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
Ashleigh 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 Masters of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University. Ashleigh is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
Ashleigh has been supporting children and their families, using the principles of ABA since 2012. Ashleigh has a special interest in teaching functional communication and language skills to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other learning difficulties. Ashleigh is passionate about providing high quality, effective, evidence based programs to children and helping them reach their goals.
Ashleigh 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 Masters of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University. Ashleigh is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
Ashleigh has been supporting children and their families, using the principles of ABA since 2012. Ashleigh has a special interest in teaching functional communication and language skills to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other learning difficulties. Ashleigh is passionate about providing high quality, effective, evidence based programs to children and helping them reach their goals.
Office Manager
Jessica McKay
Jessica 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.
Jessica 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 her Masters 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 her Masters 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. Teresa will be continuing her studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis in 2021.
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. Teresa will be continuing her studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis in 2021.
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)
Mikhaela received a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Hearing and Speech from Sydney University in 2017. During her 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. During her 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. She 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. She 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
Cecilia Regan, BA.Psych(BehSc)
Cecilia completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology (Behavioural Sciences) and Sociology at the University of Sydney in 2020.
Cecilia is a dedicated and committed senior behaviour technician who strives to improve the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays by assisting them in meeting their developmental milestones. She hopes to enrich children’s lives by guiding and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
With a background in drama and theatre, Cecilia's sessions are always fun and engaging. She is passionate about furthering her experience in the field of Applied Behavioural Analysis.
Cecilia completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology (Behavioural Sciences) and Sociology at the University of Sydney in 2020.
Cecilia is a dedicated and committed senior behaviour technician who strives to improve the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays by assisting them in meeting their developmental milestones. She hopes to enrich children’s lives by guiding and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
With a background in drama and theatre, Cecilia's sessions are always fun and engaging. She is passionate about furthering her experience in the field of Applied Behavioural Analysis.
Behaviour Technician
Cassandra Pasoski, BA.AppPsych.Couns
Cassandra completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Applied Psychology and Counselling in 2018. In the final years of her studies, Cassandra began working as a Behaviour Technician and during this time found her passion in helping children with ASD and other developmental delays reach their goals.
Cassandra has gained experience supporting children, their families and educators in the home, educational and community settings. 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.
Cassandra has a special interest in helping the children she works with interact and form positive relationships with their peers and siblings. She brings fun, positivity and energy to her therapy sessions, just some of the reasons why our children love seeing her.
Cassandra completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Applied Psychology and Counselling in 2018. In the final years of her studies, Cassandra began working as a Behaviour Technician and during this time found her passion in helping children with ASD and other developmental delays reach their goals.
Cassandra has gained experience supporting children, their families and educators in the home, educational and community settings. 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.
Cassandra has a special interest in helping the children she works with interact and form positive relationships with their peers and siblings. She brings fun, positivity and energy to her therapy sessions, just some of the reasons why our children love seeing her.
Behaviour Technician
Madeleine Giouroukos, B.Psych
Madeleine completed her Bachelor of Psychology in 2019 at Macquarie University and is currently undergoing her Honours fourth year in Psychology. Madeleine has a keen interest in specialising in children and adolescent’s mental health and was further inspired after completing her voluntary placement as a requirement of her psychology degree. This placement involved mentoring and supporting young kids at a secondary school in Sydney.
Madeleine is a dedicated behavioural technician who is passionate about helping children with ASD and other developmental difficulties reach their full potential by encouraging them to achieve their personal goals.
Madeleine loves being creative and has always enjoyed all forms of performing arts, including singing, piano, art and drama which she incorporates into her sessions. She has lived overseas in the US and the UK for nearly 13 years of her life which has made her very adaptable due to having to adjust to new cultures, people and lifestyles. Some of her greatest attributes are being energetic, bubbly and empathic. She is determined to further her experience in helping children with ASD and their families.
Madeleine completed her Bachelor of Psychology in 2019 at Macquarie University and is currently undergoing her Honours fourth year in Psychology. Madeleine has a keen interest in specialising in children and adolescent’s mental health and was further inspired after completing her voluntary placement as a requirement of her psychology degree. This placement involved mentoring and supporting young kids at a secondary school in Sydney.
Madeleine is a dedicated behavioural technician who is passionate about helping children with ASD and other developmental difficulties reach their full potential by encouraging them to achieve their personal goals.
