About Amelia Read

B. Psyc Sci (Hons), M. Clin Psyc
As the Founder, Director, and Principal Psychologist at Amelia Read Psychology, Amelia brings over a decade of expertise in the mental health sector, specialising in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, specific learning disorders, and associated conditions. With a master's degree in clinical psychology, Amelia has dedicated her career to providing tailored support to children, adults, and families facing the challenges of neurodiversity.

Amelia’s approach is not only evidence based but shaped by her own lived experience of neurodiversity. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism herself, she understands firsthand the unique perspectives and challenges of neurodiversity. It is this personal understanding that has fuelled her mission to champion and empower the neurodiverse community through compassionate care and advocacy.

Amelia’s areas of specialisation include diagnostic assessments, ADHD/Autism coaching, parent education, and preventative/proactive interventions. Together with her dynamic team, Amelia also assists eligible clients in accessing and navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), allowing for a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to client care.

Additionally, Amelia is a STAP approved supervisor and offers supervision services to psychologists and other allied health professionals to increase understanding of neurodiversity in client presentations. Through her advocacy efforts, Amelia strives to break down barriers and ensure equitable access to essential services and support for individuals within the neurodiverse community.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Amelia finds joy in spending time with her fur baby, Suki, and exploring the great outdoors through boating, fishing, and camping adventures (when she's not playing her nintendo switch).

Luciana

Registered Psychologist

BPsych (Hons), M. Psych (Prof), M. Psych (Clinical)

Luciana Romano, a highly qualified psychologist, earned her Bachelor's degree from Griffith University and dual Master's degrees from Bond University. Her extensive experience spans various settings, including private practice, schools, and community services, working with diverse age groups.

She prioritizes establishing a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship, tailored to each client's unique needs. Luciana employs evidence-based techniques such as CBT, ACT, DBT, EFT Tapping, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Parenting Skills to address behavioral and psychological challenges in a safe, non-judgmental space.

Additionally, she conducts a range of assessments, including cognitive, educational, ASD, and ADHD assessments, aiding in diagnosis, educational support, NDIS applications, and informing interventions. Outside of work, Luciana enjoys outdoor activities with loved ones. She is fluent in both English and Portuguese.

Shai

Registered Psychologist

BPsySci(Hons), M. Psych (Clinical)

Shai, holding a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Bond University and a Bachelor's with Honors in Psychological Science from Griffith University, brings a wealth of experience across various settings, including private rehabilitation and university clinics, with a special understanding of family dynamics due to caring for her disabled brother. Her passion lies in supporting recovery from Adverse Childhood Experiences, Complex Trauma, Mood Disorders, and Addiction, employing a client-centered, trauma-informed approach that integrates evidence-based techniques such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT tapping, Schema Therapy, ACT, and DBT. Shai provides comprehensive assessments and enjoys outdoor activities with loved ones outside of work.

Sarah

Clinical Psychologist

M.Psych (Clinical), B.A.Psych (Honours), B.Ed (Primary)

Sarah Hanley, a seasoned clinical psychologist, brings extensive experience supporting young people and families, following a decade-long tenure as a primary school teacher. Specializing in learning difficulties, neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety, body image, and behavioral challenges, she has worked across diverse clinical settings including schools, mental health services, and universities. Passionate about evidence-based therapies, she employs CBT, ACT, FBT, and DBT, and is accredited in programs targeting anxiety and eating disorders. As a board-approved supervisor, she mentors early career psychologists and engages in research, particularly focusing on body image and social media. Sarah offers comprehensive assessments and enjoys family time, reading, travel, and fitness outside of work.

Samira

Paediatric Physiotherapist

Samira is a high-caliber, positive, and friendly physiotherapist.

She brings 20 years of experience working in pediatric physiotherapy as well as hydrotherapy, yoga, tai chi, and group physiotherapy, exercise programs.
In addition to helping children with physical, neurological, and respiratory conditions, Samira has a special interest in treating children with autism and ADHD to reach their optimum function at home and school.
Samira uses hydrotherapy and other evidence-based treatments to help her clients.

Samira holds a Bachelor's degree in physiotherapy and is presently completing a Master's degree in advanced physiotherapy practice in paediatrics at Monash University.

Samira enjoys spending her free time with her family at the beach, loves yoga, and works out most days at the Gym.

Eda

Registered Psychologist

BPsySci(Hons), M. Psych (Clinical)

Eda Yates, a registered psychologist, is dedicated to nurturing mental health and wellbeing. With degrees in Psychology and Sport & Exercise Psychology from Turkey and the UK, respectively, she offers a diverse perspective. With almost a decade of experience across Australia and abroad, she provides tailored therapy grounded in a strong therapeutic alliance. Eda's approach emphasizes collaboration and empathy, incorporating cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and compassion-focused therapy. Her areas of expertise include sport psychology, trauma, ASD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Whether clients seek personal growth or tackle specific challenges, Eda guides them toward mental wellness with care and support. She eagerly anticipates partnering with clients on their journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

NDIS Support Coordinator

Eden is a proud mother of 3 and is fortunate enough to have called the Gold Coast her home for the past 35 years. Eden is very fluent with NDIS and understands Neurodiversity well with her own lived experience (being diagnosed herself along with her 3 children.)

