Our Clinicians
’Wakai’ translates to ‘straightening yarn’—a powerful symbol of the guidance we provide and receive throughout life’s journey, from youth into adulthood.
Senior Psychologist, CEO and Founder
Edward Mosby is a Senior Psychologist, CEO, and Founder of Wakai Waian Healing. Born on Waiben (Thursday Island) in the Torres Strait, he has family ties to Masig (Yorke Island) and was raised in Taroom, South West Queensland. Currently residing in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Edward is deeply connected to the traditional lands of the Dharumbal people. He holds full registration as a Generalist Psychologist and has experience in both State Government Mental Health Services and Indigenous community organizations. Edward is a member of Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), the Australian Indigenous Psychologist Association (AIPA), and the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Senior Social Worker
I am Aunty Ivy Trevallion, a proud Torres Strait Islander woman born on Thursday Island with roots tracing back to the beautiful Dauan and Saibai Islands, with connections with the Dhoeybaw, Saibai Keodal, Samu, Burum Thabu, and Sui Baidam Clans. I am a fluent speaker of Kalaw Kawaw Ya, Cerole, and my third language is English, which I learned in school. Education was a treasure my father sought for his family, which meant moving the family to Thursday Island when I was just two or three years old. We settled in a vibrant community known as B camp with my mother’s parents, steeped in love and family connections.
Senior Psychologist
Joe Sproats is a Senior Psychologist with a rich heritage, identifying as Aboriginal (Ngarigo) and Australian South Sea Islander (Lifou), alongside Irish and English ancestry. Born on Bun Wurrung lands in Melbourne and raised in a predominantly Irish Catholic household, he moved to Queensland in 1979. Joe holds degrees in Clinical and Organisational Psychology, as well as a Master of Social Policy. He founded Dreamtime Learning and Dreamtime Counselling and Coaching Service, focusing on Indigenous counselling. With extensive experience in disability services and leadership roles, Joe is dedicated to empowering and healing First Nations Peoples through his work and community involvement.
Senior Social Worker
My name is Rob Trevallion, and I’ve been a social worker for more than 40 years. I first started out studying psychology as a mature-age student, but after meeting some social workers at university, I discovered that was where I belonged. Social work gave me the chance to walk alongside people at the toughest times in their lives, to advocate for them in courts, communities, and homes, and to help carry some of that weight.
Clinical Psychologist
My name is Karren Scholz, and my journey to becoming a clinical psychologist has been filled with diverse experiences that have shaped my passion for mental health and community service. I was born in Wiradjuri Country in New South Wales, where most of my family still lives. After spending several years in Brisbane, I studied psychology at the Australian Catholic University. I completed my undergraduate honours program and was thrilled to pursue and complete a Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Central Queensland University in Rockhampton. That was about nine years ago, and I was excited to explore a region I had never been to.
General Psychologist
Elaine Samways, a General Psychologist at Wakai Waian Healing, was born in Oxford, England, and raised in a rural village. Her diverse heritage includes connections to Northern Ireland, Cornwall, and Maine. Living on the Sunshine Coast, she respects the Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara peoples. With extensive experience in clinical settings, Elaine specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, addictions, and trauma. Employing a holistic approach, she tailors her therapy methods to each client using evidence-based practices. Committed to professional development, Elaine strives to create a supportive environment where individuals can overcome challenges and achieve well-being.
Clinical Psychologist
Kirsty migrated from Aotearoa (New Zealand) at 10, where Māori culture and language were embedded in everyday life. Her early schooling included performing the haka at school sports events and learning Te Reo Māori as part of the curriculum. Arriving in Australia, she experienced a stark contrast. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history were not part of her everyday school environment. Australia’s colonial history was largely absent from the classroom for much of her education. It wasn’t until the end of her university studies that she began to confront the truth of this country’s past and the ongoing impact of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Occupational Therapist
My name is Jena Stephen, and my family call me Jena Grace. I am a proud Torres Strait Islander, born and raised on Waibene (Thursday Island). My connections are to Meriam Mer and Wagadagam tribes, with clan ties to Ugaramle from Stephen Island (Ugar). I completed my schooling on TI in 2014 and went on to study Occupational Therapy at James Cook University through the Indigenous Health Careers Access Program (IHCAP), graduating in 2020. That pathway created opportunities when senior sciences were not available at home and continues to influence how I approach my practice today: with collaboration, cultural connection and genuine care.
