Meet the Team - Brilliant Life Services

Our Team

Brilliant Life Services

MSocWk, GDipCouns, BSc(Psych)

Anika has worked in the behaviour support industry for the past 10 years with roles in early intervention including ABA therapy, Behaviour Support Practitioner, Behaviour Support Team Leader, Behaviour Support Regional Manager and currently working as General Manager.

Alongside her roles in behaviour, Anika has worked in hospital mental health units, both inpatient and outpatient groups and local community centres both in the capacity of a counsellor and social worker for 3 years.

Anika specialises and takes great interest in working with children but enjoys working with complex clients of all ages to help facilitate their growth in any way possible. Working closely with the NDIS and numerous other organisations, Anika aspires to develop safe spaces for culturally and linguistically diverse communities to gain knowledge of processes and strategies available to assist in building their quality of life. Some of her favourite modalities, approaches and theories include family systems theory, attachment theory, works of Noam Chomsky and Alfred Adler. Anika is extremely interested in culturally and linguistically different approaches and languages. She can engage in therapy in Bangla, English, Hindi and Urdu. Anika is currently learning Korean.

Outside of work, Anika is a founder of a social educational program in Bangladesh called Project Unlearn. This project aims to help young boys unlearn gender stereotypes and regressive values taught by society and instead to empower women and build a better tomorrow.

BA Applied Communications, BA(Psych), PGDPsych, AHPRA supervisor, member of Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI)

Linda has 20 years of experience providing psychological therapy for clients and 12 years of experience in supervising staff. She is an AHPRA approved supervisor and has helped provisional psychologists achieve full registration and endorsement. Her main area of interest is supporting students to achieve AHPRA registration.

Linda’s areas of expertise include trauma, family and relationship, problem gambling, addictions, and mental health counselling.

Linda takes a holistic and client-centred approach in her counselling. She is skilled in a range of therapeutic approaches including CBT, family and relationship counselling, trauma-informed, addictions model, sand therapy, and brief solution-focused therapies.

Linda has also worked with clients from diverse backgrounds and particularly worked with clients who are of Aboriginal background.

Linda enjoys swimming, bushwalking and taking her labrador dog out for walks. She also speaks Dutch.

Currently, Linda is a member of the Aboriginal Reference Group for evidence-based child mental health interventions for caregivers of Aboriginal children -The Growing Minds Australia/School of Psychology, University of Sydney.

Fred is a registered Psychologist and Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner with extensive clinical experience. Fredric is currently a Clinical Manager at Brilliant Life Services and is committed to delivering high-quality mental health services. Fred excels in conducting thorough psychological assessments and implementing evidence-based interventions tailored to individual client needs.
Fred works within the management team to uphold quality of service through case audits, facilitating team training, and ensuring compliance with clinical standards. This expertise extends to Safety Risk Assessments, fostering positive team dynamics through engaging meetings, and delivering comprehensive reports and recommendations.
Fred has demonstrated a strong ability to build therapeutic relationships and effectively communicate with diverse clients and stakeholders. He is skilled in administering a wide range of psychometric assessments including WAIS-IV, WISC-V, NEO PI, and PAI, contributing to accurate diagnoses and effective treatment planning across various mental health disorders.
Fred is known for his commitment to ongoing professional development, staying informed of the latest advancements in psychology and therapeutic modalities. He maintains strong partnerships with key stakeholders and consistently delivers high-quality psychological services while upholding ethical standards and best practices in the field.

Kristen has worked in the behaviour support industry for 2 and a half years with roles in Behaviour Support Practitioner and team leader. Kristen has a B Social Work.

Kristen has also worked in the foster care system, working with children and young people through the adoption and guardship processes as well as maintaining their foster care placements. Kristen enjoys working with children and making a difference in their lives.

Some of her favourite theories that she likes to incorporate include, play therapy and strengths based therapy.

Outside of work, Kristen is very involved in her local church and is a Sunday school teacher for 1-2 year olds.

