WHO WE ARE
Dane Cohen
BScPsych, MBusPsych
Director, Registered Psychologist & Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner
I am a compassionate and relationship focused Behaviour Support Practitioner with a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Newcastle and a Master’s in Business Psychology. I bring over a decade of experience supporting children and adolescents across residential care, foster care, and the NDIS, with a focus on trauma and behaviour support.
My approach is rooted in relational practice and informed by a blend of therapeutic frameworks, including cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based practice, and trauma-informed care. I strive to develop practical, person-centred behaviour support plans that reflect the unique strengths and goals of each individual I work with.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my two young kids; whether it’s gardening, surfing, or looking after my beehive. Exploring nature and new places with my family brings me balance and inspiration, fuelling both my personal life and professional practice.
Hugo hayes
Hugo Hayes
BPsych(Hons), MClinPsych
Team Leader, Psychologist & Behaviour Support Practitioner
I am a creative and people-focused Registered Psychologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner with experience supporting people with complex needs across community and inpatient settings.
My work focuses on understanding what need a behaviour is attempting to meet, rather than just trying to eliminate the behaviour itself. This means working closely with participants, families, carers, and support teams to build a shared understanding of what is happening, why it is happening, and what changes will make a real difference. From there, I work collaboratively to develop practical behaviour support plans that are tailored to the individual and built around the knowledge and experience of the individual and those closest to them.
I also provide capacity building psychology and can work directly with participants on goals related to mental health, emotional regulation, and understanding their own patterns of thinking and behaviour. Where helpful, I can also provide cognitive and diagnostic assessments. These help participants and their supports better understand their strengths and difficulties, and can address specific questions about cognitive functioning, learning, ADHD, and Autism.
Before becoming a psychologist, I spent over a decade in the music industry as an audio engineer and producer. It was here, and earlier, that my curiosity about people and the challenges they face first took shape. Outside of work, I am a proud dad, husband, and dog owner. I enjoy spending time with my family, getting outdoors, reading and keeping active.
Sigourney Andrusko
BPsychSc
Behaviour Support Practitioner
I am a passionate and person-centred Behaviour Support Practitioner with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Griffith University. With years of experience as a disability support worker and time spent in a special education unit within a high school setting, I bring a wealth of practical knowledge and a compassionate approach to my work.
Prior to working in the disability and education space, I spent several years in the hospitality and marketing industries. These early experiences, along with extensive travel, shaped my appreciation for diverse perspectives and taught me the value of clear communication, adaptability, and connection; qualities I now bring into my behaviour support practice.
Known for being friendly, creative, and solutions focused, I strive to tailor support plans that empower individuals and help them achieve meaningful outcomes. My practice is rooted in building strong, trusting relationships and fostering environments where everyone can thrive.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mother of two young children. I enjoy upcycling furniture, thrifting for hidden gems, reading, gardening, and cooking. I’ll happily partake in any activities that fuel my creativity and inspire my work.
David giarmmarco
BPsychSc (In Progress), DipCommServ, DipCouns, AdvDip (Coaching & Leadership Development)
Behaviour Support Practitioner
I’m a values driven Behaviour Support Practitioner with a strong foundation in community services, counselling, and youth work, currently completing a Bachelor of Psychology through Swinburne University. With a background spanning out-of-home care, mentoring, and therapeutic care, I’m passionate about supporting young people to develop emotional regulation, life skills, and self-confidence.
I bring a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to my work, drawing on experience in crisis support, team leadership, and strategic planning. Whether I’m coaching a young person through goal-setting or collaborating with a team to build safe and supportive environments, my focus is always on meaningful, person-centred outcomes.
Outside of work, I’m a proud dad to a baby boy and love spending time with my partner. I recharge by surfing, reading, getting out in nature, and tending to my veggie garden—activities that keep me grounded and reflect my belief in balance, growth, and connection.
