Our Team

Dr Amy Lai (MAPS, MAMPS) is a fully registered psychologist with extensive clinical experience working with children and young people. 

Amy has worked closely with children and family from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, including those who suffer from complex trauma and family violence. Amy has worked in major hospitals, private practice, primary schools (Department of Education and Training), and community health organisations.

Professional Registration

• AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registered psychologist
• AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) Board-approved supervisor

Qualifications

Amy holds a Doctor of Psychology, and attended Harvard University (USA) to pursue further study and research in child psychology, after completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and Diploma in Music in Australia. Amy also completed a Master of Management in Hospitality at Cornell University (USA).

• PsyD
• ALM-pre (Harvard University, USA)
• MMH (Cornell University, USA)
• PGDipPsych (Federation University, Australia)
• GDipPsych (The University of Melbourne, Australia)
• BBiomed (The University of Melbourne, Australia)
• DipMus (The University of Melbourne, Australia)
• ARSM (ABRSM, UK)

Affiliations

• member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)
• member of the Australian Music and Psychology Society (AMPS)
• professional member of Autism Pathways
• member of the Australian Psychological Society Disaster Response Network 

Other Professional Accreditations

• ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) Therapist Training Certificate 
• Australian Psychological Society (APS) Practice Certificate in Disaster Support
• CBT Australia Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Adolescents
• ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, UK) performance diplomas in piano, flute and violin
• registered children’s yoga teacher certificate from a registered yoga school for children with yoga Australia / yoga alliance UK / the Canadian yoga alliance / yoga alliance USA

Continuous Professional Development Accreditations

• Harvard Medical School (USA) Online Training Certificate in Cognitive Fitness
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Down Syndrome: Health Care Updates for the Primary Care Paediatrician
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety in the Primary Care Setting
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Assessment and Treatment of Major Depressive Disorders
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Sex, Sexuality, and Gender: Children and Adolescents
• University of Cambridge (UK) Continuing Education Certificate in The Psychology of Adolescence: Brain and Behaviour
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Diversity in Mental Health Practice
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Posttraumatic Stress and Related Disorders
• University of Cambridge (UK) Continuing Education Certificate in Learning and Memory in the Brain
• University of Cambridge (UK) Continuing Education Certificate in The Neuropsychology of Decision Making
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Digital Mental Health
• Yale University Certificate in Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in School Mental Health: Treating Students K-12
• Harvard Medical School (USA) CME (Continuing Medical Education) Certificate in Current Practice in ADHD

Areas of Professional Interest and Expertise

• antisocial behaviour / difficulties socialising or interacting with others / traits of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• attention & concentration problems / hyperactive behaviour / traits of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• behavioural management
• complex childhood trauma
• cultural adjustment or adaptation problems 
• emotional regulation difficulties
• interpersonal relationship difficulties
• mood disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression) 
• motivation and attitude to change 
• parenting skills training
• problem-focused approach
• disaster support (working with individuals and communities affected by disasters and emergencies in and outside of Australia)
• supervision and training

Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions 

Amy has exceptional psychological training and skills in diagnosis, assessment, early intervention, and treatment.

Amy focuses on evidence-based interventions with a foundation in attachment, strength, system, and drive theory, include:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Narrative Therapy (NT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Play Therapy

Amy is fully trained in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – an autism-specific therapy; Amy offers an early intervention ABA program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Amy provides comprehensive group programs incorporating evidence-based interventions and fun activities for children and parents.

Alongside her clinical work, Amy is the national manager for OnPsych, an organisation that provides mental health services to individuals and schools in Australia.

Outside of work, Amy considers herself as a classically trained musician – she loves playing the piano, flute, violin and sing. Amy's real joy comes from spending quality time with her young family.

Amy is extremely passionate about mental health in children and young people, and has the ability to engage easily with children.

Amy would like to bring her knowledge, skills, training, and expertise to work with you and your child / children. 

Amy is fluent in English, Chinese / Mandarin, and Taiwanese / Hokkien.

Mr Jeff Lai is a leadership development expert with extensive experience working with a range of organisations in both Australia and overseas.

Jeff has worked with senior leaders to improve performance, navigate challenges, and achieve goals through personalised guidance and support. Jeff’s career began in banking and legal consulting at both private and public sectors. 

