Our Vision
At Hobart ADHD Consultants we feel strongly about the importance of using a neurodiversity-affirming approach. We respect and value the perspectives of people with lived experience of ADHD, and ensure that these perspectives inform all aspects of our work.
Guided by the most-up-to-date research available, we support people with ADHD to reach their full potential. We aim to assist people with ADHD to face challenges with confidence, and to make the absolute most of their full set of strengths. We aim to support them in developing and maintaining a strong sense of wellbeing and self-worth. We aim to assist their loved ones to feel confident in understanding and supporting them, and in encouraging them and cheering them on. We aim to assist everyone to enjoy positive and nurturing relationships.
DR MADDI DERRICK - DIRECTOR, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Maddi is a registered and endorsed Clinical Psychologist and Psychology Board-approved supervisor. She is experienced in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of mental health concerns, having spent her early career years working across a range of non-government services. She has since developed extensive knowledge and expertise in helping individuals, couples and families to overcome the challenges that ADHD can create, and to make the most of the opportunities that are waiting to be uncovered.
Maddi is a very active member of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association, and she was a member of the development group for the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines for ADHD (approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council and released in 2022). Maddi is also an active member of the Australian Psychological Society, and provides training on the assessment and treatment of ADHD to Psychologists right around the country.
Maddi has lived experience of ADHD herself and advocates strongly for the rights and wellbeing of all in the ADHD community. In 2018 she co-founded 'Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia' - a national community group working towards improving outcomes for children with ADHD. In more recent years she has focussed her advocacy efforts on stakeholder consultation and research initiatives, and her regular contributions to media.
When she's not deep-diving into all things ADHD, Maddi likes upcycling jewellery and furniture, singing and dancing with her dog (he is particularly talented in the disco genre), and chipping away at 1000-piece puzzles with her family.
AMELIA VANDERNIET - PSYCHOLOGIST (she/they)
Amelia is a registered Psychologist with a special interest in ADHD. She enjoys working with adults, families and educators. Amelia creates a comfortable space to help people make sense of their experiences and discover how to use their strengths to improve their quality of life. Amelia likes to wind down by tinkering in the woodshop or heading out for a bushwalk in the Tassie wilderness.
SARAH COLEMAN - PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Sarah is a registered Psychologist with experience in providing mental health treatment to people of all ages. She is passionate about early intervention, and helping individuals and families improve their relationships, build resilience and utilise their strengths. Sarah enjoys a flexible and creative approach to therapy, ensuring her clients feel comfortable and engaged throughout their experience. Sarah loves exploring new cultures and being in the outdoors with her family.
SHARON GARRO - PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Sharon is a registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with people of all ages on all sorts of wellbeing concerns, including gathering up extensive experience working in school settings. She is passionate about helping people uncover their strengths and talents. She particularly enjoys the opportunity to use her additional training in coaching and positive psychology when her clients are ready to move towards their goals and living their best lives.
Sharon provides telehealth services from regional Victoria, where she lives with her four children and one gorgeous border collie. She loves devouring books, and laughing and spending time with people. Sharon has a lived experience of ADHD, through both her children’s and her own personal journey.
LUCY JOHNSTONE - PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Lucy is a registered Psychologist and clinical registrar. She has training and experience in a range of areas including depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, issues related to LGBTIQA+, and neurodivergence.
Lucy uses an evidence based and integrative approach, primarily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, with Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Mindfulness/Compassion-focused Therapy.
Lucy has an interest in child and adolescent mental health, recently completing training in Schema Therapy (CA) for Child & Adolescents. She takes a strengths-based approach to therapy, and often draws upon Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) in working with the young people and their parents.
Above all, Lucy strives to create a safe space in the therapy room and understands the courage it takes to be there. She has a warm and attentive approach and encourages change and growth at the clients pace.
ELLIE DUGGAN - PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Ellie is a registered Psychologist, and clinical registrar. She has a passion for working with children and their families, and her compassion and sense of fun shine through in the safe and supportive environment she creates.
In her spare time Ellie enjoys the good life relaxing at the beach, walking her cavoodle puppy Lenny, and catching up with friends over coffee and almond croissants.
BEC VENETTACCI - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Bec is an endorsed Clinical Psychologist and has worked for the Tasmanian Government in several assessment and therapeutic roles in mental health, disability, and medical settings. This has given her a broad range of experience supporting adults of all ages with complex and varied mental health, cognitive, and physical health concerns. Bec is dedicated to creating neuro-affirming environments and has both professional and lived experience with neurodivergence. Her genuine and collaborative approach helps foster a space of understanding in which people can explore their needs and connect with their strengths.
In her spare time, Bec enjoys diving into a wide range of special interests including all things related to nature, geography, physics, and aviation.
LESLI HOKANSON MacKINNON - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Lesli is a nationally registered and endorsed clinical psychologist, currently working in primary schools and private practice. Her approach to assessment and treatment is rooted in authenticity – a commitment to being genuine and open, creating a safe space where you can be yourself. Lesli believes in the power of genuine connection. She does not hide behind a professional façade; instead, offering you a transparent and sincere partnership on your journey toward understanding and growth.
