Our Team

As a team we value and are committed to ownership, dedication, responsibility and accountability to each other and our organisation. We aim to celebrate each others successes and stand with each other in difficult times.

Susan Foyle - General Manager

Adv Dip Comm Sector Management

Susan joined SCW in January 2007 bringing experience gained from working in many varied fields including customer service, marketing, bookkeeping and management. This brings a range of business experience to the team. Susan completed the Lifeline telephone counselling course in November 2007 and in December 2008 she completed the Foundations of Mental Health Work series with the NSW Institute of Psychiatry. In 2010 Susan completed Crisis, Trauma and Grief - Working creatively with Children, with the National Association for Loss and Grief and in December of 2010 she completed an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management through the Mental Health Coordination Council.

Susan has a passion for standing alongside people and families in challenging times and loves to see healing and hope enter the lives of those in the community that struggle. Susan ensures everything runs smoothly and that the team are kept in the loop and she is also always on the look out for any funding opportunities for SCW!

Grace Versace - Clinical Manager

M. Couns; B. Couns; CMCAPA; CMPACFA

Grace has 12 years experience working in a variety of government and privately run counselling and case managment programs. She particularly likes working with long term clients via Psychotherapy. She has experience working with individuals struggling with Addictions; Mood Disorders; Grief and Loss; Trauma; Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse; and Self-Esteem issues. Grace has solid experience in couples counselling where she has assisted individuals with separation transition, issues surrounding blended families, communication, domestic violence and common stressors that present in relationships. She has also worked with families experiencing stress. In addition to working with SCW, Grace runs her own private practice seeing couples, individuals and workers compensation clients. Grace is a trained Vocational Counsellor and assist adolescents in making post HSC career/course choices and assists adults wanting to change jobs or careers.

Grace holds a Masters Degree in Counselling, a Bachelors Degree in Counselling, a Post Graduate Diploma in Organisational Behaivour, a Diploma in Human Resources and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. She is a Clincal Member of CAPA and PACFA.

Karlyn Johns - Operations and group Coordinator

Karlyn is married to Sean and has three beautiful children. Her career in this industry commenced when she started coordinating a street outreach van called Wesley Mission Drug Arm. Her role there was to set up the service, coordinate volunteers, write the policy and procedures, and provide casework for young people. She then moved to StreetSmart in their chronically homeless youth centre to coordinate an intervention program for young people (10-16) who were leaving home early. The program provided mediation, counselling and casework. Karlyn has a heart for young people to know Gods love and to reach their fullest potential by supporting them to overcome their situation. She has completed a community welfare certificate and mediation training and is currently enrolled in a Social Science Degree. Karlyn feels blessed to be a part of the Deliberate Self Injury Program and believes her past experience has given her the confidence to face the challenge of supporting those in the community who are affected by DSI.

Kerry Moss - Parent Assist Project Coordinator

B.Sc. (Psych), Grad.Dip.Counselling; Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment, CMAPC, PACFA

Expertise: Counsellor, PCIT and Marte Meo Therapist, Rock and Water Coordinator

Kerry has been married for 19 years and has 2 children aged 17 and 15. After many years of work in administrative positions, Kerry began studying at University and in 2002 completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology). She subsequently earned a Graduate Diploma in counselling from Tabor College. Kerry began working at SCW initially as a student therapist until late 2005 when she became a member of staff in the role of Parent Assist Program Coordinator. This role sees Kerry assisting low income families with PCIT, child and individual counselling and she is also involved in community parent education. The greatest benefit of the role was Kerry's training in Rock and Water - a social strengths active learning program for boys. With vision and passion for the potential this program has for the future well being of its participants, Kerry is strongly motivated to develop the program and take it to other areas of preventative care. Kerry currently runs the Rock and Water program for boys aged 9-12 twice a year. The feedback so far is very encouraging. Kerry also continues with child and family therapy, Marte Meo and individual counselling.

