Our Team
We help women who are feeling emotionally or mentally challenged by pregnancy or early parenthood to move toward meaningful engagement in parenting and life.
Through a deep understanding of the challenges of the pregnancy and postnatal period, we provide a space where you can feel completely safe and open up.
Together, we'll explore how to get to a place where your ups and downs are manageable instead of overwhelming.
As a specialist perinatal psychology practice, Mums Matter Psychology consists of a team of registered Clinical and General Psychologists and Mental Health Social Workers with a minimum of 6 years training, all whom work daily with parents in the antenatal and post-natal period experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues.
The Mums Matter Psychology team have worked for, completed clinical placements or training within various organisations focused on perinatal and infant mental health including:
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The Royal Women’s Hospital
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The Royal Children’s Hospital
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Parent Infant Research Institute
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Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
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Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA)
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The Australian Psychological Society
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Centre for Perinatal Psychology
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Perinatal Emotional Health Program
As a mandatory requirement, all of our team have completed perinatal mental health training provided by:
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Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
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University of Sydney
To get to know more about each of our clinicians, take a look at their profiles below or if you’d like to chat about which team member might be the best match for you give us a call on (03) 9079 6930.
Interested in joining our team of experienced psychologists? Find out more
Frances Bilbao - Director and Clinical Psychologist: Yarraville, Newport
B.Arts (Psychology)/B.Business, B.Psychological Science (Honours), Master of Psychology (Clinical), MAPS
Frances Bilbao is the founder of Mums Matter Psychology and a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) where she is the Victorian coordinator of the Perinatal and Infant Psychology Interest group. She implemented and managed the Perinatal Emotional Health Program at Sunshine Hospital where she worked with women during the antenatal and postnatal periods. She has also worked with St John of God's Raphael House (Perinatal Mental Health), the Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PaNDA) and in private practice. Concurrently, Frances delivers group therapy for pregnant women participating in the Royal Women’s Hospital/University of Melbourne program – Building Early Attachment and Resilience. Frances has authored and presented at various Perinatal Mental Health and Maternal & Child Health conferences, works on projects in the health sector and has a passion for community development. She has completed the University of Sydney continuing development program: Perinatal Mental Health and undertaken perinatal specific training with the Royal Women's Hospital, Royal Children's Hospital, Parent and Infant Research Institute, Centre for Perinatal Psychology, and Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE). She is a registered Supervisor.
Ruth Christiansen - Psychotherapist/Mental Health Social Worker: Altona
B.Social Work, Master Creative Arts Therapy, Grad Dip Environment and Sustainability, B.Business, AASW
Ruth Christiansen is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AASW), full member of EMDR Association Australia (EMDRAA) and a Mental Health First Aid trainer (MHFAA). She is a compassionate and collaborative clinician with many years experience with individuals and groups of adults, adolescents and children in mental health services, schools, community centres and private practice. Ruth utilises evidence-based practice and is experienced in the treatment of mental health issues, parenting, relationship and social challenges, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, health, migration and identity concerns and life transitions. She has completed the University of Sydney continuing development program: Perinatal Mental Health, perinatal specific training with Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) and a Master of Creative Arts Therapy (RMIT).
Dr Hana Guo - Clinical Psychologist: Maternity Leave
B.Sc Hon Psychology, Master of Clinical Psychology, Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, MAPS
Dr Hana Guo is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). In 2016, she completed her doctorate focusing on the impact of neurological functioning on symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder amongst children. Hana has worked with a wide range of population in a variety of settings, ranging from public/private hospitals, community mental health settings and private psychology clinics. She has also completed the University of Sydney Continuing Development Program on Perinatal Mental Health and is dedicated to providing the best care to both mothers and fathers through their challenges in the perinatal period. She is an accredited Circle of Security group facilitator.
Marzieh Hussain - Group Facilitator
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Marzieh Hussain is has an extensive knowledge and experience working with children 0-6 years. She has worked in different settings to support parents with attachment issues, depression and anxiety. She has also provided support for parents experiencing anxiety, and parenting stress. Marzieh has a passion to support parents at this vulnerable time, and help them promote healthy attachments between the parent and infant. Marzieh has undertaken perinatal specific training with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE).
Dr Maria Lambrou – Clinical Psychologist: Newport
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), Doctor of Clinical Psychology, MAPS
Dr Maria Lambrou is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and is full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She is passionate about supporting families negotiating difficult circumstances. In 2016 she completed her internship at Austin Health’s Perinatal Mental Health Clinic and Parent Infant Research Institute (PIRI). While there, she worked with mothers, couples, families and mother-infant dyads during the transition to parenthood, and up to two years post-partum. Maria also has experience working with adults aged 18 – 65 in range of other public mental health services, including community mental health teams and inpatient settings, and has contributed to a range of research projects. In her psychological work with clients, she utilises a range of evidence-based approaches, and always tailors the experience to each individual client’s unique circumstances, preferences and strengths. Maria has also completed the University of Sydney continuing development program: Perinatal Mental Health.
