Meet the team

Renee founded Brave Steps Health to address an important gap in care: helping children and adults with disabilities and additional support needs access healthcare with greater safety, dignity and confidence.

Renee is a Certified Behaviour Analyst, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, NDIS Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner and Developmental Educator. She has worked with neurodivergent people and their families for over 15 years, supporting children and adults with Autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities across home, education, clinic and community settings.

Renee holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney and a Master of Autism Studies from Griffith University.

She has a particular interest in healthcare access, continence and toileting, communication, independent living skills and compassionate approaches to behaviours that may place a person or others at risk. Renee works closely with children and adults, their families and healthcare providers to understand why a procedure may be difficult and develop practical, evidence-based pathways towards successful care.

Her approach prioritises trust, communication, choice, assent and emotional safety. Rather than expecting someone to simply tolerate distress, Renee focuses on building the foundational skills, predictability and confidence needed for meaningful participation.

She is especially passionate about reducing avoidable restraint, sedation and general anaesthesia when safe and appropriate alternatives can be developed. Her goal is not simply to complete a procedure, but to create safer and more sustainable healthcare experiences for the future.

Outside of work, Renee enjoys strength training, going for walks and hosting family dinners.

Sophie is a Certified Behaviour Analyst, NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner and the Clinical Lead for Health Access at Brave Steps Health.

Sophie has more than a decade of experience supporting people with a wide range of abilities, communication styles and support needs. She is particularly passionate about teaching meaningful skills that increase independence, comfort and participation in everyday life.

As Clinical Lead – Health Access, Sophie oversees the development and delivery of individualised programs for children and adults who experience fear, distress or difficulty participating in medical, dental and personal care procedures. She works closely with each person, their family, support team and healthcare providers to create practical and achievable pathways towards safer care.

Sophie has completed specialist training in healthcare access, medical desensitisation, trauma-informed care and the Essential for Living (EFL) assessment and curriculum. This training allows her to carefully consider each person's communication, sensory needs, learning history, previous healthcare experiences and essential support needs.

Programs may include familiarisation visits, visual preparation, choice-making, communication skills, coping strategies and gradual practice with healthcare environments, equipment and procedures.

Sophie's work is grounded in the belief that healthcare preparation should not be about forcing compliance or teaching people to endure distress. Instead, it should help children and adults understand what is happening, communicate their needs and build genuine confidence at a pace that protects their safety and dignity.

Sophie holds a Master of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University and a Bachelor of Psychology and Arts from Macquarie University. She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attends specialist conferences and training in Australia and internationally.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys reading, hiking, travelling and making elaborate cakes.

Hayley is a Certified Behaviour Analyst, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner who is passionate about helping children and adults feel safe, understood and supported while developing meaningful new skills.

As Clinical Team Leader, Hayley brings extensive experience supporting people across clinic, home, education and community settings. Her areas of special interest include complex and high-risk behaviour, caregiver coaching, staff development and creating practical strategies that can be confidently used in everyday life.

Hayley plays an important role in training and supporting the Brave Steps Health team. She helps clinicians deliver consistent, compassionate and evidence-based healthcare access programs that prioritise safety, dignity and genuine participation.

At Brave Steps Health, Hayley works closely with children and adults, their families, support teams and healthcare professionals to understand what may be making healthcare difficult. She helps create individualised pathways that reduce distress, build trust and gradually develop the skills needed to participate in medical, dental and personal care.

Hayley holds an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Sydney and a Master of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University. She has also completed advanced training in Practical Functional Assessment and Skills-Based Treatment.

Hayley believes that meaningful progress begins with safety, connection and understanding. Her calm and thoughtful approach ensures each person's communication, preferences and dignity remain central to their care.

Outside of work, Hayley enjoys going to the gym, walking her dogs and volunteering at the zoo.

Rachel is a Registered Psychologist and Certified Behaviour Analyst who supports children and adults to build confidence, communicate their needs and take meaningful steps towards experiences that may currently feel overwhelming.

Rachel's diverse background allows her to consider the emotional, psychological, behavioural and environmental factors that may affect a person's ability to access healthcare.

At Brave Steps Health, Rachel provides assessment and therapy for healthcare-related fears, anxiety, phobias and avoidance. She also works as part of interdisciplinary healthcare access programs, collaborating closely with behaviour practitioners, families, support teams and healthcare professionals.

Rachel's support may be particularly valuable when fear or anxiety has become a significant barrier to dental care, blood tests, vaccinations, medical examinations or other essential procedures. She works with each person to understand their concerns, identify barriers to participation and develop gradual, achievable pathways towards care.

Rachel draws on evidence-based psychological and behavioural approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her work may involve developing emotional awareness, coping skills, self-advocacy and psychological flexibility, while helping each person approach difficult experiences in ways that align with their values and healthcare needs.

Her approach is warm, playful and encouraging, with a strong focus on helping children and adults feel heard, respected and capable. Rachel recognises that successful healthcare access is not simply about reducing anxiety, it is about building trust, increasing choice and supporting each person to participate as actively as possible.

Rachel holds a Master's degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Behavioural Psychology from the University of Auckland.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys live music, visiting art galleries and keeping active at the gym.