One of Lesli’s strengths lies in being non-judgmental and supportive. She recognizes the diverse tapestry of human experiences and approaches each individual with empathy and kindness. Lesli will work collaboratively to explore your life story, unravelling the threads that contribute to your unique experience with ADHD.
Lesli’s warmth is complemented by a direct and clear communication style. She believes in providing explanations that are both understandable and empowering. This approach fosters a sense of agency and control, offering you the tools to navigate the challenges of ADHD with confidence.
Welcome to a therapeutic space where you are truly seen and heard.
GEORGIE DRAXLER - PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Georgie is a registered Psychologist working via telehealth. She has experience providing neurodevelopmental assessments (to people of all ages), and mental health intervention with young people (children, teens, and their parents) and young adults. Georgie is passionate about helping people explore and embrace their neurodiversity. She is dedicated to helping people have a better understanding of themselves and enhance quality of life. Georgie takes a non-judgmental and neuro-affirming approach to help clients feel secure and heard while they explore their concerns.
Georgie is an avid traveller, and in her spare time you will find her out in nature with her beloved border collie.
SUMMER GUO - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Summer is a registered and endorsed Clinical Psychologist. She enjoys working with adults and young people on a range of mental health issues, and has special interest in ADHD. She adopts a compassionate, family-inclusive, and neuro-affirming approach in her practice. Summer aspires to facilitate an individual’s discovery and fostering of their strengths. When Summer is not practicing psychology, she loves road-tripping and hiking her way across the great outdoors.
TAMZIN BARBER -PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Tamzin is a registered Psychologist helping people and animals to improve their health and welfare. She has worked in general practice since 2006, helping people of all ages, as well as in health psychology, organisational psychology and applied animal behaviour areas. Tamzin has lived experience of the journey, challenges and strengths that ADHD brings. This drives her passion to help individuals and families seeking support and/or assessment related to ADHD. Tamzin provides telehealth services from Queensland where she lives with her family, including two cats. She loves animals and nature and studies wild dolphins in her spare time, sharing what she finds through art and science.
STEPHANIE DUNBAR - PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Stephanie is a registered Psychologist with a passion for working with people with ADHD and those that suspect they may have ADHD. She enjoys working with children, families and adults and has experience in conducting assessments and providing counselling. Stephanie is passionate about supporting people to identify their own strengths and capabilities.
Outside of work, Stephanie loves spending time with her dogs, out in nature or reading a book.
MARIELLE PRAZAK - PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Marielle is a registered psychologist and clinical registrar, with a warm, compassionate approach to both assessments and therapy, that prioritises ensuring her clients feel heard and respected. Marielle has both professional and personal experience with ADHD, affording her a deep sense of empathy and shared understanding of the strengths and challenges ADHD can bring. Marielle feels strongly about providing a space for collaborative and non-judgemental exploration of life experiences, and genuine care and support through navigating the ups and downs of life. In her (fleeting moments of) spare time, Marielle enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, attempting to do handstands and other tricks, cuddling her dogs, and whichever other new hobby is her flavour of the week!
KATE AGG - PSYCHOLOGIST (she/her)
Kate is a registered psychologist and clinical registrar. She has a strong passion for connecting with people from all walks of life, helping them to understand their own unique qualities and complexities, and supporting them to thrive.
Kate has a warm, open, and collaborative approach. She enjoys working with adults, children, and their families, and understands the importance of considering a family systems approach to neurodiversity.
In her spare time, you will find Kate outdoors in nature, running, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and dogs
CALLUM THOMPSON - PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST (he/him)
Callum is a provisional psychologist completing his final placement of his clinical psychology degree at UTAS. He has training and experience with a variety of presentations, with a particular focus on anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal difficulties, grief and loss, and self-esteem. Callum has worked with members from various vulnerable populations including people who identify as LGBTQIAP+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Callum is committed to utilising a neurodiversity-affirming approach to supporting people with diverse neurological experiences to reach their full potential. He does so by drawing from an array of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
In his spare time Callum enjoys attempting to keep up with his book club, trying out different sports and, gaming. Most importantly, he cherishes spending time with family and friends.
ALESHA - ADMINISTRATOR
Alesha brings a warm, professional and approachable presence to our practice. Running her own family business on the side makes her organisational skills and attention to detail next level. As a proud mum of two, her special skills include cuddles, taxi driver, conflict resolution, and underappreciated chef.
JANE - ADMINISTRATOR
Jane joined us after 25 years in the travel industry. She feels a special connection to our practice due to parenting a child with ADHD herself, and she understands the highs and lows that can crop up in family life for our clients. Jane is super bubbly, a little bit fancy, and always up for a chat (reality TV being her category of choice).
THERE IS ROOM FOR MORE...
INTERESTED?
Is this sounding like you?
1. You are qualified as a psychologist or other allied health professional, a medical practitioner, a nurse practitioner or mental health nurse, a social worker, a counsellor, or an ADHD coach (with ICF-accredited training)
2. You are interested in being able to provide evidence-based neurodiversity-affirming services to individuals, couples and/or families seeking support related to ADHD
3. You are interested in working either onsite at our Bellerive practice, or via telehealth from wherever around the country you call home
If yes, yes and yes, then please do get in touch to arrange a confidential chat with Maddi Derrick (Director). Send your CV with a short covering email through to admin@hobartadhd.com.au to get the ball rolling.