Katarina is a compassionate and motivated practitioner who has worked in the behaviour support industry for 3 years. During this period, she has had a lot of experience with supporting individuals with various presentations across the lifespan. Prior to behaviour support, Katarina completed a Bachelors degree in Social Science (Psychology) at the University of Wollongong.

Katarina came into behaviour support due to her interest in understanding the reason behind behaviour, and to make a positive difference in people’s lives. She has a particular interest in supporting children with Autism, however, enjoys working with all ages and complexities. Her goal is to equip the individual and stakeholders with person-centered strategies and knowledge that will eliminate identified behaviours of concern.

Katarina’s professional goal is to continue her growth in the behaviour support sector. Her personal goal is to improve her health and fitness. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, going to the beach, going on bushwalks, and cuddling with her staffy, Louie.

Bachelor of Social Work, Graduate Certificate in Mental Health

Carla has worked in the disability sector for 2 years as a Support Coordinator and worked as a Community Rehabilitation Support Worker using a recovery-oriented and collaborative approach.

Carla is passionate about working with and supporting individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders to empower people in their recovery journey by walking alongside the client ensuring they achieve their personalised goals for recovery. Carla is currently undertaking a postgraduate degree in Master of Mental Health to further her expertise and skills within this domain.

Carla can engage in therapy in Arabic and English. Carla has been working as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner at Brilliant Life Services for 7 months and hopes to continue building on her knowledge to improve her client’s overall well-being and quality of life.

BPsych (Hons)

Shirley is a provisionally registered psychologist who has been with the Brilliant Life Services team since 2021. She started her role in positive behaviour support before progressing into her leadership role in 2022. She is passionate about improving the lives of others through psychological intervention and positive behaviour support.

Within Psychology, Shirley has interests in forensic populations, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders. Within behaviour support, Shirley has skills in managing and reporting restrictive practices and working alongside individuals with intellectual disabilities. She provides services across the lifespan and particularly enjoys working with adults.

Shirley is currently working towards her general registration as a psychologist and aims to achieve this by mid-2024. On the weekends, she manages a foodie page on Instagram alongside her two sisters. She enjoys indulging in different cuisines and reviewing different cafes and restaurants across Sydney.

I am a Provisional Psychologist and a Behaviour Support Practitioner with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. With over 3 years experience in the disability sector, I am dedicated to supporting individuals across diverse age groups and diagnoses. My passion lies in helping clients navigate the complexities of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia.

With a background in psychology and behavioral therapy, I bring a compassionate and evidence-based approach to my work. I collaborate closely with clients, their families, and multidisciplinary teams to develop personalised treatment plans that foster growth, resilience, and improved quality of life.

BPsych (Honours)

Soyuz holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree, which he completed in 2022. His research during his undergraduate studies focused on examining the effects of COVID-19 on self-concept and its subsequent impact on the mental health of young adults, particularly in terms of depression and anxiety. Currently pursuing his Master of Professional Psychology, Soyuz is set to graduate as a provisional psychologist in December 2024.

With a keen interest in men’s mental health and a passion for addressing mental health issues within culturally diverse communities where such concerns are often overlooked, Soyuz specializes in working with male teenagers and young adults facing various mental health complexities and presentations.

In his spare time, Soyuz enjoys immersing himself in podcasts related to psychology, neuropsychology, and the impact of sleep and exercise, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field.

BS/HS | BA/Psych (inpr)

Simona has worked in the field of Allied Health over the past two years, showcasing flexibility across various roles. Beginning as a practice manager and speech therapist assistant, her profound interest guided her transition into behaviour support therapy.

Throughout her journey in Allied Health, Simona has gained invaluable experience working with clients of all ages, employing therapeutic interventions to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. Simona has a great interest in working with children but enjoys working with complex clients of all ages. Currently, her clinical focus lies in behaviour support therapy, where she applies her expertise to empower clients, fostering positive outcomes and promoting personal growth.

Driven by a focus of continuous learning and professional development, Simona aims to further specialise in behaviour support therapy, diving deeper into evidence-based practices and innovative interventions to address the diverse needs of her clients.

