About

Connect and Thrive Therapeutic Services

We are a team of passionate health professionals who previously worked together at the Queensland Government's Disability Services. We have a strong belief in providing holistic, attachment focused, affirmative and strengths-based intervention. We aim to value the unique gifts and talents of the individuals, families and care teams we support.

Registered NDIS and Medicare Provider

Registered NDIS provider for:

Specialist Behaviour Support (Improved Relationships)
Early Childhood Intervention Services
Therapeutic Supports (Improved Daily Living)

Meet The Team:

Meet The Team

Rowena Woolley, Director, Psychologist & Principal Behaviour Support Practitioner

Rowena Woolley, BPsySc(Hons); BBus(HRM), MClinPsych(candidate) has been practicing as a registered Psychologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner for over 17 years. Rowena is the Director and Principal Clinician of Connect and Thrive Therapeutic Services. She is an AHPRA endorsed supervisor and provides professional supervision to psychologists, registered behaviour practitioners and equine assisted therapists. She works with all ages (early childhood through to adulthood) providing services to neurodiverse individuals, those with mental health concerns and dual disability (intellectual disability and mental health). She has a passion for research having contributed to research projects in the area of childhood education and behaviour.

Rowena learnt early on in her career that developing strong relationships and connections with the individual was the foundation to therapeutic change. She aims to deliver person centred, attachment focused, trauma inform and affirmative services, valuing the unique attributes and talents of the individuals she supports. She adapts her approach creatively to adjust to the different needs of the people she supports which has led to offering alternative services at the farm-based premises, mobile services and fun, creative clinic room options. Rowena delivers evidence based, outcomes focused therapeutic work incorporated the modalities of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and systemic family therapy.

Rowena's work in behaviour support has focused on supporting individuals to live their best lives, free of restraints and adverse practices. She has worked extensively within legislative frameworks regarding the use of restrictive practices including presenting her work to the Queensland Administration Tribunal. She understands that all behaviour occurs for a reason and that improving a person's quality of life through systemic and environmental change reduces the need to engage in behaviours of harm. Rowena works with complex behaviour presentations and adapts her communication for those who are non-speaking through the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Her approach is influenced by understanding the science of neurobiology and the impact of the brain-body connection on emotional and behavioural regulation. Rowena is committed to continuing to review and improve the practices of her team and seek consultation to ensure the provision of ethical and evidence-based services.

Rowena is no longer able to take new clients.

Wendy Hewetson, Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner

Wendy is a Registered Accredited Social Worker and Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner who has provided therapeutic and behaviour support services in the homeless, mental health, and disability sectors in Canada and Australia since 2006. This includes Queensland government roles providing Specialist Behaviour Support Interventions to children, young people, and adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism engaging in behaviours of harm, and Specialist Mental Health Services to children and young people in out of home care on child protection orders who experienced complex developmental trauma, severe and complex mental health needs, and engage in behaviours of harm. Wendy's work for the QLD government and in Canada included managing accommodation support and respite services, and clinical services for children and adults with Intellectual Disabilities, some of whom required intensive behaviour support services. Wendy uses a triadic systemic approach when supporting people with complex mental health and behaviour concerns. What this means is that she works closely with the person and their care team, in particular their primary carers, to understand why the person engages in behaviours of harm and then collaborates with the carer and other therapists to develop strategies to proactively meet the person's needs. These interventions increase the person's quality of life; increase participation in meaningful activities at home and in the community; improve relationships; assist with the regulation of emotions, attention, and arousal levels; support skill development; provide planned crisis responses to maintain safety; reduce the need for and ensure the least restrictive practices; and reduce or eliminate behaviours of harm. Wendy uses a holistic interdisciplinary and collaborative approach with a strong focus on understanding life span development and stages; attachment and relationships, trauma, and polyvagal theories; neurobiology and health; trauma-informed and neuro-affirmative positive behaviour support, collaborative problem solving, and low arousal approaches. Her work is strengths-based, person-centred, and trauma-informed, with a strong focus on carer support.

