July 2016 in South Australia, Dr Alex Ryan has devoted a large amount of time and resources in building a team that will provide reliable psychology services to people with a disability. Our main focus is with people with autism and/or intellectual disability. Our team aims to deliver quality care that will support your child through the difficulties of having a disability and living in a neurotypical community.
Good Start Psychology requests that all staff meet standards of practice through regular training, strong platforms to share information and knowledge, strong communication, staff support mechanisms, and a cooperative work environment open to change and evolution. Psychology, like most professions, is constantly evolving with new innovations, knowledge and therapies, and we are constantly scoping and learning these new approaches. Good Start Psychology wants open and honest client feedback so we can alter our service to suit the wants, needs and desires of our clients and their families. We are a clinic that enjoys delivering high quality services from caring, open, approachable staff.
Below you will see our team and a description of what they do. As you read each bio, think about who your child would connect with and with whom they can form a strong relationship; this is key in developing a long, healthy and productive partnership that is tailored to your child's needs and allow them every success.
Dr Alex Ryan
Director and Senior Psychologist
Alex holds a PhD in psychology from the University of Adelaide and has carved a career interest in child psychology.
Alex is a registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi). He is a published contributor in nine scientific journals. He has worked face to face with children and adolescents, and their families, since 2003, in Adelaide. Prior to that he had overseas experience working clinically and lecturing in psychology. He has seen many children with problems such as autism, ADHD, learning disorders, media addictions, anger management, anxieties, and depression. Alex is driven to explore and understand the child mind, a journey that started with his PhD on violent gaming and adolescent males.
Alex is an internationally certified neurofeedback practitioner (BCN) and a certified mentor of neurofeedback. He is an Advanced Practitioner in TEAM-CBT (Level 3). He is currently a committee member of the BCIA-A, which certifies neurofeedback practitioners in Australia.
Marie Ryan
Practice Manager
Marie has over 20 years experience working with children and young adults as a school teacher. She has a Postgrad in Ed (Student Welfare) and a B.Sc. She has worked with children from diverse backgrounds and differing learning abilities including Autism and ADHD. She has worked closely with parents to ensure the best outcome for their child is achieved.
Marie prides in offering a premium service by implementing the NDIS code of conduct and focussing on participant's needs.
She has a soft and caring approach, and enjoys interacting with participants and their family members.
Kerry Mayes
Psychologist and Peer Mentor
Kerry completed a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) at Swinburne University in 2017, and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced at Monash University in 2019.
She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.
Kerry has a passion for working with individuals to help them reach their full potential. She has a person-centred focus and promotes individual’s well being using evidence-based practices. She promotes a trusting and respectful environment to ensure the open expression of all individuals.
Kerry has a caring and bubbly personality, and has a genuine regard for all participants.
Linda Bleckly
Psychologist
Linda graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology from the
University of Adelaide and holds a Degree in Behavioural Science
(Psychology) majoring in Disability and Developmental Education from Flinders University. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Linda has worked in the education and disability sectors for the past 20 years and is passionate about working with individuals of all ages who present with a range of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, as well as their caregivers, parents and families. She provides a supportive environment and uses evidence-based practices to assist individuals to develop their own strengths, skills and strategies so challenges have less impact on them and they can focus on the things in life that are most meaningful to them.
Brooke Leane-Silva
Psychologist
Brooke completed her Bachelor of Behavioural Science, majoring in Neuroscience and her Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) at Flinders University. She has worked in remote communities in Queensland, providing psychological services to a range of individuals with complex mental health and behavioural disorders. In particular, a significant portion of Brooke’s work focused on the assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Brooke is passionate about utilising a compassionate evidence-based approach that is individualised to the client. Brooke focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals to reach their therapeutic goals.
Brooke has a gentle and caring approach, and is well liked by participants.
Kara Miller
Provisional Psychologist
Kara completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2019 at Flinders University. She has worked in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, helping children successfully gain life skills, learn to communicate and to express themselves.
Kara is passionate about supporting clients to achieve their goals by using an inclusive, individualised best practice model. She promotes a safe, trusting and non-judgemental environment where everyone is free to be themselves.
Kara is an excellent listener and really cares about the health of her clients.
