Meet The Team

Maria Fillipou – Principal Clinical and Forensic Psychologist

Registration No: PSY0001356415

Maria is a dual-endorsed Forensic and Clinical Psychologist who works with children, adolescents, adults, parents/carers, and families. She has worked in both public and private sectors including NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), NSW Health’s Diagnostic & Assessment Team at St George Hospital, and Child Protection Counselling Services across SWSLHD and SLHD. She provides expert opinion to legal and government bodies. Her background in forensic and clinical contexts allows her to work confidently across complex family, legal, and clinical presentations.

Areas of Expertise

Therapeutic and Family-Centred Work

Therapeutic Modalities & Programs

Professional Memberships & Roles

• Fellow, APS College of Clinical Psychologists
• Member, APS College of Forensic Psychologists
• AHPRA-Endorsed Forensic & Clinical Psychologist
• AHPRA Principal & Registrar Supervisor (Clinical and Forensic)
• Associate Member, EMDRAA
• Approved External Provider for DCJ
• Approved Counsellor with Victims Services (A2528)
• NSW Justice of the Peace

Philosophy of Care

Maria is known for her calm, grounded, and collaborative approach. She is passionate about helping children and families rise above life’s challenges by fostering connection, insight, and growth. Her work is guided by principles of neuro-affirming, trauma-aware, developmentally sensitive, and relationally attuned practice.

Maria believes that change occurs in the context of safety and trust. She is committed to creating a therapeutic environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered. Her goal is to walk alongside families with compassion and skill, supporting them to thrive—not just survive.

Jannie Cheng – Educational and Developmental Psychologist

Registration No: PSY0001321328

Jannie is an AHPRA-endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist who works with children, young people, parents/carers, families, and adults. She has practised across schools, NSW Health (Child Protection Counselling Services, Child Mental Health Services), NGOs, and private settings. Her professional approach draws from attachment, developmental, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming frameworks to support clients across the lifespan.

Areas of Expertise

Therapeutic and Family-Centred Work

Therapeutic Modalities & Programs

Jannie draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Schema Therapy
• Art and Play Therapy
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Systems/Family Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Motivational Interviewing
• She is also a qualified facilitator of Incredible Years Parenting Program, Circle of Security Parenting (COSP), and Wrapped in Angels

Professional Memberships & Philosophy

Jannie is a registered psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society. She is also a Board-approved supervisor. Central to her practice is the development of a safe, attuned therapeutic relationship. She is dedicated to fostering resilience, supporting recovery from relational trauma, and delivering care that is family-inclusive, developmentally informed, and guided by each client’s unique needs.

Ervin Zhao-Clinical Psychology Registrar

Registration No: PSY0002819776

Ervin is a Registered Psychologist working towards Clinical Psychology endorsement with AHPRA. He works with children, young people, parents/carers, families, and adults across a range of mental health, emotional, behavioural, relational, and developmental presentations. He has practised across community settings, university clinics, employee assistance programs, and behaviour support services. His professional approach draws from cognitive-behavioural, developmental, child-focused, trauma informed and neurodiversity-affirming frameworks to support practical, meaningful outcomes for clients and their families.

Areas of Expertise

Therapeutic and Family-Centred Work

Ervin adopts a collaborative, family-inclusive approach, recognising the importance of safety, trust, and connection in supporting change. His work focuses on parent emotion coaching and skill development, building and effectively implementing positive behavioural strategies and practical skills, and supporting families to remain focused, attuned and responsive to their child’s needs with confidence, less stress and safety.

Therapeutic Modalities & Programs

Professional Background & Philosophy

Ervin completed his Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at UNSW Sydney, graduating with First Class Honours. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (High Distinction) and a Master of Clinical Psychology.

He has experience working within multidisciplinary teams and values collaborative care across systems, including with families, schools, and allied health professionals.

Central to Ervin’s practice is the development of a safe, respectful, and supportive therapeutic relationship. His work is grounded in the values of safety, trust, and choice, and he takes a neurodiversity-affirming and developmentally sensitive approach. He is committed to supporting children, young people, and families to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop practical skills that translate into everyday life.

Maria Hatzipavlidis – Receptionist

Maria works alongside Carmela at the reception desk, helping to create a welcoming and supportive first point of contact for everyone who walks through our doors. With a background in PD/H/PE and Dance Education, combined with experience in business management, Maria brings both professionalism and warmth to her role. Her approachable nature and strong communication skills help ensure that clients, families, and visitors feel comfortable, supported, and well-informed from the moment they arrive.

Maria takes pride in providing a calm and organised reception environment, assisting with enquiries, coordinating appointments, and supporting the day-to-day flow of the practice. Her attention to detail and willingness to help ensures that both clients and clinicians receive the support they need. She values creating positive experiences for everyone interacting with Rise Up Psychological Services and is always happy to lend a hand where needed.

Working closely with Carmela, Maria contributes to a collaborative and efficient administrative team that keeps the practice running smoothly. Together they help maintain a professional, friendly atmosphere while ensuring that each client interaction reflects the care and values of Rise Up Psychological Services.

Maria is committed to making every visit to Rise Up Psychological Services a pleasant and reassuring experience, ensuring that clients and their families feel welcomed, respected, and supported throughout their journey with our team.

Carmela Graham – Clinic Coordinator

Carmela is often one of the first friendly faces you will encounter at Rise Up Psychological Services. With a wealth of administrative experience and a strong background across Customer Service and Experience, Project Management, Process Improvement, Account Management, and Business Development, she brings both professionalism and efficiency to the front desk.

Carmela plays a key role in supporting the smooth day-to-day operations of the practice. Her strong attention to detail and proactive approach ensure appointments, enquiries, and administrative tasks are managed with care and efficiency. She is dedicated to providing reliable support to our clients, their families, and our clinical team, helping to create an organised and welcoming environment for everyone who visits the practice.

Known for her positive outlook and warm personality, Carmela brings energy and enthusiasm to the administrative team. Her collaborative approach helps foster a supportive atmosphere where teamwork thrives and clients feel genuinely welcomed and supported.

Working closely with Maria, Carmela contributes to a cohesive and efficient reception team that helps keep the practice running seamlessly. Her professionalism, dedication, and approachable nature make her an invaluable part of the Rise Up Psychological Services team, ensuring every client interaction reflects the care and values of our practice.