Meet the OPTIMIND Team

Dr Parekh completed undergraduate medical training in India and moved to Australia in 2009. Dr Parekh completed his psychiatry training in Australia and was awarded with her fellowship with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2020.

Dr Jain is a Consultant Psychiatrist and completed his Psychiatric training in India. He then moved to Australia and become a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) in 2022.

Dr Agrawal completed her medical training in India in 2009 and moved to Australia in 2016. She was awarded her Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2019 and has worked in the public service as a psychiatrist up to 2023.

Christine is a mature provisional psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards self-awareness and enhanced well-being. With a strong ability to connect with clients she values establishing respectful and collaborative relationships which are essential for working towards wellness goals.

Dr Emmanuel (Manny) Costuna completed his medical degree at The University of Melbourne graduating in 2011 and later obtained his Master of Psychiatry in 2017. Dr Manny holds a special interest in psychodynamic therapy and guides his clients to a deeper, more insightful and compassionate understanding of themselves.

Dr Mithilesh Kumar is a Consultant Psychiatrist who has an interest in adult psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics (Old Age Psychiatry).

Dr Ratnayake is a consultant Psychiatrist with expertise in intellectual disability, young adults, and those with eating disorders. Her experience is enriched by a career spanning Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Bermuda, and Australia. She has over 45 years of experience in Psychiatry.

Paris is a nationally registered General Psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She favours a person-centered approach with evidence-based theory applied in her practice, tailoring therapy to each individual's circumstances and goals.

Angela draws on client’s attachment styles, and provides a neuroaffirming, growth mindset, trauma informed and strengths-based space for clients to venture on their journeys of deepened self-discovery.

Dr Tom Mole specialises in ADHD in adults. He completed a prestigious fellowship at the University of Cambridge in the UK studying people with impulse control issues. He is published widely and is passionate about supporting people with neurodiversity.

Dr Owais Sharif obtained his medical degree in Pakistan before moving to the UK where he completed his Psychiatry training. He has worked as a consultant psychiatrist in the UK before moving to Australia in 2018.

Melanie is a Psychologist that enjoys working with families, adults, young people and children. The majority of her work has focused on working in an educational setting providing individualised support through counselling, intervention and assessment for educational and developmental concerns including Autism, ADHD, cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Dr Jeanette Grey has been a Psychiatrist since 2002 and has worked in both private and public settings. She provides biopsychosocial treatments to diverse and complex cases.

Dr Senadipathy's work experience over 45 years has covered every aspect of coalface clinical and administrative psychiatry. He is an independent psychiatric expert for Veteran Affairs, Work Cover, Criminal Justice and the private sector.

Alex has a background in counselling and community mental health. He provides Psychology services to people of all ages , using a client-centred therapeutic approach that focuses on strengths and skill development, allowing space for clients to explore and overcome their difficulties.

Karen has worked as a Psychologist with individuals of all ages who are experiencing issues with their mental health. She has a background in nursing, management, supervision and lecturing.

Tara Griffin is a nationally registered Clinical Psychologist, and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS). She has worked in private practice for over 10 years and uses a client-centered approach to help achieve patient goals.

Dr Florence Morley was born and educated in England, completing her medical training at St George’s University of London before moving to Melbourne to complete her studies to become a Psychiatrist. She has experience in working with people from many cultures in a diverse range of situations including refugee health, perinatal and forensic settings.

Dr Venkatram Chekuri completed his medical training in India and then pursued post graduate training in Psychiatry in the United Kingdom. He subsequently obtained Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and has worked in both public in-patient and community settings in Melbourne.

Dr Rodrigo is a Consultant Psychiatrist trained in Australia, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka, and has specialist qualifications from all three countries. He has published journal articles on various topics and is working towards further qualifications in forensic psychiatry.

Ivy is a compassionate Consultant Psychiatrist with a keen interest in youth and perinatal psychiatry. She has a deep commitment to fostering mental wellness through significant life transitions by developing a mutual understanding and the provision of holistic care.

Dr Niloufar Khajehddin has been a Psychiatrist for over 23 years, working as a Consultant Psychiatrist and an Assistant Professor. She moved to Melbourne in 2013 where she has worked in Adult Psychiatry in both the public and private sectors.

Dr Morteza Jafarinia has worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Iran since 2012 before moving to Melbourne in 2019. He works in both the private and public sector and speaks multiple languages.

