Social Space

Meet Our Team

Katerina Stratilas
Clinic Director & Clinical Psychologist

Katerina Stratilas.

Katerina is a Clinical Psychologist and the founding director of The Social Space. With specialist endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disorders, she brings extensive expertise in the assessment and treatment of neurodiverse individuals.

As a certified facilitator of internationally recognised programs like Secret Agent Society (SAS) and PEERS®, she delivers evidence-based tools that empower families to embrace their strengths and thrive.

Her vision is clear: every person deserves the opportunity to experience connection, confidence, and happiness. Under her leadership, The Social Space has become a safe, inclusive, and affirming boutique environment.

Autism Specialist Developmental Disorders PEERS® Certified SAS Facilitator NeuroACT
Juliette Kratochvil
Registered Psychologist

Juliette Kratochvil.

Juliette is a trauma-informed Registered Psychologist with a Master of Professional Psychology (Excellence). She is currently developing an evidence-based, neurodivergent-affirming DBT program set to launch in 2026.

Skilled in CBT, ACT, and SFT, Juliette provides therapy across the lifespan and is a certified facilitator for PEERS®, SAS, and NeuroACT. She is highly proficient in complex neurodevelopmental assessments, including Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disorders.

A passionate advocate for neurodiversity, she prides herself on cultivating a warm, empathetic environment that empowers clients to build resilience and optimism for the future.

Assessment Expertise
MIGDAS-2
WISC/WIAT
DIVA-5
BASC-3
Conners-4
Vineland-3
Stephanie Karam
Provisional Psychologist

Stephanie Karam.

Stephanie is a Provisional Psychologist completing her Master of Professional Psychology. She specializes in working with ASD and ADHD across all ages, bringing over four years of experience supporting neurodevelopmental disabilities.

With a warm, compassionate approach, Stephanie is a trained facilitator for PEERS®, SAS, and NeuroACT. She is deeply committed to neurodiverse-affirming practices, ensuring each client feels valued and understood while achieving their goals.

She has pioneered several engaging, skill-based initiatives at the clinic designed to rebuild confidence and foster independence through both one-to-one therapy and group sessions.

Innovative Initiatives
🎮 Minecraft Social Skills
🧩 LEGO-Based Therapy
🏫 High School Transitions
💪 Resilience Bootcamps
Cristian Pinto Hayes
Provisional Psychologist

Cristian Pinto Hayes.

Cristian is a Clinical Psychology graduate student currently completing his Masters degree following an Honours degree with High Distinction. He brings specialized experience from hospital-based mental health settings, assisting clients through complex challenges.

A skilled co-facilitator in SAS and PEERS®, Cristian utilizes CBT and DBT modalities to help clients navigate their thoughts and build essential interpersonal effectiveness. He is deeply committed to creating safe, inclusive environments for neurodiverse individuals.

By working closely with family and school systems, Cristian aims to empower his clients, helping them build the self-confidence and autonomy needed to flourish in social spaces.

Clinical Focus
⚕️ Complex Mental Health
🤝 Interpersonal Skills
🧠 CBT & DBT Modalities
🏠 Family System Support
Saskia Parsley
Practice Manager & Administration

Saskia Parsley.

Saskia brings a unique background in Army HR and Logistics to The Social Space, playing a vital role in ensuring the clinic runs with precision and efficiency. Her keen eye for detail ensures every client’s journey is smooth and well-managed.

By streamlining daily operations and coordinating complex therapy schedules, Saskia enables our psychologists to focus entirely on providing high-quality mental health support. She is also a key planner for our group programs and community activities.

Her dedication to improving client communication and reducing wait times contributes directly to the consistently high standard of care and boutique experience offered at our clinic.

Practice Excellence
📅 Booking Management
Process Optimization
🤝 Client Experience
📣 Community Coordination
Dayna Thompson
Gaming Club Mentor

Dayna Thompson.

Dayna is an experienced producer of broadcast and digital content with over six years at the ABC, including work on Play School and Good Game Spawn Point. She is currently completing a Master of Digital Communication and Culture at the University of Sydney.

As a Mentor for our Gaming Club, Dayna uses her deep knowledge of video games and arts to encourage social bonding and community building. Her sessions focus on using gaming as a gateway to connection, creativity, and confidence.

Through shared interest in technology-based creative projects and collaborative play, Dayna empowers young gamers to find their community in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.

Club Specialities
🎮 Community Building
Game Reviews & Tips
🎨 Creative Projects
📺 Media & Culture
Alissa Gargano
Certified Speech Therapist & PEERS Co-Facilitator

Alissa Gargano.

Alissa is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with Advanced Practice in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Having practiced in both Singapore and Sydney, she brings a diverse clinical perspective to her collaborative work with clients of all ages.

With specialized certification in Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Alissa empowers parents through coaching to unlock dynamic thinking and communication. She is also a key facilitator for the PEERS® program for teens and young adults.

Her evidence-based approach focuses on the unique nervous system of each individual, making the therapeutic process meaningful, supportive, and beneficial for lifelong communication and connection.

Clinical Expertise
🗣️ Speech Pathology
🧠 ASD Advanced Practice
👪 RDI Parent Coaching
🤝 Relationship Building
Untitled design (89)

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.

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.

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.

Cristian Pinto Hayes

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.

Saskia Parsley

Practice Manager & Administration

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.

 

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. 

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.