Ellisa Harrison, Provisional Psychologist & Behaviour Support Practitioner

Ellisa Harrison is a behavioural therapist and provisional psychologist passionate about providing quality therapeutic services. With knowledge and experience supporting individuals, families, schools and communities, Ellisa understands the importance of building positive connections and relationships. Ellisa is a neuro-affirming therapist interested in partnering with those with developmental or psychosocial diversities including mental health, Autism, Down Syndrome, and disabilities. She utilises play-based, and age-appropriate therapies to provide Positive Behaviour Support that is person-centred. Ellisa is available for psychological and developmental assessment.

Michelle Perry-Cross, Early Childhood Intervention and Behaviour Support Practitioner

Michelle has over 20 years' experience working with children in the both the early childhood and education sectors and as a behaviour therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood, a Bachelor of Education (APD – Special Education Major) and a Graduate Certificate ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis). Passionate about keeping up with the latest research she is currently completing her Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies where she regularly engages with her autistic colleagues around neurodiverse centred practices. As a therapist Michelle has a particular interest in working in the early intervention space with young children and their families. She is committed to delivering therapy for children and their families that is based in neuro-affirming practice, her therapy approach has a strengths-based, play centred focus where the child’s interests are valued. Michelle looks at Autism through a social model lens and ensures her therapy approach is always child centred. Michelle has a particular passion for advocating for inclusive education for all children and supporting families on their journey from diagnosis through to school readiness and beyond.

Jackson Lo, Behaviour Support Practitioner

Jackson is a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner that has over 9 years of experience working various roles within the disability sector. He holds an Honours Degree in Psychological Science and a Master’s Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis. As a therapist Jackson has experience working with all age-groups, however a particular interest in neurodivergent teenagers and young adults. Jackson has a strong interest in working with clients that are non-speaking and has developed a strong skillset around utilising Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices in his approach to Positive Behaviour Support. Jackson is committed to a therapeutic process that is strength-based in neuro-affirming practice, where the person’s interests, goals and aspirations are valued. Jackson believes in inclusive education and inclusive work-forces and has worked closely with his clients and their families in transitioning clients to mainstream schooling, and employment.

Chloe Brewer, Psychologist & Behaviour Support Practitioner

As a registered psychologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner, Chloe has a strong investment in supporting others to achieve their full potential. With a diverse range of knowledge and skills acquired through experience within Disability, Child Protection, Education, and Community Service industries, Chloe provides assessment and intervention utilising an eclectic approach that incorporates evidence based practice with individual and unique person-specific needs. Chloe's ability to adapt to the learning and communication style of her client/s allows her to provide therapeutic support to a range of demographics within a number of different environments including the Connect and Thrive farm, office based sessions, school visits, and home appointments. While seeking to empower individuals, Chloe also recognises the value of building the capacity of the individuals support system, ensuring generalisation of knowledge and skills beyond the therapeutic environment. Chloe's lived experience and commitment to professional development provide a sense of safety and understanding, while she respects that nobody knows the individual better than themselves, ensuring client-centred, solution-focused, strengths based outcomes.

Kerry Horan, Administration Officer

Kerry Horan has over 27 years of office experience in Administrative and Co-ordinator roles.

Kerry provides support in the day-to- day administrative, financial, and operational functions.

She is proficient in Graphical and Data Analysis. With her pleasant, friendly, and professional manner, she loves working with this team of very passionate practitioners. Kerry prides herself with being very organised and takes pride in being a reliable resource to the Connect and Thrive community.

Joel Bobardt, Head Group Facilitator & Client Liaison

Joel is a science-based mindfulness practitioner with over 4 years of breathwork experience, working with both, adults and children.

Joel spends much of his spare time working with our horses, caring for them, training them, connecting with them and riding them in which much of it he uses in our group programs.

He is ex-army, joining the ADF as a rifleman, leaving in 2018 and has since dedicated his life to helping people through mental health, and developing some great life skills.

Using his experience in mindfulness, horsemanship, and military/survival skills, and calm persona, Joel assists in running some incredibly powerful group programs for adults and children.

Teena Woodall, Equine Therapy Counsellor

Teena holds a Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Diploma in Counselling and is an accredited practitioner with the Equine Psychotherapy Institute (EPI), with specialised training in addictions and trauma, she is also accredited with Horse Safety Australia, and adheres to their horse safety principles. Teena is passionate in supporting both her clients and horses, her approach offers a professional, yet relaxed environment where clients become aware of how they are experiencing their current life challenges, with a focus on deepening self-awareness, and where necessary making changes to heal from unfinished business. Teena works with both children and adults, specialising in cPTSD, trauma, Internal family systems, somatic awareness, anxiety, depression, and addictions. Teena has worked with Australia Defence force veterans over a four-year period, co-facilitating various 4 x day equine program. Additionally, Teena has also run various one day workshops for women who have experienced Domestic Violence, corporate workshops focussing on team work and leadership, and, most recently running 6 terms of 10 week (2hr) equine program for Youth at Risk (>108 youth).

