Dr Sargun Mahindroo

MBBS DipPaed GradCert ClinEd MPH FRACP

Developmental Paediatrician

Dr. Sargun Mahindroo is a paediatrician from Melbourne with sub-specialty training in Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics. She obtained her medical qualification at Adelaide University in 2007, following this, a Diploma in Paediatrics through Auckland University in New Zealand and most recently her Masters in Public Health through the University of Sydney.

Dr. Mahindroo completed her advanced paediatric training at the Centre for Community Child Health at The Royal Children’s and Monash Children’s Hospitals, Melbourne’s premier Paediatric teaching institutions. She has particular interests and expertise in the diagnosis and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning difficulties, Developmental delays, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Developmental trauma.

As a mother of two young children, Dr. Mahindroo appreciates the challenges of parenting in todays world. She is committed to understanding the particular strengths and challenges that make each child and family unique.

Dr Mindi Fernand0

MBBS DCH FRACP

General Paediatrician

Dr Mindi Fernando is a specialist in General Paediatrics and cares for children from birth through to 18 years of age. She graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2008 and completed a Diploma of Child Health through the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, SA in 2010. She completed her paediatric advanced training in Melbourne having worked at Monash Health and Eastern Health.

Her interests in paediatric care include poor growth, feeding difficulties and sleep concerns. She also has an interest in developmental paediatrics including developmental delay, ADHD, Autism and learning difficulties.

Dr Fernando understands that the care of a child with complex medical issues can be challenging, therefore she is committed to supporting her patients and their families to ensure they reach their full potential.

Dr Maitreyi Modak

MBBS BMedSci GCertClinTeach FRACP

General Paediatrician

Dr Maitreyi Modak is a Consultant Paediatrician with interest and training in a range of infant, child and adolescent health presentations. She completed her medical degree in 2009 through the University of Melbourne, and has worked in paediatrics since 2011. Maitreyi is experienced in managing concerns of infant feeding, unsettled babies, growth and developmental variations, asthma, allergies, continence, airway disorders, ADHD, developmental disorders and chronic fatigue syndrome. She completed an additional year of specialised training in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions in children and adolescents. In addition, Maitreyi is experienced in treating skin conditions such as eczema and molluscum. Maitreyi enjoys working closely together with parents, carers, children and referrers to provide holistic and excellent care for her patients.

In addition to her clinical work, Maitreyi is an experienced Clinical Educator, and holds appointments with the University of Melbourne teaching medical students. Her interests in teaching and mentoring help provide her with a unique perspective on considering patient experience in interactions with medical professionals. Maitreyi aims to provide patients and families with an experience that empowers them to feel heard, valued, respected, and understood during what can be a challenging time. 

Outside work, Maitreyi enjoys spending time with her family and friends, including her three young children, partner, and single-minded sausage dog.

Dr Amy Wang

MD BBiomed FRACGP CWH SCHP

Specialist General Practitioner

Dr Amy Wang is a specialist general practitioner with an interest in child and adolescent health. She graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2017 and worked in a variety of roles at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Monash Health before entering general practice training.

Dr Wang has undertaken further study in various areas of interest, obtaining the Sydney Child Health Program certificate (formerly Diploma of Child Health), Certificate of Women’s Health and focussed psychological strategies (FPS) skills training before being awarded the Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP).

Dr Wang is passionate about providing high quality person-centred care with a focus on preventive health and wellbeing.

Dr Wang works in a shared care model with our Paediatricians to support adolescent general and mental health. These consults are extended appointments, usually between 45-60 minutes.  

At Papillon Paediatrics, we encourage you to establish a good long term relationship with a local general practitioner. However, if you are unable to get an appointment with your usual GP and would like to be seen more urgently, or are in the process of finding a local general practitioner, Dr Amy Wang is available for consultations regarding any general practice issues. These consults are usually between 20 - 30 minutes.

Dr Wang enjoys all aspects of general practice with interests in:

• Family medicine

• Women’s health

• Child health & mental health

• Adolescent health & mental health

• Pregnancy care

• Family planning & pregnancy counselling

• Sexual Health

• Contraceptive counselling including Implanon insertion & removal

Dr Ellen Pattison

BPsych GradDipProfPsych MPsych (Ed & Dev) PhD

Registered Psychologist

Ellen Pattison is a registered psychologist who has experience working in the public and private health sectors. Ellen has a special interest in developmental and educational psychology and enjoys working collaboratively with children as well as their families, schools and other allied health professionals, to help highlight their individual strengths and support needs.   

Ellen attended Monash University where she was enrolled in the Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology program. She has completed a doctoral degree through Monash University. Her PhD focused on the communication of developmental disorder diagnoses with caregivers.

Ellen provides individualised psycho-educational assessments which offer a holistic understanding of an individual’s cognitive, academic, social, emotional, and behavioural functioning.

