Michelle Grainger - Practice Manager

Michelle Grainger, our Practice Manager since 2013, brings extensive experience and a compassionate approach to Jon Grainger Psychology. With a background spanning over 18 years at Centrelink, Michelle developed strong client support, assessment, and leadership skills directly applicable to managing a psychology practice. Her prior work taught her the importance of empathy, effective communication, and adaptability—qualities she now channels into ensuring clients feel heard, supported, and well-cared for from their first contact onward.

Michelle’s expertise includes client intake and assessment, care coordination, crisis management, and team development. She skillfully oversees intake processes, care coordination, and client education, enhancing treatment outcomes and fostering a welcoming environment.
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Michelle supports clients and the practice in numerous ways, from overseeing intake and assessment to coordinating care and managing financial and insurance queries. She also develops client resources, and ensures best practices within the team, contributing to a supportive, resourceful practice environment.

Michelle values active listening and open communication to build trust with clients, emphasizing consistency and respect in every interaction. By fostering a safe, understanding environment, she ensures clients feel empowered and connected throughout their journey.

Michelle is motivated by a desire to create a nurturing space for clients and staff alike. Her goal is to ensure clients have the resources and support needed for growth, and she deeply values the practice's collaborative team in delivering compassionate care.
Fun Fact:
As part of a family-based practice, Michelle enjoys working with her husband and two of their four sons, who support the practice in finance and administration. The family's love for football also played a unique role in their journey to starting the practice!

Sam Rutherford - Administrative Officer

UPDATE: Sam has now moved onto a Graduate Accounting position with PKF following completion of his degree. 
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Sam is an Administrative Officer at Jon Grainger Psychology, where he has worked for over 3.5 years. An essential part of the team, Sam manages key administrative tasks, supporting both clients and staff. With a focus on appointment scheduling, paperwork, and financial matters, he ensures the practice runs smoothly and that clients receive care without administrative hurdles. Samuel is also on the cusp of completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree, a milestone that further enhances his expertise in managing the business aspects of the practice.

Sam specializes in administrative tasks, with a focus on appointment coordination, client communication, and managing finances. His extensive knowledge of the practice’s operations and the psychology industry, combined with his studies in commerce, makes him a key player in ensuring efficient day-to-day activities and a seamless experience for clients.

In his role, Sam manages appointment scheduling, handles paperwork, and resolves client issues. He also oversees financial aspects of the practice, ensuring that clients are well-informed about payments and rebates. His role in the administration team allows him to contribute to a smooth operational environment, providing critical support to both clients and colleagues.

Sam strives to make clients feel comfortable and at ease, ensuring they experience a welcoming environment from the moment they step into the practice. His approachable nature, combined with clear and efficient communication, helps clients navigate the administrative side of their care smoothly.

While Samuel’s role is not directly clinical, he finds satisfaction in knowing that his work supports a practice aimed at improving mental well-being. His motivation stems from being part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
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With an eye on graduation and his growing expertise, Samuel keeps up-to-date with industry changes, especially regarding administrative and operational processes. By staying informed about new systems and trends, he ensures the practice remains efficient and up-to-date.

Fun Fact: 
​Sam once represented Australia in futsal, showcasing the same teamwork and dedication at the practice that he displayed on the field! He's also a passionate football fan and loves chatting about the latest movies and TV shows. He’s also excited to travel and explore different cultures and experiences around the world.

Ethan Rutherford - Finance Manager 

Ethan is the Finance Manager at Jon Grainger Psychology. With over 6 years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting, Ethan brings a wealth of financial expertise to the practice. His role involves overseeing the financial health of the practice, managing key financial processes, and supporting clients with invoicing and rebate processing.

Ethan specializes in financial management, with particular strengths in bookkeeping, financial forecasting, and generating comprehensive management reports. His experience allows him to provide detailed financial insights, ensuring the practice operates efficiently and meets its financial goals.

As Finance Manager, Ethan manages all financial operations, including processing client invoices, managing rebates, and ensuring accurate financial records. He plays a key role in financial planning, preparing forecasts, and analyzing the practice’s financial performance to guide decision-making. Additionally, Ethan assists with reception duties, contributing to the smooth day-to-day operations of the practice.
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Ethan stays informed about the latest trends in finance and mental health practice management by engaging with industry blogs, forums, and social media. His dedication to continuous learning allows him to apply the latest financial strategies and tools in his work.

Fun Facts
Ethan represented Australia in futsal, a testament to his dedication and teamwork skills. Outside of work, he enjoys investing, trading, and exploring real estate, hobbies that further enhance his financial acumen and strategic thinking.

