MEET THE TEAM

We are a growing team of caring and passionate health professionals, united by a single vision- to deliver exceptional care and support to our clients.

Dr Danielle Orton-Lachlan

Director & Principal Psychologist

Danielle has 17 years clinical experience working as a Registered Psychologist in rural Victoria and Melbourne’s East, having worked in Community Health, Medical and Private Practice settings.

Danielle holds a Doctor of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) from La Trobe University. Danielle conducted her PhD qualitative research into the lived experience of women living with recurrent panic attacks. Through this research, Danielle developed a sophisticated understanding of Panic Disorder and an ongoing passion for working with clients experiencing anxiety issues.

Danielle also has a special interest in working with neurodivergent clients diagnosed later in life. Danielle lives in a neurodivergent household and understands the daily challenges that can present at both an individual and family level. Danielle also has a heart to support carers on their own unique journeys in supporting the wellbeing of their loved ones.

Danielle is also passionate about Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and is in the process of obtaining Therapy Dog certification for her Golden Retriever, Shelby, who is very much looking forward to being present in the therapy room soon!

Danielle works with young adults, adults and older adults and is available for appointment at Umbrella Psychology & Allied Health on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Dhanisha Kanagasingam

Psychologist

Dhanisha is a registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia and an accredited Medicare provider. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Griffith University), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) (Deakin University), and a Master of Professional Psychology (La Trobe University).

Drawing on her South Asian background and experience working across Australia and Malaysia, Dhanisha provides culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and neuroaffirming care. She is particularly passionate about supporting neurodivergent clients and creating a therapeutic space where individuals feel seen, understood, and respected.

Dhanisha has experience supporting children, adolescents, and families in both clinical and educational settings, including working with individuals with learning difficulties and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Her volunteer work with community organisations in Malaysia, particularly with orphaned children and individuals with disabilities, has further shaped her inclusive, strengths-based, and client-centred approach.

Her work is collaborative and tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. She integrates evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Early Start Denver Model (for early intervention), Schema Therapy and mindfulness-based practices.

Dhanisha works with children, adolescents and adults and is available for appointment at Umbrella Psychology & Allied Health on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Michaela Peck

Psychologist

Michaela is a warm and thoughtful AHPRA-registered Psychologist who is passionate about creating a safe, supportive and collaborative space where clients feel comfortable, understood, and able to work towards meaningful change. She prioritises building strong therapeutic relationships and tailors therapy to each client’s individual needs, goals, and pace.

Michaela has experience working across community, educational, and private practice settings, including in a primary school setting. She supports clients presenting with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, grief, interpersonal difficulties, emotion regulation challenges, and adjustment-related issues. She has a particular interest in working with anxiety disorders, including health anxiety, agoraphobia, and panic disorder.

Michaela also has experience supporting children with ADHD and autism, and takes a neuro-affirming approach that values each client’s unique strengths, needs, and ways of experiencing the world. She prioritises helping clients feel comfortable and supported in therapy, and works collaboratively to build insight, practical strategies, and confidence in managing life’s challenges.

Michaela draws on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and adapts her approach to best support each client’s needs.

Michaela works with children, adolescents and adults and is available for appointments at Umbrella Psychology & Allied Health on Mondays and Thursdays.

Yaya is a thoughtful and gentle AHPRA-registered Psychologist who supports children, adolescents, and adults with concerns such as trauma, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, and depression. She is passionate about helping people feel safe, supported, and empowered in therapy, and works alongside them in a collaborative and compassionate way.

Yaya’s therapeutic approach draws on EMDR, ACT, DBT, and CBT, adapting on each to best suit the needs of the client. She has a special interest in trauma, particularly EMDR, and in supporting children through their developmental and emotional challenges.

With experience in various primary schools, Yaya brings both strong professional knowledge and a gentle, approachable presence to her work. She values creating a space where clients can feel understood, build insight, and move toward change at a pace that feels right for them. She also believes there is room for humour and laughter in therapy, and that healing can happen in ways that feel both safe and human.

Yaya brings a strong sense of cultural humility to her work, shaped by her own multicultural background. With Asian parents, a Spanish upbringing, and an American higher education, she understands that identity, family values, communication styles, and life experiences can be deeply influenced by culture. Yaya speaks Mandarin, English, and Spanish at a native level, which allows her to connect with clients across these languages with ease.

Yaya works with children, adolescents, and adults and is available for appointment on Thursdays.

With his extensive experience as a Counsellor/Family Therapist and Mental Health Social Worker, Richard brings strategies and guidance in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

With a dedication and passion for helping individuals lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, Richard specialises as a Mental Health Accredited Social Worker in delivering person-centred therapy within a supportive and compassionate focus.

Richard assists clients in addressing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief and loss and chronic illness, as well as improving relationship and family dynamics.

Richard also has extensive experience working with older children and adolescents, navigating challenges such as school-related stresses, bullying and self-harm.

His approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration, ensuring that each client feels genuinely heard and understood and his goal for clients is to thrive and not just survive in life.

Richard works with children, adolescents and adults. He is available on Mondays and Wednesdays. Medicare rebates are available for his services with a GP referral.

Richard Sedgman

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

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Rachel Marshall

Psychotherapist & Relationship Counsellor

Rachel Marshall is a PACFA-registered psychotherapist who brings a warm, grounded, and collaborative presence to her work. She is deeply passionate about couples therapy and holds the belief that the quality of our relationships shapes the quality of our lives.

Rachel specialises in working with couples and draws extensively on the Gottman Method - a well-researched, evidence-based approach proven to strengthen relationships by improving communication, rebuilding trust, and managing conflict effectively. With its strong foundation in decades of empirical research, the Gottman Method provides structured, practical tools that Rachel integrates with care and sensitivity.

In addition to her Gottman training, Rachel draws from psychodynamic, attachment-based, and trauma-informed models. This integrative approach allows her to attune to each couple’s emotional landscape and support deeper relational healing.

Whether working with couples or individuals, Rachel is committed to creating a respectful and safe therapeutic space - one where people feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Rachel offers thoughtful and compassionate guidance to those seeking greater intimacy, trust, and understanding in their relationships.

Rachel works with adults. She is available for appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays including evenings and is accepting new clients.

Grace Atta

Dietitian

Grace is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Sports Dietitian who brings a practical, evidence-based, and person-centred approach to nutrition.

She supports adults across a range of presentations, including (but not limited to);

• Weight Management

• Body Composition (fat loss and muscle gain)

• Sports and Performance Nutrition

• Disordered Eating

• Chronic Disease Management

• Women’s Health (PCOS, Menopause)

•Gut Health and IBS

• General Health Optimisation

Grace understands that nutrition can often feel confusing or overwhelming, particularly with the volume of conflicting information available. She works collaboratively with her clients to simplify nutrition and develop realistic, sustainable habits that support their health, lifestyle, and individual goals.

 Grace has a strong interest in supporting clients to build a positive and balanced relationship with food, moving away from rigid or all-or-nothing approaches. She aims to create a supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make lasting changes.

 She also brings experience in body composition assessment (ISAK accreditation) and enjoys working with individuals who are looking to better understand their bodies and optimise their nutrition in a way that feels sustainable and achievable.

Grace is available for appointment on Wednesdays.