Our People
Be Centre is more than just a place – we’re also a team of dedicated people who share a common passion for what we do. Our team includes some of the nation’s most experienced Play Therapists, but also a high skilled executive team and engaged Board of Directors. We’re also lucky to have the support of amazing interns, volunteers and ambassadors, who all help make us the organisation we are today.
Penny Bird
Clinical Manager
Registered Nurse (Mental Health), Post Graduate Diploma in Management, Certificate of Person-centered counselling
I worked in the Corporate sector for a number of years before coming to the realization that my role in life was to support children, young people and their families to thrive in the midst of difficulties they might be facing. As a mental health trained Registered Nurse I have worked in inpatient units, crisis services and the community in both government and non-government organisations providing counselling and support for children, young people and their families and latterly as a Clinical Manager.
Where are you from?I am from England. I travelled in Australia when I was aged 25 years (originally on a 1 year 16,000km pushbike ride around the circumference of Australia for charity) and fell in love with the place and then spent until my mid thirties trying to find a way to live here permanently.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?I work with children and young people because I have an absolute belief in their ability to find answers and get what they need with a little bit of help from organisations such as the Be Centre. I also believe in the power of giving support early so that healing can occur before it gets harder to manage.
What do you like most about your job?The joy for me is seeing children and their families grow in confidence and feel more comfortable managing life’s many challenges, but most of all for children to be in a place they can experience fun and enjoy being a kid. I also marvel every day about the passion of the team I work with and their care and advocacy for the children and families they work with.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?Imaginative play and story-telling where you can be anything you want to be. I also love being in the ocean with my snorkel as I love the sense of freedom and the magical underwater world.
Fiona Howell
Play Therapist / Clinical Supervisor
Clinical Supervisor, PostGrad Dip Play Therapy, BBSc, RN, CMHN, Cert Holistic Counselling, Cert Life Coaching, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
I have 36 years’ experience working in mental health in both Melbourne and Sydney, including the past 11 years as a play therapist.
Where are you from?Melbourne originally, then I moved to Sydney over 20 years ago with my husband and two children.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?Prior to becoming a play therapist I worked with both adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of mental health issues which had their origins in childhood trauma. Those clients often told me that when they were children, they hadn’t got the help they needed. Sometimes adults tried to get them to talk but they didn’t have the words to explain their feelings or were too scared to speak. When I discovered Play Therapy I knew this was the answer I had been looking for as a way to reach children using their natural language of play. There is clear evidence to show that early intervention through appropriate help in childhood can change the trajectory of a person’s life.
What do you like most about your job?I love being able to connect with children through play. Playing out worries, feelings and experiences helps children to make sense of them and allows them to move forward. Being a part of this process with a child is a great privilege. Children inspire me every day with their amazing capacity to express themselves in their own unique way. I also love seeing stronger, connected and more joyful relationships develop between parents/carers and their children as a result of the play therapy process.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?I grew up on the coast and love being near the beach and ocean which helps to ground me. In the play room at Be Centre I enjoy following the child’s lead and seeing where their play journey takes us!
Fiona Geoghegan
Play Therapist
Registered Interplay Therapist, Post Grad Cert Play Therapy, BA Hons (Psych), Cert. Jungian Sand Therapy, Cert Counselling Theory and Practice, PTI
When I left school, I completed a BA Honours Degree in Psychology at University College Dublin. My real interest was psychotherapy so I went on to study counselling and psychotherapy and worked in drug and alcohol and other addictions. Much of my work was with young people and their families. After we had our children I trained as a Crisis Support Worker at Lifeline and more recently completed my Post Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy.
Where are you from?I am from Ireland and travelled to Australia in my 20’s. Just before I was about to leave Sydney I met my Australian husband and the rest is history.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?Working in addiction I often wondered what life would have been like for some of my clients if they had been able to get help when they were young. After raising my own family, I felt drawn towards working with children, I wanted to find a way that would truly allow them to safely express themselves. When I learned about Play Therapy and how it reaches children in a way that talking therapy cannot, I knew I had found that way.