Clinical Psychologist
I started my career working with young families as a youth homelessness worker. Then, when I had my three youngest children, I decided to take on the challenge of pursuing a dream to study psychology. I completed the whole journey through to my master’s while raising my kids, and that experience was shaped by both my resilience and my passion for supporting others. After graduating, I worked with New South Wales Health as an alcohol and other drugs counsellor and in the youth acute care team, before moving into private practice, where I discovered how much I loved the counselling space.
Occupational Therapist
My name is Emanjilli and I am a proud woman of Wiradjuri, Scottish, Irish and English heritage. My family traces its roots back to Dubbo and Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country, with known ancestors dating to the early 1800s. For much of our history, our family experienced disconnection from culture. Reclaiming that connection as an adult has been a deeply personal and spiritual journey. Reconnecting with Wiradjuri lore, ancestry and cultural knowledge continues to guide my work and sense of purpose.
Occupational Therapist
I’ve been an occupational therapist for more than 30 years, and I still love this work as much as the day I began. My journey started as a 17-year-old from a working-class family who just wanted to find a career that would lead to a secure job. Occupational therapy was that choice—and it turned out to be a calling that has shaped my whole life. Over the years, I’ve worked in aged care, stroke rehabilitation, and most recently, with children and families—which is where my heart truly lies. As a mum of two adult children, I know firsthand the challenges families face, and I believe that when parents are supported, children are more likely to thrive. That belief guides everything I do.
General Psychologist
I was born in Invercargill, New Zealand, and moved to Australia when I was just 10 years old. After a brief stint in Brisbane, my family settled in Townsville, where I’ve spent most of my life, although I’ve ventured to places like Brisbane and Darwin for work opportunities. My academic journey began at James Cook University in Townsville, where I discovered my deep interest in understanding people and the complexities of their thoughts and emotions. My inspiration to pursue psychology stems mainly from my mum, who has dedicated her career to the disability sector. Growing up around individuals who needed support profoundly shaped my desire to help others.
Psychologist
My name is Suhani Dass and my journey in mental health began in the beautiful Fiji Islands, where I was born and raised. I completed my schooling in New Zealand, where I pursued my undergraduate and postgraduate qualification in Psychology and Clinical Counselling. This dual focus allowed me to immerse myself in the field from a young age, igniting a passion that has guided my career. At just 18 years old, I began my journey into mental health, volunteering with organisations like Lifeline and Youthline. Driven by a deep curiosity about human behavior and relationships, I was determined to understand why people act as they do. Despite facing cultural barriers my determination never wavered.
Provisional Psychologist
Kwan Hoong, a provisional psychologist from Malaysia, has lived in Australia since 2019. With experience in substance use and Aboriginal health, he is studying for a Master of Clinical Psychology at CQ University. Passionate about understanding behaviour and social dynamics, Kwan enjoys psychological assessments and prefers meaningful conversations over loud gatherings. He values board games and enjoys solving complex traffic scenarios in simulation games. Driven by a desire for change, he is committed to improving mental health outcomes for individuals and communities, making a positive difference in the lives of those he supports.
Provisional Psychologist
Leah Munns is a Provisional Psychologist at Wakai Waian Healing in Rockhampton, where she was born and raised on the traditional lands of the Dharumbal people. With maternal roots in Kuku Yalanji and paternal connections to Gunggarri, Leah has dedicated her career to Indigenous communities. After 32 years in the Australian Public Service, she completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science and Honours at CQ University in 2020 and 2021. Her experience as a Community Engagement Officer shaped her commitment to empowering vulnerable individuals. Leah aims to enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australians through her upcoming psychological internship.
Psychologist
My name is Yingying Tang, and I am a psychologist passionate about connection, healing, and cultural understanding. I was born in China and moved to Australia ten years ago. My journey into psychology began after I first trained in science and worked part-time as a counsellor. Once in Australia, I completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours at the University of Queensland, followed by a Master of Clinical Psychology at CQUniversity, which I finished in 2023. I am now completing my Clinical Psychologist Registrar program, working toward endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.
