Our Clinicians

Aunty Ivy Trevallion is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman from Dauan and Saibai Islands, with family connections to several clans, including Dhoeybaw and Samu. Fluent in Kalau Kawaw Ya, Creole, and English, she holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Queensland. Aunty Ivy has held various roles, including assistant social worker at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Centre and Project Officer for the Department of Seniors and Disability Services. As an active community member, she chairs the Kupai Omasker Working Party, serves as President of the Torres Strait Islander Media Association, and is involved in several boards and committees. Passionate about justice, Aunty Ivy enjoys gardening, reading, and fishing.

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.

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.

Jeremy acknowledges the Dharumbal Nation traditional custodians of the Rockhampton region in which he works, lives, and plays. He also recognises and pays respects to the traditional custodians of his hometown Biloela, the Gangulu people, where he was born and raised.

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.

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.

Ayla Valente Biral is a Brazilian provisional 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.

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.

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.

Amanda Majid is a Mental Health Worker Trainee at Wakai Waian Healing on Thursday Island, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at James Cook University. 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 mental health worker trainee, 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, and looks forward to training in 2024.

Pearl Akee is a Mental Health Worker at Wakai Waian Healing on Thursday Island. Originally from Sydney, NSW, she belongs to the Nakorolevu clan of Lomanikoro, Rewa in Fiji, and the Dauar-Meriam and Geuram tribes of Mer. After moving to Waibene in 2008, Pearl completed her high school education and a 12-month traineeship in business administration. With over five years of experience as a special needs teacher’s aide and disability support worker, she discovered her passion for supporting individuals with special needs. Pearl holds a Diploma in Community Services and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at James Cook University. She is dedicated to enhancing the mental health and well-being of youth and the special needs community in the Torres Strait region.

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.