I am Marsil, a dedicated Behavioural Support Practitioner, embarked on my professional journey just four months ago. Currently, I’m in the final stages of completing my psychology degree, with aspirations to become a clinical psychologist in the long run. My academic journey includes a degree in Human Resource Management and Psychological Studies, where I was honoured with a Dean’s Merit in 2022, reflecting my commitment to academic excellence.

Known for my compassionate and sincere approach, I bring a high standard of care to my work, treating everyone with love and respect. After spending two years in Human Resources, I discovered my true passion lies in directly assisting individuals, particularly children, in making positive changes in their lives. My experiences in various educational settings reinforced my belief in my purpose: to be a source of comfort and support for vulnerable individuals.

Driven by a desire to become a role model and positively impact lives, I am dedicated and hardworking, always striving to improve myself. I value continuous learning as a source of personal growth and am committed to going the extra mile to excel in my field.

In my interactions, I believe in empowering and uplifting others, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. I envision a world filled with love, peace, serenity, faith, and forgiveness, and I am eager to embark on this journey with those I encounter.

If destiny brings us together, rest assured that I will bring my utmost dedication and compassion to support your journey towards growth and fulfillment.

I completed a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology & Criminology) in 2023 and recently begun my Master’s in Psychology, in order to work toward my goal of becoming a fully registered psychologist. Whilst studying I have also worked in mental health and helped facilitate client journeys in finding the right mental health supports.

I have a passion for understanding people and using this to help create opportunities and teach others to do this for themselves. I also have a strong interest in working with children and sculpting them to establish pathways toward a healthy and successful life. Culture is also another area of interest of mine and I hope to develop greater research on the impacts of culture on mental health and people’s perspectives of it. My goal is to work with a range of clients and become familiar with a range of strategies and therapies so that I can build my foundations to provide the best support possible throughout my career.

In my spare time I enjoy playing pool, swimming, reading and watching crime documentaries.

Ana is a Provisionally Registered Psychologist who has been with the Brilliant Life Services team since 2022. She currently holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). Ana has been in the disability sector for over four years, previously having worked as an ABA therapist.

Ana has experience delivering intervention strategies for a range of mental health disorders across the lifespan. While Ana enjoys working with individuals of all ages she has a strong interest in developmental psychology and working with children. Ana’s style can be described as holistic, warm, inclusive and approachable, and she can easily engage with individuals in a respectful and non-judgmental manner. She aspires to create safe and inclusive spaces for those in CALD and LGBTIQA+ communities where individuals can feel seen, heard and valued. Her therapeutic approach is both collaborative and client-centred.

Ana is currently working towards her general registration a psychologist and aims to achieve this early 2025. Ana endeavours to amplify the conversation around mental health and advocate for change at both the individual and systemic levels.

BPsychSc, GDipPsych

Sadie has worked in the behaviour support field for over 3 years. Previously working as a Senior ABA Therapist, Sadie has gained a wealth of experience and interest in supporting children who are on the Autism Spectrum. However, she enjoys supporting complex clients of all ages.

Sadie has completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science and an additional Graduate Diploma in Psychology and aims to complete her Masters in the near future to gain her registration as a Psychologist. Sadie is motivated to continue learning and developing her skills and knowledge in the field. Her therapeutic approach is both client-centred and collaborative.

Sadie is enthusiastic about assisting individuals from all walks of life achieve their full potential and improve their overall quality of life. By creating a fun, positive, and nurturing environment, Sadie aims to make all individuals feel supported, gain confidence, and develop the skills needed to meet their individualised personal and behavioural goals at their own pace.

Zelda is a dedicated Provisional Psychologist/ Behaviour Support Practitioner specializing in supporting individuals of all ages facing disabilities and mental health challenges. With a focus on evidence-based practices such as CBT, ACT, DBT, and EMDR.

She tailors her interventions to suit each client’s unique needs. Zelda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science majoring in Neuroscience from UNSW and a Postgraduate Diploma Advanced in Psychology from Monash University, providing her with a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and cognition. Her expertise spans various conditions, including eating disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, dementia, and ASD.