Deen Rawling – Provisional Psychologist

Deen  is a Provisional Psychologist with over 2 years of experience in the field, and is nearing the end of his supervision period where he will become fully registered. Before becoming a psychologist, Deen worked as a disability support worker, supporting neurodiverse children, adolescents, and adults. This background informs Deen's compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy.

Deen specializes in providing psychological services to clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. With a focus on using person-centered (Rogerian) techniques, Deen creates a supportive environment based on empathy, genuine interest, and unconditional positive regard.

Deen believes in normalizing and validating clients’ experiences using Linehan's validation principles. This approach, combined with unconditional positive regard, helps clients feel heard and understood, fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Deen is passionate about exploring human behavior through the lens of attention and emotion, particularly how they impact anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationships. This curiosity drives Deen’s ongoing development as a clinician.

Deen stays up to date with industry trends by engaging with resources from the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Institute of Professional Psychologists.

Fun Fact
​Outside of work, Deen enjoys watching football, particularly the Japanese League’s Sanfrecce and the Premier League’s Liverpool. Deen also encourages clients to explore their personal values to foster self-understanding and growth.

Anita Leckie - Senior Psychologist

Anita Leckie is a Senior Psychologist with over 14 years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex behaviors across all age groups. Since joining the practice in early 2024, Anita has brought her unique expertise and passion for working with children, adolescents, and adults. Her career began in child-focused settings, including Out of Home and Residential Care, where she developed her creative, play-based therapeutic approach and delivered training on Reparative Parenting, 123 Magic, and Rage.

Anita’s specialties include anxiety, depression, and trauma treatment, along with parent-child dynamics. Utilizing evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she provides tailored care that is both empathic and nonjudgmental.

Anita believes in holding a safe, judgment-free space for all her clients, allowing for genuine, reflective listening and individualized support. Her client-centred approach is rooted in empathy, ensuring clients feel secure and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

Anita’s primary motivation is to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. She stays current in her field by engaging in ongoing training, webinars, and journal review, continuously refining her approach to ensure the highest level of care.

Anita’s passion for mindfulness and gardening enriches her practice, helping her stay grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies support her self-care and offer practical insights into mindfulness strategies she shares with clients.
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Fun Fact
Anita loves to garden and finds it a wonderful way to relax and connect with nature, often sharing her love of grounding strategies and mindfulness with clients to enhance their own self-care.

Lisa Passmore – Provisional Psychologist

Lisa Passmore is a Provisional Psychologist nearing the end of her Supervision period where she gains full registration. Lisa is also currently completing her Masters in Clinical Psychology.

Previously, Lisa spent the first part of her career as a chartered accountant, where she developed a strong foundation in professional and ethical practice. Her journey into psychology began nearly a decade ago when her interest in child development and desire for more personally fulfilling work led her to pursue further studies, culminating in a Master of Professional Psychology. Lisa is now completing her final year of training to become a registered psychologist.

While Lisa does not have a defined specialisation and works with people across the lifespan, she enjoys working with clients in the 16–24 age group, finding fulfillment in helping young adults empower themselves and build the life they desire.

Lisa builds relationships with her clients by actively listening, offering empathetic, unbiased support as they work towards meaningful change. She believes in the importance of being warm, empathetic, and validating to create a safe space for growth.

Lisa is driven by a passion to support, encourage, and empower people to live their best lives, offering them the tools and guidance they need for positive change.

Lisa keeps up with industry trends through the requirements of her internship and by actively researching areas of interest or gaps in her knowledge. Her curiosity and love of learning help her stay informed.

Lisa encourages clients to explore their personal values and supports their journey toward personal empowerment.

Fun Facts:
In her free time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, walking on the beach, and traveling. She also loves reading and learning, which further enhances her practice.

Jess Abel - Provisional Psychologist

Jess is a Provisional Psychologist with a background in private practice and occupational rehabilitation. She has worked in psychology for over 5 years, starting with occupational rehabilitation in 2020 before transitioning to private practice in 2023. Jess holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UNE and completed her postgraduate thesis at Monash University and almost completed her final months of Supervision which leads to full Registration. 

Jess specialises in trauma, mood disorders (including depression), anxiety, and stress management. She also works with self-esteem issues and supports clients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Jess uses a client-centred approach and integrates CBT, ACT, and DBT techniques, tailoring her therapy to each client’s unique needs.

Jess provides a flexible therapeutic approach grounded in evidence-based practices. Her training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and understanding of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) allows her to incorporate techniques from both frameworks when appropriate. Her services include therapy for trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and stress, with a focus on helping clients achieve personal growth.

Jess is dedicated to creating a non-judgmental and empathetic space for clients, where they feel safe, heard, and supported. She prioritises active listening and compassionate communication, tailoring her interactions to suit each client’s individual needs. Jess believes that strong, trusting relationships are key to effective therapy.

