Our Psychologists
Learn about Gearing Up Psychology, a trusted team of Maitland psychologists providing evidence-based mental health care. We are compassionate, professional, and offer community-focused support.
Chris Brown
Hi, I’m Chris. I am the director of Gearing Up Psychology and have extensive experience in adopting strength based Psychological practices in the following areas:
– Psychological Assessment and treatment for people with symptoms of a Mental Illness
– Neurodiversity affirming assessment and support
– Neuropsychological assessment
– Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
– Mindfulness integrated CBT (MiCBT)
– Psychological Assessment and Intervention for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability
– The Criminal Justice System
– Motivational Interviewing
– Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
– Assessment and Therapy for Individuals with a Personality Disorder
– Running of drumming groups
Mikaylee Gowdy
Hi, I’m Mikaylee. I have experience working with children and young persons with a range of presentations and enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to achieve their goals. I am passionate about providing trauma informed, neurodiversity affirming support and utilise a strengths based, person centred therapeutic approach. I am also interested in working with adults experiencing anxiety and depression.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time reading, watching true crime documentaries, and listening to live music.
Brooke Gelder
I am a psychologist with 15 years of experience in mental health, primarily in private hospital settings. I work with adults facing a wide range of concerns, with particular experience in depression, anxiety, substance abuse, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and trauma.
As a therapist, I strive to create a warm and approachable environment where you feel heard and understood. I take the time to get to know you and your goals, and together, we determine a therapeutic approach that best suits your needs.
I am trained in several evidence-based approaches, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I am available for appointments on Tuesdays and look forward to supporting you on your journey.
Morgan Banks
I am a psychologist who values creating a respectful, and inclusive space for all my clients where people can feel safe, even when exploring deeply personal experiences. I take a relaxed approach to therapy focusing on connection and validation while drawing on evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Experiential Therapies.
I’m passionate about helping my clients and their families engage in safer, healthier relationships and supporting clients who have experienced trauma. I also welcome clients with more complex or non-traditional presentations, and I’m committed to working with those who may not always feel comfortable in typical therapeutic settings.
If you’re looking for a space to be heard, understood, and supported without judgment – I’m here to help.
Kirsten Copas
I provide an authentic, collaborative space, working alongside you as you reach your goals. I draw on evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I aim to ensure you feel supported, while you build insight and move towards meaningful change.
Amy Bartolacci
Hi, I’m Amy. I am a registered psychologist with experience working with children, adolescents and adults across a wide range of presentations. I offer both therapy and assessment, including cognitive, ADHD and specific learning disorder assessments.
I draw on evidence-based approaches and enjoy supporting clients to develop practical strategies they can use in everyday life. My style is warm, client-centred and affirming, with a focus on helping people feel safe, understood and empowered to work toward their goals.
When I’m not at work, I love food, sunshine and bright colours. I enjoy reading, cooking and building Lego, and I have a keen appreciation for art, architecture and design.
Wendy Byron
Hi, I’m Wendy. I am a registered psychologist with experience working with adults of all ages and from a wide range of backgrounds. I am interested in working with people who are experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, and those navigating disability, ageing and significant life changes.
I draw on evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailoring these approaches to suit each individual and their goals.
My approach is warm and person-centred, and I enjoy working with people who may be new to therapy, or who may feel anxious about seeking mental health support.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, cooking and being creative.
Rebecca Meldrum-Hanna
Hi, I’m Beck a Clinical Psychologist who loves to work with children, young people and their families and have done for over 15 years. I work from a client centred, trauma informed and neurodiversity affirming approach, with a central focus on creating safety through connection for people that choose to work with me. Collaboration on how I can best support you or your child or young person is key in working together. I have worked in a variety of settings including child protection, acute mental health, schools and private practice offering support to a diverse range of client presentations. I’m also an endorsed, board approved supervisor and really enjoy helping shape the next generation of psychologists to learn and grow in their practice. I offer both therapy and assessments on Thursdays at the moment including behavioural, learning and neurodevelopmental assessments (ADHD, Autism, cognitive and learning difficulties).
When I’m not working, I enjoy escaping into a good fantasy or crime novel, watching movies with my family, being directed on what creations to make with lego or craft and when time allows, baking sweet treats to share (sometimes!).
BSc (Psychology/Neuroscience), PGradDipPsych, MSocSc, MClinPsych (Distinction) APPI Member, AHPRA endorsed supervisor
Christie Gurr
Christie is a registered psychologist who completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of Newcastle in 2008 and is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi). She supports clients across all stages of life, with a strong interest in helping people navigate complex mental health concerns, trauma, grief and loss, self harm, and suicidal ideation.
Her therapeutic style is collaborative and coaching oriented, drawing on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused approaches, and Schema Therapy. Christie meets clients with compassion and respect, working alongside them to regain a sense of control and move toward meaningful change.
She is also a trained Circle of Security facilitator, supporting parents and carers to strengthen connection and confidence in their relationships with children. Christie’s background includes working with children and families as a Behaviour Therapist, helping to understand behaviours of concern and promote safety and wellbeing.
