Meet The MindWare Team

Veronica McKeon (Director/Clinical Psychologist)

BA (Psych), Post Grad Dip (Ed Psych), MPsych (Clinical) MAPS

Veronica has been working as a Psychologist for the last 15 years with a varied experience base, included adults, children and adolescents. She has experience treating a range of psychological issues including depression, general anxiety, panic attacks, post natal depression, adjustment issues, grief, relationship problems, sexual abuse, mood and anxiety disorders in children. Areas of special interest include adolescent females, women’s issues, pregnancy, PTSD, trauma. Veronica works from a client centred approach utilising Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and other creative modes of practice. Veronica has also been involved in the development of the Garden of Feelings program which has been delivered in a number of schools.

Tanya Hall (Director/Clinical Psychologist)

B.Sci (Psych), PostGradDipPsych, MPsych (Clinical), MAPS, Cert IV Training and Assessment, Cert IV Program Development and Facilitation

Tanya has over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults in voluntary and involuntary settings. Tanya is a registered psychologist having completed a Masters in Clinical Psychology. Tanya has experience delivering individual therapy, group therapy and clinical assessments. Tanya has worked with a range of presentations including anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, substance misuse, addictions, PTSD, grief and loss, adjustment and anger management. In addition to her psychology training Tanya has nearly 10 years experience developing and delivering a range of organisational training programs using multi modal delivery such as face to face and e-learning options.

Rebecca Sims (Clinical Psychologist)

BSc (Psych), BPsyScHons, MPsych(Clin), MAPS

Rebecca has come full circle, after 10 years’ study, to return to the city of her birth and expand her career as a psychologist. Having recently completed her Masters of Psychology (Clinical), Rebecca has a passion for helping clients of all ages with a range of psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, adjustment, eating disorders, personality and developmental disorders; through individual, family, and group therapy. Rebecca left school intending to pursue a musical career and completed a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) and now endeavours to combine her passion for music with her psychology vocation. Working from a client centred approach, Rebecca utilises a range of therapies, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to develop individualised interventions for all her clients.
With a broad range of professional experience under her belt, including working with inmates at the Southern Queensland Correctional Centre, and Children at the Toowoomba Hospital, Rebecca is excited about her adventure as a psychologist at MindWare Psychology, helping clients in the city she has always called home.

Asha Honeysett (Psychologist)

 BPsyScHons, MPsych(Clin), MAPS

Asha has worked in tertiary education, not for profit organisations, government, and private settings. She is currently working in Medical Practices in the Toowoomba and surrounding area, and in private practice, servicing the Darling Downs community. She is passionate about primary prevention and early intervention. Asha is devoted to developing and delivering a range of workshops focused on optimising personal growth and psychological wellbeing. She a qualified Mental Health First Aid instructor and is available for travelling to rural locations. She enjoys working with organisations to assist in a healthy workplace culture and advancing skills for managing mental health presentations within the workplace.

Simone Fitzpatrick (Psychologist)

BSc (Psych), BPsyScHons, MSc Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health

Simone has worked with individuals across the lifespan in her roles as a Psychologist and Senior Psychologist at Queensland Health. Over more recent years, she has narrowed her focus to work with children and the developing brain, gaining experience with this young population through employment as a Senior Psychologist for the Child & Youth Mental Health Service and Child Development Service, and Psychologist at MindWare Psychology. Outside of the psychological domain, Simone has developed a Music & Movement programme for early childhood, based on the emerging fields of neuroscience and child development. Simone has completed a Master of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from Kings College London, where she undertook a synoptic project on Executive Functioning and Social-Emotional Development in Preschool Children Born Very Preterm. She has a particular interest in brain-based techniques to support not only child and adolescent mental health but general childhood development, viewing these as interdependent areas for wellbeing.

Georgena Ryder (Psychologist)

Georgena has worked in Toowoomba and the Western Downs Region supporting clients of all ages with diverse backgrounds. She has experience with individual and group therapies including DBT, CBT, and Schema Therapy, and is particularly passionate about trauma-informed care. Georgena is currently completing a PhD in which she explores different educational settings for neurodiverse students, their families, and educators. More broadly she is interested in understandings of difference, particularly for those with a label of autism, and has co-authored a book chapter about ASD and the importance of special interests. Prior to commencing her postgraduate studies Georgena gained experience as a Mental Health Recovery Worker and Residential Youth Worker. She also enjoyed coordinating camp-based enrichment programs for young people for a number of years. Georgena prioritises ongoing learning and innovative, evidence-based practice, and is about to enter the clinical registrar program.