Jess’s personal experiences with mental health challenges fuel her passion for psychology. These experiences have given her a deeper understanding of the difficulties people face, and she is motivated to help others navigate similar struggles by providing support, care, and evidence-based strategies for improvement.

Jess stays updated on industry trends and best practices by attending webinars, training, and professional development sessions. She collaborates with colleagues, seeks supervision, and engages in continuous learning to ensure her skills are refined and up to date.
Jess enjoys reading, mindfulness, and staying active through Pilates and walking. These hobbies help her stay grounded and provide her with a holistic understanding of how physical and mental well-being are interconnected, insights she brings into her practice.
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Fun Facts:
Jess has a deep love for reading, often immersing herself in different worlds through books. This passion for literature frequently becomes a topic of conversation with clients, helping build rapport, especially with those who share an interest in stories and characters.
While Jess enjoys a wide range of books, she is always on the lookout for resources, articles, and books to recommend to clients, particularly in areas of trauma, mood disorders, and anxiety management.

Jacqui Ross - Senior Assessment Psychologist 

Jacqui is a Registered Psychologist with 13 years of experience, primarily working with adults facing mental health challenges. Recently, Jacqui has expanded her focus to include neurodevelopmental assessments for children, particularly in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She brings a wealth of experience from her work with individuals who face complex mental health and sociocultural challenges.

Jacqui specialises in neurodiversity, with a particular focus on ASD and ADHD. She is passionate about conducting neurodevelopmental assessments and supporting clients through their journey toward understanding and self-acceptance.

Jacqui strives to make her clients feel heard and validated in their experiences. Whether working towards a diagnosis or providing resources for ongoing support, her goal is to instill a sense of hope for the future. She values integrity, empathy, and the ability to challenge clients' thinking while also validating their feelings.

Jacqui is motivated by her desire to help people manage or prevent mental health difficulties. She is passionate about empowering individuals to understand and accept themselves, especially those with neurodiverse conditions.

To stay informed about industry trends and best practices, Jacqui engages in self-directed study and peer supervision, ensuring she continually enhances her skills and knowledge.
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Fun Facts:
Outside of work, Jacqui is a proud mother of twins! She is also interested in exploring play therapy and the mental health benefits of regular exercise, aiming to incorporate these into her practice.
Jacqui is working on developing resources around neurodiversity, neuroaffirming language, and behaviors to better support her clients in embracing their uniqueness.

Halle Walterback - Admin Assistant

​Halle is the Administration Assistant at Jon Grainger Psychology, where she has worked since February 2024. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology, Halle brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to her role. She is dedicated to supporting both clients and clinicians, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience at the practice.

​Halle excels in providing high-quality administrative and client support services. Her strengths lie in Client Relations & Communication, where she ensures clients feel heard and supported from the first point of contact, and Appointment Coordination, managing schedules and ensuring flexibility for both clients and clinicians.

Halle is the first point of contact for clients, managing appointment scheduling, answering inquiries, and providing support throughout their journey. She handles the client intake process, maintains records, and prepares information sheets on relevant topics like ADHD and ASD, offering clients valuable resources tailored to their needs.
 
Halle believes in fostering strong, trusting relationships with clients through empathy, active listening, and clear communication. She aims to create a warm, welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable and supported from the moment they enter the practice. Halle prioritises confidentiality and professionalism, helping clients feel safe and respected throughout their experience.
 
Halle is passionate about psychology because of her desire to break the stigma surrounding mental health and offer genuine support to those in need. She is motivated by the opportunity to help people navigate their struggles, feel understood, and improve their well-being.

As a student of psychology, Halle stays updated with the latest trends and practices through her coursework, research, and hands-on experience in the field.
 
Fun Fact
Halle has been playing soccer for 15 years and enjoys the teamwork and resilience the game fosters. She also participates in high-altitude training, which challenges her both physically and mentally. A lover of animals, Halle adores her pets, including her British Shorthair cat Sid and her two dogs, Millie and Willow. She also enjoys traveling, with Las Vegas and the Bahamas being her favorite destinations.

Jon Grainger Psychology (JGP) has expanded, and we are pleased to announce that we
can now offer appointments with Jessica Abel (Provisional Psychologist). Jessica comes to
us after years in the Worker’s Compensation area and a successful year of provisional
registration in private practice. She is now completing her final year of the provisional
psychology program under the supervision of Jon Grainger.


Jessica will be working full time and will be available for assessment and intervention
with children, adolescents, and adults from 7th August 2023.


More availability to come:
We will soon announce a second senior Psychologist, scheduled to commence full-time
with JGP from mid-September 2023, with even more additions to our clinical staff to
come later in 2023 and into 2024.

We look forward to providing even more quality psychological services to our wider community . 

Jon Grainger Psychology