Dr Steven Dawson- Clinical Psychologist

PHD (Clin Psych); MAPSS (Clin college)

Dr Steve Dawson (Ph.D. Clin.Psych) is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in the assessment and treatment of ADHD and learning disability in children, adolescents and adults. His assessments include neuropsychological assessments to help gain insight and assist treatment planning for these and other conditions. His treatment emphasises working around the difficulties in attention, memory and executive function often present in these conditions. He also has an interest in social anxiety disorder, depression and issues facing men including separation/ divorce. He has many years experience in the use of cognitive behaviour therapy, insight oriented psychotherapy and, more recently, mindfulness based cognitive therapy.Following a first degree, Steve completed a Graduate Diploma in Science (Psychology) at the Australian National University, gaining First Class Honours.He then began a Masters in Clinical Psychology at ANU before transferring to a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Wollongong, graduating in 1994. He worked in full time practice for several years before combining private practice with 5 years part-time work as a clinical neuropsychologist at the Canberra Hospital and NSW Brain Injury Service based at St. John of God Hospital Goulburn. In 2006 he joined the University of Canberra where he lectured in the postgraduate program in clinical psychology for 3 years, also spending time as director of the Psychology Clinic and overall director of the program.

During that time his clinical research focussed on executive function issues in disorders such as ADHD, dyslexia, psychosis and obsessive compulsive disorder. In early 2009 Steve moved to Sydney to join Southern Community Welfare.

Steve has maintained a strong interest in assessment and management of
ADHD along with
Learning Disability (including dyslexia),
Aspergers Syndrome,
Behavioural and emotional disorders in children, adolescents and adults.

With the adult population Steve also has a long background in using a variety of psychological therapies to treat adults for:
ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome.
Depression, Anxiety
mens issues, including separation/divorce,
work related stress

Steve received early training in behaviour therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and, in later years, in cognitive?? behaviour therapy including mindfulness based cognitive therapy. He also conducts neuropsychological assessment of adults related to traumatic brain injury and stroke as well as dementia, learning difficulty, and psychiatric illness.

Steve is a member of Clinical College of the Australian Psychological Society; as a result, for those referred by a paediatrician, psychiatrist or GP (a Mental Health Care Plan is necessary for GP referral) clients will receive back $119.80 per 50 minute appointment through Medicare.

A flyer for Steve is available for download by clicking here.

Rachael Miller - Counsellor

B.A. Psychology/Sociology, M.A. Counselling, MACA

Rachael is originally from the United States and moved to Sydney in 2010. She is a counsellor who specialises in child, adolescent, and family counselling. Rachael has spent several years working with teens in crisis, children with traumatic life events, and those struggling through or after a divorce. She also has a background in pre-marital and marital enrichment counselling. Rachael provides general counselling for such issues as anxiety management and depression. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology, as well as, a Master of Arts in counselling. Rachael is both clinically and pastorally trained, which means that she is equipped to incorporate spirituality into counselling should one desire. Her primary treatment techniques are Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy, a form of CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, and longer term psychotherapy. Her primary goal is to support clients through troubled times and transition, while equipping them with tools to utilise outside of the counselling room for the whole of their lives.

Karen La Motte - Counsellor

M.A. Counselling (Cand.) Karen has a strong administration background, working for over ten years administrating and facilitating counselling groups, training and teaching both facilitation and counselling. This experience lead her to work as the State Director of the International Organisation - Elijah House. During this time Karen was also working towards a B.A. in Counselling when she was accepted into the Masters Program at Wesley, which she is currently completing.
Karen also has almost 20 years of experience in the area of Pastoral Care. Karen works for SCW as a generalist counsellor with her clinical interests being in the area of trauma and abuse, personality disorders, marriage and individual counselling.

Karen has been married to Rod for over 30 years and has two adult children and one grandchild.

Kay Djoeandy - Counsellor

Bachelor of Science (Mathematics), Master of Divinity, Advanced Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy (Christian), and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Keiran Shanahan - Counsellor

As well as being a counsellor, Keiran’s background includes twenty years experience as a chiropractor. From working in this field he has a deep understanding of the strong links between the physical and psychological/emotional aspects of health. Complaints such as headaches, spinal pain, teeth grinding, high blood pressure and poor sleep patterns will often not clear up until an individual works through areas of mental or emotional distress.

Keiran completed his Advanced Diploma in Christian Counselling through St.Mark’s Theological Training. His areas of further study and interest are in Bowen Family Systems, Attachment Theory, the neurophysiology of stress and the Mindsight approach of Dr Daniel Siegel.

Keiran has a particular interest in working with men and in couples counselling.