What do you like most about your job?I am constantly amazed in the playroom as I watch children process their struggles and guide their own growth. I feel enormously privileged that they allow me into their lives to be part of that process. I love helping provide a safe space and developing a relationship where they can feel supported and secure enough to express their feelings, thoughts, fears and worries through the medium that comes most naturally to them – play.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?I grew up in the countryside and loved to escape down the fields or into the woods, immersing myself in the freedom of nature and my imagination. In the playroom, I love working in the sand with children and being with them as their natural creativity and imagination takes them where they need to go.
Alyce Goss
Play Therapist
Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Child Play Therapy
My previous work experience has been in Casework and Counselling roles in the field of child welfare and family support. I have also worked in schools doing expressive therapy with individuals and groups. I love working with children and families to help them thrive as individuals and in relationships.
Where are you from?I was born and grew up in Sydney’s Western suburbs.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?Through my experience in schools and in social work roles I met many children who were really struggling with big emotions, grief and trauma. I found these kids were often misunderstood, and their families, teachers and I just didn’t know the best way to help them. When I discovered Play Therapy it just made sense! I love that Play Therapy uses the most natural and developmentally appropriate way for children to communicate and express themselves.
What do you like most about your job?I feel so privileged to have children let me into their inner world through their play! It is amazing to witness kids express difficult emotions, discover strength and build resilience within the safety of the playroom and therapeutic relationship. I also love working alongside parents and carers to support attachment and family relationships through play.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?As a child I loved to go on adventures through all sorts of imaginative play. I still love dress ups, escaping through a good novel or musical and exploring outside in nature.
Bree de la Harpe
Play Therapist
Bachelor of Counselling (Majoring in Children, Marriage and Family Therapy), Post Graduate Diploma Play Therapy
I have been working with children for almost 20 years through various volunteer programs and decided to make a career out of it in 2006. I studied a Bachelor’s in Counselling majoring in Working with Children & Marriage and Family Therapy, then took this one step further and became a qualified Play Therapist in 2011. I worked with Be Centre for 6 years before I moved to Orange County, California for 6 years where I worked in one of the nation’s leading paediatric hospitals in a child and adolescent psychiatric facility. In 2020 my husband, newborn son and I moved back to Australia, and I was able to re-join the wonderful team at Be Centre once again.
Where are you from?I was born and raised Northern Beaches.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?For me, prevention and early intervention is key. If children are given a safe space to be totally accepted as they are and given permission to process their difficulties in a way that is natural to them (play!), the future generations will develop into healthy, happy adolescents and adults. Play Therapy advocates for children to have a voice and an environment to make sense of what is happening in their world.
What do you like most about your job?The uniqueness of every child. I am still getting surprised even after 13 years of being a Play Therapist. I love having the privilege of being allowed into the child’s world to witness them make courageous steps towards their healing.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?Inside the room my favourite play is sand and role-play. Outside the room is anything with water!
Nicole Crouch
Art Psychotherapist
Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Visual Arts, Masters of Art Therapy and Member of ANZACATA
Over the last 25 years, I have facilitated a variety of art groups, classes, and psychoeducational workshops with children through to adults. My background is in art education, art therapy, and community work. I am an Art Therapist, artist, and art teacher.
Where are you from?I grew up on the Northern Beaches and lived there for over 30years. I now live closer to the bush with my husband and two kids.
What inspired you to work in Art Therapy?I was inspired to work in art therapy because I believe that through creative expression, healing can and does take place. I have found art to be a gateway to healing and enjoy watching and helping the creative process unfold.
What do you like most about your job?I love that I am constantly learning about the different ways people experience life. I am inspired by a child’s creativity and their ability to express themselves in ways they may not have thought possible. Seeing children grow and become empowered as they continue on their journey is what this job is all about.
What kind of art do you enjoy the most?I love creating bright and colorful artworks. However, more recently, I have been enjoying experimenting with different painting techniques.
Tiana Wilson
Play Therapist
Certified Humanistic Play Therapist and Interplay Practitioner Masters of Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy, Postgraduate training in Therapeutic Play Skills, Fundamentals of Sandplay Therapy (ANZ-STI), Diploma in Transactional Analysis, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
After years of working in the business and corporate sectors focusing on supporting people within the business scope, I made the decision to leave that space and really focus on people personally. This led to me further training in psychotherapy, play therapy and interplay family therapy which started my journey of working therapeutically with adults, young people, families and more recently with precious kiddos. I have also enjoyed volunteer roles at the Benevolent Society supporting new Mums and Bubs, being a Raise mentor and have been lucky enough to experience some awesome volunteer roles supporting young people in South America and Africa.
