Principal Psychologists
Heartful Minds is headed by Fiona Cranstoun and Lauren Wertheimer. Fiona and Lauren are both expert Clinical Psychologists with a special focus on children, adolescents, families and education. They hold a reputation for fostering insight, empathy and care while pursuing positive outcomes for all.
B.B.Sc., Grad.Dip.App.Child Psych, M.App.Sc.(Psych), M.A.P.S.
Fiona is a highly regarded and respected Clinical Psychologist specialising in Educational and Developmental Psychology. Solely focused on children and adolescents, Fiona works to transform every young person into new versions of themselves. An expert in educational and diagnostic assessments including ADHD, Dyslexia and Autism Spectrum, Fiona’s reports capture every detail and form a solid basis for treatment.
Fiona’s innate guidance empowers families to address issues and live more harmoniously together. She also acts as an educational consultant to many schools and has worked with Independent Schools of Victoria (ISV) sitting on their Disability Funding Panel for over a decade. Fiona’s vast specialist experience of over 20 years makes her unique in her field. She loves all children and takes pride in the results they achieve together.
B.A.(Hons Psych), M.A.(Clinical Psych), M.A.P.S.
Lauren is an esteemed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of practical experience. Lauren began her career in the public health system, working with patients experiencing high risk and chronic mental health conditions – enabling Lauren to develop excellence within the assessment and treatment of complex psychiatric conditions. In addition to adult clinical work, Lauren has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and families and conducts diagnostic assessments including ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum and other learning difficulties.
Lauren is involved in working with Independent Schools of Victoria (ISV) and attends numerous schools to consult with teachers and children. Throughout her career Lauren has supervised many Masters and Doctoral students from Melbourne, Monash, Deakin and Swinburne universities and has held supervisory roles of psychology staff in both private and hospital settings.
Meet the team
Our specialists work with children, families and teachers within the clinic, home and school environments.
All are members of the Australian Psychological Society.
B.A.(Psych), Grad.Dip.(Edu.Psych), M.A.(Edu.Psych)
Eve has a Masters in Educational and Developmental Psychology majoring in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Commencing her career in 2005 with Cranstoun Psychology, she also worked as an Applied Behaviour Analyst for children with autism. Eve spent many years working in London with high risk children and adolescents. This experience sees her performing outstanding work with very challenging young people and has enhanced her skills in working with anxiety and grief.
Back in Melbourne, Eve cemented her authority within the autism field. She is also an expert in educational and behavioural assessments. Eve consults to schools and has a comprehensive understanding of the education system, working closely with students, parents and teachers. Friendly and fun, Eve relates well with young people of all ages.
Nadine is a leading Educational and Developmental Psychologist with many years’ experience working with children. Nadine’s focus is on children from a very young age to young adult, together with their families. Specialising in Developmental Delay, Autism and ADHD, Nadine’s family-focused approach leads to significant developmental advances, helping young people to find successful pathways.
Her ‘total family’ vision assists families in consolidating around challenges together. Nadine also provides general counselling for families and couples. She utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as the basis of her practice and enhances this with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – providing advice at the forefront of psychology practice today.
B.A., B.B.Sc., Grad.Dip. App.Child Psych., Grad. Dip. M&CH., Grad. Dip.Child Dev., M. Psych. (Child & Educ.)
Judith is a leading Psychologist with considerable Educational and Developmental experience. Anxiety, ADHD, Executive Functioning and Dyslexia are areas of particular focus for Judith. She utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as the basis of her practice and enjoys providing leading psychological advice. Judith’s assessments are thorough and easily understood by both parents and teachers, giving children the support they need to advance effectively at home and at school.
Addressing developmental issues, Judith applies Parenting and Behavioural Management skills to bring about effective behavioural change in children and adolescents. Her family focused advice establishes a sound platform from where young people can grow comfortably. Also a Psychologist at a leading independent school, Judith has a thorough understanding of educational settings and teachers welcome her recommendations.
B.A.Hons., D.Psych.(Clinical), M.A.P.S.
Karyn is a leading Psychologist with a Doctorate of Psychology (Clinical) amongst her accolades. Her considerable experience sees Karyn heading up our Torquay consulting rooms, working with people of all ages – particularly children, couples and families. Karyn achieves effective communication and builds rapport to bring about successful outcomes for everyone. Children appreciate Karyn’s fresh and dynamic approach and respond well to the effective guidance they receive.