Eden is passionate about assisting those in need of disability support gain access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. She is very knowledgeable with NDIS funding, coordinating supports/plans and general support coordination.
She is a lover of sports, whether it's playing, coaching, umpiring or watching her children play - she can always be found at the local sporting centre.

Eden is passionate about supporting the Neurodiverse community and any clients and families that walk through our doors. She is kind, supportive, easy to talk to and always puts the needs of her clients first.

Eden
Tayla

NDIS Coordinator

Criminologist/Therapy Assistant

Tayla is a graduate with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She is dedicated, passionate, and driven to help others, and is grateful for the opportunity to work with individuals and their families to create a safe and supportive environment.

Tayla hopes to make a positive lasting impact on the well-being of others.

Tayla has spent her life on the Gold Coast and comes from a big family. When she isn’t working, she loves taking her dog to the beach, walks with her partner, and going to the movies. She is outgoing, and fun, and loves to spend time with her family and friends.

Clinic Coordinator

Anne, or some of you may know her as Annie, is our Clinic Coordinator and your first point of service at
Amelia Read Psychology.

She has more than 8 years' experience in the medical industry in marketing and administration roles and is currently finishing her Bachelor of Psychological Science before moving on to her Master's in Psychosexual Health to become a specialist in Maternal mental and sexual health.

When she is not at work she is usually enjoying time in the sun with her daughter Hazel and her dog Parker.

Anne
Ash

Groups Coordinator

Ash has joined the Amelia Read Psychology team in 2023, after 12 years abroad in Germany.

She has over six years of experience working in the Marketing industry and has returned home to the Gold Coast to pursue her Master’s in Sexology with the goal of practicing as a Clinical Sexuality Educator in the future.

Outside of work, you can find her exploring the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, or writing her next University assignment. Ash speaks English and German.

Holly

Support Worker

Holly moved down from Airlie Beach five years ago to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Honours) at Griffith University and graduated in 2022.

Holly is passionate about holistic health and wellness and strives to optimise others’ everyday lives by always showing kindness, compassion and positivity. She is dedicated to making each day as fulfilling as possible and prides herself on always holding space for others.

Outside of work, Holly values time spent walking her dog along the beach, cooking, Pilates, travelling and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Taneisha

Support Worker

Taneisha, born and raised on the Gold Coast, currently studies Psychology (Hons) at Griffith University. Alongside her studies, she has been a support worker for over two years.

Taneisha also hosts our monthly book club meetups, fostering connections among fellow book enthusiasts. She is dedicated to making her clients feel supported and brings a deep level of understanding of the neurodiverse experience.

In her free time, she enjoys beach days, traveling, reading, cooking, and caring for her plants.

Ruby

Support Worker

Ruby grew up on the Sunshine Coast and has just moved to the Gold Coast to study a Bachelor's of Speech Pathology at Southern Cross University.

She holds her Cert III in Individual Support (Disability) and has loved working as a support worker for the last 2 years, helping people achieve their goals and having fun while doing it.

Ruby enjoys surfing, running, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and going on adventures. She looking forward to exploring the Gold Coast!

Stella

Support Worker

Stella, originally from Germany, ventured to Australia in 2022 for travel but decided to extend her stay to pursue studies in marine-related subjects.

She's an active soul, engaging in surfing, hiking, and socializing with friends. In Germany, Stella's interests ranged from music and working with horses to scouting and creative pursuits like theater and art.

She's passionate about the ocean, scuba diving, holistic healing, and promoting sustainability. Stella aims to inspire younger generations by embodying a healthy lifestyle and environmental consciousness.

Jess

Support Worker

Jess, a proud Gold Coast native, has always cherished her hometown. She thrives on a lifestyle that's healthy, active, and social. When not at work, you'll spot her at the gym, enjoying coffee walks with friends, wakeboarding, or spending quality time with her family.

Driven by her passion for helping others lead fulfilling lives, Jess is currently pursuing fitness certifications (Cert 3 & 4). She's dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their dreams of health and happiness.

Beyond fitness, Jess finds fulfillment in supporting children and teens. She guides them to build confidence, explore their interests, and embrace their authentic selves.

Nick

Support Worker

Nick, originally from New Zealand, has dedicated himself to nurturing leadership skills among students from underfunded high schools. He believes in creating better role models for the younger generation starting from primary level. Nick's rewarding experiences also include teaching athletics to younger children.

