Janice
James-Valentine (JJV)
JJV is a registered psychologist and a registered teacher. She has a long history in education and psychology and is experienced in the holistic support of children, adolescents, adults, families, school personnel and systems.
ALEX CARUSO
Alex is a Registered Psychologist having recently completed her internship as a Provisional Psychologist at Action Psychology SA. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honors) from the University of South Australia.
Her many years of experience within the Disability and mental health sector afford Alex the ability to provide varied, engaging therapy strategies such as mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other positive psychology practices.
Alex is highly regarded by her clients.
Alex has a keen interest in supporting adolescents and young adults who live with stress, depression and anxiety.
HAYDEN FRANKHUISEN
Hayden is a Registered Psychologist holding a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from the University of Adelaide. Hayden seeks to build a community around creative therapies through his keen interest in online gaming and robotics and has internationally represented Australia at the First Tech Challenge (FTC) for robotics.
He enjoys facilitating our Lego Therapy Group sessions to encourage social skill building and emotional regulation. Hayden also supports children, adolescents and young adults through individual therapy sessions.
Jasmine Ambrose
Jasmine is a Registered Psychologist having recently completer her internship as a Provisional Psychologist at Action Psychology SA. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Charles Darwin University.
Jasmine is committed to supporting clients to not only manage their challenges but begin to thrive and flourish in their life. She is keen to work with Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Positive Psychology to supplement her work in the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy field.
Emma Sachs
Emma is a mental health Social Worker who has spent the last three years working as a specialist at the Victorian Cancer Council. A member of the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers), she holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honors) from Flinders University and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Australia.
Utilising an integrated approach to therapy, including CBT, ACT, MI and mindfulness-informed approaches. Emma is looking forward to working with a diverse range of clients and supporting them to explore their goals and thrive.
Having previously counseled children and adolescents in Gawler and the Northern Suburbs, Emma is thrilled to now be living and working in Gawler again and being able to work in a comfortable, compassionate, accepting and supportive environment.
Emma has an extensive performing arts background and still enjoys exploring creative outlets but in quieter ways these days.
Tabitha Porter
Tabitha has completed a Master of Professional Psychology from Monash University and will be completing her internship at Action Psychology SA.
Her areas of interest include sport psychology, particularly relating to the performance and wellbeing of athletes as well as recovery and return to sport following injury. Throughout her different roles, Tabitha has worked with a range of people across the lifespan in settings such as orthopaedics, youth justice, aged care, and schools, adapting her approach to meet the needs of those she works with. With a strong research background, Tabitha is guided by evidence-based practices and aims to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients.
Leah McCann
Leah is a Provisional Psychologist holding a double Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) and Arts (English) from the University of Adelaide, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology from Charles Darwin University, and a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) from Flinders University.
Leah has worked in education, research (Child Protection/Cancer Behaviour), youth support (residential care) and social work (foster care).
Leah has specific interests in the ongoing impacts of complex trauma and helping people with lived experience of Autism across the lifespan. Leah promotes a strength based approach and is passionate about reducing the stigma around mental health and wellbeing to ensure people can reach their goals and thrive in day to day life
Brianah Henstridge
Brianah is our Practice Assistant who you will often find working the front desk. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Psychology at the University of South Australia after graduating from Trinity College in 2020, which included a Certificate III in Individualised Support (Disability).
Previously, Brianah worked both as an OSHC Educator and Social Worker before transitioning into her current role as the first step in her professional career. As part of her role, Brianah is keen to support the practice as a therapy assistant in addition to the administrative team.
Brianah is excited to work in such a warm and welcoming environment and can’t wait to see where her future within Action Psychology SA takes her.
Penny Sawyer
Penny is a Developmental Educator (DE) holding a Master's in Disability Policy and Practice from Flinders University. She is also a registered teacher which provided extensive knowledge around the art of teaching. This is helpful for clients but also when supporting schools to better assist their students.
Penny combines her qualification as an R-12 teacher with her lived experiences of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Herself, her husband and two children on the spectrum - to support families living with a disability.
Penny provides disability education and counselling for families and individuals, and her role extends to coordinating quality frameworks, legislation, and policy. She assists clients in navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Penny also supports all practitioners in the provision of information required for NDIS clients.
Lynda Barclay
Lynda is a registered Speech/Language Therapist holding a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) from Flinders University, and a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) Adelaide College of Advanced Education.
Lynda has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in education, community health and private practice. She has worked extensively with education staff and parents using evidence-based best practice methodologies to develop children’s communication skills and achieve their potential.
Currently, at Action Psychology SA, Lynda works with JJV to conduct Dual Assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Lynda is also able to provide Speech and Language Assessments.
Janine Gloria Fitzhenry
Janine is a registered Mental Health Professional with the Psychologist and Counselling Federation Australia (PACFA). She has a Bachelor Degree in Social Science Human Services from UniSA and postgraduate certification in youth mental health from the University of Melbourne.
With over 20 years of experience, predominantly with children and adolescents, she has accumulated a wealth of experience and certification consistently expanding her knowledge and expertise.
Janine works to find the therapeutic approach that suits each client and draws from a range of positive psychology practices which can include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behaviour therapy (CBT) which are incorporated in the use of play and art therapy for younger clients.
Tiarna James-Valentine
Tiarna is an Early Childhood Practitioner who works at Action Psychology SA in the role of Lead early childhood worker. She also supports the Psychology team in the delivery of small group therapy sessions. Tiarna is creative and enthusiastic and has excellent positive behaviour development skills. She enjoys Play Therapy and Nature Play.
Tiarna is currently on maternity leave, but is working towards the completion of programs such as The Circle of Security and Bringing Up Great Kids, in order to make these available to parents and early childhood settings in the future.
Chris Archer
Chris is our Business Manager, bringing a wealth of expertise to our team. Holding a Masters of Teaching (Primary) and a Bachelor's of Media Arts from the University of South Australia, Chris combines a strong educational background with administrative prowess.
In the role of Business Manager, Chris takes the lead in overseeing our daily operations, managing human resources, and handling business and financial matters. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence, Chris ensures the smooth functioning of our practice.
Adam James-Valentine
Adam (aka Big) is our experienced facilities manager. His 15 years of maintenance work across multiple private schools affords him with skills to manage our security, grounds and facilities perfectly. He is a fun-seeking, helpful professional who adds an element of excitement to our team.
In his past, Adam was a well-recognised dancer and performing arts teacher. He taught students from 4 years old through to adulthood for more than 20 years. This has allowed him to develop strong relationships, particularly with children. He often uses his training and skills to support our practitioners in their therapy assistant needs.