Karyn enjoys assessments and the outcomes achieved when the detail emerges for a child. Combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) together with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Karyn attains successful results and is excited to see children grow into themselves in a new way. Having worked in the public system, Karyn has a deep knowledge of acute mental health. She also has significant experience working with trauma, grief and loss.
B.A.(Psych), Grad.Dip.(Psych)., PhD.(Psych), M.A.P.S.
Georgie has a passion for the wisdom of the body and its innate capacity to heal and recover. Grounded in evidence based practice, she draws from a range of treatment modalities with a particular interest in attachment and trauma theory. She has gained further certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Somatic Experiencing (currently in final year of SE Practitioner Training) and Process Experiential Emotion Focused Therapy.
With an additional interest in parenting, Georgie is also a qualified consultant with both the Hand in Hand Parenting (HIH) and Aware Parenting Institutes (API). She is highly skilled in assisting parents and children navigate life from a compassionate lens.
Georgie has worked in academia, the community sector, private practice, and hospitals. Her clinical experience includes providing counselling, psychotherapeutic services and diagnostic assessments for children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of presenting issues.
B.A., Grad. Dip (Applied Psych), M.A.P.S
Danielle’s understanding and compassion makes a real difference to children’s lives. Danielle has a deep understanding of the challenges children can experience during their time at school. An Educational and Developmental consultant, with many years’ experience at a leading independent school, Danielle leverages her skills with young people of all ages to deliver exceptional outcomes for her clients.
Utilising Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy and other appropriate therapies, Danielle also works closely with teachers to create increased awareness of the importance of psychology within the school framework. Danielle’s holistic approach engages all stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcome for the child and their family. She is a warm and welcoming team member at Heartful Minds.
Qualifications: Grad Dip Psych, BSc (Hons), Master of Psychology (Counselling)
With a compassionate and gentle manner, Humi loves to help children, adolescents and their parents achieve increased wellbeing and successful outcomes both at home and school. She deals with a range of issues including anxiety, emotional dysregulation, behavioural difficulties, social skills deficits, family life issues, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Before joining Heartful Minds, she has worked as a psychologist at several independent schools.
Humi fosters communication and collaboration with parents and school to achieve best outcomes for her clients. She plays an active role supporting parents and family life and strongly values their impact on therapeutic gains. She applies positive psychology in helping children and their families thrive.
Humi harnesses her clients’ strengths and interests towards therapeutic goals. To this end, she creates a relaxed, friendly environment incorporating playful activities in therapy sessions. Humi incorporates a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as elements of play therapy in her approach.
Sarah is a warm and engaging psychologist. She is passionate about working with individuals across the lifespan including children and adolescents. She prides herself on being client-led and involving the family unit, educators or other providers where appropriate and requested. She has experience with suicidality and safety planning, self-harm, anxiety especially surrounding school refusal, friendships and bullying.
Sarah uses a trauma-informed, strength-based approach in all her interactions. She has extensive training in different modalities including EMDR and Schema Therapy as well as ACT, CBT and Interpersonal Therapy which allows her to draw on a variety of interventions when designing individual interventions and treatment plans.
Sarah is also currently completing her PhD with a focus on improving treatments for anxiety.
Ciaran received his Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Criminology from Deakin University. He went on to complete his Masters of Clinical Psychology and has extensive experience in therapy across the lifespan, working with children, adolescents, and adults. Ciaran is a warm and compassionate practitioner with professional experience with a diverse range of presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, gender diversity, anger, and many more. Ciaran has a particular area of interest working with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity presentations, and is an LGBTQIAP+ affirming practitioner.
Ciaran has extensive training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT). He typically engages in a mixed-method therapeutic modality that adheres to the individual needs and goals of clients and their families. Ciaran emphasises the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for his clients to explore themselves and to continue to work towards their individualised goals and needs.
With over five years of experience, he has worked with a diverse range of clients and populations, providing him with a broad and nuanced understanding of human behaviour across ages, backgrounds, and demographics.
As a compassionate, solution-focused psychologist, Saul is skilled in addressing issues related to anxiety, anger, academic performance and motivation, career challenges, and trauma. He is particularly passionate about empowering clients to tap into their full potential across various areas of life, while fostering resilience and emotional intelligence to navigate life’s uncertainties.
