meet the team

ABOUT US

At The Social Space Psychology Clinic in Mascot, Sydney, our team of compassionate and dedicated psychologists provide a safe, nurturing environment where every child, teen, and young adult can feel supported to grow and thrive.

We specialise in evidence-based services for neurodiverse individuals, offering individual therapy, family therapy, diagnotic assessments, autism support, and anxiety therapy alongside our group programs. Our clinic was built on the vision of bridging the gap in quality mental health services, ensuring access to programs and therapies that build social-emotional confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.

We value inclusion, respect, and empowerment, and are committed to celebrating each person’s unique strengths while providing the guidance, care, and expertise needed to help them flourish in relationships, school, work, and life.

CLINIC DIRECTOR & CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

KATERINA STRATILAS

CLINIC DIRECTOR & CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Katerina Stratilas is a Clinical Psychologist and the founding director of The Social Space Psychology Clinic. With specialist endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disorders, she brings extensive expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of developmental, learning, and behavioural conditions across both clinical and educational settings.

Katerina is a certified facilitator of internationally recognised programs, including the Secret Agent Society (SAS) Small Group Program, NeuroACT Stress Management Program, COOL Kids for Anxiety and the PEERS® Program for Pre-Schoolers, Adolescents and Young Adults, equipping her with evidence-based tools to deliver meaningful change in the lives of neurodiverse individuals and their families. She has designed and led numerous group programs and workshops that support children, teens, and young adults in building critical social, emotional, and adaptive skills.

With a deep passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum—and those with co-occurring challenges such as ADHD and anxiety—Katerina’s vision is clear: that every person deserves the opportunity to experience connection, confidence, and happiness. Through her leadership, The Social Space has become a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment where neurodiverse individuals are empowered to embrace their strengths, overcome challenges, and thrive in relationships, learning, and life.

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

JULIETTE KRATOCHVIL

REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Juliette is a registered psychologist and certified PEERS® (Pre-School, Adolescent & Young Adult), Secret Agent Society, and NeuroACT facilitator. She is a trauma-informed practitioner who is currently developing an evidence-based, neurodivergent-affirming Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) program to run in the clinic from 2026. Juliette is also undertaking training in the Cool Kids Anxiety Program and is skilled across a range of evidence-based modalities including CBT, ACT, DBT, and SFT. Academically, she achieved First Class Honours in her Bachelor of Psychology and completed her Master of Professional Psychology with Excellence.

Juliette provides one-on-one therapy across the lifespan, parent training, and mediation within family systems. She has worked with schools, within nursing facilities, and alongside wider multidisciplinary teams to yield effective therapeutic outcomes for her clients. Juliette is trained to administer complex neurodevelopmental and diagnostic assessments for a variety of conditions including Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Learning Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Anxiety, OCD, and Depression. She is highly competent in utilising tools such as the MIGDAS-2, Wechsler Intelligence and Academic Achievement tests, DIVA-5, BASC-3, Vineland-3, Conners-4, and Brown Executive Functioning Scales to provide comprehensive, tailored assessment packages to clients of all ages. Her expertise also extends to conducting intake assessments, delivering evidence-based group programs (such as PEERS® and SAS), as well as facilitating bootcamps and school holiday workshops focused on emotional regulation and social skills development.

Alongside her clinical work, Juliette brings extensive experience in the care and disability sector, having supported individuals with complex mental health needs as a 24/7 live-in carer, volunteered in her university’s academic society, and received accredited training in crisis intervention through Lifeline. She is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and mental health awareness, and prides herself on cultivating a warm, supportive and empathetic environment that empowers individuals to build confidence, independence, resilience, and optimism for the future. Outside of work, Juliette enjoys running, baking, spending time with her dog, motorcycle adventures, horror movies, and collecting vintage items.

PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

STEPHANIE KARAM

PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Stephanie Karam is a provisional psychologist completing her Master of Professional Psychology and is on track to obtain full registration by 2026. She is trained in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and neurodiverse-affirming practices, and also conducts diagnostic assessments.

Stephanie is a trained facilitator and leads several evidence-based social skills programs, such as PEERS® for Preschoolers, Teens, and Young Adults and NeuroACT, and is a co-facilitator for the Secret Agent Society (SAS). She has also established and spearheaded innovative initiatives, including the Minecraft Social Skills Program, LEGO-Based Therapy, Transition to High School Workshops, and Confidence and Resilience Bootcamps.

She specialises in working with individuals with ASD and ADHD across all ages, drawing on her extensive knowledge in both the therapy room and structured programs. Through one-to-one therapy, and group she delivers impactful, practical, and engaging support tailored to each client’s needs.

