Frances is an Educational and Developmental psychologist and board approved supervisor. Frances is a Napa Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellow (2022-2023) and has recently completed the Reflective Supervision Academy (2024 – 2025). Frances has worked across government and non-government sectors, working with families with risk, developmental delays, and adverse experiences. She is passionate about working with young children, their families and support networks through supporting early relationships for optimum developmental outcomes. Frances is committed to supporting developing psychologists’ practice, especially in the early childhood contexts.

Susan is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor with experience working in centre- and community-based early intervention settings. Susan currently works in private practice, providing assessment and therapeutic support to young neurodivergent children and families.

Caroline is an educational and developmental psychologist with experience working in research, education, health, and early childhood intervention including managing a transdisciplinary team in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Caroline is particularly interested in family centred approaches to child developmental assessment and care, and supporting vulnerable children and families.

Dr. Susana Gavidia-Payne is an Adjunct Professor in Educational and Developmental Psychology at RMIT University. Susana has worked extensively with young children with disabilities and their families as a practising psychologist, early childhood intervention (ECI) service manager and researcher for the last 35 years. Susana’s research prioritizes evidence-based policy and practice that enable and constrain children’s development and family well-being, particularly in populations who experience developmental delays and disabilities. She is a member of the Coordinating Committee for the International Society on Early Intervention (ISEI). In her role as a member of the Victorian Children’s Council since 2015, Susana has advised various State Ministers of education, child protection, disability, health and human services. Susana’s current research examines ECI practitioners’ and families’ experiences in the implementation of the NDIS in Australia.

I am currently a Student at the University of Adelaide, studying my 4th year (Honours) of Psychology. I have a very strong interest in Early Childhood Intervention, as well as Perinatal and Infant Mental Health. I also have lived experience in both areas, and currently am a volunteer with PANDA.

Outside of study, I also am a Peer Support volunteer with Australian charity Syndromes Without a Name, which provides care and peer support for children (and their families) living with a rare or undiagnosed genetic condition.

I also have an interest in research and am currently a Chief Consumer Investigator with the University of Adelaide on a NHMRC funded project relating to pharmaceutical prescribing.

Professionally I work in a Project Management role at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in South Australia. My career aim is to complete a Masters of Psychology in the coming years and work as a Psychologist in public and/or private settings.

Claire is a third-year student currently working in a psychology research setting, and has a background in the allied health, disability and early education sectors. She has a strong interest in neurodiversity, developmental and health psychology, and art therapy. Claire is deeply passionate about helping others, and enjoys taking initiative to drive improvement and positive change. She previously holds a Diploma of Allied Health from the University of Canberra, and currently studies at the University of New England. Claire is currently a student representative for the UNE School of Psychology, and a student representative for the APS Early Childhood Intervention Group & Rural and Remote interest groups.