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

Maria supports a wide range of presentations including:
– Neurodevelopmental differences (Autism, ADHD, Giftedness, Learning Differences)
– Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem

Therapeutic and Family-Centred Work

Maria provides therapeutic intervention, parent support, family consultation, and system-informed care. She is skilled in family-inclusive practice, parenting capacity work, and supporting family relationships across:
– Out-of-Home Care, restoration and permanency
– Reunification, placement stability and preservation
– Parenting assessment, coaching, and support
– Domestic and family conflict, court and legal interface

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

Jannie supports clients presenting with a wide range of challenges, including:
– Anxiety and Depression
– Attachment insecurity, separation, and disruption
– Parenting challenges
– Complex trauma
– Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, Giftedness, Learning Disabilities)
– Low self-esteem and emotional regulation difficulties
– Behavioural challenges
– Friendship difficulties
– Perfectionism and rigidity
– Emotional and social issues
– Adjustment, grief, and low resilience
– Harmful or problematic sexual behaviours in children under 10
– Experiences of domestic and family violence, neglect, and abuse

Therapeutic and Family-Centred Work

Jannie adopts a holistic, family-inclusive lens, supporting stronger relationships and deeper emotional safety within family systems. Her work includes:
– Family preservation and systemic family therapy
– Parenting capacity evaluations
– Support for families involved in child protection, restoration, adoption and Out-of-Home Care
– Placement sustainability, separation and divorce

She also offers psychological assessments (cognitive, adaptive, learning, behavioural, ADHD, mental health, parenting capacity), parenting support and skill-building, foster care training, and tailored therapeutic interventions.

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)
– 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.

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.