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.

PSYCHOLOGY

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 compassionate and dedicated Registered Psychologist who prioritises creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients. Her focus on building strong therapeutic relationships and her commitment to a strengths-based, culturally sensitive approach indicates a deep respect for individual experiences and diversity. 

Dhanisha’s experience working with children with ADHD and ASD, coupled with her special interest in these areas, allows her to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent clients. This is particularly valuable for individuals and families navigating challenges related to ADHD, ASD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

 Her broad range of expertise, including working with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as addressing various mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and trauma, highlights her capability to provide comprehensive support across different stages of life and needs.

Growing up in a South Asian country herself, Dhanisha has a unique understanding of the cultural sensitivities and complexities involved in mental health care for individuals from diverse backgrounds. This cultural competence ensures that her clients feel seen, understood, and supported in ways that honour their experiences.

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

Kerrie Bona

Psychologist

As a Senior Registered Psychologist with 14 years’ experience in private practice, Kerrie offers counselling to Women of all ages (18+). She is qualified with a Master’s Degree in Psychology (Monash University).

Kerrie believes that educating clients and providing practical and helpful tools enables individuals to develop skills so they can manage their circumstances with improved confidence.

Many women she supports are experiencing challenging journeys with Menopause (including early Menopause), PCOS, Endometriosis and Fertility. Kerrie works with women experiencing challenges to their physical health who are seeking emotional support and behavioural strategies to respond to their circumstances. Assisting sensitive and empathic women to set boundaries and thrive is an area of interest.

Kerrie has extensive experience supporting mums juggling families, health and work. She also works with women who are now empty nesters or have retired and face different challenges in their families and relationships.

Treatment is drawn from evidence based practice (scientific research) and includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness/Meditation, Positive Psychology, Psychology Education and Solution Focused Therapy (Problem Solving). Kerries works from a strengths based orientation.

Kerrie works with women (18+) and is available for appointment at Umbrella Psychology & Allied Health on Mondays and Thursdays.

Zina Jens

Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Registrar

Zina is a Registered Psychologist who provides a warm, collaborative space that supports clients to explore their emotions and build confidence in managing life’s challenges.

Her strengths-based and person-centred approach focuses on fostering safety, understanding and emotional wellbeing through a trusting therapeutic relationship. Zina is dedicated to delivering inclusive, neuro-affirming and culturally sensitive care that empowers clients of all backgrounds and identities.

She works with adolescents and adults experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship and social difficulties, ADHD, autism, perfectionism, grief and loss, trauma, health stress, as well as study and work stress.

Zina tailors her work to each client’s individual needs, drawing on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-based interventions.

Zina holds a Master of Psychology (Clinical) and is completing the registrar program toward endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist. She is registered with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).

Zina works with adolescents (13+) and adults and is available for appointment at Umbrella Psychology & Allied Health on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Stephanie Taylor

Psychologist & Clinical Psychology Registrar

Stephanie is a warm and compassionate AHPRA-registered psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society. Stephanie holds a Master of Psychology (Clinical) and is currently completing the registrar program for endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.

Stephanie has experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families across private practice and school settings. Stephanie prioritises building authentic therapeutic relationships and creating a safe, collaborative space where clients feel supported to explore their experiences.

She has worked with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, grief and loss, trauma, emotion regulation challenges, interpersonal and family related challenges, body image concerns, and chronic pain. Stephanie is particularly passionate about working with neurodivergent clients and is committed to delivering care that is trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, and strengths-based.

Stephanie’s therapeutic style is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. She draws from a range of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and mindfulness-based interventions.

Please note, Stephanie is currently on extended leave.

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.

Richard Sedgman

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

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

Leveraging extensive experience,  he 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 enjoys working with all clients regardless of the support they need but appreciates working with males that find it difficult to talk and relate to a therapist. 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.

With his extensive experience as a counsellor/family therapist and social worker he brings strategies and guidance in a safe, non-judgemental environment. His work has also given him the ability to see that not all things are "black and white" in life and clients have appreciated that approach.

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

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

Accredited Practicing Dietitian & Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician

Sharni Testa

Sharni is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with a special interest in eating disorders, disordered eating, and nutrition challenges related to autism and ADHD.

 She offers 50-minute sessions, providing space and time to explore the complexities of an individual's relationship with food, as well as other aspects of life that connect back to food. The initial one to three sessions typically focus on assessment, allowing Sharni to gain a comprehensive understanding of your background and needs.

 Sharni values a collaborative approach to treatment, working closely with clients to develop goals and select treatment options that align with their values.

 Examples of topics that may be explored in sessions include:

• Meal planning and preparation strategies

• Snack ideas

• Weight and weight-related changes

• Physical activity

• The impact of living circumstances and routines on eating patterns

• Navigating social eating and dining out

• Exploring beliefs and ideas about healthy eating and weight

 Sharni recognises the presence of weight stigma in healthcare and is committed to supporting individuals of all body sizes in finding ways to nourish themselves that prioritise overall health and wellbeing, rather than the number on the scale.

 When working with adolescents, Sharni has a strong interest in Family-Based Treatment, which involves caregivers taking the lead in the initial phase of treatment to support their young person’s recovery.

 Understanding that conventional healthy eating recommendations may not always be reasonable or accessible for neurodivergent individuals, she works supports clients to redefine healthy eating in a way that honours their neurodivergence.

 Sharni currently works with adolescents and adults (13+ years) and is available for appointments at Umbrella Psychology & Allied Health on Thursdays.