Paediatrics | Psychiatry | Psychology | Speech-Language Pathology | Occupational Therapy | Educational Support
About Educare
Our Story
EDUCARE was established in 1999 and has since developed into a multi-disciplinary practice that brings many related specialist medical, health and educational services into one location for the convenience of families in Newcastle and the Hunter Region.
While we work with clients of all ages, we specialise in helping children and teenagers to enhance their development potential and wellbeing. Our services include a comprehensive range of assessments, diagnostic and treatment to support families.
Our team is highly experienced and works together to empower children and teens to overcome mental, emotional, social and behavioural roadblocks.
When you book an appointment, you can expect genuine care and a personalised approach to improving health and quality of life for yourself and your child.
Our Values
Our values are shaped and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:
- Inclusiveness – We respect all people, value diversity and are committed to equality.
- Participation – We recognise and value the contribution people with disabilities make within organisations and communities.
- Quality – We strive for excellence through continuous improvement
- Openness – We are committed to a culture of teamwork and collaboration with all our stakeholders and families.
- Innovation – We create and respond to innovative practices that will enable our people to flourish.
- Honesty & Integrity – We are committed to honesty and integrity in all that we do, in all that we say, in all that we create.
- Empathy – We seek to understand and support people facing varying challenges in life with care and responsibility.
- Accountability – We strive to be transparent and accountable in all that we do and do not do.
- Respect – We respect and value the uniqueness of all people by what we do and say.
Dr Bruce R Youlden
BA; BEd; MA; MA; Ph.D
Managing Director
Dr Bruce Youlden took on the administrative responsibilities as the Managing Director of EDUCARE Specialist Services in January 2019. Following on from a career of 42 years in Educational Leadership settings, Bruce is now directing his energies towards the continuing growth and development of EDUCARE as a multi-disciplinary medical, health and educational practice.
Dr Anne-Marie J Youlden
BA; MA; MA; Ph.D; MAPS
Founding Director
Educational & Child Psychologist
Dr Anne-Marie Youlden is the Founding Director of EDUCARE and commenced her work as an Educational and Child Psychologist in Belmont and Warners Bay in 1999. Since that time and under her leadership, EDUCARE has grown into a leading multi-disciplinary medical and health practice within the region and is now located in the professional hub of Charlestown.
Tanya Crawford
BA (Psych); MA (Clin); MA (Forensic); AHPRA; MAPS
Clinical Services Coordinator
We are extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Tanya Crawford to the Clinical Services Coordinator Role at EDUCARE. Tanya is highly credentialed with qualifications and specialisation in areas of Clinical and Forensic Psychology as well as in leadership and management, including 19 years clinical experience and 10 years in senior and middle management roles.
Our Team
Based in Newcastle and serving the Hunter Region, our medical and health specialists include paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational and behavioural therapists.
Dr Patricia Caruana
MD (Medicine), General Neurologist
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Dr Patricia Caruana has been working as a doctor for 23 years. She graduated and trained in Germany and Switzerland and moved thereafter to work in the United Kingdom and then to Australia.
Dr Colin Kable
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Retiring in June 2022
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Dr Colin Kable completed his Medical Degree at the University of Newcastle in 1985 and has worked within the Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region since that time.
Dr Ulli Schall
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
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Dr Ulrich Schall has many years of experience working with young people affected by mental illness, which is complemented by a substantial track record in mental health research at the University of Newcastle’s Priority Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research.
Dr Cyriac Mathew
Adult Psychiatrist
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Dr Cyriac Mathew has many years of experience ensuring quality care of people affected by various mental illnesses, including assessment, medical management and psychosocial interventions.
Dr Irosh Fernando
Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist
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Dr Fernando has joined the team of four Consultant Psychiatrists at EDUCARE and works in close collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team within the practice.
Tanya Crawford
Clinical Services Coordinator
Tanya is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist who enjoys working with people of all ages with a special interest in working with children, teenagers and families, including during pregnancy and the early stages of parenthood through to adolescence.
Dr Nicole Reece
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Nicole Reece has completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology, specialising in mental health, and has been practising since 2008. She has experience in a wide variety of settings including community, private, academic and inpatient environments.
Kristie Mitchell
Clinical Psychologist
Kristie has twenty years experience working as a psychologist with children, adolescents and families. She provides clinical assessment for a range of emotional, developmental and behavioural concerns including ADHD, ASD, developmental delay and learning challenges.
Taylah Armstrong
Clinical Psychologist
Taylah is a registered clinical psychologist who completed her postgraduate training at the University of Newcastle and has a focus on assessing and treating a range of mental health and well-being concerns of teens and adults.
Dr Heather Stuart
Child and Educational Psychologist
Heather Stuart has twenty-five years’ experience as a school counsellor and educational psychologist. She has a strong affinity with children, particularly children with special needs.
Britta Walker
Clinical Psychologist
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Britta is a registered Clinical Psychologist and is passionate about working with young people to build coping skills and resilience, to manage difficult emotions and experiences, and create a greater sense of wellbeing.
Laura Giles
Behavioural Psychologist
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Laura completed her training in Psychology in Hamilton, New Zealand, specialising in the application of Behaviour Analysis.
Kimberly Edwards
Consulting Psychologist
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Kimberly is a warm and compassionate therapist, who aims to foster a therapeutic relationship of mutual respect and honesty. Her approach is evidence-based, collaborative, supportive, and is adapted to individual needs.