Johnathan Subhash, Psychologist & Behaviour Support Practitioner

Johnathan is a provisional Psychologist and Behaviour Support Practitioner with a robust academic foundation in the biological sciences. With a deep interest in neurophysiology, he excels in utilising this knowledge to inform his assessments, develop tailored intervention strategies, and adapt to the unique needs of each client. With years of experience in therapeutic settings, he demonstrates a sharp attention to detail and the capacity to relate to clients from a variety of socioeconomic, cultural, and age groups who present with a wide range of issues. Johnathan's primary areas of interest are post-trauma care and rehabilitation, psychoeducation on stress-related neurobiology, developing customized, evidence-based treatment plans and interventions, and enhancing his clients' general quality of life. His professionalism, lived experience, and sympathetic demeanor make for a great choice to help your loved ones' or your own mental health and behavioral needs. Having earned a master's degree in psychology, he is now expanding his knowledge and skill set by pursuing a master's degree in clinical psychology at a prestigious university.

Our Furry Team

Connect. Grow. Thrive

Meet our team of friendly farm animals at our Maudsland clinic location

The Herd Protector

Dusty

Dusty, 19 years young, originally comes from the circus. He is well trained, friendly and will do many tricks for a carrot. He overlooks our animals and ensures their safety. Dusty was our first pony to join the herd.

Pony Mumma

Ruby

Ruby came to us in December, 2022 and is such a sweet girl. Ruby absolutely loves children. She can be hard to catch for adults but seems to let children be with her always. Ruby is 13 years young and mother to Henry.

Cheeky Boy

Henry

Henry is 8 years young, who is Ruby's son. Henry came to us with Ruby in December, 2022 and has such a sweet nature. But don't let those sweet eyes fool you. He can be a bit cheeky sometimes.

Sweet Girl

Delta

Delta is our baby. She is a 4 year old Quarter Horse and is growing into an incredibly beautiful young mare. She is super soft and absolutely loves people. Her best friend is Sadie but really enjoys everybody's company.

Cheeky Girl

Sadie

Sadie is our 6 year old Paint mare who is absolutely stunning. Sadie comes from a line of show horses and as you can see, is beautiful. But dont let those sweet eyes fool you... She has a very fun and cheeky personality and loves playing with hats.

Big Cuddler

Mate

Mate is a 7 year old Quarter Horse Gelding who came to us from professional ropers. Fortunately for us, he just wasn't fast enough to compete in Roping, but is the perfect leisure riding horse. He loves kids and people and can get jealous of other horses getting attention.

Alpha Mare

Twiggy

Twiggy is our 20 year old Palimino Stock Horse Mare who is the Alpha Mare on our farm. Twiggy has had an unusual upbringing but is showing herself to be an incredible therapy horse for those who can appreciate her. She was our first horse.

The High Flyers

Pepper & Sunny

Pepper is nearly 2 years old and Sunny is only 3 months old. They are a little nervous to begin with but once on your shoulder, they'll stay there all day. Pepper loves to learn different whistling sounds whilst Sunny is our sweet calm boy.

The Energizer Bunny

Maxie

Maxie and Milo are both brothers to our dear friends' dog, Daisy. They are Kelpie x Staffy. Maxie is super energetic but is also a very loving boy who is always seeking attention. Maxie loves licking noses, but nothing else.

The Miracle Boy

Milo

Milo is our miracle boy. He was hit by a car about a year ago. After surgery, he has fully recovered but a little slower than Maxie. He is super cuddly and absolutely loves children.

Meet the flock

The Chickens

Meet our beautiful young chickens. We have Australorps, White Sussex, Red Island Rhodes, Bhantoms, and Silky's. We were lucky enough to incubate, hatch and raise these beautiful chicks. They are all hand-raised and are super comfortable around people. They love being hand-fed and walk over your feet.