Saul is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Leadership Coaching and Development, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed practice. He takes an integrative approach to therapy, tailoring his methods to meet the unique needs of each client, with the goal of empowering them to drive their own personal growth and transformation.
B Psych (Hons),M.A. (Prof Psych), M.A.P.S
Claire is passionate about supporting children, young people and adults to build confidence and acceptance in themselves. Claire completed her Masters of Professional Practice at Australian Catholic University. Her specialty is in supporting individuals through anxiety, managing low moods, building self-esteem, and navigating friendships and relationships.
Claire uses evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, play therapy and mindfulness techniques to support her clients to develop lasting strategies for improved health and wellbeing. Passionate about delivering support through a collaborative and educational lens, Claire adopts a person-centred approach to understand client’s unique life, history and needs.
With a warm and compassionate demeanour, Claire also helps clients tackle a spectrum of developmental disorders including ADHD, Specific Learning Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder across the life span. Claire enjoys taking a collaborative approach to conducting educational, cognitive and behavioural assessments to understand her clients unique profile of strengths and abilities.
She works to empower clients to navigate life’s complexities with resilience, purpose and growth for enduring change in a complex world.
Dan has completed a Master of Professional Psychology at Deakin University. He has an interest working with young people and adults experiencing substance use, depression, school avoidance, and neurodiversity.
He has worked for several years in mental health community service teams. These include youth teams, drug and alcohol, disability support, and family counselling. He uses a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques.
Dan works with a person-centred and strengths-based approach. He believes people are experts in their life and he works collaboratively with individuals and families to empower growth and recovery.
Stephanie’s strength-based approach is grounded in genuine curiosity and compassion. She loves assessment and counselling work that can help children, adults, and families uncover more about themselves, learn about each other and reach their goals. The resilience and resourcefulness of children and families is one aspect of her work that inspires her.
Before joining Heartful Minds, Stephanie spent nearly 15 years working in children’s charities, including UNICEF and World Vision. Stephanie is a member of the APS and completed all her psychology training at Monash University. She holds a Master of Psychology (Professional), Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Psychology -Advanced. Stephanie also holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Public Relations from RMIT.
Yamila (Jem) is a dedicated Provisional Psychologist with a rich educational background and a commitment to evidence-based interventions in the field of psychology. She completed her Master of Professional Psychology at Australian Catholic University, building upon her foundation of knowledge acquired through a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Deakin University. Currently, Yamila is further enhancing her expertise by pursuing a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical) a Victoria University.
With over three years of experience, Yamila has demonstrated her proficiency in addressing a spectrum of mental health issues in children and their parents. Her areas of expertise encompass Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, Dyslexia, and various other conditions. Importantly, she adapts her strategies to accommodate diverse cognitive abilities and communication styles in her clients.
Yamila has a comprehensive background in conducting Cognitive, Academic, and Behavioral assessments to identify and understand the challenges her clients may be facing. She actively collaborates with parents, providing support and guidance through effective parental strategies within the home environment. Her familiarity with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reflects her commitment to serving a broad range of clients and their unique needs.
Yamila’s professional approach centres around the client, employing a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs. Her therapeutic toolkit includes methodologies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and specialized behavioural interventions such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.
Beyond her core expertise, Yamila has a keen interest in perinatal and infant mental health. She has pursued professional development in this area and completed training in using a relationship-based approach to address perinatal mood disturbances. This additional specialization underlines her commitment to holistic mental health care, acknowledging the importance of early interventions and family dynamics.
BA.(Psych), Grad.Dip (Adv), M.A (Prof Psych)
Jordan is a Provisional Psychologist with a passion for helping individuals navigate their unique journeys to mental well-being. He has extensive experience working with clients who have depression, anxiety, ADHD, and ASD diagnoses.
In addition to his work with complex disabilities, he also has a keen interest in treating eating disorders and bipolar disorders. Jordan’s approach is both compassionate and engaging, tailored to meet the needs of clients from diverse backgrounds and ages while utilising evidence-based strategies.
One of the highlights of his practice is his work with younger clients, where he incorporates play therapy to make sessions both enjoyable and effective. This method helps create a comfortable and supportive environment for children and adolescents.
Jordan’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), and a Master of Professional Psychology.