Where are you from?I was born and bred around Sydney and the Central Coast.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?I guess it’s largely because I feel passionate about kids and their wellbeing, and I wish every child (and adult) was loved and supported and trauma-proof. And from a big picture perspective, I think no one’s life is perfect and often things that happen in early years (outside of our control) impact us in many ways that can shift throughout time. The way we deal with these impacts can become patterns of behaviour or relationships or just ways of managing. And it’s when these approaches no longer serve us that we look to get help as adults. I love the idea of short-circuiting this and offering healing and support by way of early intervention so that the impact in those early years can help us build better ways of being throughout life. And to work effectively with children in those early years I think it’s important we communicate in a way that is natural for them, hence the draw of play therapy. It’s such a beautiful way of relating.
What do you like most about your job?The people. Every individual – whether a child, a parent, a carer, a significant other or a colleague at work – they impact me. I feel so honoured to be let into people’s worlds and be part of the process of change they may be seeking. Don’t get me wrong – the playroom is super awesome too!
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?It depends on my mood – I love the sand especially when I am feeling like I want to chill and when I want to get my creative on, it’s the art supplies that take top spot.
Bhavini Ranchod
Play Therapist
BA Honours in Psychology, Postgraduate certificate in therapeutic Play (PTUK, PTI) , Postgraduate Degree in Psychometric Assessments and Postgraduate certificate in Human Resource Management
After completing my honours in Psychology, I devoted time to voluntary work in informal settlements and hospitals in India, igniting my passion for working with children and families. Subsequently, I pursued a postgraduate degree in Psychometric Assessments while engaging with children ranging from 5 years old to university students at the University of Johannesburg. This experience led me to a role in corporate HR and learning and development for four years. However, my deep-seated desire to work directly with children persisted, prompting me to undergo training in life coaching for children and later in Play Therapy. During my journey into Play Therapy, I owned and managed a preschool.
Where are you from?I was born and raised in South Africa.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?My passion lies in supporting children facing challenges beyond their control. I'm captivated by the use of play to establish connections with children, facilitating exploration of solutions to cope with their worries, fears, sadness, and challenging circumstances. The versatility of tools and resources available for each child's exploration is particularly rewarding. Above all, it's a privilege to provide a safe haven where children can authentically express themselves, aiding them in thriving.
What do you like most about your job?Witnessing the impact of the playroom on each child is immensely gratifying. Being part of a process that empowers children to freely explore, discover their own solutions, and unlock their full potential is truly remarkable.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?I love the multisensory experience of beach play, the engagement of board games, the joy of silliness with my son, and the freedom of expression through dance.
Joanna Keanan-Brown
Play Therapist/TORA Facilitator
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood), Graduate Diploma in Special Education, Graduate Diploma in Counselling, Graduate Diploma of Therapeutic Child Play, Master of Child Play Therapy
I was born and bred in Sydney.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?My work with vulnerable mothers and their children inspired me to learn more about helping children who may have experienced early trauma. This deepened my understanding of Attachment Theory.
Play Therapy provides me with the tools to understand what is happening for a child beneath their behaviours and to help navigate a path to healing through playful interactions. Play is about discovery, and Play Therapy is about self-discovery. What do you like most about your job?To be in the moment with a child as they reveal and heal in therapy is a privilege and a gift.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?I love a good board game marathon with my family. My idea of bliss is losing myself in a good book while lying in a hammock, surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Michelle Mott
Parent Counsellor
MCAP Masters in Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy (2013) (8 years’ experience), Tuning Into Kids and Tuning Into Teens qualified facilitator.
I have 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and eight years as a Counsellor. I'm a facilitator of the Tuning into Kids, Tuning into Teens, and Circle of Security parenting courses. I previously volunteered as a Lifeline telephone support worker and I've mentored with Raise Foundation. I'm a mum of two grown-up children.