Kristi is a warm-hearted Psychologist dedicated to creating a safe and accepting space where clients can safely identify and explore therapy goals and work through personal struggles. Kristi's passion lies in fostering a nurturing environment where clients feel valued and understood.

Dr Thoppil has been a GP in Australia for over 12 years and enjoys all aspects of general practice medicine.

Julia is a Clinical Psychologist and a Member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association. She completed her Masters of Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne and has since worked in public and community health settings. She has extensive private practice experience with adolescents and adults.

Dr. Rajesh Harjai is a Consultant Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychiatrist with extensive experience working with individuals across various age groups and mental health concerns. His warm and empathetic approach creates a sense of safety, allowing patients to feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Sharma's journey in Psychiatry is underpinned by a dedication to understanding and treating complex mental health issues. Her experience spans significant work in both India and Australia, providing her with a global perspective on mental health care. Her approach is characterised by a commitment to evidence-based practice and a deep understanding of the nuances of psychiatric care.

Dr Fiona Fisher has a solid foundation in Neuropsychology. Her work is defined by her dedication to understanding and treating the complexities of the brain. Her dual role in private practice and the public health system enriches her perspective, allowing her to offer nuanced and effective treatments.

Dr. Reed's career is distinguished by her focused dedication to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She works intimately with families to develop comprehensive and effective treatment plans. Her work extends beyond traditional therapy, incorporating parenting skills and family therapy to foster a supportive environment for growth and healing.

Dr. Barton's role at OPTIMIND underscores her dedication to fostering the next generation of psychologists through mentorship and supervision. Her approach is characterised by empathy and a non-judgmental stance, principles she imparts to those she supervises. Her special interest in complex mental health conditions and her work with Monash Hospital's Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Unit reflect her holistic view of patient care.

Dr Jeremy Stone has been a consultant psychiatrist for 20 years. Previously, he was a general practitioner but wanted to pursue a more complex and rewarding pathway in specialised mental health care. He has a history of working across various public health services and private health services, which helps him to understand the complexity of systems to help patients benefit towards their recovery in mental health and wellbeing.

Christine is a mature provisional psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards self-awareness and enhanced well-being. With a strong ability to connect with clients she values establishing respectful and collaborative relationships which are essential for working towards wellness goals.

Paris is a nationally registered General Psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She favours a person-centered approach with evidence-based theory applied in her practice, tailoring therapy to each individual's circumstances and goals.

Angela draws on client’s attachment styles, and provides a neuroaffirming, growth mindset, trauma informed and strengths-based space for clients to venture on their journeys of deepened self-discovery.

Melanie is a Psychologist that enjoys working with families, adults, young people and children. The majority of her work has focused on working in an educational setting providing individualised support through counselling, intervention and assessment for educational and developmental concerns including Autism, ADHD, cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Alex has a background in counselling and community mental health. He provides Psychology services to people of all ages , using a client-centred therapeutic approach that focuses on strengths and skill development, allowing space for clients to explore and overcome their difficulties.

Karen has worked as a Psychologist with individuals of all ages who are experiencing issues with their mental health. She has a background in nursing, management, supervision and lecturing.

Tara Griffin is a nationally registered Clinical Psychologist, and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS). She has worked in private practice for over 10 years and uses a client-centered approach to help achieve patient goals.

Kristi is a warm-hearted Psychologist dedicated to creating a safe and accepting space where clients can safely identify and explore therapy goals and work through personal struggles. Kristi's passion lies in fostering a nurturing environment where clients feel valued and understood.

Julia is a Clinical Psychologist and a Member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association. She completed her Masters of Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne and has since worked in public and community health settings. She has extensive private practice experience with adolescents and adults.

Dr Fiona Fisher has a solid foundation in Neuropsychology. Her work is defined by her dedication to understanding and treating the complexities of the brain. Her dual role in private practice and the public health system enriches her perspective, allowing her to offer nuanced and effective treatments.

Dr. Barton's role at OPTIMIND underscores her dedication to fostering the next generation of psychologists through mentorship and supervision. Her approach is characterised by empathy and a non-judgmental stance, principles she imparts to those she supervises. Her special interest in complex mental health conditions and her work with Monash Hospital's Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Unit reflect her holistic view of patient care.

Dr Thoppil has been a GP in Australia for over 12 years and enjoys all aspects of general practice medicine.