Meet the Team

Samara Kolokotsas
Samara is the Director at Synergy Psychology & Counselling. She is a registered Psychologist and Psychotherapist with 10 years of clinical experience working across private, forensic, and not-for-profit settings. She is a warm and compassionate therapist who is dedicated to providing tailored individual and couple's therapy, as well as conducting thorough assessments.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Psychology)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced
Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy
Master of Professional Psychology
Australian Health Practitioner
Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - PSY0002684905
Areas of Interest
Samara is passionate in working collaboratively with clients to support them to find a greater sense of wellbeing in their life. She uses a holistic approach, drawing from various modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), and Gottman Method. Samara is experienced in the areas of addictions, trauma, relationship difficulties, depression and anxiety.

Dr Anna Mooney
Anna is a registered Psychologist and is committed to supporting people from all walks of life to navigate challenges and improve their mental wellbeing. She brings both professional expertise and life experience to her work, recognising that life doesn’t always go to plan, and that seeking support is a courageous and meaningful step.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy
Master of Professional Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology)
Australian Health Practitioner
Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - PSY0002662205
Areas of Interest
Anna works collaboratively with clients, drawing on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She integrates psychoeducation and practical strategies to help people build confidence, gain insight, and move towards their goals. Her style is warm, flexible, and grounded in genuine respect for each person’s unique story.
Anna also has a research background in later-life transitions, including career change, retirement preparation and adjustment.

Ashleigh Simpson
Ashleigh is a registered Counselling Psychologist who is passionate about assisting clients achieve self-actualisation and satisfaction in every area of their lives. She believes that the exceptionally brave and hard work done in the therapeutic space is mobilised by the quality of the therapeutic relationship and thus is deeply committed to prioritising kindness, respectful curiosity, non-judgment and warmth in her approach.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts Psychology
Bachelor of Arts Psychology Honours
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Australian Health Practitioner
Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - PSY00002489659
Areas of Interest
Ashleigh believes that when it is well with our relationships (with ourselves and others), it is well with us. Within this relational frame, she draws on evidence-based modalities to collaborate with clients in achieving their goals. Ashleigh’s areas of interest include challenges related to self-esteem, communication, emotional regulation, relationships, identity and boundary setting, trauma, burnout and the peri-partum experience. She has a special interest in the use of brain-based techniques such as Brainspotting and EMDR.

Jaclyn Heinrich
Jaclyn is a registered Clinical Psychologist with over six years of experience working across paediatric, adult, family and forensic settings. She is passionate about helping clients live their best lives through both therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment. Jaclyn is known for her warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach, and is dedicated to providing individualised support tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Qualifications
Master of Clinical Psychology
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours, 1st Class)
Bachelor of Laws
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Australian Health Practitioner
Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - PSY0002349499
Areas of Interest
Jaclyn has a strong passion for psychological assessment and has extensive experience assessing neurodivergence across the lifespan, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disorders, cognitive functioning, and adaptive functioning.
Jaclyn also has a strong interest in the forensic space, including criminal and family court matters, and is passionate about expanding her work in comprehensive forensic assessments.

Jonathan Routley
Jonathan is a registered Psychologist with a strong commitment to building collaborative, respectful, and effective therapeutic relationships. He works closely with clients to clarify goals, navigate challenges, and support meaningful personal growth. Grounded in a person-centred philosophy, Jonathan tailors each session to the individual, recognising that no two clients present with the same experiences, needs, or strengths.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
Australian Health Practitioner
Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - PSY0002514331
Areas of Interest
Jonathan is particularly passionate about psychological assessment and neurodevelopmental presentations. His areas of interest include Autism and ADHD assessment across the lifespan, learning and attention difficulties, executive functioning, emotional regulation, anxiety, and identity development. He values working collaboratively with clients and families to develop practical, strengths‑based strategies that support long‑term wellbeing and functional outcomes. Jonathan is committed to providing assessments and interventions that are clear, compassionate, and grounded in best‑practice.

Stefanie Di Stasio
Stefanie is a registered Psychologist who prioritises creating a safe, non-judgemental, and neurodiversity-affirming space for clients. She draws on evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and enjoys helping clients find self-compassion and self-acceptance.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - PSY0002473447
Areas of Interest
Stefanie enjoys working with adults across a wide range of presenting concerns and is committed to providing thoughtful, evidence‑based support tailored to each individual. She has particular interest and experience in helping people navigate anxiety, phobias, obsessive–compulsive disorder, perfectionism, depression, and challenges related to low self‑esteem.
Stefanie also has a strong interest in supporting Autistic adults. She strives to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered. Stefanie also conducts comprehensive Autism assessments for adults, ensuring that the process is collaborative, sensitive, and grounded in best‑practice guidelines.

Shane Wallace
Shane is a registered Counsellor who works with individuals and couples to support meaningful change and personal growth. He has worked across forensic, not-for-profit, private, and public sectors, giving him a broad understanding of the diverse challenges people face.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Counselling
Diploma of Counselling
Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
PACFA Reg Clinical - 28678
Areas of Interest
Shane is passionate about helping people build insight, resilience, and healthier relationships—both with themselves and others. With a down-to-earth approach, Shane helps clients navigate issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and workplace stress. He also provides counselling support to clients engaged with WorkCover.

Rita Crescitelli
Our Senior Practice Administrator is often the friendly first point of contact. Known for her warmth, compassion, and genuine love of a good chat, Rita helps clients feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning.
Rita is highly knowledgeable about the qualifications, experience, and therapeutic approaches of each of our therapists, and is well placed to assist with enquiries and guide you through the process of getting started.
With a thoughtful and personalised approach, Rita can help match you with the therapist best suited to your individual needs.
Whether you have a quick question or need help navigating your options, Rita is always happy to help
