About Us
Atara Lebransky
Director | Speech Pathologist
Our director, Atara Lebransky is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) who has always had a special interest and passion in supporting people on the Autism Spectrum and its co-morbid counterparts. She understands that navigating the social sphere can be challenging and sometimes extra guidance is needed. Atara creates a warm, supportive, safe and inclusive environment. Atara also has extensive experience supporting clients with selective mutism. Through building social skills and supporting communication, she is motivated to empower and renew people’s sense of self confidence, independence, resilience, and optimism for the future. Atara undertook training with world renowned Clinical Psychologist, Dr Elizabeth Laugeson and was a recipient of the PEERS program adolescent training scholarship. Atara is also trained in the Michelle Garcia Winner Social Thinking program and has implemented this throughout paediatric settings including schools, clinics and holiday program intensives. In addition, Atara has experience supporting gender diverse clients with their voice transition and is the co-founder of the app VoiceShift.
Dr Iona Walker
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Iona Walker is an Australian and UK accredited Consultant Clinical Psychologist registered with AHPRA with fifteen years of experience in the field of psychology and mental health. She has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a MSc in Clinical and Health Psychology (with Distinction) and an MA (hons) in Psychology. She has undertaken specialist training in a number of areas including neurodiversity and is able to support adults and older adolescents with assessment of ADHD and Autism. Dr Walker is dedicated to the provision of the highest standard of psychological care and approaching sessions and conversations with the greatest empathy and respect for clients. She is committed to supporting clients through neuro-affirmative care to improve their wellbeing and meet their goals in life.
Laura Colaianni
Speech Pathologist
Laura is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with a Masters in Speech Pathology from the University of Melbourne. She has experience working in education, disability, public health, private practice and language teaching in Australia, the UK and Spain.
Laura has worked with clients across the lifespan and is passionate about moulding communication therapy to fit meaningfully into the lives of clients and families. She aims to provide therapy that embraces individual differences and empowers clients to feel more confident in their connections with those around them.
Laura speaks advanced Italian and Spanish and enjoys working with clients and families of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Outside of work, Laura performs around Melbourne as a musician.
Ana Music
Occupational Therapist
Ana is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with a passion for empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. With a Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice from La Trobe University, Ana has continued to hone in on her skills in dynamic clinical and community settings, working with diverse populations navigating mental health challenges.
Daliya Wald
Speech Pathologist
Outside of work Daliya enjoys eating out, spending time with friends and going to the beach.
Tal Bookatz
Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar)
Tal is a compassionate registered psychologist who recently completed a Master of Clinical Psychology and is currently undertaking a clinical registrar program. She is passionate about supporting clients across the lifespan but particularly enjoys working with young people. She works with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and neurodivergence, as well as those experiencing difficulties related to attachment, relationships, emotion regulation, identity, self-esteem, and stress.
Tal is skilled in administering ADHD, Autism, cognitive, and educational assessments and uses evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices in her work. She is passionate about empowering clients to achieve their potential, fostering a warm and nurturing environment where they feel safe to explore challenges and build confidence.
Jessica Tanner
Speech Pathologist
Jess is a Speech Pathologist and practice educator based in Melbourne. She is originally from Newcastle, NSW, where she studied film and media before relocating to Melbourne to train as an actor at the National Theatre Drama School. She studied postgraduate voice at the Victorian College of the Arts, after which she worked as a vocal coach in theatre and corporate settings. Jess holds a Master of Speech Pathology from La Trobe University, where she also works at the university’s gender-affirming clinic, supporting transgender and gender-diverse clients seeking voice services. Jess has a particular interest in adult neurodiversity and providing a safe and collaborative environment for her clients to achieve their voice and communication goals.
Matilda van Maanen
Occupational Therapist
Matilda is a passionate Occupational Therapist, holding a Bachelors in Applied Science and Masters in Occupational Therapy from La Trobe University. Starting her career in the mental health space, Matilda cultivated a holistic approach to care, focusing on the whole person rather than just the presenting issue. Guided by a client-centered philosophy, Matilda leverages her clients’ strengths to design meaningful interventions that promote their independence, overall well-being and to enrich their daily life.
Outside of work, Matilda enjoys finding new food spots, practising photography, and hosting dinner with friends and family.
Sara Simenson-Braun
Provisional Psychologist
Sara is currently a provisional psychologist completing her Masters of Clinical Psychology. She is warm, charismatic, and has a natural ability to connect with people. Sara has a genuine passion for helping others and is committed to enabling individuals to reach their goals. She believes this is done through fostering a safe and supportive environment. Sara is particularly interested in developmental psychology and is dedicated to researching and understanding how early life experiences can affect emotions and behaviours.
Kelly Sheeran
Practice Manager
Thriving in the dynamic world of Allied Health, Kelly coordinates all patient enquiries, bookings, and financial operations, ensuring the smooth running of the practice. As a parent to two beautiful neurodiverse children, Kelly has a unique perspective and appreciation of the strengths and challenges associated with neurodiversity, bringing a profound empathy, and understanding to her role as Practice Manager.
Sania Tuli
Allied Health Assistant
Sania has always been committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others, with a strong dedication to supporting and empowering individuals with Autism, ADHD, and other social challenges.
Known for her compassion, sociability, and ability to connect with others, Sania strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
As a recent graduate of UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society and a minor in Disability Studies, Sania is committed to inclusive healthcare and advocating for the needs of others.
As a former senior research assistant for the UCLA PEERS Clinic, the founding clinic of the PEERS Program, Sania has vast experience helping individuals with social challenges to obtain the social skills necessary to pursue the world with confidence.
Sania hopes to return to the United States one day to practice medicine and is excited to learn about a healthcare system beyond the borders of the United States through her work with the Social Domain.
Outside of work, Sania enjoys pilates, travelling, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants.