Rachel is a registered Psychologist, currently completing the Clinical Registrar program, she has completed a Masters in Clinical Psychology. Rachel has been volunteering with Wombats Wish since 2018 at our weekend grief camps.

Rachel has experience in public and private mental health settings as well as drug and alcohol support, she currently works 4 days a week in a private practice and sees clients with a range of presenting concerns including but not limited to mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, behavioral difficulties, neurodevelopmental disorders, eating disorders, trauma presentations and grief and loss.

Rachel has a passion for working with children, adolescents and their families and places a large emphasis on building connection, rapport and trust with her clients. She attends our weekend grief programs and provides 1:1 counselling to children and families grieving a death of a parent/carer on Fridays.

I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, a registered Medicare provider, and a registered Clinical Family Therapist. I have a private counselling practice in Clifton Springs and have worked for the past ten years as a counsellor in a secondary college.

Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. I began my professional journey as a qualified early childhood educator, working with children and young people across a variety of settings. As a social worker, I have had the privilege of working with diverse communities and individuals facing a wide range of life challenges, with a particular focus on mental health.

Grief and loss have been central to much of my work. I understand that every person's experience of loss is unique, and I feel deeply honoured to walk alongside individuals and families as they navigate the profound impact that death and other significant losses can have on their lives.

My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, client-centred, and holistic. I draw on a broad range of therapeutic theories and evidence-based frameworks, including the latest trauma treatments informed by developments in neuroscience. I believe in creating a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space where people feel heard, understood, and supported to discover their own strengths and capacity for healing.

I have been fortunate to spend much of my career working within grassroots community organisations, including Wombat's Wish, an organisation that is especially close to my heart. Supporting bereaved children and families has been some of the most meaningful work of my professional life.

While I take my work seriously, I also believe that healing can be supported through warmth, humour, creativity, and genuine human connection. My style is professional, compassionate, and approachable. Outside of work, I enjoy playing African drums, spending time in nature, and making precious memories with my grandchildren.

It is a genuine privilege to be invited into people's lives during times of vulnerability. I am committed to providing a respectful, supportive, and evidence-informed therapeutic relationship that helps individuals and families move towards healing, resilience, and hope.

Frances is an experienced Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master's of Gerontology. With over 35 years’ experience, Frances has worked alongside children and families in many settings from inner city Melbourne in family services to outback western (Western) Australia in child services. Over the last decade, she supported the local community with myriad day-to-day challenges, including grief, loss and life transitions.

As a counsellor at Wombat’s Wish, Frances does 1:1 grief counselling for children and families who have experienced the death of a parent/carer. You’ll also be seeing her at our weekend Family Grief Programs, where she will work with children, parents and carers, and lead activities and conversations around grief as well as provide tools to support families.

In July 2023 Wombat’s Wish were pleased to announce the addition of Suzy to our permanent team. Suzy has played an important role in our Wombat’s Wish Weekend Program and Family Days for many years, and many of our camp families will have great memories of taking part in her ‘Suzy Sports’ activities, having long conversations together or receiving one of her famous hugs. Suzy comes with many years of diverse professional experience in people management, counselling and support roles for both government and private organisations. She also has a strong presence in the local community, establishing a successful business as a Personal Trainer and acting as Coordinator and Chairperson in multiple volunteer committees around Ocean Grove.

Suzy holds both a Bachelor and Graduate Diploma of Psychology and Certificate IV in Fitness. She’s currently studying a Diploma in Counselling and is particularly passionate about providing grief and bereavement support. You’ll meet Suzy on our Weekend Programs, during family consults, or as a highly knowledgeable and approachable first point of contact with Wombat’s Wish.

Originally from Switzerland, Annika grew up in five different countries and speaks four languages, including French, German, Swiss-German and English. Her international upbringing allows her to have an immense passion for people and to communicate well with individuals from different backgrounds.

Annika comes to Wombat’s Wish with both a Marketing and Psychology background. She completed a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Psychology, minoring in Criminology) at the University of Melbourne and an Honours Degree of Psychological Sciences at La Trobe University, where she was granted a scholarship by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) to conduct her research study on the cognitive and behavioural outcomes in adolescents with Cerebral Palsy. Her prior experience as a swimming instructor and student researcher at the MCRI has contributed to her passion for working with children and adolescents.

Annika also has five years of experience as a Marketing Specialist in the banking and real estate industries, where she developed and executed the go-to-market strategies of the businesses, working with a variety of clients, stakeholders and internal teams. Highly organised and self-motivated, she looked after a variety of tasks from organising events, partnerships and social media to conducting digital campaigns.

Looking to complete postgraduate studies in Psychology, Annika is currently volunteering at Connected Minds Psychology, supporting with intake and risk assessments. She is thrilled to support Wombat’s Wish with all things administration and social media, and to be a part in helping children and families across Victoria gain access to grief support.

Mel has been a support worker for over 4 years. Passionate about empowering individuals, she is involved in helping clients achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. As a patient and empathetic listener, Mel is known for her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients and their families.

Mel started working at Wombat's Wish in February 2025 to job-share the Administration position. Her interpersonal skills and contribution to the team are highly valued. Outside of work, Mel enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, netball, learning new things and spending time with her family and friends.

Married with 2 Children (13 & 11), Mel loves living in a small community and being a part of most sports in the area.