We are a team of psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, and educators
James Clinch
Director & Psychologist
MPsych(Clin), GDipPsych, GDipPsych(Adv), GradCert (Counselling & Psychotherapy), BA(Hons), MAPS
James is a registered psychologist with additional training in psychotherapy. He has a keen interest in supporting young people to make the best of their individual social and behavioural profiles. He aims to help them express themselves authentically while developing their confidence and capacities.
He is particularly interested in how young people understand themselves, their emotions, and their relationships, and how this understanding can shape their experience of themselves and the world.
James has a natural ability to connect with people, especially children and teens. He brings a supportive and humorous energy that encourages these young people to become curious about themselves in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
Nina Parrella
Clinical Lead & Speech Pathologist
BSp, MSc (cognitive neuroscience), PhD
Nina is a certified practising speech pathologist and cognitive neuroscience researcher with over a decade of experience supporting children and adults with communication and feeding needs across Australia, the UK, and Europe. Her research examines the neural effects of certain pharmacological interventions and their potential to support social development in autistic children.
Nina has a calm, engaging approach, and strong rapport with young people. At Schoolhouse Social, she leads our groups and curriculum development, combining her clinical and research expertise.
Alison Wilkes
Clinical Psychologist
BA (Communication), BA (International Studies), GDipPsych, BPsychSc(Hons), MPsychClin
Alison is a Clinical Psychologist with a genuine enthusiasm for people. A warm, creative practitioner who holds fun and play as top priorities, she is able to quickly engage and develop rapport with those of all ages and backgrounds.
She is skilled and passionate about working with neurodivergent children and young people, as well as young people and adults experiencing complex, severe and enduring psychological challenges. Alison's experience spans private, public and not-for-profit settings.
Alison is an experienced group therapy practitioner with skills in trauma informed and trauma focused interventions, and in therapeutic adaptations for neurodivergence and other cognitive differences.
Tim Slingsby
Psychologist
BEng(Mếch)(Hons), BPsychSc(Hons), Accredited Meditation Teacher (Meditation Australia), MAPS
Tim is a registered psychologist with a diverse personal and professional background. He brings a knowledgeable, personalised, and compassionate approach to therapy.
Tim draws from a range of contemporary therapeutic approaches, including Interpersonal Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy. Tim also has training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and is an accredited meditation teacher.
With years of experience working in an alternative school setting, Tim appreciates the role family and school ‘systems’ play in the life of a young person. He works with families to carefully understand the context around the child, with the aim of developing new ways of managing stress and overwhelm.
Bonnie Leaver
Social Worker
BSocWk, Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner, Marte Meo Licensed Practitioner, AASW
Bonnie is a Social Worker with experience across various therapeutic settings, including positive behaviour support and neuroaffirming services. She has a relaxed, approachable style, with a natural affinity for making young people feel at ease. Bonnie has focused on supporting individuals, families, multidisciplinary teams, and organisations to navigate a wide variety of behavioural presentations and achieve safe, person-centred outcomes.
Bonnie is committed to trauma-informed practice and is recognised for her ability to build strong relationships, critically analyse complex situations, and translate evidence-based practice into practical, accessible formats. She takes a warm, curious and light hearted approach which supports those she works with to feel comfortable to learn about themselves and others with her support.
Hannah Williams
Allied Health Assistant
Hannah is an Allied Health Assistant currently undertaking a Bachelor of Health Science with a Masters in Speech and Language Therapy. She provides 1:1 support to our social group participants who have additional speech and language goals. Hannah has a natural ability to connect with children and brings her relevant insights from her parenting to her practice. Her calm and reassuring presence helps children build their confidence and skills.
Hannah has a previous career in banking which enables her to bring a developed and well-rounded understanding of how speech and language skills translate into life beyond the therapy room.
Gabi Maruta
Facilitator & Educator
MTeach
Gabi is an Assistant Facilitator in our groups, where she brings her wealth of experience working with children across early childhood and education contexts. She has an exceptional ability to intuit the emotional needs of children, and to provide them comfort in tricky moments. This derives in part from her training and experience, and in part from personal experience of neurodivergence within her family.
Gabi is passionate about working with neurodivergent children and holds a Masters of Teaching. Outside of her work with children, Gabi has a strong interest in art and design, having had a previous career as a photographer.
Ruby Dennis
Social group mentor
Ruby has been an integral part of our team since the start of 2024. She brings a unique perspective to her role and connects naturally with children, helping them feel confident in who they are. With lived experience of neurodivergence, Ruby understands the challenges young people face and is passionate about providing support and friendly advice.
Currently in her final years of high school, she finds school to be the most stressful part of her life and offers coping strategies and insights to help others navigate similar challenges. Ruby has participated in many social development groups and values the supportive and inclusive environment that James and Nina foster in their programs.