About Us
Who We Are
Donna Lai started CoRe Kids Therapy in 2019 after 30 years of experience working predominantly in public institutions, government entities, education/schools and NGOs. This has been both in Australia and overseas.
The objective is to create CoRe locations within Melbourne where kids and their families with challenging needs can receive therapeutic services. This has especially been notable where children experience grief and/or loss, complex trauma and attachment issues.
Previously in Highett, and now located in Moorabbin and Yarraville, CoRe’s therapy rooms are designed to be welcoming and calming spaces. Larger than standard consulting rooms, our spaces have significant area devoted to Play Therapy and include a diverse range of play-language-tools (toys) required for kids to communicate all their feelings.
CoRe’s clinicians and these spaces provide for a safe and nurturing place for children, without fear of judgement, punishment or losing control.
Our Team
Donna Lai
Donna has a passion for providing practical and creative strategies to families who are supporting a child or young person with social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties.
- Principal Clinician
- Play Therapist
- Filial Therapist / Parent Coach
- Learn-2-Play/ APTA Supervisor
Dr Aine Foran
Aine brings an abundance of life experiences to her work with young children, and a particular empathy and understanding to her collaboration with parents and carers
- Children’s Counsellor
- Associate Play Therapist
Amy Baillie
Amy loves the way that Play Therapy presents the opportunity for kids to tell their story, integrate their experiences and heal, and then seeing them emerge from their journey, resilient, thriving and with a renewed sense of pride in their authentic self.
- Synergetic Play Therapist
- Children’s Counsellor
- Parent Coach
Daniela Diaz
Daniela’s therapeutic delivery focuses on helping children who have suffered from trauma, anxiety and challenging behaviour as well as providing support for families in this journey
- Registered Psychologist
- Associate Play Therapist
Iris He
Iris works to create a safe, supportive space where children can feel understood and accepted in their own unique and special worlds.
- Provisional Psychologist
- Child and Family Therapist
Jovana Nikcevic
Jovana believes in the importance of building safe, respectful and trusting therapeutic relationships to facilitate personal growth and address individual needs. safe, respectful and trusting therapeutic relationships.
- Registered Psychologist
- Play Therapist
Kate Hall
Amy loves the way that Play Therapy presents the opportunity for kids to tell their story, integrate their experiences and heal, and then seeing them emerge from their journey, resilient, thriving and with a renewed sense of pride in their authentic self.
- Child and Family Therapist
- Social Worker
Natalie Ryan
Natalie is passionate about working collaboratively with children and their families to address areas of difficulty and affect positive, sustained change.
- Child and Family Therapist
- Social Worker
Sara McGarvey
Sara takes the approach of working with the systems surrounding the child as a central approach to supporting child wellbeing.
- Social Worker
- Play Therapist
Bianca Curnow
Bianca brings warmth, enthusiasm, and curiosity to everything she does—both in her professional journey and personal life.
- Admin
- Group Program Facilitator
Our Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs (currently unavailable)
Coco
Coco is a loving therapy dog! She is an attentive Cocker Spaniel who always seems to know who needs a special cuddle, and delivers those without fear nor favour.Coco works with Donna.
- Animal Assistant Play Therapy Dog
Cookie
Cookie is Coco’s brother from the same litter, who has a more cheeky and playful behaviour. He is always affectionate and provides fun companionship.Cookie will be working with Donna.
- Animal Assistant Play Therapy Dog
Pebbles
Pebbles, our Great Dane, is beautifully big in size, expression and heart. Naturally gentle, albeit goofy, she has the gift of disarming people with her presence and demeanour.Pebbles will be working with Donna.
- Animal Assistant Play Therapy Dog
Chachka
Chachka is a gentle and affectionate therapy dog.She adores people, dog treats and extra long pats.Chachka will be working with Jovana.
- Animal Assistant Play Therapy Dog
Registered With
Certified in
