NDIS Psychologist Illawarra

Kim Konowec

Practice Manager

Kim began her career in business administration, marketing and accounting and after receiving experience in each area then moved into her favourite roles in business management. She loves to work within a team and strives to achieve a positive and supporting working environment where every member of the team is supported.  Kim said: ‘My goal is to create an environment that allows our clinicians to concentrate on what they do best, working with their participants to provide a high quality service and achieve the best outcomes possible.’

She loves to liaise with our clinicians, participants, families and stakeholders to improve service areas wherever possible.

Giselle Tadros

Senior Psychologist

Sydney and the Illawarra

Giselle is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA, an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society and has over 10 years of experience working with people with disability. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) in 2008, and her Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology in 2009, at the University of Western Sydney. She is also recognised with AHPRA as a Board Approved Supervisor for Provisional Psychologists. Giselle is also a certified CPI Safety Intervention Instructor and CPI Dementia Capable Care Instructor.

Giselle has worked with a wide range of complex clients with varying diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities (mild to severe), Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders. Challenging behaviours is an area of interest to Giselle, with her experiencing relating to complex trauma, self-injurious behaviours, communicative difficulties, aggressive behaviours, and contact with the criminal justice system. Giselle has completed Functional Behaviour Assessments, Psychometric Assessments, implemented Positive Behaviour Support Models, developed and conducted various training for carers, staff, support workers and other stakeholders as well as implemented evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Person-Centered Interventions with both children and adults.

Giselle has a passion for supporting individuals with disabilities, dual diagnoses trauma background and involvement in the criminal justice system well as their stakeholders in order to improve their quality of life.

Kimberly Herivel

Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner/Psychologist

Newcastle

Kimberly is a registered Psychologist who has been with Interaction since 2015.  Individual and group therapy, supporting families, staff teams and other stakeholders, along with positive behaviour support strategies is what Kimberly’s role involves on a regular basis.

Kimberly is a registered Parenting Facilitator with ‘Circle of Security’ – a research based program focusing on the relationship between children and their parents, and how strengthening this connection can increase emotional security.  She is consistently learning from peers and clients, and loves the variety of people she comes into contact with.

Kimberly has previously worked in the NFP sector in both youth homelessness and disability.

Natasha Tmusic

Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney and Central Coast

Natasha began her career at Interaction a number of years ago as a support worker, working in direct support and gradually moving through a number of our high support programs. Natasha has extensive training and experience in working with a wide range of people with disability, and in particular those with PWS. Originally commenced a Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Social Science, Natasha discovered a passion for neuroscience, behavioural and cognitive sciences and psychology. This led Natasha to her current studies, a double degree at Macquarie University (Bachelor of Neuroscience and Bachelor of Psychology). In her current role within the BAHS team, Natasha’s key responsibilities include conducting behavioural assessments and reports, providing positive behaviour strategies and plans, training and implementation support and clinical consultation with key stakeholders.

Lauren Nash

Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner/Psychologist

Central Coast

Lauren has been a member of the Interaction Team since 2007 and has almost 20 years’ experience in the public and private sectors. She has worked across education, community, accommodation, and clinical settings, and has obtained Bachelor degrees in Management and Applied Psychology, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology. Lauren is an AHPRA registered Psychologist and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society. As a member of the BAHS Team, Lauren’s key responsibilities are providing psychometric assessments and reports, positive behaviour support programs, training and implementation support, individual therapy and clinical consultation. Lauren has enjoyed working with all her clientele over the years but has a particular interest in engaging with and improving psychosocial wellness for children, young persons and their families. She has a keen interest in trauma informed practice and dual diagnostics.

Kylie Sauvao

Behaviour Support Practitioner

The Illawarra

Kylie is a dedicated practitioner with over 6 years’ experience in the disability sector and a background in nursing and aged care. She is passionate about assisting people with disability and about advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with mental health challenges. Her goal is to empower participants, ensuring they receive respect, dignity, and opportunities. She thrives in creating inclusive environments that foster positive outcomes for individuals and their families based on a strong foundation, empathetic care and support.

Jessica Aguero

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Macarthur and the Illawarra

Jessica has a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the Australian College of Applied Psychology. Jessica provides person-centred services to participants with a wide variety of diagnoses. Within the BAHS team, Jessica’s key responsibilities are conducting behavioural assessments and reports, providing positive behaviour support strategies and plans and clinical consultation with key stakeholders.

Natasha Calafate

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Natasha has a passion for helping others and has always been interested in human behaviour and mental health.  Natasha is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner and also continues to expand her qualifications, currently studying Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling.  After joining Interaction in 2016 her dedication and passion has enabled her to obtain a wide range of knowledge and experience within the organisation. Natasha has been working within the allied health team for a number of years now and is a valued member of the team.