Nathan Waldhuter
Provisional Psychologist
Nathan completed his Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2022 at the University of South Australia. Since then, he has completed his Master of Professional Psychology at La Trobe University. He is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Nathan is committed to using evidence-based practice to help young people achieve the best outcomes. He works with clients and their families to provide a safe, tailored space to enhance the client’s psychological well-being and explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Nathan has a positively affirming and agreeable personality and is quickly liked by participants.
Hayda Ibrahimi
Provisional Psychologist
Hayda holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of South Australia and completed her Honours at Monash University. With a deep commitment to enhancing her clients' wellbeing, she provides holistic support tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Hayda has a strong passion for working with children and a strong passion for cultural psychology and mindfulness, which equips her to help clients discover strategies that enhance their quality of life.
Hayda believes that psychology can assist individuals to grow emotionally and live a purposeful life. She prioritises building strong therapeutic relationships based on rapport and empathy, creating a non-judgemental and safe space where clients feel validated
Caitlin Sakovits
Provisional Psychologist
Caitlin completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Adelaide and completed her Honours at Monash University. Caitlin takes a strength-based approach in her practice. She encourages clients to build on their existing skills, engage deeply with their interests, and work collaboratively to achieve their therapeutic goals.
Caitlin also places a high value on the therapeutic relationship, recognising that a strong rapport is essential for effective therapy. She strives to create a warm, empathetic, and non-judgemental environment where clients feel comfortable and supported. By prioritising this connection, Caitlin works to ensure that her clients are gully engaged in the process so that they may achieve the best possible outcomes from their sessions.
Kathy Jones
Therapist
Kathy has had over 25 years of therapeutic experience with families, young people, children and individuals. During this time, she has honed her skills with trauma informed and responsive practice and has sought to become a qualified EMDR therapist. Kathy has predominantly worked within community organizations providing family therapy and counselling for a range of presenting issues such as neurodiversity, mental health, family separation, family violence, substance use and issues pertaining to social justice.
Kathy is passionate about providing a quality service for clients with collaboration in case conceptualization, working towards achieving positive and sustainable outcomes. This is combined with a solid understanding of child and adult development, attachment styles, grief and loss and working with families facing adversity.
Bianca Woods
Office Manager
Bianca has extensive administrative experience and a Diploma in Business Administration. She also has a background in the performing arts. Bianca has performed in, and also directed, many theatre productions across the state and also taught drama classes for children of all ages for over a decade.
Bianca has worked with children and young adults from diverse backgrounds, including those with developmental delays and behavioural concerns.
Bianca has a Level 3 Certificate in Drama and Speech from Trinity College London (TCL) as well as up to date training in first aid and child safe environments.
Bianca approaches her role with compassion, understanding and a genuine desire to deliver high quality supports to the community.
Heather Mackenzie
Administration
Heather comes to Good Start Psychology with 7 years’ experience in
Administrative Support in the Education sector. Working across various roles including reception, project, and executive support she brings a wealth of experience and skills and strives to provide excellent customer service to all clients.
Heather is studying honours in Psychology, and hopes to work as a psychologist in the near future. Her goal is to support children and young people impacted by mental health issues.
Heather is a gentle person, with a quiet disposition. She is very approachable.
Karen Achurch
Administration
Karen joins the Good Start Psychology team with over 30 years’ experience in a multitude of healthcare environments from hospitals to medical clinics. Working in many roles from Paediatric nursing, ward clerking and administrative positions.
Karen is passionate about providing a quality healthcare support service.
Karen has a very friendly and professional manner. She is well liked by staff and participants.
Philip Sellars
Social Skills Development
Philip has worked in and around various technology fields for over 20 years. His interest in computers was sparked at a young age which was further developed in high school; at age 14 he and his peers started a computer support company within Pulteney Grammar School called PulTec. With a Diploma of Information Technology and a B.Sc he has continued to pursue that interest with great vigour.
Philip has recently expanded his duties to collate programs that assist children and young adults to express themselves in one-on-one interactions and group settings. Using board and video games as a common interest, he is assisting the development of social and communication skills to form lasting friendships.
Philip develops strong connections with participants by relating in an open and trusting manner.
Charlie
Therapy Support
Our favourite member of our therapy team, meet Charlie. Charlie is a great support for children and adults who are anxious attending our clinic and interacting with people.
Charlie has achieved Intermediate Obedience standards through official dog training. He is still in training and currently learning to:
a) not jump up to people with his front legs
b) not bark at outsiders
c) stand for an examination or pat
d) receive food rewards only when desirable behaviour is asked for