Committed to collaborative care, she actively engages with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for her clients. With experience in both the NDIS sector and private practice, Zelda brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her work. She is passionate about empowering her clients to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Eva currently serves as the Engagement Officer and Support Coordinator at Brilliant Life
Services. With a robust background in team management and customer service, she
brings a wealth of experience from a diverse industry.

In her previous role, Eva led a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer
service and upholding stringent company standards. This experience has equipped
her with the skills to ensure the highest level of engagement and support for
clients at Brilliant Life Services.

Passionate about making a positive impact in the community, Eva has a keen interest in working
closely with participants to help them navigate and understand the intricacies
of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Her commitment extends
beyond mere assistance; she aims to contribute in any way possible within her
capacity to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities.

Looking ahead, Eva’s career goals involve leveraging her skills to improve employment
standards and make a meaningful impact on a larger scale within the community.
She is dedicated to using her expertise to drive positive change and contribute
to the betterment of both individuals and society as a whole.

BPsych (Honours)

Derek has worked in the NDIS space for over two years, both as a Behaviour Support Practitioner and as a Psychologist. Previously, he also worked as an ABA therapist and research assistant.

During his studies, Derek gravitated towards developmental psychology and psychopathology. As a result, he has developed an interest with assisting and managing children’s mental health and behaviours. He believes working with the young population is where we can see the most growth, change and potential. His interests extend to young adults who belong to the same generation as him due to the various shared interests and upbringings.

Currently, Derek would like to develop his competency with diagnostic assessments. In the future, he hopes to learn niche therapeutic models such as interpersonal therapy, schema therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprogramming (EMDR).

BPsych(Hons) and DClinPsych

I have many years of experience working as a Psychologist in my home country and I published a summary of the thesis of my doctorate degree about bullying in teenagers. I am very curious about human behaviour, and I am fascinated as to how mind and behaviour are correlated. It’s captivating to unravel the complexities of why people think, feel, and act the way they do, along with helping them navigate through challenges, discover their inner strengths, and identify the weaknesses to flip them over as opportunities to grow and improve their mental well-being leading fulfilling lives. Therefore, my main areas of interest are working with adults in the areas of Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Health Psychology.

I genuinely care about individuals’ welfare and am committed to providing support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions to facilitate positive change. Witnessing the transformation and growth of individuals as they gain insights, develop coping strategies, and overcome obstacles can be incredibly rewarding.

As an experienced Psychologist I adapt the interventions to the specific challenges, preferences, and strengths of my clients. This might involve incorporating techniques from different therapeutic modalities, adjusting the pace and focus of sessions, or even collaborating with other professionals to provide holistic care. Ultimately, an eclectic and flexible approach allows me to provide personalised and effective treatment that aligns with the individual goals and circumstances of each client.

Ayush graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2023. After completing the degree, Ayush entered the disability sector as a support worker, where he discovered a deep passion for working with people living with disabilities.
Ayush has experience working with individuals with a variety of disabilities, including autism, intellectual disabilities, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and various physical disabilities.
Ayush’s primary aim is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing them with choice and control, fostering independence, and helping them become integral parts of the community.
In his spare time Ayush enjoys doing combat sports, which includes boxing and wrestling. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as hikes and fishing.

Richard is a provisionally registered psychologist and a life coach. He is currently studying for a Master of Professional Psychology as a part-time student at Monash University and will complete it this year.

Since 2008, he has been working as a coach and instructor, helping corporate executives and managers with performance management and leadership development, and assisting individual clients with relationship and quality of life improvements, emotional management and mental health. Richard uses a variety of approaches and models based on his knowledge and experience in psychology and mental health to help clients improve their performance, relationships, emotional management and well-being.

Richard has experience working as a manager in banks and corporations in Korea. In Australia, he studied for a Diploma of Community Service Work and worked for various community organisations both as an employee and a volunteer. These experiences provide a strong foundation for his new role as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, allowing him to better understand and assist his clients. Richard believes that everyone is whole and capable of living proactively as the master of their own life, and he approaches his clients with this belief.

