About Freedom Therapy Services
Founded in 2019, Freedom Therapy Services or previously known as Freedom Social Skills, is an inclusive, comprehensive and highly regarded professional service provider for children, teenagers and adults with developmental delays.
We help children, teens and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD and other learning difficulties through the use of applied behaviour therapy and intensive intervention strategies.
We provide 1:1 Behavioural Therapy, Positive Behaviour Support services, Parent Coaching, small Social Skills Groups & Holiday Camps to assist NDIS participants develop the necessary skills to lead meaningful lives.
Our Mission
We aim to provide accessible, high-quality education and evidence-based therapy services that empower people with disabilities throughout Australia. Through individualised support and proven therapeutic approaches, we strive to transform lives, enabling our clients to take control of their futures, gain autonomy, and feel fully included and accepted in all aspects of society. Our mission is to deliver personalised, evidence-based, and ethical behavioural intervention services, along with social skills group supports for NDIS participants. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care that respects the diverse needs of our clients.
Meet The Team
Emma Davidson
Clinical Director and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
About Emma
Emma is a Psychology Graduate from the University of Wollongong and has a Masters in Education (Applied Behaviour Analysis) from Monash University
With over 12 years experience providing Behavioural Intervention to children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum and those with various other Developmental Disabilities. Emma is passionate about utilising the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in play-based and evidence based intervention to make positive changes to the lives of children and families around Australia.
Her mission at Freedom Social Skills is to ensure that children with special needs are nurtured in a supportive and inclusive community and given equal opportunities to thrive as they grow.
April Cussen
Certified Behaviour Analyst and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
About April
During the past 5 years of working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, April has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Psychology Extension) and in this most recent November of 2022, finished her Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis with distinction. In addition, she has just finished her total of 2000 supervision hours and is now a Certified Behaviour Analyst.
In the most recent two years, April has had the opportunity to work with various teenagers and adults with varying learning difficulties, working specifically on daily living skills, community access and also their transition to adolescence. Specifically, her passion resides within early intervention and primary school aged children.
Melissa Davidson
Educator, Social Skills Supervisor and Senior Behaviour Therapist
About Mel
Melissa is currently working as a Teacher in classrooms around Sydney whilst she completes her final year in a Bachelor of Primary Education. Prior to this Mel was working as a swimming teacher for 3 years. Mel has completed her ABA therapy training and she has also been working at Freedom Social Skills providing Behavioural Intervention Services for the last 2 years.
“My favourite things to be doing are reading books and playing with my puppies!”
Nicole Carvalho
Administration
About Nicole
Nicole has been working as part of the Freedom Social Skills team since 2021 and is passionate about providing children with the necessary skills they need to navigate through life. She has been working in customer focussed roles for the past 8 years. Nicole’s incredible attention to detail, organisation and client communication skills makes her an invaluable asset to our clients and families.
“I enjoy reading and playing video games in my spare time.”
Dianne Scott
Senior Behaviour Therapist
About Di
Dianne has been working as an early childhood educator for over 25 years, has spent over 3 years working for Freedom Social Skills as a behaviour therapist and is our class leader our Teenage Girls classes.
Dianne has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a passion for helping children with ASD achieve their full potential. Dianne has also received her training in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Behavioural Intervention.
“I really enjoy my work at Freedom Social Skills as it motivates me to further develop my career in child education. I love my family time, plants and painting.”
Daisy Waugh
Senior Behaviour Therapist and Social Skills Supervisor
About Daisy
Daisy completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Arts) at Wollongong University in 2022 and in 2023 completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at Federation University, Victoria.
Daisy has been working in ABA since February 2023. She has worked with a range of clients aged 3-18 in daycare, clinic and home based settings. Daisy has an extensive history working with children and was a family nanny for three years.
Currently Daisy is undertaking training to become a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner.
Deborah Jalloh
Behaviour Consultant
About Deb
Deborah has completed a Bachelor of Psychology at the Australian Catholic University. Deb is now completing her Masters to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
She has previously volunteered at Reading for Life which assists children from low socio-economic status with literacy and numeracy skills.
“I have a passion for working with kids and implementing ABA therapy as I find each session extremely rewarding and unique. I love working at Freedom Social Skills because it honestly feels like such a safe space for our families and staff.”