Melanie Irons - Provisional Psychologist: Video Conference
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons.,) Masters of Professional Psychology, PhD, MAPS
Dr Melanie Irons is a registered Provisional Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and is full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Mel has experience working with clients across the lifespan, with a particular interest in men's mental health and the perinatal period for new mothers and families. Mel has conducted extensive research as part of her PhD and while working for Monash University, supervising Honours level psychology students. Mel is passionate about ongoing learning and is always striving to increase her knowledge and the different therapy skills she can bring to her clients. Mel is empathic, collaborative, solution-focused, non-judgemental and supportive. Mel also works for an organisational psychology consultancy, and firmly believes that everyone can make changes in their lives to feel better. Mel is completing the Perinatal Mental Health Program at The University of Sydney, and has completed perinatal specific training with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE).
Mandy McNaught – Clinical Psychologist: Sunbury
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Master of Clinical Psychology, MAPS
Mandy McNaught is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She has worked for over 12 years supporting vulnerable children and families whom have experienced economic hardship, trauma, abuse and mental health issues. In her role as a psychologist she has experience in both public and private hospital settings. Since 2014 she has also worked in private practice. Mandy has helped women with a variety of problems including stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, adjustment to motherhood, concerns with weight and shape, personality disorders, grief and loss, parenting difficulties, low self-esteem and trauma. Mandy has a warm and compassionate approach to her work and aims to create a safe and comfortable therapeutic space. Mandy primarily uses a psychodynamic approach to psychotherapy. She is also trained and has experience in providing cognitive-behavioural therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy. Mandy is passionate about assisting mothers through the perinatal period to promote best outcomes for families, and specifically the mother-infant dyad.
Alana Pisani - Psychologist: Group Facilitator
B. Psychological Studies (Interpersonal and Organisational), B. Psychological Studies (Honours), Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), MAPS
Alana Pisani is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Alana has worked and completed placements in public and private hospitals, mother baby units and in community mental health. In these roles Alana has worked with adults who present with a range of issues including mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal difficulties and stress management. She has also facilitated group programs that support parents experiencing perinatal depression, anxiety, and parenting stress. Alana works collaboratively with her clients using a warm and engaging interpersonal style and assists them in enhancing their wellbeing, overcoming life’s challenges and living their life in accordance with their values. She has completed the University of Sydney continuing development program: Perinatal Mental Health and undertaken perinatal specific training with the Centre for Perinatal Psychology and the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE).
Teresa Sartor - Psychologist: Sydenham and Keilor Downs
B. Science (Psychology and Genetics), Grad. Dip. Applied Psychology, MAPS
Teresa is a fully registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has extensive experience working with issues including stress and anxiety, injury management and rehabilitation, change management, balancing work/life demands and conflict resolution. Teresa’s aim when working with clients is to create a safe and supportive environment where issues can be explored and addressed. Teresa draws upon the foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Theory, mindfulness, Coaching and Neuroscience to tailor a plan for each individual. Teresa has a keen interest in perinatal psychology including infertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy support and transitioning to parenthood and has completed the Perinatal Mental Health Program at The University of Sydney. She has undertake perinatal specific training with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE).
Melinda Sullivan - Psychologist: Maidstone and West Footscray
Grad Dip psychology, B.Psychological Science (Honours), Master of Psychology (Clinical), Master of Clinical Family Therapy, Grad Dip Child and Family Nursing, MAPS
Melinda Sullivan is a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has wide experience working with families as a Psychologist, Midwife and Maternal and Child Health Nurse. She has previously worked in a number hospital and community settings and enjoys helping mums, dads and children overcome the mental health challenges they experience and form deeper and more fulfilling relationships. Melinda has delivered a number of group programs treating perinatal depression, assisting mothers and fathers in their new parenting roles and fostering attachment between parents and children. She has completed the University of Sydney continuing development program: Perinatal Mental Health and undertaken perinatal specific training with the Royal Children's Hospital, Parent and Infant Research Institute, and the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE). She is an accredited Circle of Security and Baby Makes 3 group facilitator.
Sarah van Ree - Psychologist: Derrimut and Sunshine
B.Arts (Psychology), Grad Dip Psychology, Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental)
Sarah van Ree is a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She has worked predominantly in school settings providing counselling and interventions for students and families for issues including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence, psychosis, personality disorders, low self-esteem and social skills. Her placement at the Developmental Disability Clinic of Monash Medical Centre saw her support families adjusting to the diagnosis of disability in their child and included parent-child therapy. Sarah has contributed to published research in the field of Educational and Developmental Psychology. Sarah has also completed the University of Sydney continuing development program: Perinatal Mental Health and undertaken perinatal specific training with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)..
Jo Willis - Psychotherapist/Mental Health Social Worker: Altona
B.Social Work, Grad Cert Alcohol and other drugs, Master of Counselling and Human Services, AASW
Jo Willis is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AASW), with an extensive history of working with issues relating to parenting, anxiety depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, health, trauma and PTSD. She practices using a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and Emotion Focused Therapy. She has a back ground in Social Work and working with addictions. More recently has studied Integrative Health to support the whole person and not just the mind. She tailors her approach to the individual person to support them with their identified goals for treatment. She is completing the University of Sydney continuing development program: Perinatal Mental Health, and perinatal specific training with Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
Carrie Skinner - Administration Support and Bookings Coordinator
Carrie is dedicated to supporting our clients and our team of clinicians. She may be in contact with you to coordinate your bookings and will return your call if you leave us a voicemail. She is available to answer any questions you may have or put you in touch with the right person.