Outside of work, he enjoys activities such as walking, meditation, and playing table tennis. He also finds pleasure in reading books on self-development, spirituality, and psychology to further broaden my skills and knowledge.

Tenille Gammage is a dedicated and experienced Behaviour Support Practitioner, bringing a wealth of knowledge from her diverse background in disability services, correctional facilities, and child protection. With extensive experience in the forensic space, Tenille has worked closely with clients with intellectual disabilities, psychosocial disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and cognitive decline, as well as clients with substance use disorders and high-risk/violent offenders. This experience has honed her skills in managing complex needs and high-risk situations.

Tenille’s background, combined with her dedication to strengths-based and trauma-informed practices, allows her to approach each client with respect, empathy and cultural sensitivity. She is passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and achieve their personal goals. Holding a Bachelor of Social Work and additional qualifications in Mental Health and Positive Behaviour Support practices, Tenille brings a strong theoretical foundation to her practical work. Her commitment to ongoing professional development ensures she stays at the forefront of best practices in behaviour support.

Alex is a Behaviour Support Practitioner who embarked on his career with the NDIS in 2024, after completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Science Psychology in 2020 and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) in 2023. In his post-graduate thesis, Alex explored the idea of social identities and their effects on levels of depression when moderated for the effects of innate extraversion and agreeableness. Equipped with an expanse of volunteering experience and involvement with differently abled populations over the course of four years, Alex is eager to delve into the Behavioural Support sector, aiming to enhance mental health services through compassionate and innovative approaches.

As an enthusiastic entrant into this sector of mental health, Alex is willing to engage with a large repertoire of clients, including teenagers and young adults. As a second generation Australian, a particular focus for Alex is an individual’s connection to their culture, exploring how different aspects of everyday experiences can beneficially intertwine through a multicultural lens. He is currently working on improving his own command of the Korean language. Moreover, Alex aims to assist with the fostering of diverse interests and hobbies in clients to work as protective factors against mental detriment.

Outside of his professional undertakings, Alex participates in and can teach archery as a competitive sport. He is also an avid angler and expresses interest in complex forms of floral and faunal husbandry.

Mariella has completed a Bachelor of Social Science Psychology sub majoring criminology and criminal justice in 2023. She is deeply committed to engaging in the wellbeing of people living with disabilities and improving their quality of life. She possesses the ability to establish trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds and can do so in both English and Spanish.

Having cultivated collaborative skills through previous team-based roles, she recognises the importance of collective effort to achieve a goal. Her passions to effect meaningful change in the lives of others is only matched by her eagerness to learn and refine the most impactful ways to do so. She possesses a solid foundation in delivering therapy and guidance, with aspirations to strengthen her expertise in mental health and various disabilities through future studies and practical experiences. She has developed strong foundational knowledge and skills to be able to deliver meaningful therapy and guidance to those in need. Mariella’s career goals involve future studies surrounding mental health and gaining experience on a diverse range of disabilities.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing competitive soccer, baking sweets, watching movies, and playing instruments such as the guitar and piano.

At Brilliant Life Services, our tight-knit team is dedicated to delivering top-tier care for individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Committed to surpassing the National Standards for Disability Services, we ensure our services consistently meet the highest benchmarks. What sets us apart is our focus on continuous improvement, actively seeking feedback from clients, families, and caregivers to refine and enhance our offerings. Through collaboration and engagement, we create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, championing positive outcomes and fostering a brilliant life for those we serve.

Our Team

MORCOS ELGAWLY

KAROLIN BOTRS

Anika

MSocWk, GDipCouns, BSc(Psych)

Linda

Fred

Arslen

Kristen

Katarina

Danait

Carla

Shirley

Larissa

Jasmina

Soyuz

Simona

Craig

Marsil

Angela

Ana

Sadikshya

Zelda

Eva

Bishoy

Yustina

Derek

Milad

Jennifer

Mariam

Abagail

Carmen

Ayush

Insang

Tenille

Alexander

Ereni

Mariella

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