All our consultants hold professional qualifications and possess extensive postgraduate experience. Our exceptional support staff hold significant expertise in the mental health field. Additionally, all our psychologists, social workers, and counsellors are affiliated with their respective professional associations and rigorously adhere to strict ethical standards.

Natalie Tucker – Senior Manager

Master of Social Work; Bachelor of Psychological Science

Natalie has 15 years’ experience in the community service sector, with majority of her frontline practice supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in metropolitan Adelaide and rural Northwest Queensland.

Prior to moving into management roles, Natalie worked in the out-of-home care, disability and adult mental health sector. Natalie has provided leadership and guidance to teams within the aged care sector, suicide prevention, eating disorder services and community support. Natalie has also been instrumental in maximising growth in several fee for service and contracted programs.

Having been trained by the Sanctuary Institute, Trauma Informed Practices encompass Natalie’s management style as she believes it’s essential for both staff and customers to feel supported and be provided with individualised person-centred practice.

Cris Pirone – Senior Clinician / Consultant / Counsellor

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology); Bachelor of Social Work; Bachelor of Education (Counselling); AHPRA Registered Member

Cris is a registered Psychologist and has over 25 years of experience in working with couples, individuals and families in counselling. She draws upon a range of evidence based frameworks and has clinical experience in providing Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness based therapy, Family Therapy, Relationship Counselling, Individual Counselling and Counselling for children. Cris aims to support and assist individuals to build upon their strengths and skills and to learn new ways of managing their concerns so that they can enhance their wellbeing, develop their potential and live the life they want to live.

Darren McGeachie – Senior Consultant

Bachelor of Social Work; Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Hons); Nationally Accredited Mediator (Leadr); Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Darren is qualified in law and social work and practiced as a solicitor in private practice for a number of years. He has worked as a Solicitor and Senior Conciliator with the Equal Opportunity Commission., joining ACCESS-OCAR in 2000. His current interests are in organisational consultancy, coaching, dispute resolution and workplace investigation. He has trained as a mediator with LEADR, and coaches trainee mediators at the University of South Australia. He lectures in law and social work at Flinders University, and is a past Vice President of the Employee Assistance Professional Association of Australia Inc (EAPAA). He also holds the Certificate iv in Workplace Assessment, and acts as a trainer in the area of case recording.

Alyce Hunter – Counsellor

Bachelor of Counselling

Alyce is an experienced counsellor with over eight years’ experience in both clinical and community settings. Alyce has a Bachelor’s of Counselling and is currently completing a Master of Social Work. Alyce provides support from a Trauma Informed Framework and utilises techniques such as; Psychoanalytic Counselling, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Person Centered, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Grief and Loss Counselling. Alyce has extensive experience supporting individuals, families and children with Anxiety based disorders, Drug and Alcohol dependency and body image issues. Alyce places importance on providing a safe space for clients to explore and share their story with validation of their experiences, emotions and needs.

Carolyn Glynn – Counsellor

Bachelor of Counselling

Carolyn began her professional career counselling students and their families as well as establishing a private practice specialising in family therapy, couples counselling. Carolyn enjoys exploring the effects of relationship issues; grief and loss; stress, anxiety and depression; life transitions such as divorce and parenting; addiction; abuse and trauma. Her focus is in acknowledging individuals have the awareness and skills to overcome their life situations and mapping a personal/outcome plan equipping clients to successfully journey through their life circumstances.

Carolyn uses the following therapies: Narrative Therapy (storytelling), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy (meaning making) as well as Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). From a philosophical perspective, social justice motivates Carolyn’s role and practice, advocating on behalf of the culturally diverse, for example, immigrants, first nation’s people, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI populations and especially, addressing gender biases towards women.

Christine Sibley – Counsellor

Masters of Social Science (Counselling); Bachelor of Psychology; Graduate Diploma (Jungian Psych); Cert. Women’s Studies

Christine has a background in Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling and holds degrees in Psychology, Jungian Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling. She has a background working in relationship counselling, staff counselling and consultancy, psychiatric group work and EAP counselling. She uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Jungian, Systemic and she likes to work in the area of loss and grief, personality and psychology.

Christopher Hibberd – Counsellor

Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology); Graduate. Cert (Mental Health Science)

Christopher has been working as a clinician and counsellor for 15 years, particularly in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and with placements at the Centre for Anxiety and Related Disorders and with an OCD support service. In counselling, Christopher draws from his knowledge and experience in using Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy / Mindfulness and training in Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)), Client Centred / Positive Psychology, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths Based, Grief and Loss, Problem Solving and Goal Setting, Behaviour Activation and Resilience Building.

