Our Team of Wildflowers
Alexandra, often referred to as Alex is a soul driven woman who is passionate about wellness, sustainability and living a life deeply anchored in connection to herself and the community around her. Alexandra is a Psychologist and Art Therapist who is often seen not wearing shoes in the therapeutic space!
Alex believes it takes real courage to show up within that space, so authentic expression on her behalf is something she holds high. Working across a variety of settings, she has come to specialise in working with individuals who are experiencing or have experienced trauma. Often when big life events happen we can feel disempowered, which is where her real passion shines through - working with individuals to empower them to become the best versions of themselves and bloom as the wildflower they are. Alex believes if we keep treating individuals as they are, they will be as they are but if we treat them as who they can be, they can become who they can be.
Alex applies a holistic approach to therapy, believing it’s important to look at the person as a whole, not just the presenting issues. Alex brings an eclectic mix of therapies and is often found thinking outside of the box to engage and collaborate with all parties including schools and allied health professional for the best interest of the client.
For Alex, the creation of Wildflower Holistic Services, is the embodiment of a life’s desire to be the ignitor of connection within communities to offer support through clinical and alternative medicine, which Alex appreciates as potently complimentary for complete wellneness.
Qualifications:
Masters Degree in Navigating Life - still in progress
Full registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
University of Wollongong
Advanced Diploma in Transpersonal Art Therapy
College of Complementary Medicine
300hr Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)
Justice Research Institute
Alexandra McCarthy
Wildflower Co-Founder, Psychologist, Art Therapist & Trauma Sensitive Yoga Therapist
Rebecca, often referred to as Bec, is a woman who is bursting with energy and a vibe of positivity and empowerment. Bec wholeheartedly believes in empowering those around her to achieve their greatness and this is embodied in her role as an Paediatric Occupational Therapist, in which she finds deep joy and satisfaction in supporting her clients, and their parents, to be emboldened with knowledge, self belief and quality support to allow their individual brilliance to be illuminated.
Bec is creatively gifted and has a deep need for sensory input, so she put both together and used these gifts to hand make the divine products of Comfort Buddy Weighted Blankets, which honours her commitment to supporting the mental, physical and emotional development of her clients through sensory engagement.
As a creator of Wildflower Holistic Services it is Bec’s desire to create a truly inspiring space of connection and wellness for her community to thrive within. Bec is inspired by the uniqueness of her life where every day, every situation, every client, brings it’s own individual experiences, challenges and successes to create a life of magic and wonder to be grateful for.
At the moment, no one on one appointments can made with Bec, however you will see her in the space playing with all of our sensory toys, co-facilitating group programs, workshops and of course she is the smile behind your handmade Comfort Buddy weighted blankets.
Qualifications:
Rebecca McCarthy
Wildflower Co-Founder, Occupational Therapist & Comfort Buddy Genius
Masters Degree in Navigating Life - still in progress
Full registration as a Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Bachelor of Health Science
University of Western Sydney
Masters of Occupational Therapy
University of Western Sydney
Sensory Integration Continuing Education Certificate Program
University of Southern California
DR Tom Traae
Clinical Psychologist
Availability: Monday & Tuesday (10-6pm)
Qualifications:
Masters Degree in Navigating Life - still in progress
Full registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Bachelor of Psychology
Walsh University, Ohio USA
Masters of Clinical Psychology
Sussex University, Brighton England
Doctorate of Clinical Psychology
University of South Australia
Dr Tom Traae is a Clinical Psychologist with 18 years experience across a wide span of private, Government, and non-Government services. Past work experience include extensive work with children, adolescents and adults with disabilities, and many years within the mental health sector.
Tom has a BA Psychology degree, MA Clinical Psychology degree, and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree.
His career includes working with severe and challenging behaviour, as well as restricted practices in QLD where he was the Director of Clinical Services for Central and North QLD. Since coming to NSW, Tom has led clinical teams in several non-Government organisations, providing therapy and behaviour support to children, adults, and families.
Tom was most recently the Senior Clinical Manager of 4 Headspace centres in NSW, providing clinical services to young people aged 12-25, before going back into private practice and joining Wildflower Holistic Services early Dec 2020.
Joining the Wildflower family for Tom was inspired by his like-minded commitment to the values and philosophy of Wildflowers which are centred around empowering people in their own lives, as well as his appreciation for a team based workplace and strength-based approach to connecting with others.
When Tom is not offering his support to others through his role as a psychologist, he can be found playing the yidaki (didgeridoo) which he fell in love with after moving to Australia 20 years ago from his homeland of Norway, enjoying a wide range of music from U2 and Pink Floyd all the way through to classical or his guilty pleasure is enjoying a lazy morning in bed with coffee and a good book.
Madeline Kenny
Provisional Psychologist
Madeline, but you can call her Maddy, is a young woman who is bubbly, chatty and passionate about overall wellbeing. Maddy thoroughly enjoys supporting her clients to grow and develop into their own people and celebrating their wins when they achieve their goals.