Having lived in London for three years before relocating to the Gold Coast, Nick is well-traveled. His passion for healthy living and exercise was a driving force behind his move. He finds the Gold Coast particularly conducive to this lifestyle.

In his leisure time, Nick enjoys playing sports, spending time with friends, and indulging in the quintessential Gold Coast pastime – enjoying the beach.

Ethan

Support Worker

Ethan has been lucky enough to have grown up on the Gold Coast his whole life and loves the hot weather. When Ethan isn’t working, he is playing soccer or spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys a healthy way of living and understands the importance of exercise and physical activities for young children. Ethan enjoys the movies, bowling, the beach, and the gym.

Ethan loves supporting young teens and tries to set a good example for them. He prides himself on his selflessness, kindness, and open-mindedness.

Aaron

Support Worker

Aaron has lived on the Gold Coast for 2 years. Having a passion for travel he spent 3 years living and travelling around Europe & South East Asia.

Aaron worked in schools based in London helping and supporting children and teenagers with ASD and challenges with their social skills.

After returning to Australia, Aaron moved to the Gold Coast where he now works as a Music Producer and DJ.
In his spare time he enjoys playing sport, gym, surfing, reading & practising mindfulness.

Amy

Support Worker

Originally from the scenic south coast of New South Wales, Amy excelled in sports at school, eventually teaching dance during her final high school year.

During her time living abroad in London, Amy's teaching journey flourished, covering a variety of subjects as a South London High School teacher, and providing crucial support as a Teaching Assistant for special needs children.

These experiences have left an lasting mark on Amy, influencing her teaching philosophy and approach to education.

Amy, is passionate about outdoor activities, balances daily training and embraces the ocean. A confident swimmer with a love for being in the water, Amy's also loves to cook and try new healthy recipes, often accompanied by music or podcasts.

Lillie

Support Worker

Lillie was born and raised in Newcastle and made the move to the Gold Coast in 2016. She has completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and has a passion for encouraging people to be the best version of themselves.

She has a special interest in understanding ASD and ADHD and the stigmas that often surround the two conditions.

She enjoys learning about the interaction between the brain and human behaviour and in her spare time, she enjoys going for swims at Tallebudgera Creek, going to the gym, and cooking.

Daniel

Support Worker

Daniel grew up in a small town in Victoria where he loved to play soccer. He spent some time in Melbourne where he worked in a sport-focused school where he and his students would go to selected schools and run sport clinics for other kids.

Daniel gained many skills teaching a diverse range of students of all different levels of skill and ability.

Daniel now spends his time on the Gold Coast, producing music with his friends and keeping active around the coast.

Jake

Support Worker & Personal Trainer

Jake is our resident PT and fitness extraordinaire.

Originally from the UK, Jake moved to the Gold Coast in 2020 for the beautiful weather and carefree lifestyle. Jake is highly accredited in Personal Fitness and Coaching as well as holding a diploma in Excellence in Sports Performance and working as a football coach when living in the UK.

Jake is an excellent motivator and an advocate for fitness, mental and physical health and making exercise something enjoyable, that his clients look forward to rather than a chore or a means to an end.

When he gets a break from his busy schedule, Jake enjoys spending time outdoors and catching up with his mates.

Marian

Support Worker

Marian is a Former Professional Dancer & Choreographer, with more than 15 yrs experience teaching dance in Schools and working with neurodiverse students. She was the Choreographer for Children’s Amateur Theatre and has worked in outdoor education.

She holds a Diploma in Human Resources and is an excellent cook!
She loves being able to work with clients to make a difference in their everyday lives and is passionate about giving back to the community.

She enjoys kayaking and bushwalking and would love to snorkel more.
Marian loves seeing bright smiles on her client’s faces and she has a 'never give up' attitude!

Alfred

Support Worker & Mentor

Alfred is a passionate guy who loves supporting people and derives joy in supporting and caring for people in a variety of ways so that I can help them see the best version of themselves.

Alfred is currently studying for his master’s in social work at Griffith University. He has extensive experience in support work, as well as in counseling and mentoring in young, adolescent, and adult settings.

Outside of work, Alfred is a music lover. He plays several musical instruments and also loves to sing. He enjoys going out and sitting in a quiet environment for better assimilation and reflection and loves playing sport.

Lorraine

Support Worker

Lorraine has been lucky enough to call the Gold Coast home for the past 11 years.

She is originally from Sydney where she raised her 3 children. Lorraine is dedicated, passionate, and driven to help others build their confidence, independence, self-worth, and individuality.

She is a lover of cooking, cleaning, gardening, and all homely activities. Lorraine has previously worked as a hairdresser so she has plenty of in listening and offering support.

She values her family above anything else and is very excited to join our team and start working with families to help them flourish and grow.