Tristen Hatch
Consulting Psychologist
Tristen completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) degree at the University of Newcastle. She has a long standing interest in working with children and teens, to assist them in identifying goals that are in line with their values and beliefs to enable them to live meaningful and rich lives.
David Lambert
Consulting Psychologist
David Lambert specialises in neuro-psychometric assessment. He has expertise in the diagnosis of Intellectual and related disabilities, Language and Learning Disorders, ADHD and a range mental health presentations.
Drew Cowen
Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychologist
Drew Cowen has worked with children, adolescents and families for over 25 years and brings substantial experience to EDUCARE and to his respective clients.
David Pearce
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychologist
David Pearce has experience and specialised training in working with adolescents and young adults. David enjoys working from a collaborative and holistic approach to assist his clients to fulfil their goals in line with their core values and beliefs.
Melanie Grabham
Consulting Psychologist
Melanie has a Masters of Professional Psychology from Monash University. She has worked in a variety of settings with children, adolescents and young adults and specifically, with presenting conditions such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and social, emotional, behavioural difficulties, ADHD and ASD.
Brooke Austin
Provisional Psychologist
Brooke has experience working with women who have survived domestic violence, and clinical experience supporting young people in overcoming mood disorders, anxiety, emerging body image concerns, peer and family relationship difficulties, and difficulties with study.
Katrina Allan
Speech Pathology Coordinator
Katrina has a special interest in assisting children with speech and language disorders, behavior difficulties, and children with social communication difficulties. She is particularly passionate about working with children on the autism spectrum.
Hannah Watson
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hannah is a passionate Speech and Language Pathologist with an experienced background in working with a range of clients and families from young children through to adults. Hannah understands the importance of working closely with families to develop client focused goals to assist with and improve communication.
Mills Sedgwick
Speech-Language Pathologist
Mills is an empathetic, bubbly therapist who values creating a comfortable space for her clients to meet their therapy goals. She works collaboratively with children, their families, and educators to help them achieve their goals in their everyday lives.
Jesseca Potter
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jesseca comes to EDUCARE as a passionate and innovative Speech Pathologist that provides clients with a family-centred and supportive approach to help them achieve their communication goals. Her previous experience in the educational setting has developed her passion for treating school aged clients with speech, language, and literacy delays.
Emma Catchpole
Paediatric Occupational and Behavioural Therapist
Emma is originally from Brisbane, Australia and has recently relocated to Newcastle for its beautiful beaches and lifestyle.
To Be Appointed
Julie Fletcher
Client and NDIS Coordinator
Kayla Weick
Medical Receptionist
Joscelyn Evans
Medical Receptionist
Tanya Wells
Medical Receptionist
Ellamay U’Brien
Medical Receptionist
Kim Pankiw
Finance Assistant
Employment
EDUCARE continues to grow and develop as one of the leading multi-disciplinary medical-health practices within the region. Expansion plans are now unfolding to provide additional opportunities to join our team over coming months.
What Positions Are Available?
The following positions represent a unique opportunity to join our team of highly skilled specialists who provide unparalleled care to patients and support families within our community.
Specifically, we are currently calling for expressions of interest to fill the following positions:
- Consultant Psychiatrist
- Clinical or General Psychologist
- Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Why Join Us?
- Exceptionally competitive salary and terms of employment – We also include additional performance bonuses, various leave entitlements, professional development and supervision
- Flexibility and Balance – We are able to offer both full time and part-time hours with flexible modes of delivery
- Unique Development Opportunities – We provide internal and external mentorship, tailored training budgets and support individual progression and interests
- Premium Treatment Resources – With cutting edge and innovative equipment and facilities, you will seamlessly be able to provide exceptional levels of care to your patients
- Administrative Support is available to allow you to focus on your core clinical responsibilities
Apply Now!
If you are ready to take the next step in your career with an industry leader apply now and send your resume and cover letter attached to byoulden@educare.net.au. Alternatively, feel free to contact Dr. Youlden directly on mobile: 0414788898
Frequently Asked Questions
EDUCARE was established in 1999 by Educational and Child Psychologist, Dr Anne-Marie Youlden. It has since developed into a leading multi-disciplinary practice designed to bring many related specialist medical, health and educational services into one location for the convenience of families in the Hunter Region.
The EDUCARE team consists of a wide range of highly experienced medical and health specialists, who all work together to empower our clients and their families.
Our specialists include paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and teachers.
You may have observed that your son or daughter has the potential to perform at least equal to peers, perhaps even better, but for some reason they do not seem to reach their potential.
Similarly, you may feel as an adult that you are encountering a range of difficulties that are creating barriers to your emotional, mental or professional well-being.
EDUCARE can help because it has the specialist professional expertise to identify both the barriers and potential solutions to enhance well-being and learning and every-day living
EDUCARE provides a comprehensive range of assessments, diagnostic and treatment services
We take a fully integrated approach, meeting family needs by working closely with referring medical practitioners, health professionals and educators
EDUCARE provides a range of target services and programs to meet the varying needs of individuals and families. You can contact us for Pre & Post Natal Counselling, Autism Spectrum Management, Social and Behaviour Intervention Programs, Parent Training, Medico-Legal Matters and WorkCover Support.
Funding support for families includes: Medicare; Private Health Funds; and NDIS.
View our NDIS page or reach out to us to find out more.
EDUCARE is conveniently located and accessible in meeting community needs throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Lower and Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Central Coast and the Northern NSW Region.
For more information or to arrange an appointment, please contact us.