Laura Oczak
BEd, MSpEd
Behaviour Support Practitioner
I’m a Behaviour Support Practitioner with over a decade of experience as an Inclusive Education Teacher, bringing a compassionate and practical approach to supporting individuals and families. My background in education has given me valuable insight into behaviour support, particularly for children and young people, and I’m passionate about creating tailored, strengths-based plans that promote growth and meaningful outcomes.
My practice is grounded in evidence-based strategies and always centred around the unique needs and goals of each participant. I believe in working collaboratively to foster supportive environments where people can feel safe, heard, and empowered to thrive.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to three daughters and enjoy spending my time reading, travelling, and trying new things. This year, I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone by joining a soccer team for the first time. Whether it’s through exploring new places, getting lost in a good book, or learning a new skill, I value opportunities that spark growth, curiosity, and joy—both in my personal life and in the work I do.
PAUL HINKs
BPsych
Behaviour Support Practitioner
I’m a Behaviour Support Practitioner and Registered Psychologist with 25 year experience in mental health and disability support. For the past three years, I have delivered positive behaviour support and counselling services to NDIS participants, their families and supports.
My practice is a person-centred, collaborative approach draw's on evidence-based principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to build practical skills facilitating meaningful change.
Outside of work, I like to spend my time enjoying the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers with my young family, playing music, swimming, gardening and reading.
Bec Mckenzie-Bain
BPsychSc
Behaviour Support Practitioner
I’m a Behaviour Support Practitioner with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Southern Cross University. My practice is grounded in a person-centered and strengths-based approach, where I focus on what’s strong, not what’s wrong, and work collaboratively to create meaningful change. I’ve worked across the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast regions, supporting individuals as a Behaviour Support Practitioner and as a caseworker in out-of-home care. These experiences have deepened my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the power of relationships in fostering growth.
I bring a light-hearted, fun energy to my work, I love having a laugh with the people I support while helping them build skills, confidence, and independence. I’m deeply passionate about the well-being of others, and I believe that strong, consistent supports can create the right environment for transformation.I’m known for being friendly, a clear communicator, and someone who thrives on collaboration and problem-solving. I value building genuine connections and working together to find creative, practical solutions that make a real difference.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to a late adolescent and love embracing the balance between movement and relaxation. I enjoy exploring local beaches and creeks, catching up with friends and family, baking something sweet, or discovering new cafes and restaurants to indulge my love of delicious food. I’m also passionate about fitness, but I equally enjoy a good lazy day! These personal joys keep me grounded, energised, and connected, and I bring that same spirit of warmth, curiosity, and balance into my support work every day.
Kaya Sloan
BSocWelf (Health & Disability)
Behaviour Support Practitioner
I am a dedicated and strengths-focused Behaviour Support Practitioner with a Social Welfare degree, majoring in Health and Disability, which has provided a strong foundation in inclusive practice, advocacy, and holistic support approaches. I am passionate about empowering young people and their families to feel understood, confident, and capable. I have dedicated my professional journey to helping young people cultivate life skills, reach meaningful goals, and embrace their individual strengths. My background as a caseworker in out of home care supporting teenagers has provided me with extensive hands-on experience in working with young people with complex needs, supporting them in managing challenging behaviours, and collaborating closely with families and support networks to achieve sustainable outcomes.
I take a trauma-informed and person-centred approach, understanding that behaviour often reflects lived experiences. I have a calm and patient nature and genuinely enjoy building meaningful connections with people. My experience as a team leader, supporting a team of caseworkers who each worked with young people with complex needs, has strengthened my skills in mentoring, guiding, and fostering a collaborative, strengths-focused environment.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to my 14-year-old son and love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy beach days, bush walks, and exploring waterfalls, always seeking out ways to connect with nature. Travelling is a passion, discovering new places, cultures, and experiences energises me and keeps me curious about the world. I also prioritise my wellbeing through gym sessions, yoga, and mindfulness practices, and I treasure quiet moments at home with my son and my cat, whether it’s reading, cooking, or simply relaxing. I value balance in life, embracing both the busy, active days and the slower, reflective ones.