Katie Godwin

BPsychSc, GradDipProfPsych, MEdPsych

Psychologist & Educational & Developmental Registrar

Katie is a registered psychologist who has experience working in private and public schools, and private practice. She completed her Master of Educational Psychology at the University of Melbourne and is currently an Educational and Developmental Registrar.

Katie has an interest in the assessment, diagnosis and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Specific Learning Disorders.

Katie welcomes working with neurodiverse children and adolescents, and those part of the LGBTIQA+ community. She provides individual therapy to support their mental health and wellbeing. Katie is committed to working collaboratively with children and adolescents, their families, schools, and other health professionals to provide well rounded support. 

Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and two loving cats. She loves playing music and completing Ninja Warrior obstacle courses.

Georgina Mendelson

BA (psych) BASc (Hons) MProfPsych

Registered Psychologist

Georgina is a Registered Psychologist who completed her studies in the Master of Professional Psychology program at the Cairnmillar Institute. Georgina has worked in a variety of private practice and educational settings with a strong focus on nuero-affirming therapeutic intervention, social skills groups, parent support, assessments across a variety of complex paediatric presentations.

Georgina is passionate about achieving positive mental health outcomes and equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive and reach their goals.

 Georgina utilises a client centred approach tailoring her treatment to meet the young person’s needs whilst considering their qualities and interest points. Georgina applies a range of Evidenced Based Techniques including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and Mindfulness practises. Georgina enjoys to work collaboratively with parents, schools, and other professionals involved in a young person’s care to offer and develop a comprehensive therapy plan.

Areas of interest include:

• ADHD assessment and intervention

• Anger and Impulsivity issues

• Anxiety

• Attachment

• Autism (ASD)

• Behavioural problems and Boundary settings

• Bullying

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Family stress, separation and divorce

• Foster families

• Grief and loss

• Interpersonal skills

• Learning concerns and motivation issues

• LGBTIQA+

• Mood disturbance

• Low self-esteem

• Self harm

• School refusal

• Social challenges

• Trauma.

 Michaela Freeman

BAppSc, MSpPath CPSP MSPA

Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist & Allied Health Team Leader

Michaela is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Speech Pathology from La Trobe University. Michaela loves working with children and has particular interests in speech, language, play, AAC, and literacy. She runs school holiday literacy intensives for school-age children, and works both in-clinic and within local schools, childcares and Kindergartens.

She has experience working in both regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, and is guided by a range of evidence-based interventions to best suit the child and family. Michaela works from a family-centred and play-centred approach and recognises that each child and family is unique. She encourages families to be involved in therapy sessions to feel empowered to continue achieving their speech pathology goals at home.

Michaela has completed training in:

• Orofacial Myology

• Hanen: It Takes Two To Talk

• Cued Articulation

• SMART spelling

• Phonological Awareness for Literacy (PAL)

• Multi Sensory Structured Language (MSL) training

• LAMP Words For Life

• Karen Stagnitti: Learn to Play

• Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Outside of work, Michaela enjoys going on day trips, running, swimming, and snorkelling, and is often found trying to keep her orange cat, Iggy, out of mischief.

Jenna Wang

B-SCI MPH MSLP MSPA CPSP 

Certified Practising Speech Pathologist 

Jenna graduated from The University of Sydney with a Master of Speech Language Pathology after completing her Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science (Human Physiology) at The University of Melbourne. She is a member of Speech Pathology Australia. 
 
Jenna works closely with children and their families to support achieving their communication goals. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based interventions to ensure that therapy is effective, but also aims to make each session fun and client-centred. Jenna endeavours to connect with, support and encourage families with their child’s communication development. As a dedicated professional and parent, she appreciates and understands the diverse dynamics and unique needs of every family. She is passionate about staying up to date with the current best evidence and continuing professional development activities. She has extensive experience participating in multidisciplinary assessments with other health professionals. Jenna works part-time at Papillon Paediatrics (Monday and Wednesday). 
 
Jenna’s interests are in the areas of:

• Speech sounds, play

• Language development

• Fluency

• Early literacy

• Social communication.

Emma McLauchlan

BAppSc, MSpPath

Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist

Emma studied a double degree of a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University in Melbourne. 

Emma is passionate about working with clients, their families and other health professionals to deliver comprehensive assessment and intervention in areas such as speech, swallowing, language, social communication, literacy and implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Emma is a trained Orofacial Myologist (Australian Orofacial Myology Collaboration, AOMC) and has a particular interest in children who have sleep concerns, feeding difficulties and poor articulation. Emma has completed evidence-based literacy training to support children’s ability to read and write. She also loves working with neurodivergent (autistic and ADHD) children to develop their confidence in interacting with others. 