María Agustina Morales
Senior Behaviour Therapist
About Maria
María grew up in Argentina, and studied a Bachelor Degree in Psychology as well as Speech and Language Therapy. She is also certified in bimodal communication. She has been working with children, families, and in schools for more than 5 years, helping children with improving their skills and language. María has previous experience working in public hospitals, clinics, and in schools, collaborating with teachers and other professionals in order to gain and share knowledge that has helped improve her daily practices while working with children.“I love to help families and children succeed in improving their skills.” María’s hobbies include swimming and walking around the beach.
Paul Ryland
Behaviour Therapist and Class Facilitator
About Paul
Paul is studying a Bachelor of Psychology with Macquarie University. Paul enjoys providing support and therapy assistance to a diverse population of students and works hard to take his knowledge from his degree and put this into practice with his clients. Paul is very active, enthusiastic and passionate getting along well with all his clients.
Paul is passionate about working towards Social Equity, with a long history of volunteering for Criminal and AOD rehabilitation working closely with individuals for extended periods of time. Pauls maintains a philosophical approach to his work and life drawing predominantly from Taoism with a strict adherence to research for problem solving. In his personal life Paul is very interested in plants and animals. During his time away from work Paul is a snowboarder, skateboarder, practices Tai Chi, enjoys art, reading and writing and studying philosophy, history, science, in particular metaphysics. Paul also loves to play Minecraft and Dungeons & Dragons and is involved in teaching our students these games.
Vanessa Souza
Behaviour Therapist and Class Facilitator
About Vanessa
Vanessa has completed an Allied Health Cert IV in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy and has previously run fitness classes specific for kids and adults with disabilities. She hopes to provide children with assistance in developing their skills as well as help them achieve their full potential.
Alyson Parker
Behaviour Therapist and Class Facilitator
About Aly
Alyson is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at the University of Notre Dame. She has previously volunteered as a Sports Coach for five years, working closely with kids with disabilities.
Having previously started studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education she realised through working with Freedom Social Skills that her true passion lies in helping children with disabilities.
Alyson is passionate about creating trusting relationships with her clients whilst also giving them the skills that they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives.
In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym, playing soccer and reading.
Zoe Stephen
Behaviour Therapist and Minecraft Class Facilitator
About Zoe
Zoe is currently studying a double degree of Psychological Science & Social Science, majoring in Criminology.
She is interested in a career in psychology and is hoping to become a School Counsellor or working in a similar role.
Zoe is passionate about helping young people achieve their potential and hopes to make a career out of this.
Her hobbies include playing games, creating art, and listening to music.
Zoe grew up playing Minecraft and finds it rewarding and nostalgic to help our clients in our Online Minecraft Social Skills Classes.
Sarah El-Hassan
Behaviour Therapist and Class Facilitator
About Sarah
Sarah is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology at Macquarie University. She has firsthand experience in understanding the needs of neurodiverse individuals, with an autistic brother who has inspired her to work towards creating inclusive opportunities for all children. Sarah has volunteered at an autism camp in Victoria, where she developed a deep understanding of the support and resources that can empower children with diverse needs. Passionate about accessibility and inclusion, Sarah is dedicated to helping young individuals thrive in supportive and enriching environments.
Tiana Pacicca
Behaviour Therapist
About Tiana
Tiana is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology at Macquarie University. She is a passionate and caring individual who works with children in a variety of settings, including being a Teachers Aid at a high school and an After School Care Educator at a primary school. When she is not at work, Tiana likes to spend time with her loved ones or go to the gym. In the future, Tiana wishes to pursue a career in Child Clinical Psychology, aiming to improve children’s well-being and build positive, professional relationships with her clients.
Amira Chami
Behaviour Therapist and Class Facilitator
About Amira
Amira has recently completed her Honours in Psychology at the University of Sydney. She has experience volunteering in peer support with adolescents and in digital crisis support, where she has developed and continues to expand an extensive toolkit of skills to support individuals with diverse needs. Amira is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where children can thrive and lead fulfilling, unique lives. In her free time, Amira thoroughly enjoys going on walks with friends, and delving into new books.
Taya Cussen
Behaviour Therapist and Administration Assistant
About Taya
Taya is passionate about working with children and thoroughly enjoys the Behaviour Therapy aspect of her role. She also supports our Admin and Social Media & Marketing Team. Despite her professional background in the hotel industry, Taya prefers working in a fun, creative, and educational environment. Outside of work, she enjoys baking and hosting events for friends and family.
Julie Davidson
Office Manager
About Julie
Julie keeps our office running smoothly. She has worked in a variety of industries within Administration, Office Management and Sales and joined the Freedom Social Skills team in 2020.
Phoebe Mills
Marketing and Administration Assistant