Where are you from?I was born in the UK and came to Australia in 1995.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?I was looking for something that would align with my Counselling qualification and found myself supporting parents at Be Centre. I feel that "play" is so important. It allows children to use their creativity while developing emotionally. It also is a great connection time for parents and their children.
What do you like most about your job?I love working in a supportive environment with other health professionals. I am passionate about my role supporting parents either through counselling or facilitating parenting courses. It's important to support the parents/carers through the process so not only the children feel supported, but also the parents.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?I loved creative play and story telling with my children when they were young. We still have lots of craft activity in our house including painting and mosaics.
Lily Gruenewald (currently on maternity leave)
Certified Practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills
Post-graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, Level 2 and 3 Award in Counselling with Children, Masters of Play Therapy (currently completing), Bachelor of Communications, PTUK, PTI, BACP
I was born and raised in Sydney but have recently spent five years living in London.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?During my work with children in schools who experienced trauma, I found play to be a way for us to connect with each other and for them to feel safe. The more we played, the more I realised how powerful the process was for them. As I watched the play transform they way they saw themselves in the world, I knew it was the right path for me.
What do you like most about your job?I am always in awe of how my clients explore their ‘whole self’ through creative ways in the playroom. The safety and acceptance that play therapy provides allows me to celebrate each child and connect with them without words.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?I love any kind of play that involves a messy, sensory element- sand, water or getting my hands into paint!
Our clinical team continue to build on their knowledge base and maintain professional affiliations with the following Associations:
Australia
APPTA – Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association
Australian Play Therapists Association
UK
The British Association of Play Therapists
USA
International
PTI – Play Therapy International
International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations IC-PTA
Creative Arts Therapy
Tania Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
In my career, I have worked in both corporate environments and for-purpose businesses. Most recently I was the co-owner of Coastrek, a mental health charity that has successfully raised over $40 million.
Where are you from?Originally from South Africa, I have proudly called Australia home for the past 17 years, though my South African accent is still going strong.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?My passion for Play Therapy stems from its positive and impactful nature. As an early intervention, Play Therapy contributes to improved overall emotional well-being after therapy concludes, ensuring children aged 3-12 years can thrive.
What do you like most about your job?Being part of a team who all wholeheartedly invest their time to Be Centre’s vision, to help children grow to become happy, healthy, and thriving young people.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?I like to play outside in nature, bike riding, running, climbing trees, swimming in the ocean.
Christina Rooney
Fundraising & Marketing Lead
I’ve worked over decades with multi-nationals to support build branding, campaign management and to grow mutually beneficial partnerships. I’ve a passion to link to social change. I believe in lifelong learning and thrive on ‘playing’ in market and trying new and innovative approaches.
Where are you from?Originally from the rainbow region of Australia, Lismore, I moved from the country to the city with my family growing up. Since then, I’ve found myself living close to the Sydney coast.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?As a marketer it makes total sense, to have the biggest impact and communicate to your audience, you need to talk their language. Play is the natural language of children, Play Therapy cuts through and helps those who struggle to express themselves and helps children overcome traumatic barriers. Enabling healthy communication through early intervention helps not only the kids but the families and our society long term.
What do you like most about your job?Working with partners and alongside the Be Centre team to enable impactful change through marketing or fundraising activities. Each part we play has a direct impact on children’s scholarships. The more we play well together, and grow, the more we can foster and create a healthier society.
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?Any play works! Outdoor, ideally near the water, always makes me smile.
Lorraine Lee
Intake Clinician
I have been lucky enough to have worked in a number of different roles over the years, across the border and over seas. Among them as a Telephone Counsellor at Kids Helpline, as a School Counsellor at a bilingual school in Stockholm and most recently as a Program Facilitator on a YWCA program called Encore – an exercise program for women who have experienced Breast Cancer. I am so happy to have landed here as Intake Clinician at Be Centre.
Where are you from?Growing up, I’ve often shared my cross cultural identity story in response to this question, as I have never felt any one-sentence reply reflects enough what I would like to say. I was born in the UK to parents with Chinese ancestry who migrated there from different parts of Malaysia. I grew up and lived in Sunny Brisbane for many years. Then as an adult, I further added to my story - living in Stockholm for over 10 years and then landing here in Sydney a few years ago.
