Early Intervention for Children with Autism in Sutherland Shire
Mosaic Early Intervention designs specialised programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays. We are based in the Sutherland Shire, Sydney NSW. Our passionate, experienced team provides behavioural, school support and early intervention programs tailored to your child's and families needs.
Clinical Director
Ashleigh O’Connor, MEd (ABA), BCBA
Ash is the Clinical Director and Behaviour Consultant at Mosaic Early Intervention. She received her Bachelor Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Macquarie University, Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies from Griffith University and Master of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University.
Ash is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
Ash has been supporting children and their families, using the principles of ABA since 2012. She has a special interest in teaching functional communication and language skills to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other learning difficulties. Ash is passionate about providing high quality, effective, evidence based programs to children and helping them reach their goals.
Ash is the Clinical Director and Behaviour Consultant at Mosaic Early Intervention. She received her Bachelor Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Macquarie University, Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies from Griffith University and Master of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University.
Ash is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
Ash has been supporting children and their families, using the principles of ABA since 2012. She has a special interest in teaching functional communication and language skills to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other learning difficulties. Ash is passionate about providing high quality, effective, evidence based programs to children and helping them reach their goals.
Office Manager
Jessica McKay
Jess is the Office Manager here at Mosaic Early Intervention. After her Higher School Certificate Jess went on and completed a Traineeship that provided an accreditation in Banking and Finance and went on to work in banking for over 5 years. Jess received notable media attention for being an advocate for alternative pathways to professional careers outside of those associated with traditional university degrees.
Since banking Jess worked in various law firms for 8 years. Since having a child of her own, Jess’ passion has been to work with children. Jess is someone who is always happy to help and is very dedicated to her job. Jess’ cheerful nature projects throughout the Mosaic office and has a lasting effect. This, coupled with her dedication to her managerial duties, makes her a key team member of the Mosaic Early Intervention Team.
Jess is the Office Manager here at Mosaic Early Intervention. After her Higher School Certificate Jess went on and completed a Traineeship that provided an accreditation in Banking and Finance and went on to work in banking for over 5 years. Jess received notable media attention for being an advocate for alternative pathways to professional careers outside of those associated with traditional university degrees.
Since banking Jess worked in various law firms for 8 years. Since having a child of her own, Jess’ passion has been to work with children. Jess is someone who is always happy to help and is very dedicated to her job. Jess’ cheerful nature projects throughout the Mosaic office and has a lasting effect. This, coupled with her dedication to her managerial duties, makes her a key team member of the Mosaic Early Intervention Team.
Behaviour Consultant
Amanda Valderrama, BBehSc, Grad Cert (ABA), M.Couns
Amanda completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Science in 2014, and a Master of Counselling in 2016 at the University of Notre Dame. As a part of her Masters degree, she completed her university placement, undergoing face-to-face counselling and facilitating mental health workshops for adolescents. Amanda completed her Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis in 2020 and is working towards her certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
During her studies, Amanda volunteered in schools, and in social skill groups for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Amanda focused her Masters’ research paper on the benefits of parental involvement in family-centered interventions for children with ASD. Since then, Amanda has worked as an in-home Senior ABA therapist and pre-school shadow on several teams, with children between the ages of 20 months to 7 years old, before beginning her role as Behaviour Consultant.
Amanda completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Science in 2014, and a Master of Counselling in 2016 at the University of Notre Dame. As a part of her Masters degree, she completed her university placement, undergoing face-to-face counselling and facilitating mental health workshops for adolescents. Amanda completed her Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis in 2020 and is working towards her certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
During her studies, Amanda volunteered in schools, and in social skill groups for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Amanda focused her Masters’ research paper on the benefits of parental involvement in family-centered interventions for children with ASD. Since then, Amanda has worked as an in-home Senior ABA therapist and pre-school shadow on several teams, with children between the ages of 20 months to 7 years old, before beginning her role as Behaviour Consultant.
Behaviour Consultant
Teresa Hoang, BSc. Psych
Teresa has completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology at the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Griffith University. She is currently completing her Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis at Griffith University and is working towards her certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
Teresa began work as an ABA therapist in 2016. Since then, she has gained experience working with children between the ages of 2 and 7 years old and has worked in various environments such as in schools as a shadow, in clinic and as an in-home therapist.
