Meet the Hearts Behind Care Garden Therapy

Valli Tamilselvan

Director/Founder – Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology

I came into Positive Behaviour Support after working alongside people and families who were often misunderstood, judged, or made to feel like they were “too hard.” As someone who is neurodivergent, I understand how exhausting it can be to move through systems that focus more on “fixing” people than actually understanding them.

What I’ve learnt, both personally and professionally, is that behaviour always has a story behind it. I love this work because it’s not about changing who someone is- it’s about creating safety, building trust, understanding needs properly, and helping the people around someone finally get on the same page. Some of the most meaningful moments in my work are when a person who has spent years feeling unheard finally feels understood.

Sheryl Khoo

Director/Founder – Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner
Bachelor and Honours in Psychology and Counselling

Being a mother of two boys myself, I think I naturally became drawn to understanding behaviour, emotions, and the different ways people communicate their needs. Working in Positive Behaviour Support has shown me how important it is for people and families to feel heard, understood, and genuinely supported. What I love most about PBS is building real connections with participants and families and seeing the small everyday wins that can make such a big difference in someone’s life.

Sam Gandhi

Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner
Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling), Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)

I believe that every person has unique strengths, experiences, and potential. My role is to understand each individual’s journey, listen without judgment, and provide support that is respectful, compassionate, and tailored to their personal goals. Building trust and genuine connections is at the heart of everything I do.

For me, behaviour support is about more than addressing challenges, it’s about empowering people to develop confidence, strengthen their independence, and improve their overall quality of life. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals and their families feel heard, valued, and encouraged every step of the way.

It is a privilege to be part of each person’s journey, and I remain committed to making a positive difference through kindness, collaboration, and evidence-based support.

Melanie Baster

Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Counselling), Graduate Diploma in Human Resources

I’m a person-centred and empathetic practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in the disability and community services sector, working across both client facing and leadership/management roles. I have completed tertiary qualifications in psychology, counselling, and human resources, and have previously held registration with the Australian Counselling Association.

I’m passionate about supporting people in a way that feels respectful, empowering, and true to who they are. It is a privilege to be part of someone’s journey; whether they’re at school, navigating adulthood, finding meaningful work, or exploring what independent living means for them. I’m committed to working alongside individuals to find strategies that truly fit their needs, values, and goals.

Nicole Stucki

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
Master of Science Applied Psychology & Specialisation in Clinical Psychology
Bachelor of Science Applied Psychology

Nicole is a warm, experienced and genuinely person-centred Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner with more than 10 years of experience across mental health, social services and justice settings. She has worked as a Behaviour Support Practitioner since 2021 and brings training in clinical psychology and psychotherapy to her practice.

Nicole takes a neuroaffirming, trauma-informed and holistic approach, looking beyond behaviour to understand the individual, their environment, relationships and wider support network. She is passionate about tailoring support to each person rather than expecting the person to fit a particular therapeutic approach.

Her experience includes supporting children and adults with autism and intellectual disability, as well as people with more complex psychosocial, behavioural and forensic backgrounds. Nicole draws on approaches including Systemic Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural approaches and Schema Therapy, and also has experience in sexuality education and social skills development.

Nicole values working closely with families, carers, schools, support workers and other professionals to create practical, respectful and meaningful supports. Her goal is to help people build capacity, better manage behaviours of concern and improve their overall quality of life while ensuring they feel heard, understood and supported.

Sharon Cox

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and Early Childhood Educator
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies)

Sharon is a warm and compassionate Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner with 11 years of experience across education and disability support.

As an experienced educator, Sharon has a particular interest and speciality in supporting children and young people. She understands that behaviour is a form of communication and takes the time to understand each child’s individual strengths, needs, environment and the possible function of their behaviour.

Sharon uses a calm, person-centred and evidence-informed approach to develop practical and achievable strategies that can be used across home, school and community settings. She works closely with children, families, educators, support workers and other professionals to ensure strategies are consistent, meaningful and suited to the child’s everyday life.

Sharon is passionate about helping children feel understood, supported and confident while building their communication, emotional regulation, independence and overall quality of life.

Martina Baker

Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner
MSc (Health), DipHE (Nursing)

Martina is a compassionate and experienced Behaviour Support Practitioner who takes a genuinely client-centred approach to her work. With a background in mental health nursing and counselling in a medium-secure prison, Martina brings a wealth of clinical experience, empathy and expertise to supporting people with disability.

Passionate about evidence-based practice and committed to continually developing her knowledge and skills within the disability sector Martina regularly participates in group clinical supervision and professional development to ensure her practice remains thoughtful, current and grounded in best practice.

Originally from Ireland Martina enjoys ocean swimming, meditation and spending time walking in nature. Her calm, compassionate approach and commitment to supporting people to live meaningful, fulfilling lives are at the heart of her work.

Twinkle Thomas

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
Bachelor of Psychological Science

Hi, I’m Twinkle, and I have been working as a Behaviour Support Practitioner since 2024, supporting both children and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds and with a wide range of needs and diagnoses.

I believe that every individual deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and understanding. I take a gentle, compassionate, and person-centred approach, working closely with individuals, their families, and support teams to build trusting relationships and create positive outcomes.