Dana is a registered psychologist with a strong foundation in health and behavioural sciences. She completed her Master of Applied Psychology (Health) at the University of Queensland in 2019, following a Bachelor of Social Science with First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of New England in 2013. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Western Sydney in 1994. Dana continues to pursue advanced training in health psychology and brings a wealth of experience as an Advanced Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner. She is dedicated to providing ethical, strengths-based support aligned with best practice standards and current legislation. Her work is grounded in the principles of PBS, a person-centred approach that enhances quality of life by understanding and effectively responding to challenging behaviours.
Dana’s broad clinical training has led to a keen interest in the relationship between physical health and behaviour. She is passionate about supporting individuals, particularly those with disabilities, to overcome health-related challenges and enhance their quality of life through a PBS approach. Dana has extensive experience delivering psychological and PBS services to NDIS participants aged 6 to 76, presenting with a wide range of disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), and rare genetic conditions such as Angelman Syndrome, DiGeorge Syndrome, Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome, and Fragile X Syndrome. Her work spans diverse settings, including Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs), Supported Independent Living (SIL) environments, as well as both mainstream and special education schools.
Before specialising in PBS Dana worked as a psychologist with a national Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) and in private practice, delivering evidence-based assessment and treatment for a broad range of presentations including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, chronic pain, substance use, stress, grief, and adjustment difficulties. She provided services under referrals from GPs, CTP insurers, the NDIS, and WorkCover Queensland. Dana also has experience providing psychological services to job seekers. During her training, she gained valuable clinical experience at the Brisbane Pain Rehabilitation Service, Epilepsy Queensland, and the Bond University Psychology Clinic.
PBS services focus on identifying the underlying reasons for behaviours of concern and developing proactive, evidence-based strategies to support positive change. Our PBS services are built on collaboration, compassion, and respect. We work closely with individuals, families, and support teams to create tailored behaviour support plans that promote skill development, enhance communication, and reduce restrictive practices. By fostering environments that support individual strengths and preferences, we help people lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
As an Advanced PBS Practitioner in private practice, Dana provide person-centred, evidence-based support to individuals with behaviours of concern, their families, and support networks. Her work is grounded in the core principles of PBS: understanding the function of behaviour, improving quality of life, and reducing the use of restrictive practices. With extensive experience across disability, mental health, and complex support needs, Dana specialise in developing tailored behaviour support plans that are practical, ethical, and strengths-focused. Dana takes the time to collaborate closely with individuals, families, support workers, and other professionals to ensure plans are not only clinically sound but also realistic and sustainable in day-to-day environments.
Dana’s approach integrates functional behaviour assessment, skill-building strategies, and proactive environmental adjustments to support lasting behavioural change. Dana aims to empower those she works with by building capacity within support teams and promoting greater independence, inclusion, and dignity for the individual.
Registrations & Memberships
- General registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with practice endorsement as a Health Psychologist
- Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Incorporated (AAPI)
- Psychology Board of Australia Approved Supervisor
- Endorsed Advanced Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
Qualifications
- Master of Applied Psychology in the field of Health, The University of Queensland, 2019
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology, University of New England, Australia, 2013
- Bachelor of Social Science (Honours), University of New England, 2013
- Bachelor of Nursing, University of Western Sydney (1994)
Contact Details
- Clinic Days: Thursdays and Friday (Positive Behaviour Support Services)
- Email: [email protected]

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