Provisional Psychologist
Jhai Bartley is a Provisional Psychologist at Wakai Waian Healing in Rockhampton, born on the traditional lands of the Dharumbal people and descended from the Yiman people of Taroom, South West Queensland. Now residing in Nambour, he continues to honor the Gubbi Gubbi peoples. Jhai holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), enabling his provisional registration. With experience in Disability and Mental Health support, he has worked primarily with youths as a Therapeutic Youth Worker and Student Engagement Officer. Passionate about fostering wellbeing, Jhai is pursuing full registration as a General Psychologist and aims to enrich his practice further.
General Psychologist
Ayla Valente Biral is a Brazilian general psychologist at Wakai Waian Healing, dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities. Influenced by her family’s work in Amazonian health, she holds a solid foundation in psychology and specialises in complex trauma and NDIS clients. Recently, after achieving provisional registration with AHPRA, Ayla is eager to make a positive impact in Australia. Passionate about nature, she enjoys exploring the diverse landscapes of her new home and is an avid surfer. Committed to helping individuals navigate their healing journeys, Ayla finds purpose in her work and values the connections made in her community.
Psychologist
My name is Emma Quirk. I grew up on Darug Country in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve been driven by a deep desire to understand people and walk alongside them in their healing journeys.
It wasn’t until my late twenties that I made the decision to pursue psychology professionally. That choice led me north to Townsville, where I completed my degree in 2021. Straight out of university, I accepted a role at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre—and that’s where my path as a psychologist truly began.
Program Manager and Team Leader
Shanna Mosby, a Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal woman, was born on Waibene (Thursday Island) and has familial ties to various tribes, including Kuku-Yalinji and Girramay. With a career rooted in health, she focuses on delivering culturally safe services to the Zenadh Kes community. As a Team Leader and Mental Health Worker at Wakai Waian Healing, Shanna is dedicated to mental health support, continually expanding her knowledge through further studies. She is passionate about healing and fostering respectful connections with the community, ensuring that cultural practices and traditions are honoured in her work.
Provisional Psychologist
Sharni is a Barada and Kabalbara woman from Central Queensland, specifically the Middlemount area, where the Goodithulla serves as the totem for the Barada people. She grew up on Ghungalu country in Blackwater before relocating to Rockhampton. After completing her high school education at Emmaus College, Sharni gained experience in Business Administration and Community Services, focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Currently, she is pursuing a Masters of Psychology at Central Queensland University. Sharni is dedicated to positively impacting her community, particularly in enhancing the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Counsellor/Mental Health Worker
Luke Edmund is a Counsellor and Mental Health Worker at Wakai Waian Healing in Rockhampton. He was born and raised in Central Queensland and is a descendant of the Dharumbal People and an Australian South Sea Islander. After exploring various sectors, including construction and disability support, Luke enrolled in CQ University’s STEPS program in 2018. He completed a Bachelor of Science in 2022 and gained valuable experience working in the Queensland Public Service, supporting vulnerable Indigenous children and families. Luke aims to pursue postgraduate studies in psychology to enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Social Worker
Amanda Majid is a Social Worker at Wakai Waian Healing on Thursday Island, currently pursuing her mental health accreditation. Proud of her Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, Amanda is committed to supporting First Nations people. Her family connections include the Kuku-Yalanji, Girramay Tribe, Ugar Sam-Sep, and others. As a Social Worker, she values open communication and active listening, believing that understanding stories is crucial to her role. Amanda aims to provide culturally appropriate tools for her work. Passionate about helping others, she enjoys camping, cooking, and crafting.
Occupational Therapist
Royce Coughlan, an Occupational Therapist at Wakai Waian Healing, grew up on Darkinjung country in New South Wales. Transitioning from psychology to occupational therapy, he emphasises the holistic approach to well-being. Recently completing a master’s in psychosexual therapy, Royce integrates kinship and community into his practice. With diverse experience across various age groups and settings, he values creativity and the importance of connection. An avid learner, Royce practices qigong and enjoys music, believing in the significance of reconciliation and the human collective. He is dedicated to supporting others in their journeys toward well-being and connection.