David Hawke – Counsellor

Diploma of Counselling and Group Work; Graduate Diploma in Relationships Counselling

David is an experienced Counsellor who has been providing counselling and therapeutic group work for over 15 years. He welcomes a diverse range of concerns presented by individuals or couples. He came to ACCESS Programs with extensive experience in understanding and addressing workplace related concerns and has over 40 years’ experience in workplace training.

David maintains clinical membership of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia through meeting annual requirements for ethical standards, continuing professional development and regular supervision as a counsellor. He is a compassionate Counsellor who applies an integrated theoretical approach to his work and uses a combination of counselling approaches including; Solution Focused Brief therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness and Grief and Loss counselling.

Di Nayda – Counsellor

Bachelor Psychology (Hons)

Di has been providing counselling services for many years, predominantly in the area of anxiety disorders, for individuals families and couples. Di has an Honours degree in Psychology and is currently completing her Doctorate at Flinders University. She draws from a range of evidenced based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Self Compassion- Based Mindfulness Therapy tailored to the individual or family to ensure the best outcome. ​Di’s primary objective is to build on the clients strengths and coping strategies, to learn new ways of managing challenging situation in order to enhance their well being and reach their potential.

Elly Wild – Counsellor

Bachelor of Social Work; Bachelor of Science; Graduate Diploma (Group Work); Mental Health Social Work AASW Accredited

Elly has extensive and varied clinical work as a social worker and counsellor. Elly has considerable experience in working with people who have experienced childhood trauma. She also embraces working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. In counselling her work is informed by a combination of approaches including Solution Focused, Strengths Based, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Interactive Drawing Therapy, Grief and Loss as well as somatic based understandings of trauma and recovery.

Emma Twelftree – Counsellor

Master of Social Work; Bachelor of Nursing; Mental Health Social Work AASW Accredited

Emma is an experienced social worker with a background in nursing. She has worked both in clinical and community mental health services, in suicide prevention and in schools. Emma works with children, youth and adults using a collaborative and strengths-based counselling approach. Her work is informed by a combination of approaches, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focussed Brief Intervention, Grief and Loss and she has experience teaching social and emotional intelligence skills and DBT skills within a trauma informed approach. Emma works with clients building upon their strengths and empowering them to improve their emotional wellbeing to develop fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Heidi Lichtenberg – Counsellor

Bachelor of Social Work; Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy; Diploma of Counselling; Mental Health Social Work AASW Accredited

Heidi has over six years’ experience of working in the child protection sector as a Senior Social Worker in which she honed her skills in solution based casework. Heidi has a Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in which she provided counselling at Flinders’ Psychological Therapy Services (SA Health). Heidi is driven by helping her clients develop insights into their thoughts and behaviours and to walk alongside them to resolve their current challenges using a holistic and strengths based approach to practice. Heidi continues to extend her professional development through her counselling studies and employment with ACCESS programs.

Kathleen Ballinger – Counsellor

Master of Social Work; Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies); Mental Health Social Work AASW Accredited

Kathleen Ballinger is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, with an extensive background that includes within disability services, the homelessness sector, mental health, in SA, NT, and Victoria.  She provides Focused Psychological Therapies that includes CBT, DBT and ACT, and has recent experience in Suicide Prevention Programs, Private practice counselling, and hospital acute & sub-acute social work provision in western Victoria. Kathleen is passionate about social justice and contributing to providing responsive, meaningful mental health therapies, and has a collaborative, strengths based approach.

Lee Bradley – Consultant (Mediation)

Diploma Community Services (Mental Health); Diploma Remedial Practitioner; Certified Mediator; Certificate IV Workplace Injury Management.

Lee has completed formal qualifications in areas surrounding Injury Management, Mediation and Workplace Consultancy. She has experience designing and facilitating workshops in Stress Management for local community centres in the southern area. She has worked in the private sector as a Case Manager, as a Rehabilitation Consultant at SA Health and Injury Management Consultant with SAPOL. Her passion is in assisting people in conflict to come to an agreement. She supports people in highly confidential matters with sensitivity, empathy and hope.

Lee Ritchie – Counsellor

Master of Social Work; Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services and Anthropology); Post Graduate Cert. Community Development; Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs; Mental Health Social Work AASW Accredited

Lee is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who has over 13 years of experience in the social services field. Lee has predominantly worked in case management and counselling roles with a broad range of adult client groups including: people living with mental illness; carers; asylum seekers and refugees; culturally and linguistically diverse individuals; First Nations people; individuals identifying as part of the LGBTIQ+ community; people experiencing homelessness; and individuals using alcohol or other drugs. She has a passion for working one on one with frontline employees in a strengths based approach helping them navigate the challenging work they do. Lee encourages a positive work life balance with an aim of improving overall wellbeing, often in relation to depression, anxiety and stress management. Lee also enjoys working with clients to set and achieve goals for personal growth and career development through various life stages such as, entering professions and retirement.

