Committee Information
Below are details of the current committee and vacancies. The APS is always on the look out for members who are interested in joining a Member Group committee, to help support and promote members, the profession, and the APS. For more information about joining a Member Groups committee, click here.
Have questions? Please feel free to contact committee members via PsyCommunity direct message here or reach out to APS Member Groups via [email protected].
Convener
Dr Violette McGaw
Violette is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist (FCEDP) with 25 years experience counselling experience, specialising in trauma and PTSD. Her research explores intergenerational trauma, with a particular focus on how lived experiences of trauma affect development, family systems, and support pathways across generations. She also examines how trauma-informed practices are implemented in education and mental health settings, particularly for children and families with complex needs. Violette has worked both in private practice and hospital settings, working with adults, teens and children. She has a strong background in military and veteran clients, and a special interest in working with neurodiverse clients across the lifespan. She draws on qualitative and participatory methods to examine how trauma-informed practices are implemented in education, health, and mental health settings, with the goal of improving outcomes for individuals and communities affected by complex trauma
Secretary
Mrs Christina Wight
Christina Wight
Psychologist
BEd MEd MCouns BPsych
Christina worked in education for twenty years before gaining her general psychology registration. She works with clients across the lifespan and with a variety of issues. Christina has a special interest in clients seeking support for learning difficulties, neurodiversity, family concerns and complex trauma.
Christina is currently studying through Monash University to obtain her endorsement as an Educational Developmental Psychologist.
Christina is currently working in private practice and resides in Cairns with her husband and two children.
Committee Member
Mrs Khushma Chikani
Khushi is a Certified Practising Counsellor (PACFA) and an Associate Member of Australian Psychological Society (Asso MAPS). With specialised training as Mental Health First Aider and in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Khushi is deeply committed to promoting mental well-being and fostering positive change for children with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Currently, Khushi focuses on developing Behaviour Support Plans that facilitate safe, respectful, and inclusive practices. Her work aims to enhance the lives of her clients while reducing challenging behaviours and strengthening the support systems around them.
Student Representative
Ms Natasha Morson
Natasha spent over a decade as an event producer before transitioning into psychology, bringing strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and organisation. She also has experience as an ABA therapist and a digital crisis supporter at Lifeline.
She is passionate about child and adolescent mental health, with a focus on early intervention, prosocial development, bullying prevention, and youth empowerment.
Natasha recently completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) with first-class honours and is now pursuing a Master of Professional Psychology at Macquarie University. She looks forward to a future career dedicated to empowering youth, fostering resilience, and supporting students, families, and educators.
Based in Sydney, Natasha enjoys traveling, snowboarding, and cooking in her free time.
Student Representative
Mr Daniel Wood
Daniel Wood is a police Sergeant with extensive experience in frontline operations, supervision, training, and assessment. Alongside his operational role, he is a pre-professional psychology student preparing to undertake a Master’s program following the completion of his Honours degree. As a student representative committee member, he contributes a balanced perspective that blends practical policing insight with academic engagement.
Daniel values collaboration, professional integrity, and continuous learning, and is particularly committed to advancing learner-centric education to improve student outcomes. He has been recognised for excellence in frontline service and community engagement. He has coordinated the development of the police foundation curriculum, including the piloting of new student-led immersive simulation training. His Honours thesis examined how extraversion may moderate the usefulness of written linguistic markers in predicting depression.