In her commitment to providing the best evidence-based treatment, Stephanie recognises the importance of neurodiversity and understands the unique challenges it can present. Her workshops and therapy sessions are thoughtfully designed to support this transformative journey, ensuring each individual feels valued, understood, and capable of achieving their goals. With a warm and compassionate approach, she works closely with clients and families to achieve the best possible outcomes.

With over four years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and mental health awareness. She is deeply committed to empowering her clients by helping them rebuild confidence, foster independence, and thrive in their everyday lives.

PRACTICE MANAGER & ADMINISTRATION

SASKIA PARSLEY

PRACTICE MANAGER & ADMINISTRATION

Meet Saskia – Admin & Operations Coordinator at The Social Space

Saskia brings her strong background in Army HR and logistics to The Social Space, where she plays a vital role in ensuring our clinic runs smoothly and efficiently. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional organisational skills, she manages bookings, coordinates daily operations, and works closely with our team of psychologists to align therapy schedules and programs with client needs.

Her ability to streamline processes and manage time-critical tasks helps The Social Space deliver a consistently high standard of care and support. Saskia also plays a key part in planning and executing group programs and community-based activities—ensuring they’re scheduled at the most accessible and effective times for clients and practitioners alike.

By improving client communication, reducing wait times, and enhancing the overall service experience, Saskia contributes directly to the growth and success of The Social Space. Her work behind the scenes enables our psychologists to focus on what they do best—providing quality mental health support—while she ensures every client’s journey is smooth, positive, and well-managed.

GAMING CLUB MENTOR

DAYNA THOMPSON

GAMING CLUB MENTOR

An experienced producer of broadcast and digital content, with a special interest and knowledge of video games, television, arts and culture. Dayna has spent several years working at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) including as a production coordinator on Play School and ABC Arts programs, and 6 years as a producer on Good Game Spawn Point, a beloved long-running show all about video games for younger gamers aged 7-12. She is currently studying a Master of Digital Communication and Culture at the University of Sydney.

As a Mentor for The Social Space’s Gaming Club, Dayna encourages a shared interest in gaming as a gateway to social bonding and community building. Sessions typically involve casual discussion activities such as sharing game reviews and recommendations, gaming tips or highlights, as well as developing individual interests in games or technology-based creative projects and solo or multiplayer free play.

CERTIFIED SPEECH THERAPIST & PEERS CO-FACILITATOR

ALISSA GARGANO

CERTIFIED SPEECH THERAPIST & PEERS CO-FACILITATOR

Alissa is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with Advanced Practice in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since graduating from the University of Sydney, Alissa has worked in Singapore and Sydney, across a range of different settings including private practice, non-government agencies (NGO) and education settings. Alissa is very passionate about forming collaborative and supportive relationships with clients. She works with clients of all ages to help them reach their goals with communication, language and connection in relationships.

With a passion for lifelong learning, Alissa has continued to develop her knowledge of the brain and nervous system to better understand her clients and support them to achieve their goals. This has led Alissa to gain certification in Relation Development Intervention (RDI), a parent coaching program to help unlock dynamic thinking within the guiding relationship between parents and child. Alissa has also worked in teams to deliver the PEERS Program with older teens and young adults, supporting Social Coaches to develop and extend on social skills and peer relationship building.

Alissa believes that applying evidence based practice to fit in with the needs of her clients and their families is fundamental to helping them reach their goals. She works together to understand the uniqueness of each person she meets, and can make the therapeutic process as meaningful, supportive and beneficial as possible. Every client Alissa sees is capable of the growth and change they desire.

PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

CRISTIAN

PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Cristian is a graduate psychology student completing his second year of Masters in Clinical Psychology, after completing his honours degree with a High Distinction average. Cristian is a co-facilitator in SAS and Peers. Cristian has experience in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) therapeutic modalities, to aid clients in examining their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours as well as building skills to emotionally regulate, and increase interpersonal effectiveness. Cristian also has previous experience as an intake worker, working alongside parents and carers. Additionally, Cristian has previous experience working at a mental health hospital, helping clients work through severe and complex mental health issues.

Cristian is committed to working alongside neurodiverse clients and the specific challenges they may present with. Cristian recognises that the social scene can be challenging, and that sometimes you need support to learn build new skills and knowledge to flourish in that space. Cristian aims to create a safe environment that allows clients to be their authentic self by supporting and attending to people’s unique needs. Furthermore, Cristian knows the need of working alongside family and school systems to help support people and meet shared outcomes. Cristian is deeply committed to helping people empower themselves, to help build their self-confidence and autonomy.

feedback and complaints

We value feedback about our services / team to ensure we provide quality services for our clients and families. Please use the ‘register’ tab for enquiries about our services.

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