Prior to joining the Wildflowers team, Maddy worked in primary schools for 4 years assisting children with diagnoses and learning difficulties in the classroom and playground settings. Maddy also has 5 year's experience working in an after-school care facility, providing care and support to all children to make them feel as though they were at their second home.
Maddy was inspired by the Wildflower philosophy of celebrating each individual and acknowledging that each person has a place in this wonderful world. Maddy is driven to continue her development and learning to provide the best care for children, teens and adults alike and will be working with clients one-on-one as well as helping out with our assessments.
Outside of the Wildflower walls you can find Maddy thoroughly enjoying a good game of league, AFL or netball, cooking and baking, and eating her delicious creations!
Qualifications:
Masters Degree in Navigating Life - still in progress
Bachelor of Psychological Science
University of Wollongong
Psychology Honours
Monash University
Irini El-Mohamad
Registered Psychologist
Availability: Tuesdays 10:30 a.m - 7:00 p.m (Telehealth) and Wednesdays 10:30 a.m - 7:00 p.m (Telehealth and face-to-face).
Irini has a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) from the University of Western Sydney and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Sydney. She is registered as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA), is a registered Medicare Provider and Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Irini works with adults and adolescents and has experience working in the community and inpatient settings. She is fluent in Greek and has experience working within a multicultural perspective. She began her career 26 years ago within the area of Mental Health, initially developing and running education groups for Greek speaking families with a member experiencing Schizophrenia. She later worked with adults who were experiencing a mental health condition, assisting them to re-enter and maintain open employment. She has also worked with adolescents and young adults who have experienced and/or were at risk of experiencing psychosis. As well as mental health and psychiatric conditions Irini has experience and treatment in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem, suicide, grief and loss, post traumatic stress, and relationships.
Irini is a warm, attentive and empathetic psychologist who employs a highly client-centred, ethical, non-judgmental and holistic approach to therapy. Irini believes in the empowerment and nurturing of the Wildflower in you and will work with you collaboratively in your journey of healing. Irini’s preferred therapeutic approaches are broad, eclectic and tailored to the individual client needs.
When Irini is not working, you will find her either at the beach staring at the waves or somewhere in nature and the outdoors, meditating, cooking or eating out a nutritious meal, enjoying a good book, spending time with her family and her Pomeranian, travelling or engaging in a cultural activity.
Qualifications:
Masters Degree in Navigating Life - still in progress
Full registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
University of Western Sydney
Master of Arts degree in Psychology
University of Sydney
Emma is a gentle and kind woman who is passionate about holistic health, connection, community, sustainability, and authenticity.
Emma holds a Bachelor degree in Psychological Sciences and is currently completing a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy. When she isn’t working or studying, you can find Emma practicing yoga, spending time outdoors enjoying nature, cuddling her dog or tucked away with a cup of tea and a good book.
In her role as Practice Manager, Emma will be your first point of contact at Wildflowers and has the important role of connecting our team and our community, to create a truly nourishing experience.
Emma is deeply committed to personal reflection and growth, and through the practices of daily rest, journaling, yoga and meditation, is able to cultivate a sense of curiosity about her own inner world and continue to bloom as the wildflower she truly is.
Qualifications:
Emma Mercer
Practice Manager
Masters Degree in Navigating Life - still in progress
Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy - still in progress
Australian College of Applied Psychology
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences
Open Universities Australia
katerina rekoumis
Allied Health Assistant
Kat is free spirited, independent, a good listener and passionate about all thing’s self-awareness and self-growth.
She is currently studying a bachelor of psychological science and believes that a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing is essential for an individual to truly flourish.
Implementing mindfulness, yoga and journaling in her own life has improved the relationship she has with herself and others, therefore she is a strong believer in the need for a balanced life.
At Wildflower Holistic Services Kat's role is to provide support for clients, so you will often find her connecting playfully in the waiting room with clients and their families and providing guidance in group programs. She loves supporting others in any way she can.
In Kat's spare time you will find her on her yoga mat, at the beach, exercising, reading, listening to podcasts or observing and thinking deeply about the world (that’s the Aquarius in her!). She also loves being with her family, friends and her adorable pups!
Qualifications:
Masters Degree in Navigating Life - still in progress
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences
University of Wollongong - still in progress
Zee is a bubbly and patient woman who is passionate about building connections and relationships and striving for continuous self growth. She thrives on empowering others to live their lives authentically.
Zee has worked in the medical industry for the past 7 or so years and thoroughly enjoys anything organisational and remaining busy! Making lists, organising, creating procedures and creating order makes her truly happy. When she isn’t organising or writing her daily to-do lists, she loves getting her hands onto anything & everything crafty!
She runs our creative workshops, usually consisting of clay work, embroidery or self-care products.
Zee strongly believes in supporting others wholeheartedly but also taking the time to provide yourself with rest and self love, in any way that resonates with themselves. When she is not working, she values time on her own to recharge by journaling, doing yoga, meditating, breath work, spending time with her dogs and being seaside when she can.