Teresa is passionate about helping children with ASD and other developmental delays reach their full potential. Her interests include promoting independence of daily living skills, generalisation of skills, parent and family training, and the implementation of ABA programs in the school environment.
Teresa has completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology at the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Griffith University. She is currently completing her Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis at Griffith University and is working towards her certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
Teresa began work as an ABA therapist in 2016. Since then, she has gained experience working with children between the ages of 2 and 7 years old and has worked in various environments such as in schools as a shadow, in clinic and as an in-home therapist.
Teresa is passionate about helping children with ASD and other developmental delays reach their full potential. Her interests include promoting independence of daily living skills, generalisation of skills, parent and family training, and the implementation of ABA programs in the school environment.
Senior Behaviour Technician
Mikhaela Natta, BHSc (Hearing & Speech), Grad Cert Education (Autism)
Mikhaela received a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Hearing and Speech from Sydney University in 2017, completed her Graduate Certificate in Education (Autism) at Torrens University in 2020, and is currently studying a Master of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Monash University. Mikhaela is working towards her certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
During her undergraduate studies, Mikhaela completed a practical placement at a preschool, where she gained experience implementing language stimulation activities with their children. During this placement, Mikhaela had the opportunity to work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a range of language and developmental delays. Since then, and through further work as an English tutor, as well as experiences as an ABA Therapist, Mikhaela gained a commitment and passionate enthusiasm for assisting children with developmental difficulties.
Mikhaela strives to help children achieve their full potential and personal goals. Mikhaela has gained a skillset for working in an integrated way with both the children, their families and educators.
Mikhaela began working as a dedicated, full time ABA Therapist in January 2019 and since then has been fortunate to be involved on several teams as both an in-home senior behaviour technician and a school shadow.
Mikhaela received a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Hearing and Speech from Sydney University in 2017, completed her Graduate Certificate in Education (Autism) at Torrens University in 2020, and is currently studying a Master of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Monash University. Mikhaela is working towards her certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
During her undergraduate studies, Mikhaela completed a practical placement at a preschool, where she gained experience implementing language stimulation activities with their children. During this placement, Mikhaela had the opportunity to work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a range of language and developmental delays. Since then, and through further work as an English tutor, as well as experiences as an ABA Therapist, Mikhaela gained a commitment and passionate enthusiasm for assisting children with developmental difficulties.
Mikhaela strives to help children achieve their full potential and personal goals. Mikhaela has gained a skillset for working in an integrated way with both the children, their families and educators.
Mikhaela began working as a dedicated, full time ABA Therapist in January 2019 and since then has been fortunate to be involved on several teams as both an in-home senior behaviour technician and a school shadow.
Senior Behaviour Technician
Zoe Fuller, BSc.Psych, Grad Dip (Psychology)
Zoe completed her Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology in 2019 at Macquarie University and her Graduate Diploma in Psychology in 2020 at Western Sydney University. Zoe is currently completing a Master in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Monash University and is working towards her certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
Zoe has a keen interest in educational assessment and children’s school readiness. She completed her introductory training to ABA in May 2018 and has worked with a variety of children around Southern Sydney since then.
Zoe is passionate about aiding those with developmental difficulties and teaching them skills for life. She finds the most rewarding part of being a Senior Behaviour Technician is the growth and development children show when learning new skills and gaining their independence.
You can catch Zoe singing and dancing in many of her sessions, she is enthusiastic and builds great rapport with children and their families.
Zoe completed her Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology in 2019 at Macquarie University and her Graduate Diploma in Psychology in 2020 at Western Sydney University. Zoe is currently completing a Master in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Monash University and is working towards her certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
Zoe has a keen interest in educational assessment and children’s school readiness. She completed her introductory training to ABA in May 2018 and has worked with a variety of children around Southern Sydney since then.
Zoe is passionate about aiding those with developmental difficulties and teaching them skills for life. She finds the most rewarding part of being a Senior Behaviour Technician is the growth and development children show when learning new skills and gaining their independence.
You can catch Zoe singing and dancing in many of her sessions, she is enthusiastic and builds great rapport with children and their families.