Madeleine loves being creative and has always enjoyed all forms of performing arts, including singing, piano, art and drama which she incorporates into her sessions. She has lived overseas in the US and the UK for nearly 13 years of her life which has made her very adaptable due to having to adjust to new cultures, people and lifestyles. Some of her greatest attributes are being energetic, bubbly and empathic. She is determined to further her experience in helping children with ASD and their families.
Behaviour Technician
Ebony Cross
Currently studying a Bachelor of Science ( Psychology), Ebony is now thrilled to have the opportunity to help 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.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Science ( Psychology), Ebony is now thrilled to have the opportunity to help 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.
Behaviour Technician
Stephanie Valaris, BSpHLSc
Stephanie completed a Bachelor of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences at Macquarie University in 2019. She was awarded an Academic Scholarship and will further her studies with a Master of Speech and Language Pathology due for completion in 2021.
Stephanie’s interest in speech and language pathology has been complemented by her dedication to improve and enhance the social communication skills of children. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to help children with ASD achieve their developmental and communicative goals. Accompanying her studies, Stephanie worked as a Learn to Swim Instructor and Swimming Coach, where she used her knowledge of the sport to dedicatedly help children learn swimming skills. She aims to bring the same dedication to her work as a Behaviour Technician.
Stephanie finds enjoyment in participating in regular athletic activities such as swimming, dancing and hockey. She aspires to carry her active lifestyle into her work to create sessions that are fun, dynamic and energetic.
Stephanie completed a Bachelor of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences at Macquarie University in 2019. She was awarded an Academic Scholarship and will further her studies with a Master of Speech and Language Pathology due for completion in 2021.
Stephanie’s interest in speech and language pathology has been complemented by her dedication to improve and enhance the social communication skills of children. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to help children with ASD achieve their developmental and communicative goals. Accompanying her studies, Stephanie worked as a Learn to Swim Instructor and Swimming Coach, where she used her knowledge of the sport to dedicatedly help children learn swimming skills. She aims to bring the same dedication to her work as a Behaviour Technician.
Stephanie finds enjoyment in participating in regular athletic activities such as swimming, dancing and hockey. She aspires to carry her active lifestyle into her work to create sessions that are fun, dynamic and energetic.
Behaviour Technician
Callie MacGregor
Callie is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Wollongong, due to graduate at the end of 2020, and will be pursuing further studies in the field.
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 is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Wollongong, due to graduate at the end of 2020, and will be pursuing further studies in the field.
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
Jessica Katsamatsas
Jessica completed her Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology in 2019 at the University of Wollongong and will be commencing her honours year in psychology with Monash University in 2021.
Having worked in high school with children between the ages of 12-16 years with developmental disabilities, Jessica was inspired to pursue a career which would give her the ability to provide support for children at an early age.
Jessica has a keen interest supporting children with the challenges they experience socially and academically. She is passionate about making children feel safe and included within all of their environments, and enjoys helping them build the confidence and skills they need to grow and live a fulfilling life.
Jessica completed her Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology in 2019 at the University of Wollongong and will be commencing her honours year in psychology with Monash University in 2021.
Having worked in high school with children between the ages of 12-16 years with developmental disabilities, Jessica was inspired to pursue a career which would give her the ability to provide support for children at an early age.
Jessica has a keen interest supporting children with the challenges they experience socially and academically. She is passionate about making children feel safe and included within all of their environments, and enjoys helping them build the confidence and skills they need to grow and live a fulfilling life.
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
Ervin Zhao
Ervin is currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology at UNSW., following the completion of a double degree in Economics and Arts. He considers this distinctive change a reflection of his genuine and enduring interest in youth mental health, developmental delays and ASD.
With a background in private tutoring for children and adolescents, Ervin ensures that his lessons are always uniquely tailored to best suit the needs of each individual. He is a passionate advocate of early intervention and support, and volunteers consistently for youth-based organisations such as ReachOut Australia.
Ervin enjoys artistic pursuits and looks forward to incorporating creative outlets in his sessions. He values and upholds kindness, patience, diversity and empathy, and aspires to nurture true potential of the children he works with.
Ervin is currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology at UNSW., following the completion of a double degree in Economics and Arts. He considers this distinctive change a reflection of his genuine and enduring interest in youth mental health, developmental delays and ASD.
With a background in private tutoring for children and adolescents, Ervin ensures that his lessons are always uniquely tailored to best suit the needs of each individual. He is a passionate advocate of early intervention and support, and volunteers consistently for youth-based organisations such as ReachOut Australia.
Ervin enjoys artistic pursuits and looks forward to incorporating creative outlets in his sessions. He values and upholds kindness, patience, diversity and empathy, and aspires to nurture true potential of the children he works with.
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.
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