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.
💬 A Message from the Clinic Director
When I founded The Social Space Psychology Clinic, my vision was clear — to bridge the gap in accessible, evidence-based psychological services for neurodiverse individuals and their families across the lifespan. Over the years, I had worked with so many incredible adults who struggled with anxiety, depression, and isolation — not because they lacked potential, but because they had never received the right early support. Many of them missed out on early intervention, and as their environments and life demands changed, their challenges grew more complex. I wanted to change that story.
The Social Space Psychology Clinic was created to be a place where individuals could receive support across every stage of life — from early childhood to adulthood — because needs evolve, and development doesn’t stop when school ends. Our goal is to provide a true “one-stop space” for ongoing growth, learning, and connection.
Just as importantly, I wanted to create a clinic where people could find their tribe — a community of like-minded peers who understand, connect, and celebrate each other’s differences. For many of our clients, this is the first time they’ve felt seen, accepted, and valued for who they are.
My passion lies in supporting neurodiverse individuals to recognise their unique strengths and potential. I firmly believe that with the right support, understanding, and environment, every person can flourish — socially, emotionally, and personally.
At The Social Space Psychology Clinic, we don’t just treat difficulties; we nurture strengths, build confidence, and empower individuals and families to thrive together.
Katerina Stratilas
(Clinical Director & Clinical Psychologist)
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
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.
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
CRISTIAN PINTO HAYES
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
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.
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.