Senior Behaviour Technician
Ebony Cross
Ebony is currently studying a Bachelor of Science ( Psychology). She thoroughly enjoys helping children with ASD and other developmental disabilities, having developed a passion for working with young children and their families.
With loads of energy and an outgoing and bubbly demeanour, Ebony is highly motivated to help children with developmental challenges thrive and reach their goals.
Due to graduate at the end of 2022, Ebony is looking forward to a career that will bring great outcomes for the children she works with, and the satisfaction of knowing she contributed to their growth and success.
Ebony is currently studying a Bachelor of Science ( Psychology). She thoroughly enjoys helping children with ASD and other developmental disabilities, having developed a passion for working with young children and their families.
With loads of energy and an outgoing and bubbly demeanour, Ebony is highly motivated to help children with developmental challenges thrive and reach their goals.
Due to graduate at the end of 2022, Ebony is looking forward to a career that will bring great outcomes for the children she works with, and the satisfaction of knowing she contributed to their growth and success.
Senior Behaviour Technician
Callie MacGregor, BPsychSc
Callie completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (honours) at the University of Wollongong.
Developing her passion for working with children through her experience as a dance teacher for children between the ages of 2-15, Callie has a keen interest in working with children with ASD and other developmental delays. Callie understands the integral role of the family dynamic and enjoys working closely with families.
Callie enjoys being active and playing team sports. She is excited to bring her energy, empathy and understanding to each session and is looking forward to watching each child reach their goals.
Callie completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (honours) at the University of Wollongong.
Developing her passion for working with children through her experience as a dance teacher for children between the ages of 2-15, Callie has a keen interest in working with children with ASD and other developmental delays. Callie understands the integral role of the family dynamic and enjoys working closely with families.
Callie enjoys being active and playing team sports. She is excited to bring her energy, empathy and understanding to each session and is looking forward to watching each child reach their goals.
Behaviour Technician
Rebecca Dooley, BPsychSc
Rebecca completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science in 2020 at Australian Catholic University. With a passion to work with children facing challenges and her interested in the field strengthened after volunteering as an assistant in a PHD research paper examining the psychosocial adjustment of Refugee Children, Rebecca is excited to be continuing her studies in Psychology.
Rebecca is an advocate for promoting the wellbeing of children and is a believer in the unique potential of each child. She expresses gratitude at the opportunity to support children in meeting developmental milestones and feeling confident in themselves.
Rebecca is currently completing her Lifeline Training as a Crisis Support Volunteer, this accompanies her belief in the importance of developing rapport, strengthening relationships and empowering individuals to best support and reach their individualised goals.
Rebecca completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science in 2020 at Australian Catholic University. With a passion to work with children facing challenges and her interested in the field strengthened after volunteering as an assistant in a PHD research paper examining the psychosocial adjustment of Refugee Children, Rebecca is excited to be continuing her studies in Psychology.
Rebecca is an advocate for promoting the wellbeing of children and is a believer in the unique potential of each child. She expresses gratitude at the opportunity to support children in meeting developmental milestones and feeling confident in themselves.
Rebecca is currently completing her Lifeline Training as a Crisis Support Volunteer, this accompanies her belief in the importance of developing rapport, strengthening relationships and empowering individuals to best support and reach their individualised goals.
Behaviour Technician
Julia Papas
Julia is currently studying a bachelor of Occupational Therapy and is due to graduate in 2022.
Through her experience as a dance teacher for children between the ages of 2-17, Julia developed a passion for working with children, thoroughly enjoying watching them develop and reach their goals. Her kind and caring nature led her to develop an interest in helping children with disabilities, to gain further experience, Julia began working as a support worker.
Julia interests include family collaboration and bringing energy and creativity to her therapy sessions, so that she keeps the children she works with engaged and so that they enjoy learning from her.
Julia is currently studying a bachelor of Occupational Therapy and is due to graduate in 2022.
Through her experience as a dance teacher for children between the ages of 2-17, Julia developed a passion for working with children, thoroughly enjoying watching them develop and reach their goals. Her kind and caring nature led her to develop an interest in helping children with disabilities, to gain further experience, Julia began working as a support worker.