Samantha Hiley

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Central Coast

Samantha has been a member of Interaction since 2011 and holds a Bachelor of Arts with an extended major in Psychology from the University of Queensland. Prior to joining the BAHS team in 2022, Samantha worked in other areas of Interaction including senior management, before following her passion to work with participants and their families to achieve their goals.

Samantha is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner who has recently completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support.

Helen Amos

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Central Coast

Helen has been an invaluable member of the Interaction team for more than 20 years. She has worked across several programs including accommodation, community and clinical settings which have provided a broad knowledge of the support networks surrounding her participants. Helen holds a BA in Community Welfare, and BA Honours 1st Class in Social Science. Her passion of working with families, particularly parents with intellectual disability inspired her research on ‘Parents with Intellectual Disability and the Child Protection Process’. Helen is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner who has recently completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support. Being able to work as a team with participants and their support networks is what Helen loves most about her role.

Liam Jones

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Currently in the midst of completing my Bachelor of Psychology (honours) at Macquarie University. Liam previously worked as a disability support worker for over 2 years, specifically working with participants with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Liam joined the team in mid 2023 as a Behaviour Support Practitioner.

Shannon Hernon

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Shannon is an experienced professional in the Child Protection field, boasting four years of dedicated service, including three years with the Department of Community Services (QLD) and one year with AXIA Solutions, working directly with FACS (NSW). She has also completed significant work experience, totaling 950 hours at Child Safety (QLD) and 1,000 hours at Moving Forward (Domestic Violence, NSW). Shannon holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Griffith University and is currently a Behavioural Support Practitioner, where she applies her extensive background and training to support individuals.

Merrin Boulton

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Central Coast and Newcastle

Merrin is a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner with a Bachelor of Education and is registered with NESA. After a 24-year teaching career and working extensively to support children with disabilities in the classroom, she has decided to follow her passion to work directly with participants and their families to achieve their goals in their homes and the community.

She is particularly interested in ADHD, ASD, Cerebral Palsy and intellectual disability. Merrin is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for children and young people with disabilities by collaborating closely with their families and stakeholders.

Dhanshri (Dhana) Shinde

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Dhanshri (Dhana) is qualified mental health professional with a Master’s degree In Psychology (Clinical-Neuro) and Post grad Diploma in Health Psychology, experience supporting individuals with disabilities, psychosocial needs and developmental conditions. She brings a holistic and personal centered approach to her role as a behaviour support practitioner, using evidence-based strategies including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)Trauma informed practice and positive behaviour support.

With a background in mental health and wellness coaching, Dhanshri brings a unique holistic perspective to her role with a strong focus on goal setting, capacity building and maintaining the dignity of each person she supports.

Dhanshri is committed to continuous learning and deeply values the insight gained from every client and families she works with.

Jason Safro

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Jason holds double bachelor’s in Psychology and Cognitive and Brain Sciences and is studying to be a clinical psychologist. He is passionate about mental health and wants to integrate theory and practice to help treat complex conditions in the community.

Sam McBeath

Provisional Psychologist/Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney, Sutherland, and The Illawarra

Sam is a Provisional Psychologist registered with AHPRA and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society. He originally completed a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) in 2016 and worked as a journalist before transitioning into psychology. Sam subsequently completed a Graduate Diploma of Psychology at Monash University in 2023, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) at Deakin University in 2024 and is finalising a Master of Professional Psychology at the University of New England in 2025.

Sam has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, particularly within OOHC services. He has supported children and young people with a range of mental health concerns and neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and mild to moderate intellectual disability. His work includes supporting behaviours of concern—such as emotional dysregulation, aggression, and high-risk behaviours—using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centred approaches.

Sam is committed to strengths-based, person-centred care that recognises everyone as more than a diagnosis. His therapeutic style emphasises self-compassion, honest reflection, and collaborative partnership within a safe, respectful, and genuine therapeutic environment.

He is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and integrates mindfulness, meditation and elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Influenced by clinicians such as Irvin Yalom and Viktor Frankl, Sam plans to pursue further training in existential and psychodynamic therapies to support clients seeking clarity, purpose and meaning.

Lourda Tooma

Provisional Psychologist/Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sydney

Lourda is a dedicated Provisional Psychologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner with a strong academic foundation and diverse experience in mental health and safeguarding. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (UNSW), a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced (Monash), and a Master of Professional Psychology (UNE). Currently, she is advancing her expertise through a Master of Clinical Psychology (Advanced) at UNE.