Everybody's Got a Problem - Get the Help You Need
Michele's Qualifications
Australian Qualifications:
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Postgraduate researcher in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies at the University of Wollongong - Because, why not?
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NESA accredited teacher- recognised to teach in NSW schools, although I prefer to provide services in support of education.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling - Specialising in Autonomic Nervous System Realignment, Brain Body Medicine, Advanced Holistic Counselling, and Trauma and Abuse Counselling - (Yeah, it's a mouthful.) But life can be tough, and I'm here to help you navigate it.
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Neurophysiologist - I’m obsessed with the mind-body connection.
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Fully screened and compliant with all NDIS regulations, including Working with Vulnerable People registration, NDIS Worker Screening, Police checks (state & federal), Business licensing & relevant insurance- Because safety is key.
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Current in recommended industry standards for: First Aid, Emergency Life Support, and CPR (thanks, Donna)
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Certified Meditation Teacher - Helping you find your inner calm (and mine, too, tbh)
International Credentials:
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Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies- PBS, RAID, CBT, DBT, SFT (through the Association for Psychological Therapies)- Because I'm all about adding to my professional toolkit.
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Level 4 Accreditation (APA) in Solution Focused Therapy- Because we want to solve problems, not just talk about them.
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Level 4 Accreditation (APA) in Positive Behaviour Support- Because we want to understand challenging behaviours as communication and encourage more positive ways of getting those needs met.
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Level 4 Accreditation (APA) in RAID (Reinforce Appropriate, Implode Disruptive) Behaviour Support- When I heard it was “relentlessly positive” while dealing with the most challenging behaviours, I knew it would be my cup of tea.
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Level 4 Accreditation (APA) in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Because some thought patterns just need to be restructured.
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Level 4 Accreditation (APA) in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - Because emotional regulation is key.
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Clinical Hypnotherapist - Because sometimes you need to access the subconscious mind to make change.
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Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner - Because sometimes your mental software needs an upgrade.
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Timeline Therapy Practitioner - Because sometimes your life story needs a bit of editing, and it's time to let that shit go.
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Reiki/Energy Healing - Because sometimes we need the woo woo for a little bit of magic, a lot of love.
US Qualifications (Recognised in Australia too!)
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Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater - I graduated with honours back in the day (with my first degree), and this qualification has been recognised by NESA in Australia, allowing me to teach in NSW. My teaching qualification is especially relevant for clients with NDIS. I use my teaching skills daily to support the growth and development of individuals with special needs.
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Licensed to teach children from kindergarten to year six and English education from year 4 to year 12 - These skills are highly transferable, and I'm proud to apply them in my work with children in Australia.
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Worked as a disability support worker at United Cerebral Palsy and also provided private disability, childcare, and hospice care while living in California.
Other Fun Facts:
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Qualified Yoga Instructor - Helping you connect with your body and breath.
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Autoimmune Protocol Practitioner - Because gut health matters when it comes to inflammation. (Only 1 of 7 with this credential in AUS.)
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Intermittent Fasting Coach - Because when you find your fasting flow, your body can truly heal.
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Lover of the Hippie/Witchy Woo Woo - If you know, you know.
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Side Hustling over on Shel's VIP Crystal Group - Balancing out all the problems with pretty rocks. Crystals are my special interest.
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Neuro-Diverse and Neuro-Affirming - As an AUDHD individual, I bring real-life understanding and experiences to my practice.
Professional Memberships:
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Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia (BSPA)
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NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
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American Board of Hypnotherapy and Neurolinguistics (ABH-NLP)
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Australian Education and Care Workforce Professional Body (ECW)
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Developmental Educators Australia Inc (DEAI)
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Certified Practicing Counsellors Australia (CPCA)
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Mental Health Coordinating Council NSW (MHCC)
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ASPECT (Autism Spectrum Australia)
My membership with BSPA reflects my commitment to delivering high-quality behaviour support services. BSPA provides me with access to ongoing professional development, networking opportunities, and a community of like-minded professionals who share my passion for positive behaviour support.
My membership in NESA reflects that my American qualifications adhere to the NSW education standards. As a member of the ABH-NLP, I demonstrate my commitment to staying current in clinical hypnotherapy and NLP practices.
My ECW membership underscores my dedication to the education and care sector. As a professional body for educators and care practitioners, ECW offers me resources, professional development opportunities, and a platform to contribute to the collective voice of the education and care workforce.
As a member of DEAI, I'm committed to working with people with disability using a human rights framework to achieve full and effective inclusion and participation in society. DEAI provides me with access to professional development, networking opportunities, and a community of like-minded professionals who share my passion for developmental education.
As a Certified Practicing Counsellor with CPCA, I'm committed to providing evidence-based counselling services that promote mental health and well-being. CPCA membership ensures I stay updated on best practices, ethics, and standards in counselling.
As a member of the Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) in New South Wales, I work with other trauma-informed professionals to lead, advocate, educate and drive reform in the mental health sector. The shared goal is to support individuals with mental health challenges and promote positive changes in systems they (and we, as professionals) navigate.
As a member of ASPECT, I'm proud to be part of a community that advocates for and supports individuals on the autism spectrum. As a neurodivergent individual, a mother to neurodivergent children, and a professional providing NDIS services to autistic and neuodivergent individuals, I bring a unique perspective and understanding to my work.
These memberships all matter. They enable me to stay updated on best practices, network with peers, and advocate for the rights and needs of the individuals I provide sessions for. By being part of these organisations, I'm better equipped to provide effective support and make a positive impact in the lives of my clients and their families.