Julia interests include family collaboration and bringing energy and creativity to her therapy sessions, so that she keeps the children she works with engaged and so that they enjoy learning from her.
Behaviour Technician
Shalene Lal
Shalene is in her third year studying a bachelor of commerce and psychology at Macquarie university. Due to graduate 2022, Shalene is interested in continuing her studies to become a registered psychologist, specialising in children’s relationships and managing trauma.
Shalene is passionate about helping children with ASD and other developmental delays reach their developmental milestones and full potential. Her interests include increasing engagement in play, functional communication, and ensuring generalisation of skills across people and environments.
Shalene is in her third year studying a bachelor of commerce and psychology at Macquarie university. Due to graduate 2022, Shalene is interested in continuing her studies to become a registered psychologist, specialising in children’s relationships and managing trauma.
Shalene is passionate about helping children with ASD and other developmental delays reach their developmental milestones and full potential. Her interests include increasing engagement in play, functional communication, and ensuring generalisation of skills across people and environments.
Behaviour Technician
Sadikshya Bhattarai
Sadie is currently in her second year, completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree at Australian Catholic University. After graduating, she plans to complete her Honours and then Masters in Clinical Psychology. Passionate about working with children, Sadie’s aspires to work as a children’s Psychologist.
Sadie is enthusiastic about assisting children with ASD and other developmental delays achieve their full social and academic potential. She aims to make all children feel safe, gain confidence and develop the skills needed to feel empowered.
Sadie strives to improve the lives of children by creating a cheerful, empathetic, and understanding environment for them to learn in. She is eager to see the children she works with grow and gain their independence.
Sadie is currently in her second year, completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree at Australian Catholic University. After graduating, she plans to complete her Honours and then Masters in Clinical Psychology. Passionate about working with children, Sadie’s aspires to work as a children’s Psychologist.
Sadie is enthusiastic about assisting children with ASD and other developmental delays achieve their full social and academic potential. She aims to make all children feel safe, gain confidence and develop the skills needed to feel empowered.
Sadie strives to improve the lives of children by creating a cheerful, empathetic, and understanding environment for them to learn in. She is eager to see the children she works with grow and gain their independence.
Behaviour Technician
April Mallon
April is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of Wollongong and is due to graduate at the end of 2022. Her studies have sparked a passion for early intervention and facilitating skills that form the foundations of quality and continued development.
Having volunteered in mental-health research for school-aged children, April strives to provide a fun and safe environment for children to develop, learn, and grow. She has a keen interest in developmental disorders and aims to continue her studies into neuropsychology with a special focus on paediatrics.
April is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of Wollongong and is due to graduate at the end of 2022. Her studies have sparked a passion for early intervention and facilitating skills that form the foundations of quality and continued development.
Having volunteered in mental-health research for school-aged children, April strives to provide a fun and safe environment for children to develop, learn, and grow. She has a keen interest in developmental disorders and aims to continue her studies into neuropsychology with a special focus on paediatrics.
Behaviour Technician
Claire Bryan-Ellis
Claire is in her third year of a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree. This qualification is designed to provide comprehensive training in the scientific study of human behaviour and experience, as well as build skills to help others improve their wellbeing and psychological health. To diversify her understanding of perspectives in mental health Claire has also undertaken subjects such as Mind-Body Wellness and Mindfulness at the Nan Tien Institute of Higher Education. Claire has gained further experience through her position as an administration assistant at a psychology clinic in Wollongong, where she provided a warm and friendly atmosphere for the diverse range of clients visiting the clinic for mental and occupational health services.
Through her volunteer role as a Junior Leader with Girl Guides, Claire found her passion for supporting children to develop life skills and confidence through various mediums like art, sports and music. Her involvement included attaining her Queen’s Guide Award, the peak achievement award in the program.
Claire is caring and enthusiastic, she creates a fun and positive learning environment for the children she works with and is a valued member of the Mosaic team.
Claire is in her third year of a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree. This qualification is designed to provide comprehensive training in the scientific study of human behaviour and experience, as well as build skills to help others improve their wellbeing and psychological health. To diversify her understanding of perspectives in mental health Claire has also undertaken subjects such as Mind-Body Wellness and Mindfulness at the Nan Tien Institute of Higher Education. Claire has gained further experience through her position as an administration assistant at a psychology clinic in Wollongong, where she provided a warm and friendly atmosphere for the diverse range of clients visiting the clinic for mental and occupational health services.