 

Faye Shann (Psychologist)

BSc (Psych/Mgt&Leadership); BPsySc (Hons); MPsych (Clinical); MAPS

Faye is a registered psychologist and a clinical psychology registrar, having recently completed a Master of Clinical Psychology. Faye’s decision to become a psychologist came about from over 20 years working within charitable organisations and the State Government, where she gained insight into some of the challenges people face, particularly with relationships, parenting, blended families, and homelessness. Faye works with clients using Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and has experience working with both children and adults. Faye also has an interest in trauma and is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Faye’s sensitive, warm, and empathic approach, and her passion to help create rich and meaningful lives, underly her success as a therapist.

Patricia Torres Arauz (Psychologist)

B Sc (Psych), B Psy Sc (Hons), MPsych (Clin), MAPS

Patricia is a registered psychologist and a clinical psychology registrar. Patricia decided to make Toowoomba her home after completing her Masters of Clinical Psychology. With extensive experience working in diverse fields including Queensland Health and NGOs, she has provided support to clients of all ages and backgrounds. Her expertise includes treating clients with a wide range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, adjustment, and anger management. Patricia is passionate about utilising a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the individual needs of each person. She uses evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). Patricia’s clients appreciate her warm, empathetic, and compassionate approach. She strives to provide a safe and supportive environment where her clients feel heard and understood.

Damian Vann (Clinical Psychologist)

Damian is a registered psychologist with experience working with people across the lifespan. He is passionate about helping people overcome depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, medically unexplained symptoms, and emotional distress. Damian is also experienced with and is passionate about supporting the LGBTIQAP+ community with their mental health and wellbeing. Damian primarily practices using Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). ISTDP is an evidence-based therapy which focuses on helping people connect with and experience feelings which have been suppressed or blocked because they are too frightening or painful. ISTDP focuses on helping us access and resolve these emotions so we can feel empowered, and no longer experience the anxiety and mechanisms that cause our distress. Damian also utilises cognitive behavioural and schema therapies. Damian strives to provide a collaborative, warm, safe, and respectful space to help people develop themselves, better understand themselves, and improve their wellbeing.

Kyna Godhani (Psychologist)

BA (Psych), G.Dip (Psych), MPsych (Clinical) MAPS

Kyna is a general psychologist and a clinical psychology registrar. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in India (2018) and a Master of Clinical Psychology in Australia (2022). She has experience working with children, adolescents and older adults in a wide variety of settings. Kyna works with a wide range of presentations. Her particular interests include anxiety and attachment related difficulties. She is fluent in English, Hindi and Sindhi. Kyna utilises a therapeutic style that is holistic, strength based, present focused and values the uniqueness of each individual and their journey. She enjoys connecting with people and helping them navigate various life changes and struggles. She uses a mix of evidence-based techniques, compassion and a touch of fun to deliver therapy that is suited to the client’s personality and needs.

Marisca de Jager (Psychologist)

Marisca is a registered psychologist and clinical psychologist registrar. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Queensland and spent much of her early career working with children, adolescents, and families as a school psychologist in an independent girls’ school in Brisbane. She also has experience in private practice, youth mental health services and university settings. In 2019, Marisca returned to Toowoomba with her young family to complete a Master of Clinical Psychology (Advanced Entry). Marisca retains a special interest in working with school-aged children and adults to provide precise assessments, clear and informative reports, and practical recommendations. Through her warm, inclusive, and strengths-focused approach, she aims to make the assessment process straightforward and validating. Her work in schools, both here and in the UK, has given Marisca direct experience with learning, pastoral and boarding issues, positive education, and parent engagement.

Marisca is currently accepting new referrals for cognitive, learning, functional, and diagnostic assessments

 

Catherine Pascoe (Clinical Psychologist)

 

 

Scott Talbot (Clinical Psychologist)

 

 

Kristy Reece (Office Manager)

Kristy has worked within a healthcare setting for over 25 years with a background in office administration and practice management. As a valued member of the MindWare team since 2016, Kristy passionately believes in our mission to provide the highest quality of client care and support in a compassionate environment.

Shiva Family (Administration Officer)

Kayla Spies (Administration Officer)