About Us
Leading Assessment & Treatment Centre in Sydney
Our Practice
Our practice was first was opened in 2006 with the aim of creating a multi-disciplinary centre of cognitive assessment and treatment in NSW. Our clinic is highly unique in that we have neuropsychologists conducting our cognitive testing and therefore can offer much more in-depth and comprehensive cognitive and neuropsychological assessments. We have one of the largest testing libraries in NSW, have the latest scientifically proven tests, and offering the highest level of standardised assessment possible.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is that we don’t just want to diagnose developmental disorders like ADHD and learning disabilities, but rather we want to identify the specific cognitive deficits underlying these disorders – so that rather than providing a ‘band-aid’ solution we can treat the root cause of the condition in the most precise manner. We feel this is best done through formally assessing core cognitive skills like memory, attention, visual processing, auditory processing, planning/organisation etc. Once the core cognitive weakness (or even weaknesses) are identified, then treatment can be specific to the precise processing weaknesses underlying these disorders.
We were the first clinic in NSW to actually provide comprehensive cognitive training programs that are uniquely designed for the individual and broad ranging, according to the specific neuropsychological skill. Our most unique feature unlike other cognitive training programs is that all our programs are conducted individually so that we can train children in the functional skills they need in everyday life and generalise the skills they learn in cognitive training to the real world. We have clinicians with extensive experience in the following areas:
Our Clinical Director
Dr Shelley Hyman
Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist
BSc (psychol) Hons, MClinNeuropsych, PhD (Med) MAPS CCN
Dr Shelley Hyman is the director of the centre and she founded this centre in 2006 after returning to Australia, being inspired by the comprehensiveness of treatment centres overseas. She aimed to take Australian services into the new millennium and close the gaps between the Australian standards of assessment and treatment, and levels of expertise overseas. She has an undergraduate psychology degree with honours from the University of NSW, a Masters in Clinical Neuropsychology from Macquarie University, and a PhD from Sydney University in paediatric medicine. Her doctoral research examined cognitive profiling of ADHD and learning disorders from a neuropsychological perspective. It looked at how children change developmentally from childhood into adulthood in regards to their cognitive abilities, as well as profiled these disorders from an adult perspective. Following her PhD she received a 2 year award from the Children’s Tumour Foundation (New York) for her postdoctoral research. This postdoctoral research looked at the development of cognitive screening in children, as well as the relationship between neuropsychological tests and real world functional skills.
OUR CLINICIANS
Marika Donkin
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Marika Donkin is a clinical neuropsychologist and member of the Clinical Neuropsychology college of the Australian Psychological Society. She holds a first class honours degree in psychology as well as a Masters degree in Clinical Neuropsychology. She has strong research expertise into children who are gifted and special interests in children with ADHD and learning disabilities, as well as in the development of cognitive training programs. She believes strongly in not only identifying neuropsychological difficulties, but also developing programs for treating those difficulties by using tailored, comprehensive, research based cognitive training methodologies. She has been working conducting neuropsychological assessments for both children and adults in private practice since February 2010. She has also completed courses in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and incorporates those therapies into her treatment programs.
Dr Jennifer Szeto
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr Jennifer Szeto was awarded a PhD (Medicine) by the University of Sydney. She is a Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia with an endorsement in Clinical Neuropsychology, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, and a Member of the Australian Psychological Society. Jennifer has clinical experience working with adults and older adults presenting with a variety of conditions, including mental health and neurodegenerative conditions. She has completed an undergraduate Psychology degree with Honours at the University of New South Wales, a Master’s degree in Brain and Mind Sciences at the University of Sydney, as well as a Master’s degree in Clinical Neuropsychology at Macquarie University. Her doctoral thesis examined Mild Cognitive Impairment associated with Parkinson’s Disease. She has a special interest in the assessment of adults with memory problems and other forms of cognitive impairment. Dr Szeto is currently heading our adult ADHD clinic.
Dr Regine Lau
Registered Psychologist- Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar
Dr Lau is a dedicated Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar with experience working with children and adults affected by neurodevelopmental disorders as well as acquired and traumatic brain injury, cancer diagnoses, substance misuse, and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr Lau earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with First Class Honours from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and her PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology from Monash University, Australia. Her doctoral research focused on evidence-based working memory training for children, developed in collaboration with researchers from Cambridge University. Dr Lau has secured grants for her research and presented at national and international conferences, including the International Neuropsychological Society. She is a committee member of the Australian Psychological Society's NSW College of Clinical Neuropsychology and the Australian Paediatric Research Network, reflecting her dedication to advancing neuropsychology. Dr Lau emphasises a strength-based approach to identify individuals' abilities and optimise their potential for thriving.
Julia Mandeljc
Registered Psychologist: Neuropsychology Registrar
Julia is a registered general psychologist with AHPRA and a member of the Australian Psychology Society (APS), soon to commence the Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar Program. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Life Sciences from Queen’s University in Canada, and her Master’s degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from Macquarie University. She has clinical experience with adults and older adults affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and intellectual disability, as well as acquired brain injuries and mental health disorders. Julia’s research background includes a Master’s thesis looking at pharmacological treatment options for substance-induced psychosis, and an Honours thesis on sexual functioning, mental health, and the impact of SSRIs on well-being. She has a strong passion for intervention and rehabilitation, dedicating her work to helping individuals improve their quality of life and achieve their personal goals.
