About

Who We Are

At Connect and Thrive Therapeutic Services, we are a dedicated team of health professionals united by a shared commitment to holistic, trauma-informed care. Our collective experience, including roles within Queensland Government's Disability Services, has shaped our approach to support individuals, families, and communities in achieving meaningful and lasting change.

We believe in the power of connection—to oneself, to others, and to the environment—as a foundation for growth and healing. Our services are grounded in attachment-focused, affirmative, and strengths-based interventions that honour the unique gifts and aspirations of each person we support.

Our multidisciplinary team offers a broad range of therapeutic services, including Positive Behaviour Support, Psychology, Counselling, Equine-Assisted Therapy, and group programs. We are committed to reducing the use of restrictive practices by enhancing quality of life, promoting community participation, and fostering emotional regulation and social skills.

Operating from our farm-based clinic in Guanaba, as well as providing mobile and telehealth services, we create safe and inclusive spaces where individuals can express themselves freely. Our goal is to empower people with disabilities and mental health challenges to connect, grow, and thrive within their chosen communities.

At Connect and Thrive, we don't just provide services—we build relationships that support individuals in realising their full potential.

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.

Joel Bobardt, Business Development Manager

With a career path as diverse as it is meaningful, Joel brings a unique mix of corporate experience, service, and heart-centred practice to his role at Connect & Thrive. Joel's professional journey began in 2012 as a Financial Planner in a major corporate firm, before pivoting to serve in the Australian Army in 2015—an experience that deeply shaped his values of integrity, leadership, and community. Driven by a passion for human connection and emotional wellbeing, Joel has spent the past several years immersed in group facilitation, working closely with both adults and children to develop social skills, emotional regulation, and community-mindedness. He also brings expertise as a mindfulness and breathwork practitioner, grounding his approach in presence, empathy, and resilience. Outside the office, Joel is a dedicated horseman with a love for liberty horsemanship—where trust, freedom, and communication come together in a powerful, intuitive way. This love of nature and connection flows into his current Counselling studies, where he is specialising in Adventure Therapy, Equine Therapy, and Relationship Counselling. At Connect & Thrive, Joel channels lived experiences, vibrant energy, and strategic mind into building meaningful partnerships and innovative pathways that empower people and communities to grow and flourish.

Chloe Brewer, Senior 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.

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.

Kerry Horan, Finance 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.

Cynthia Kilmartin, Administration Officer

TBA

Sruti Alur, Provisional Psychologist & Behaviour Support Practitioner

Sruti is a behaviour support practitioner and provisional psychologist with six years of experience working in positive behaviour support and early childhood intervention. She is currently completing her masters in clinical psychology. Sruti is passionate about delivering neuro-affirming and strengths-based positive behaviour support through a trauma-informed lens. Sruti believes in understanding the needs that underlie client's behaviours and collaboratively developing strategies to meet those needs and prevent harm. She is committed to delivering therapy that is client-centred and holistic with the goal of improving clients' inclusion in their community, increasing client participation in meaningful activities, developing skills for emotional and behavioural regulation, increasing functional communication, and improving quality of life. Sruti values the inclusion of family and key supports in the development and implementation of behaviour support. She believes in the importance of the health of the family unit or care team for positive outcomes for clients. Sruti works with children, young people, and adults, and provides support in a variety of environments including the home, school, and in the community. Sruti is experienced in working with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and delivers evidence-based therapy and carer training.

Nicola Den Braber, Provisional Psychologist

Nicola is a provisional psychologist with a background in healthcare management, humanitarian services, and psychological support. With experience in mental health care, crisis response, and community services, Nicola is passionate about empowering individuals through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Nicola has worked in healthcare and community-based roles, including facilitating disaster recovery efforts and first-aid services with the Australian Red Cross, providing frontline crisis support for vulnerable populations. Her work with Drug Arm further reinforced her commitment to supporting individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges, deepening her understanding of trauma-informed care and intervention strategies. With a Master of Professional Psychology, she takes a person-centred approach, integrating Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to help individuals develop coping strategies, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and improve emotional regulation. She is committed to fostering resilience and well-being in those she works with, tailoring interventions to suit each client’s unique needs. Nicola is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where individuals can navigate life’s challenges and achieve meaningful change. Nicola provides psychological support, treatment and assessments.

Our Furry Team

Connect. Grow. Thrive

Meet our team of friendly farm animals at our Guanaba 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 Flyer

Ocean

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.