What inspired you to work in Play Therapy?I was drawn to work at Be Centre as I have always loved work that centres around relationships. I also believe in the enormous healing quality that comes from being in the moment, with each other with feelings which arise. Play therapy creates a space for all of these.
What do you like most about your job?Put simply, being surrounded by incredible people who are doing amazing, healing work. I am honestly inspired each day!
What kind of play do you enjoy the most?My spontaneous answer to this question during Summer is playing Summer Soccer with my lovely friends. I love not only the camaraderie that comes with being in a team, but that we are active and social together all in one. I would also say that anything that prompts me to laugh and not take myself so seriously comes high on my list. I am always up for a chat and a bit of banter and that definitely fits that laughter bill!
Deborah Killelea
Chair
Deborah founded Be Centre in 2008. Deborah's passion has always been helping children. Her entire professional career has been devoted to working with aboriginal children, children with physical disabilities and behavioural problems. She is actively involved in the projects she funds and is a founding member of Green Cross Australia. Deborah along with her husband Steve, founded The Charitable Foundation in 2000 aiming to provide life-changing interventions reaching as many people as possible. Deborah has been Chair since 2008.
Mark Lollback
A seasoned marketing professional with more than 20 years of global blue-chip marketing experience, Mark Lollback assumed the role of GroupM Australia & New Zealand CEO in April 2016. GroupM is Australia’s biggest media investment group with more than $3bn in billings. His career as a marketing leader spans four continents, a number of categories and a proven track record in delivering results.
Graham Mott
Graham brings with him a wealth of professional experience developed and refined over a 34-year career with Deloitte and KPMG in London and Sydney. Currently heading Deloitte’s national strategic accounts initiatives, Graham is responsible for driving superior outcomes for the firm’s top 30 clients. Graham is a chartered accountant and registered company auditor, providing specialist advisory solutions to corporations and boards and has a passion for helping to develop our leaders of the future. Graham is aware of the acute situation and challenges many children and families are currently facing and is committed to offering his skills, dedication, and passion, to support the Be Centre and those in need.
Chris Wilcox
Chris is a clinical psychologist who has primarily worked in public mental health for the past 30 years with a focus on people with borderline personality disorder. He holds a conjoint associate professorship and has taught and assessed in undergraduate psychology, post graduate clinical psychology, undergraduate medicine and post graduate psychiatry training. He has a strong interest in clinical governance being the current deputy president of the Psychology Council of NSW and having been a past chair of the Australian Psychological Society’s ethics committee.
Nici Andronicus
Former Elite Athlete
"There are times when as a parent and partner, you face challenges that impact the whole family. I have personally found Be Centre, its staff and programs to be very valuable in helping our family cope with the ups and downs of dealing with a serious health condition that may be terminal. If Be Centre wasn't around to help my family, I wonder how we would cope – and I’m very proud to support the services they provide.”
Jimmy Wong
Cook and Masterchef Australia Finalist
"I have had an amazing childhood, full of love, support and trust. These values have shaped the person I am in my adult years. This resilience was tested earlier this year when my sister and I shared an incredible experience on a cooking show where I found my family bond, trust and love helped me through the toughest of challenges.
"Everyone deserves a chance to be the best that they can be. For children that have been through mental or physical trauma, Be Centre provides the help to Begin the healing process, to Be children and to Believe in themselves. I have seen firsthand how profound this one-on-one Play Therapy has been to many of these children, through Be Centre team's dedication and healing. As a proud Ambassador for Be Centre I am committed to doing what I can to ensure that we support the team, to focus on the growth of the facilities and to start the healing process for more children."
Tom Carroll
Former Australian World Surfing Champion
When I first researched Be Centre and saw the extraordinary outcomes from Play Therapy on traumatised children and the positive impact, it simply hit my heart and peeled it wide open. It is crystal clear to me that making these remarkable programs available to those seeking help is an absolute high priority. The medium to long term ramifications of not addressing these issues for all involved both directly and indirectly may can be devastating. Every young person must be given the best chance possible.
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