Our Team

At Memory Matters, our team of highly skilled neuropsychologists & psychologists has up to 25 years of experience in the provision of high quality psychological services.

We strive to provide the highest standard of care and aim to support clients to achieve independence, social integration, and a better quality of life.

Dr Clare Kempnich

Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist/Psychologist

I completed a Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology at Monash University in 2017 and began working with Memory Matters in 2018. I am passionate about supporting children and adults with acquired brain injury to achieve their rehabilitation goals, with a particular interest in supporting people with complex presentations or difficult life circumstances.

My practice is strongly guided by a Positive Behaviour Support framework that is shown to produce positive outcomes for people with brain injury to adjust to their injury and progress towards living a positive and meaningful life. I provide counselling and psychological support to loved ones of individuals who have sustained a brain injury to support their own process of grief and adjustment, and individuals without neurological conditions for other mental health presentations. I hope to facilitate a connected network around a person with brain injury and regularly work with other supports including allied health, care support, teaching staff, and employers to ensure a client is well-supported. I am regularly engaged to undertake comprehensive medicolegal assessments.

I am a Psychology Board-Approved Supervisor and enjoy supporting early career psychologists reach their professional goals, and ensure our clients receive a high quality of neuropsychology care. I have delivered professional development to other allied health practices and organisations within the scope of acquired brain injury and behaviour support.   

Dr Daniel Uiterwijk

Clinical Neuropsychologist

I am a Clinical Neuropsychologist/Psychologist and completed my Master of Clinical Neuropsychology and PhD at La Trobe University. My PhD research focused on depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in people with a brain injury, and I have published several research articles in peer-reviewed journals. I have extensive experience conducting comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for diagnostic and treatment purposes.

I work with clients across the lifespan who present with a range of conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders, learning difficulties, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, dementia, drug and alcohol, and mental health difficulties. I am committed to delivering evidence-based interventions while tailoring my work with clients according to their individual needs and circumstances to manage changes in their functioning and maximise their independence and quality of life.

I am experienced in adapting psychological therapies for clients with and without brain conditions, and draw from a wide range of treatment modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and positive behaviour support.

Ms Emma Giliberto

Clinical Neuropsychologist/Psychologist

I am a registered psychologist with a Masters Degree in Clinical Neuropsychology. I work with a diverse range of clients, including people living with neurological conditions, depression, anxiety, and other health conditions or disabilities. I enjoy working with clients to navigate cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioural challenges.

My approach involves supporting clients to identify individualised goals and values, with a focus on what matters to them. I work collaboratively with my clients to understand their personal strengths and empower them to develop strategies and build independence. I value working with a client’s family and treating team, to provide intervention that supports meaningful change.

Dr Felicity Lorains

Senior Clinical Neuropsychologists/Psychologist

I have over 10 years of experience in providing assessments and intervention to adults following a broad range of neurological conditions. I take pride in working collaboratively with my clients to clearly understand their concerns so I can best help them to develop the skills to manage cognitive, behavioural, or emotional difficulties and to reach their potential. I enjoy working closely with families and support networks to ensure a cohesive team approach.

My qualifications include a Bachelor Degree in Behavioural Neuroscience with Psychology Honours and a Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology from Monash University. I hold General Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), with endorsement in the area of Clinical Neuropsychology, and I’m a Psychology Board-Approved Supervisor.

Dr Kathryn Dedda

Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist/Psychologist

I have been a registered psychologist since 2005 and a board endorsed Clinical Neuropsychologist since 2006, after completing a Doctorate of Clinical Neuropsychology at La Trobe University. I have worked extensively in rehabilitation settings, working with people experiencing a diverse range of developmental and acquired difficulties (i.e. stroke; traumatic brain injury), as well as those with mental health and drug and alcohol concerns. I have experience working with both children and adults across a range of clinical settings including home and community, schools, and workplaces.

I have experience in a range of therapeutic techniques and believe strongly in working with people in a collaborative and proactive approach that supports them to develop their capacity to respond more adaptively to the world around them. I have a particular interest in understanding the impact of trauma on thinking and behaviour and using the polyvagal theory to offer practical ways to help clients shape their systems towards safety and connection. 

Ms Madeleine (Maddy) Connellan

Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist/Psychologist

I obtained my qualifications as a neuropsychologist from The University of Melbourne in 2013. Before joining Memory Matters in 2017, I worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, and Turning Point, where I supported children, adolescents, and adults to navigate life in the months and years after acquiring brain disorders. I have a particular interest in long-term follow-up and understanding the way therapy needs evolve, depending on a person’s stage of life. In addition to intervention support, I also provide neuropsychological/psychological assessments and tailored intervention and counselling support to people seeking assistance for changes in mood, cognition, and behaviour.

I am passionate about identifying individual strengths and values to guide treatment planning and to tailor an approach that is personally meaningful. I am a Psychology Board-Approved Supervisor and regularly supervise early career psychologists seeking general registration and endorsement.

Ms Pavika Thevar

Clinical Neuropsychologist/Psychologist

I completed my Masters in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Melbourne in 2019 and I’m currently completing my PhD at the Alfred Hospital on a project examining the cognitive and psychological functioning of adults with multiple sclerosis. I have experience in delivering neuropsychological assessments and psychological and cognitive interventions for people experiencing depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke.

I am passionate about collaborating with clients to promote their wellbeing and quality of life by tailoring therapy approach to meet their individual needs, experiences, and goals.  

Dr Simone Bassi

Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist/Psychologist

I completed a Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology in 2003 and since then I have worked in various roles in both public health settings and private practice. I have a special interest in rehabilitation and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I particularly enjoy providing neuropsychological assessment and treatment to children with developmental disorders and acquired brain injuries.

It is an important part of my practice to ensure assessment findings are meaningful and form an important part of the development of tailored and effective treatment plans. Therefore, my assessments are not only comprehensive but also strengths based and functionally relevant. I also enjoy working closely with families and support teams.