His thoughts on counselling:

“I admire every person who comes for counselling. It can be especially hard for men who have been taught from a very young age that manhood is all about independence and stoic resolve. In many cases the exact opposite turns out to be true.  It takes a special kind of courage to believe that change is possible and that tomorrow doesn’t have to be a repeat of today.  It takes strength to admit your own part in the problem and do things differently. It takes a certain daring, especially when you feel stuck and defeated, to believe that relationships can heal and that growth can occur.  I love it when a client embraces a greater degree of curiosity, openness and self reflection and becomes a more fully developed character in the story of their own lives.”

Keiran has been married to Lisa for 17 years and has three fantastic boys.

Suzie Plush- Psychologist

Registered Psychologist, Assoc MAPS, BA (Psych), Post - Grad Dip. (Psych).

Suzie is a Registered Psychologist, with a background in both clinical and organisational psychology. Along with counselling, Suzie works as a Workplace Trainer and Career Consultant. Suzie has worked with adolescents and young adults for over 9 years. During this time she has been a guest speaker at schools and conferences and has taught CBT as a Psychology Lecturer.

Suzie is passionate about seeing individuals move forward in life. She utilises a variety of psychological methods and techniques, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Suzie's areas of expertise and interest lie in the following areas, anxiety and depression, stress management, conflict resolution, treatment of phobias, grief and bereavement, interpersonal skills and development, self-esteem building and self development, relationship issues, weight management, vocational assessment and career/life coaching.

Suzie is approved to offer counselling under the Medicare Assistance Program (GP referral is necessary for Medicare rebate).?? She is an accredited Myers Briggs Practitioner and is an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society. She is also a member of the A.P.S Coaching Interest Group NSW.

Suzie is married and lives in the Sutherland Shire.

Katrina Mesic - Counsellor

Certificate IV Christian Counselling & Communication, Masters Mental Health Counselling (Cand)

Expertise: Mental Health Counsellor & AOD (Alcohol and other drugs) Therapist

Katrina's background is in ambulance emergency and medical practice management. Katrina works with adolescents, adults, and families undergoing stress or transition. She has experience facilitating groups in the areas of anger management, drug and alcohol addiction, anxiety and depression. Katrina believes using an integrated model of counselling has assisted many of her clients. She likes to blend psycho-educational concepts into her work so that her clients better understand their particular illness or current stress. Katrina is passionate about helping to build awareness, confidence and resilience in young people, leading them towards successful, fulfilling and emotionally mature lives.

Katrina holds a Master of Counselling (Mental Health) and a Certificate IV in Christian Counselling and Communication.

Kate Van Barneveld - Counsellor and Support after Suicide Group Coordinator

B.Couns., M. Couns.

Kate has worked with SCW for 9 years. She has been happily married to Nico for 38 years and has three adult children. Her initial counselling training was with Anglicare. She has studied Psychodrama (using drama to counsel) and holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Counselling. She is a generalist counsellor and specialises in the area of sexual addiction. She is also the co-ordinator of the Sutherland Shire Support After Suicide Support Group.

Alison Mackay - Kids Hope Coordinator

BA (Psychology) (Child and Family)

Alison completed a Bachelor of Science at Sydney University and has since completed degrees in Child and Family Studies and Psychology. She is currently completing an Honours degree leading to registration in Psychology at Charles Sturt University.
Alison works is the Coordinator for the Kids Hope mentoring team.

Alison also runs a biofeedback clinic in a neurology clinic, treating adults for whom stress, anxiety and depression have contributed to physical symptoms such as headaches. She is currently researching the impact of biofeedback and relaxation intervention on coping, stress, depression, anxiety and fatigue with a group of people with Multiple Sclerosis.

Married to Craig, Alison has two primary school aged children and attends Gymea Baptist Church.

Barbara Higgins - Breakthrough Facilitator

Barbara is an active retiree who coordinates the Breakthrough - Divorce and Recovery Workshops for SCW. Barbara's early training was in nursing, followed by marriage and the birth of her 4 children. Barbara was married to Barry for over 45 years until his death in 2011. Through the years Barbara has been involved in many church related ministries and has become educated in these areas as the need arose, including a lay pastoral course. More and more Barbara has felt a calling towards assisting those who are hurting or disadvantaged. In 2010 Barbara received a Highly Commended Award under the Volunteers Australia Awards scheme. This was due to her many years of work and dedication with the Breakthrough program. Barb is passionate about the program and continues to support participants well after the workshops have finished.