Meet Mel
Hi, I’m Mel. I’m a counsellor, clinical hypnotherapist, educator, and a neurodivergent parent of a neurodivergent child.
I have over 15 years of experience across education, behaviour support, and therapeutic work. I support neurodivergent adults and parents who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of their next steps.
My approach is calm, practical, and neuroaffirming, combining clinical training with lived experience to help you better understand yourself and feel more in control.
Sessions are available in a warm, private therapy room at Evolve Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub in Charlestown, or as walk-and-talk sessions in local outdoor spaces such as Redhead Beach and Speers Point Park.
From the Classroom to the Counselling Room
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent over a decade working in education as an autism specialist teacher and learning support coordinator. I worked closely with neurodivergent students and their families, particularly those navigating school systems that didn't always recognise or accommodate their needs.
But my understanding of neurodivergence extends well beyond the classroom.
I'm a mum of two, and I've experienced firsthand what it's like to navigate diagnoses, therapies, school meetings and the NDIS as a parent. I know how exhausting it can be to constantly advocate for your child, even when you know exactly what they need.
I also discovered later in life that I'm autistic and ADHD myself. That brought a whole new perspective, not just to my own experiences, but to the work I'd been doing for years.
Moving from teaching into counselling allowed me to bring these different parts of my experience together. These days, I support children, teens, adults and families through Bright Feathers, combining professional knowledge with lived experience and a practical, down-to-earth approach.
I don't believe there's a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting people. What matters is understanding the person in front of you and working together to find what actually helps.
My Philosophy
My approach is neuroaffirming, person-centred and trauma-informed. That means working with you, not trying to fit you into a particular mould.
I believe good support should recognise your strengths, respect your choices and consider the environments and expectations that affect everyday life.
Whether we're exploring challenges, building practical strategies or simply making sense of things, we'll work together at a pace that suits you.
Experience & Qualifications
I bring more than 15 years of experience across education, behaviour support and therapeutic work, specialising in supporting neurodivergent people and families.
Qualifications & Registration
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Diploma of Counselling | Institute of Applied Psychology
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Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy | Hypnotherapy Training Australia
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Postgraduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) | University of Newcastle
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Bachelor of Fine Arts | University of Newcastle
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Registered Counsellor | Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
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Postgraduate studies in Autism and Neurodivergence | University of Wollongong
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Positive Behaviour Support Training | Monash University