Through her volunteer role as a Junior Leader with Girl Guides, Claire found her passion for supporting children to develop life skills and confidence through various mediums like art, sports and music. Her involvement included attaining her Queen’s Guide Award, the peak achievement award in the program.
Claire is caring and enthusiastic, she creates a fun and positive learning environment for the children she works with and is a valued member of the Mosaic team.
Behaviour Technician
Sophie Bloor
Sophie is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons.) at the University of Wollongong. Due to graduate in 2023, Sophie is interested in pursuing further studies to gain registration as a psychologist.
Sophie has developed a strong interest in working with children who have a disability through her experience as a volunteer disability sports program coach. Sophie is passionate about creating a supportive environment to encourage each child’s growth, and guide them towards reaching their goals.
Through her experience in private tutoring she has developed a commitment to ensuring the session is suited to each child to maintain engagement and develop their skills
Sophie is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons.) at the University of Wollongong. Due to graduate in 2023, Sophie is interested in pursuing further studies to gain registration as a psychologist.
Sophie has developed a strong interest in working with children who have a disability through her experience as a volunteer disability sports program coach. Sophie is passionate about creating a supportive environment to encourage each child’s growth, and guide them towards reaching their goals.
Through her experience in private tutoring she has developed a commitment to ensuring the session is suited to each child to maintain engagement and develop their skills
Behaviour Technician
Tia Tudehope
Tia completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2021 at Western Sydney University and is aiming to complete a Masters in Clinical Psychology in the future.
Throughout her studies Tia always had an interest in the area of child development and teaching children new skills. She thoroughly enjoys working with children with ASD and other developmental delays, as she loves seeing them make progress and achieve their goals.
Tia's warm and caring nature helps her to create a supportive and comfortable environment for the children she works with to learn in.
Tia completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2021 at Western Sydney University and is aiming to complete a Masters in Clinical Psychology in the future.
Throughout her studies Tia always had an interest in the area of child development and teaching children new skills. She thoroughly enjoys working with children with ASD and other developmental delays, as she loves seeing them make progress and achieve their goals.
Tia's warm and caring nature helps her to create a supportive and comfortable environment for the children she works with to learn in.
Behaviour Technician
Amy Van Loon
Amy completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology in 2020 at the University of Western Sydney. Amy is completing her Graduate Certificate in Psychology from James Cook University and is anticipating in studying a degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in 2022.
Amy has gained experience working with children and young people, supporting them towards goals in their home, and community settings. Amy is very passionate about working with children and young people with Autism and other developmental delays. She understands the importance of a collaborative and team approach, and believes this is key in helping children meet their goals across all of their settings.
Amy is very thrilled to be progressing her career in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Amy completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology in 2020 at the University of Western Sydney. Amy is completing her Graduate Certificate in Psychology from James Cook University and is anticipating in studying a degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in 2022.
Amy has gained experience working with children and young people, supporting them towards goals in their home, and community settings. Amy is very passionate about working with children and young people with Autism and other developmental delays. She understands the importance of a collaborative and team approach, and believes this is key in helping children meet their goals across all of their settings.
Amy is very thrilled to be progressing her career in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Behaviour Technician
Rachel Aquilina
Rachel is in her third year studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of Wollongong. After graduating at the end of 2022, she aims to complete her Honours year, followed by a Master of Clinical Psychology.
Due to her interest in developmental psychology, Rachel strives to assist children with ASD and other developmental disorders in reaching their full potential and always aims to provide them with a safe and fun environment for them to truly flourish in.
Rachel is a dedicated behaviour technician who strives to improve the lives of the children she works with.
Rachel is in her third year studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of Wollongong. After graduating at the end of 2022, she aims to complete her Honours year, followed by a Master of Clinical Psychology.
Due to her interest in developmental psychology, Rachel strives to assist children with ASD and other developmental disorders in reaching their full potential and always aims to provide them with a safe and fun environment for them to truly flourish in.
Rachel is a dedicated behaviour technician who strives to improve the lives of the children she works with.
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