Peter
Clinical Psychologist
Peter completed a BArts(Psych) at Newcastle University in 2001, with his research dissertation focusing on PTSD in disasters. He commenced his working career as a Provisional Psychologist in central west NSW working with people across the age range and across an array of different mental health and social concerns. After completing his Psychology Registration requirements Peter started working as a Cannabis Clinic Specialist supporting people who had cannabis use issues across the central west of NSW. This role included providing direct therapy services as well as education and training within the community sector. In 2007 Peter took up the role of Clinical Lead at headspace Bathurst. Over the next decade he worked in clinical and management roles supporting the expansion of headspace across a number of communities in the region. During this time Peter also completed his Masters in Clinical Psychology through Charles Sturt University. Peter is a Board Approved Supervisor and able to provide clinical supervision to Provisional and Registered Psychologists. More recently Peter has also taken up the role of Coordinator for the Bathurst branch of the Mental Health Professionals Network.
Peter has a passion for supporting young people, and has dedicated much of his working life to either supporting them directly in a therapeutic context, or helping build and strengthen services in our community for young people to access when they need support the most.
Peter participates in and promotes the value of sport and physical activity, as well as family and community connection. These are key elements in supporting an individual’s and community’s overall health and well-being.
Heather
Senior Practitioner
Heather completed a BA(Hons) Social Sciences at York University, UK in 1980 and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) at London University Institute of Education, UK in 1981. As a mature aged student Heather completed a Vocational Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution, Uniting in 2016 and a Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Life Story Work, Berry Street in 2020.
Over the last four decades Heather has worked in the Human Services Industry across Continents and Programs. Heather’s roles have included working with Brixton Social Services, UK and York City Council, UK co-ordinating camps and vacation care. Youth work in the Homelessness sector in the early 80’s. Working as a Child Sexual Assault Counsellor in Woman’s Health in the early 90’s. Casework, Management and Specialist work in the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) spanning over twenty-five years across Western and Far Western NSW. Working as a Witness Assistance Officer for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions between 2000-2005. This work involved supporting witnesses and victims of crime as they navigated the complexities of the criminal justice system whilst at the same time bridging the gap between the legal and human services landscape. In 2016-2017 Heather worked as a Family Dispute resolution Practitoner for Interrelate in Dubbo, NSW. Heather came to Veritas on a secondment from DCJ in 2014 and worked with the then small team to develop and embed the Permanency Support Program. In 2019 Heather transitioned across to the Clinical and Consultation Team.
Heather is a strong advocate for promoting the voices and the narratives of children, young people and adults who have had their lives impacted by adverse experiences and trauma. Heather’s preference is to explore these narratives in environments that are natural and safe.
Tracey
Registered Psychologist
Tracey is a Registered Psychologist with experience working in both the private and public sectors. Tracey returned to study following the birth of her children and working across a variety of diverse workplaces. In 2006 she completed a double degree in Bachelor Social Science/ Bachelor Secondary Teaching (English/History) at Charles Sturt University Bathurst. While teaching in the central west region she then completed her Psychology Honours in 2008.
After graduation Tracey began working in the areas of Educational/Developmental psychology and within the Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol sector. These two areas have remained a consistent focus of her work in the following years. Tracey has worked with children, young people, and their families in her roles at the Department of Education, Headspace, Community Health, and early intervention services.
In 2015 Tracey commenced working at Bloomfield Hospital focusing on providing psychology support to clients with acute mental health and substance misuse concerns. This allowed her to expand upon her previous experience, which was within community teams, to provide detailed cognitive assessments and treatment plans/programs for clients within an involuntary inpatient setting.
Tracey has a particular interest in developmental disabilities and neuropsychology, in particular the effects of traumas on learning and functioning. She has a passion for early intervention and works collaboratively with clients and their families from a strength and evidence-based approach.
Tracey is a Board Approved Supervisor and able to provide supervision to provisional and registered psychologists. She has experience providing supervision to Drug & Alcohol counselors, Allied health practitioners and nursing staff.
Elise
Clinical Psychology Registrar
Jayne
Provisional Psychologist
Jayne completed her double degree in Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Secondary Teaching (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) in 2007 at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst. In 2008, while teaching in rural and remote communities part time, Jayne went on to complete her Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology.
Jayne then commenced work as a caseworker in child protection with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). Jayne developed an interest for assessment and intervention of children who have experienced serious abuse, and joined the Joint Child Protection Response Team, working closely alongside NSW Police and NSW Health. Jayne worked in this space for about four years as both caseworker and manager, refining her skills at interviewing children, gathering evidence and completing assessments.
Between 2014 and 2018 Jayne led a number of teams working in the child protection and out of home care space. Jayne supported caseworkers working with children, young people, their parents and their carers, to ensure children had the support and protection they needed to be nurtured and fulfil their potential. Jayne also spent time working alongside Non Government Organisations such as Veritas, during the roll out and implementation of the Permanency Support Program.
In 2018, Jayne took some time off from DCJ to have her children, and has recently returned to work at Veritas in 2021. Jayne enjoys connecting with people in relationship-based practice with an emphasis on the value of understanding the complex culture and experience of others. Jayne also prefers a ‘glass half-full’ approach to practice, with a strengths- and evidence-based lens on support and intervention.
Kate
Occupational Therapist
Kate graduated from Sydney university in 1994 with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy
She has since worked as an Occupational Therapist across a range of settings in NSW health service, in the NHS in the UK and in the NGO sector, as a clinician, team leader and manager.
Her area of great interest has been adult mental health rehabilitation with an emphasis on personal recovery and understanding of trauma and trauma-informed approaches to care. This includes working with people who use substances and she has a special interest in the area of voice hearing and assisting people to find meaning in those experiences.
This is her first position in the field of paediatric OT, coming full circle back to the field which had initially sparked her interest to study OT all those years ago. She brings with her to this new field of practice a breadth of experience from her mental health career, including an interest in sensory modulation and the impact of sensory experiences on how we relate and respond to our world around us and those within it.
She is driven by strong values around social justice, community, connection and having fun. She knows well that the formula for successful engagement with the client is through working with them on what is meaningful to them and their loved ones.
Erin
Registered Psychologist
Erin graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Psychology in 2021, and completed her provisional registration in private practice. Erin has worked with people of all ages and presentations including depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and neurodevelopmental difficulties. She has experience in the administration of psychometric testing and report writing to assist families and services better understand and respond effectively to the needs of adults, children, and young people. More broadly, she is driven to help people understand themselves and to identify and express their needs.
Erin is a Bathurst local and enjoys engaging with the community through music and sporting activities. She also likes reading, exercise, and spending time with her pets.