Damita Dixon
Registered Psychologist
Damita Dixon is a registered psychologist with a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Technology Sydney. She brings a client-centred and evidence-based approach to therapy, helping individuals navigate challenges and achieve personal growth. Damita has extensive experience working with adults on issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. She also supports teenagers and adults with tailored interventions, including those with ADHD and learning disabilities. Trained in ACT, CBT, and Schema Therapy, Damita is particularly interested in themes of meaning, purpose, and attachment dynamics. She is dedicated to providing warm and compassionate care, fostering a safe and supportive space for clients to create meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Claudia Giezen
Registered Psychologist
Claudia is a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s in Applied Psychology (Behaviour Analysis). She also has a Post-Graduate Diploma in the Professional Practice of Psychology. She is known for her energy and enthusiasm in supporting her clients. She ained her registration with the University of Waikato in New Zealand before moving to Australia in 2021. Claudia is registered with AHPRA, a member of the Australian Psychologist Society (APS), and work development order (WDO). Claudia applies a wide range of techniques in her provision of psychological therapies. Her solution-focused approach encompasses emotional interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Claudia can assist clients with a range of presentations that include but are not limited to, anxiety, phobias, aggression, improving social skills, dealing with trauma symptoms, depression, couple work, managing symptoms of ADHD, procrastination, workplace burnout and adjustment disorder. she also has a particular passion for working with people on the Autism Spectrum.
Kyra Thompson- Maternity Leave
Registered Psychologist
Kyra is a fully Registered Psychologist with AHPRA and an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society. Kyra has a Bachelor of Psychology from University of Newcastle and a Graduate Diploma in Psychological practice from College of Professional Psychology. Kyra has clinical experience in working with children and their families, adolescents, as well as adults. Kyra has worked extensively with people who are on the Autism Spectrum and has expertise in treating patients (both children and adults) diagnosed with anxiety, low mood, autism, social, self-regulation and behavioural difficulties. Kyra predominantly focuses on using a Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Interpersonal (IPT) therapeutic approach as well as Acceptance and commitment Therapy (ACT). She has completed the Cool Kids and Child Anxiety Program. She has extensive experience conducting social skills groups and anxiety groups.
Dr Ashton Roberts
Clinical Psychologist
Coming Soon
CONSULTANTS
Eyal Pat
Orthoptist & Visual Trainer
Eyal Pat obtained an optometry degree in Israel and practised as an optometrist for 8 years overseas. He developed a passion for treating eye based issues and decided to move to Australia to study his Masters in Orthoptics. He now practices in Australia as an orthoptist, helping train both children and adults in improving their binocular vision. Orthoptics is the science of: "Orth"= straight and "Optics"=eyes. He works to strengthen eye muscles to help teaming between both eyes, which is used in focusing, tracking, fixation and general eye movements. These skills are fundamental to learning and motor skills in children. When the functional system is poor it may also affect higher-level visual functioning and visual perception, and Eyal has numerous programs to also improve these higher levels visual processing skills. He is a member of the Orthoptic Board and Orthoptic Australia.
Our team having fun!
Publications for Dr Shelley Hyman
- Hyman S.L., DuPaul, G.J. & Gormley, M.J. (2017) Evidence-Based Assessment and Intervention for ADHD in School Psychology. In, Theilking, M & Terjesen M.D. (Ads) Handbook of Australian School Psychology (pp: 311-330). Switzerland; Springer.
- Payne J., Hyman S.L., Shores E.A., & North K.N. (2011) Assessment of executive function and attention in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: relationships between cognitive measures and real-world behavior. Child Neuropsychology,17, 313-29.
- Hyman, SL., Gill, D., Shores E.A., Steinberg, A., & North, K.N. (2007) Specific Regions of T2-Hyperintensities in Children with NF1 and their relationship to Cognitive Functioning. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 78, 1088- 1091.
- Hyman, S.L., Shores, E.A., Gill, D., & North, K.N. (2006). Learning disabilities in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: subtypes, cognitive profile, and attention- deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 48, 973- 977.
- Gill, D., Hyman, SL., Steinberg, A & North, K.N. (2006). Age-related findings on MRI in Neurofibromatosis type 1. Pediatric Radiology; 36: 1048-1056.
- Hyman, SL., Shores E.A., & North, K.N. (2005). The Nature and Frequency of Cognitive Deficits in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Neurology, 65, 1037- 1044.
- Hyman, SL., Shores E.A., Gill, D., Steinberg, A., & North, K.N. (2004). Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Neuropsychological and Neuroradiological Aspects. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 10, 40.
- Hyman, SL. Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Cognitive Profile, Natural History and Pathogenesis. 2004. PhD Dissertation.
- Hyman, S.L., Shores E.A., Gill, D., Steinberg, A., & North, K.N. (2003). Natural History of Neuropsychological Ability and T2-Hyperintensities in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Neurology, 60, 1139-1145.
- North, K.N, Hyman, S., & Barton, B. (2002). Cognitive Functioning in Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Journal of Child Neurology, 17:616-623.
- Young, H., Hyman, S. & North, K. (2002) Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Clinical Manifestations and Exceptions to the rule. Journal of Child Neurology, 17:624-632
- Hyman, S., North, A., Shores, A., Gill, D., & Steinberg, A. (2002). Natural history of cognitive deficits and brain lesions in neurofibromatosis 1. Journal of International Neuropsychological Society, 8, 499.
- Hyman, S.L., Shores E.A., Steinberg, A., Gill, D., & North, K.N. (2002). Natural History of Neuropsychological Ability and T2-Hyperintensities in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Brain Impairment, 3, 80.
- Hyman, S.L. An analysis of the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of memory reactivation. (1997). Honours Thesis.