Emma has completed training in: 

Orofacial Myology 
Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
Phonological Awareness for Literacy (PAL)
SoundsWrite
Cued Articulation 
AAC and Aided Language Displays
The Meaningful Speech course for Gestalt Language Processing
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Hanen: More Than Words Program
Paediatric Feeding
Inspiration by Integration

Elma Badic

BAppSc, MSpPath CPSP MSPA

Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Elma graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) and is registered with AHPRA and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia.

Elma is passionate about working with children and their families to help them increase their independence, using fun and engaging strategies to achieve goals and help children gain confidence in their everyday activities. Elma finds inspiration from courses such as Kim Bathel's Relationship Matters. She is currently completing her training in Tuning into Kids. She has experience in working with ADHD, Autism (ASD), Global Developmental Delay and Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Elma areas of practise include working with children in regards to:

• Community safety and access

• Gross motor skills

• Emotional regulation

• Fine motor skills

• Independence in Activities of Daily Living

• School readiness skills

• Sensory processing

• Self care - toileting, dressing, feeding, grooming, sleep

• Social skills

Kat O’Brien

BFood&NutrSc and MDiet

Paediatric Dietician and Nutritionist

Kat is an accredited practicing dietitian (APD) who specialises in allergy management and fussy eating. Kat also has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children that find meal times a challenge; working with families to make meals easier, while supporting children to meet their nutrition needs. Kat is passionate about giving children the best chance to thrive over the course of their life and believes that excellent early life nutrition is key for this.  

Since specialising in paediatrics, she has completed additional studies in paediatric feeding disorders as well as becoming a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician (CEDC). Kat is passionate about supporting young people with eating disorders and helping them to build a positive relationship with food and their bodies. She also understands the importance of simple, empathetic and individualised nutrition advice that is tailored to your specific needs.

Outside of work, Kat loves spending time with family and friends, cooking, running and exploring the best places to eat in Melbourne.

Sally Le Guen

AthR B.A (textile design) DipVisArts CertIVDisability

Creative Arts Therapist

Sally is a Creative Arts Therapist with a background in visual arts, textile design and supporting those who live with a disability.

Arts Therapy brings her past experiences together which provides clients with another tool by which they can tell their story, where no arts experience is required. This process is person-centered and is built on trust and an authentic relationship. By using materials such as clay, paint or sand a client can make what is internal, external. Sally offers a different lens which helps the participant understand more about themselves and how they wish to be in the world, this is particularly helpful when looking at the parent/carer- child dyad.

Creativity can provide motivation, another language for connection and builds self-esteem in a playful way.

Sally loves to travel and lived for five years in Edinburgh. She enjoys spending time with her family, their dog Noi and is forever collecting leaves, shells and other items from nature to use in her art-making.

Sandra Buchanan

Creative Arts Therapist

Drawing on ten years in private practice and her own lived experience enables Sandra to hold a gentle therapeutic space of safety and trust. Her approach is person-centred, and Sandra enjoys working closely with clients and their families.

With the use of various evidence-based, creative processes that are holistic and grounding, clients feel supported as they learn more about themselves, developing their own strategies that enable healthy ways of experiencing their world. 

Creative activities have always defined Sandra, currently on weekends you will find her enjoying watercolour painting or working with various textile activities. As she has grown up in rural Victoria, Sandra recharges her batteries taking in the fresh air and sounds of wildlife on bush outings. 

Dr Sherard Maine

MBBS FACEM

Emergency Physician and Dungeon Master

Sherard Maine is an Emergency Physician, currently working at Box Hill hospital. Outside of his capacity as a medical professional, he likes to spend time with his daughters, read fantasy and science fiction novels and play tabletop roleplaying games such as Dungeons and Dragons. In that capacity, he has had many years’ experience running and playing in several gaming systems and is an avid believer in the capacity of stories as a vehicle for learning.

Melinda De Haan

Learning Intervention Specialist and Teacher

Melinda de Haan is a Learning Intervention Specialist focusing on students with Specific Learning Difficulties and ADHD.

She earned her Master's in Learning Intervention from the University of Melbourne in 2019. Since then, she has helped teachers use evidence-based practices to support students with diverse learning needs in primary and secondary schools.

In 2024, she joined a philanthropy-funded project between the Royal Children’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute as part of multidisciplinary care team for children with complex learning difficulties. Recently, Melinda was invited to share her evidence-based approaches at the University of Melbourne’s Sharing Best Practice Conference (September 2024). Currently, Melinda works at Camberwell Girls' Grammar School and Papillion Paediatrics.

Claire Eddy

Practice Manager

Claire Eddy is a professional, patient focused practice manager. With over 15 years within the travel sector, Claire has accumulated a broad range and scope of skills in business administration and has made an effortless shift into medical administration.

As a mother of two young children, Claire is empathic to the rollercoaster that is parenthood and endeavours in supporting families to thrive by facilitating and coordinating front of house experiences at Papillon Paediatrics.