Martin Delaney – Counsellor

Master of Social Work; Bachelor of Arts Labour Studies (Hons); Mental Health Social Work AASW Accredited

Martin migrated to Australia in his late twenties from Ireland. He is an experienced Social Worker with a background in child safety, youth work, and disability. He holds a Bachelor of Labour Studies (Hons) and a Master of Social Work. He is also qualified to teach English to speakers of other languages. Martin utilises relationship-based models of practice to quickly build rapport and trust with his clients. He works collaboratively with clients to identify needs, explore issues, and develop action. His approach is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.

Natasha Todman – ACCESS Coordinator

Bachelor of Midwifery; Certificate IV Youth work; Certificate III Business Administration.

Natasha possesses over a decade of diverse experience in administrative and community services, encompassing state government, youth work, community mental health, disability services, and aged care. In addition to her administrative expertise, Natasha has clinical experience in midwifery, and she is well-versed in trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices, drawing on both her professional and lived experiences.

Throughout her career, Natasha has excelled in client-focused, administrative, and leadership roles. She is dedicated to ensuring a high-quality client experience and takes great satisfaction in collaborating with individuals to achieve positive outcomes.

Patricia Donovan – Counsellor

Bachelor of Social Work (Hons); Post Graduate Diploma Family Therapy; Post Graduate in Narrative Therapy and Community Work; Associate Diploma Child Studies; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training, Mindfulness Cognitive behavioural Therapy for Professionals

Patricia has a Bachelor of Social Work with Hons, Post Graduate in Narrative Therapy and Community Work. She has worked with adults, children and adolescents, family groups and group work.  Experience and training in mental health, Mindfulness CBT, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy. In counselling roles her practice  is informed by a combination of approaches including Solution Focused, Strengths based, Motivational Interviewing , Mindfulness CBT, Narrative and Brief Therapy, Grief and Loss counselling, Sensory Motor understanding of trauma and recovery.

Rosey Sulicich – Counsellor

Bachelor of Arts (Communications and Arts); Post Graduate Bachelor of Social Administration. 

Rosey is a social worker who has mostly worked in domestic violence crisis intervention and domestic violence and trauma as a counsellor, team leader and manager.  Rosey has also worked in cancer prevention and smoking cessation.

Much of her experience has been in phone and short-term counselling. Rosey incorporates solutions focus, strengths based and motivational interviewing techniques into her practice. Being a social worker aligns with Rosey’s own values and beliefs in social justice and hope for a kinder more equitable and inclusive society.

Stephanie Kaye – Administration Officer

Certificate IV Mental Health (current)

Stephanie is currently pursuing a Certificate IV in Mental Health, building on her diverse experience in administrative and support roles. Previously, she worked at a medical alarm company, handling sales, phone calls, and reception duties. Her journey with Centacare began in reception at Northern Carers Network, an organisation supporting carers of individuals with disabilities, age-related frailty, chronic conditions, and mental illness. She then transitioned to a reception role at Headspace, a service offering early intervention mental health support to young people aged 12 to 25. Stephanie is deeply passionate about kindness and helping individuals reach their maximum potential and quality of life. Outside of work and study, Stephanie enjoys playing soccer.

Tim Halls – Counsellor

Bachelor of Social Work; Graduate Diploma of Psychology; Graduate Diploma of Management; Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Tim has 37 years of experience as a counsellor and consultant, assisting individuals and corporations with change and development in the private and public sectors. Sixteen of those years was as a Clinical Lead and business leader in his own private practice.

Tim has worked across the areas of physical and psychological/psychiatric disability, rehabilitation and the management of anxiety and mood disorders, including depression. He has also provided individuals and couples assistance with relationship, vocational and personal counselling.

Tim adopts a client-oriented and inclusive approach with individuals drawing on the theoretical approaches of CBT, ACT, EMDR, MICBT, RET and Narrative Exposure Therapy, to name a few.

Tracy Dickens – Consultant / Counsellor (Training / Critical Incidents)

Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy; Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy; Bachelor of Nursing; Advance Diploma of Business; Advanced Diploma of Management (Human Resources Management); Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis; Associate Diploma of Social Science (Child Care); Certificate NLP Practitioner; Certificate IV Frontline Management

Tracy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to empower individuals in their personal and professional growth. With a Master Degree and Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, she has a deep understanding of mental well-being and counselling techniques. Tracy’s diverse qualifications enables her to create impactful professional development programs. Tracy enjoys promoting capability and fosters a supportive learning environment, ensuring employees thrive and flourish both personally and professionally in their roles.

Tracy maintains clinical membership of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) through meeting annual requirements for ethical standards, continuing professional development and regular supervision as a counsellor.