meet the PSYCHOLOGISTs
Natasha Stoikos - Prinicipal Psychologist (Educational and Developmental Psychologist)
Natasha Stoikos is a registered Educational and Developmental Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), following completion of a Masters of Educational and Developmental Psychology degree at the University of Melbourne. Natasha also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology, and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours).
Being trained in Educational and Developmental Psychology means that Natasha has undergone specialised postgraduate training to support children, adolescents, their families and schools with a range of needs, including neuro-diverse populations, working via a neuro-affirming strengths-based approach. Natasha has an advanced set of skills in the assessment of learning and developmental conditions, as well as expertise in evidence-based therapies and interventions that best support young people.
Natasha has experience working in a range of educational settings, including working in government and catholic primary schools and secondary schools, as well as experience working in private practice. She has experience working with a diverse range of clients, including supporting children and adolescents with a range of cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioural needs. Natasha also has experience in providing assessment and intervention to neurodiverse populations, including Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (e.g. Dyslexia). Natasha is trained to administer the Autism Spectrum Diagnostic Schedule- 2nd Edition (ADOS-2).
Natasha is also a trained facilitator of the Tuning into Teens Program and Dr Ross Greene's Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model.
Seda Balikel - Registered Psychologist
Seda Balikel is a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA) and a full member of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi). She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Studies from Victoria University and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) from the Institute for Social Neuroscience, complemented by a comprehensive 2-year internship in psychological practice.
Seda has extensive experience in various domains, including educational psychology, vocational psychology, occupational rehabilitation, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and private practice. She has successfully supported neuro-diverse and neuro-typical children, adolescents, and adults in enhancing their quality of life and improving their overall well-being. Seda is dedicated to creating a warm and secure environment for her clients, aiding them in navigating mental health challenges.
Proficient in cognitive assessments, Seda is skilled in administering both the WISC-V and WAIS-IV. She employs a versatile therapeutic toolkit that includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, ensuring tailored and effective treatment for her clients.
Monica Shahat - Registered Psychologist (Educational and Developmental Registrar
Monica is a Registered Psychologist and Educational and Developmental Registrar with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), following completion of a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at the University of Melbourne. She also holds a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) from Deakin University, and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Monica has received specialised postgraduate training focused on understanding the development, learning, and mental health of children and young people. She has experience working in both primary and secondary school settings, supporting children and adolescents presenting with a range of social, emotional, behavioural, and learning needs.
Monica provides individualised counselling and intervention using a strengths-based and person-centred approach, tailoring each session to suit the unique needs and goals of the young person, and is committed to delivering culturally responsive and neuro-affirming support. Her work is informed by evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, and Play Therapy, where she aims to create a warm, safe, and collaborative space where young people feel heard and empowered.
In addition to counselling and therapeutic intervention, Monica has experience conducting comprehensive cognitive, educational, and behavioural assessments to support diagnostic clarification and learning support planning for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD), Specific Learning Disorders (e.g., Dyslexia), and learning difficulties.
Monica is passionate about early intervention and values working collaboratively with families, educators, and allied health teams to support young people.