Qualifications

Jeff is currently completing a Doctor of Psychology. Jeff attended Harvard University (USA) to pursue further study and research in legal studies, after completing his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws in Australia. Jeff also completed a Master of Management in Hospitality at Cornell University (USA).

• PsyD (in progress)
• ALM-pre (Harvard University, USA)
• MMH (Cornell University, USA)
• LLB (The University of Melbourne, Australia)
• BCom (The University of Melbourne, Australia)

Areas of Professional Interest and Expertise

• leadership consulting: executive and team coaching, strength-based leadership training
• tailored training and professional development: executive development program, high performance coaching for individual and team
• professional well-being coaching: high level team resilience through emotional intelligence – identifying, managing and preventing work stressors
• professional supervision: keynote speaking masterclass
• mindfulness-based training: self-care strategies
• change management: sustainable behaviour change for individual and team
• solution-focused approach: identify and diagnose individual issues and / or systemic problems, and develop strategies that align with the organisational culture

Alongside his coaching work, Jeff acts as the executive director and manages multiple projects in property development for a number of organisations within and outside of Australia. 

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys playing and watching sports, especially NBA, NBL, and AFL. Jeff also loves reading and learning about finance and investment during his spare time.

Jeff believes the strong connection between leadership effectiveness and business performance, and has the ability to lead through uncertainty and complexity in the modern era.

Jeff would like to bring his knowledge and expertise to unlock your full leadership potential.

Jeff is fluent in English, Chinese / Mandarin, and Taiwanese / Hokkien.

Ms Sarah Chapman (MAPS) is a fully registered psychologist with experience providing psychological support within school, sport, corporate and community health environments. Sarah has a passion for working with children and young people. 

Professional Registration 

• AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registered psychologist 
• Ausactive registered Personal Trainer 

Qualifications 

Sarah holds a Masters of Psychology from The University of Melbourne. Sarah also holds personal training qualifications.

• MPsych 
• MA Psychology (The University of Melbourne, Australia) 
• BA Arts (Psychology, The University of Melbourne, Australia) 

Affiliations 

• member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) 

Professional Development 

• Australian Psychological Society ‘Applied Weight Management Psychology, From Principles to Practice’ 
• Department of Health Victoria ‘Public Health Promotion’ 
• Australian International Aid Program ‘Cross cultural partnerships’ 
• Red Cross ‘International Development Pre-Departure Training’ 

International Experience 

Sarah has worked with The Red Cross to support disaster response teams in the Philippines, and supported skill assessment and development planning for government in Indonesia.

Areas of Professional Interest and Expertise 

• physical activity and mental health 
• value based motivation 
• emotional regulation difficulties 
• interpersonal relationship difficulties 
• mood disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression) 
• autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• assessment and diagnosis 
• weight management psychology 

Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions 

Sarah has psychological training and skills in diagnosis, assessment, early intervention, and treatment. 

Sarah uses evidence-based interventions including: 

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) 
• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) 
• Dance Therapy 
• Play Therapy 

Alongside her clinical work, Sarah consults to OnPsych, an organisation that provides mental health services to individuals and schools in Australia. Sarah also manages her own personal training business.

Ms Anna Zhao is an ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapist dedicated to supporting children and young people in developing essential communication, social, and daily living skills. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, Anna focuses on creating individualised programs that empower each learner to reach their full potential. 

Anna works closely with families, educators, and support teams to help children in developing emotional regulation, independence, communication, social confidence, and functional skills in everyday settings. Anna's ultimate goal is assisting children to learn that they can tackle challenges, and feel proud when they succeed.

Qualifications 

• Certificate in Child Psychology & Development 
• Certificate in Speech Therapy 
• Certificate Level 2 — ABA Therapist 
• Certificate IV in Disability 
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care 
• Diploma of Behavioural Therapy 
• Certificate IV in Training & Assessment 

Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions 

Anna incorporates fun exercise and movement-based activities to improve coordination, gross-motor skills,  balance and concentration. Through drawing, writing exercises, puzzles, and interactive games, Anna helps children developing fine motor skills and building problem-solving skills. Anna's programs are designed to make sessions engaging and purposeful, helping children learn new skills and apply them at school and everyday life.

Anna enjoys cooking, travelling and hiking in her spare time.

Anna is passionate about making a positive impact on families’ lives through collaboration, patience, and continuous professional growth. 

Anna is fluent in English, and Chinese / Mandarin.