Our Team

Executive Management Team

Finance and Business Manager
Martin Binoj

Clinical Director

Jenna Ellis

Jenna is the Clinical Director at Woodbury and Ruben’s Place. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA). Jenna holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) double degree, Master of Rehabilitation Counselling and Master of Education and Instruction (Applied Behaviour Analysis).

Jenna found ABA by chance when she was studying at the University of Sydney in 2011. She accepted a casual position as an in-home ABA therapist advertised on the university’s website and has loved working in the field ever since. Previous to working at Woodbury, she worked for a service provider for 9 years focusing on supporting children in building skills across all developmental domains for in-home therapy, preschool and school settings, and parent training.

Jenna joined the Woodbury team as a Clinical Supervisor at Ruben’s Place in 2020, supporting students to build skills to best support them in preparation for the transition to the kindergarten setting. She quickly realized how important and functional group learning is for our students, and that the challenges faced in the home setting are different to those in the group learning setting.

Jenna stepped into the role as Woodbury and Ruben’s Place Clinical Director in 2023. She is passionate about applying Applied Behaviour Analysis in a group learning setting and how this can best support both students and staff. Jenna is proud to be a leader in the Woodbury and Ruben’s Place community because the work that the team does on a daily basis is incredibly inspiring.

Executive Administrator

Nadia Panetta

Nadia has worked in operational management roles for over 20 years. It has been Nadia’s passion to work in industries where she can apply her experiences to make a difference. As a people person, Nadia has the ability to listen and offer support where needed and Nadia is always looking for ways to better processes to improve outcomes for staff and families. Nadia is excited to be part of the amazing team at Woodbury and Ruben’s Place and looks forward to continuing to promote best practice within our environments. When not at work, Nadia enjoys cooking and entertaining family and friends.

Finance and Business Manager

Martin Binoj

Martin has brought his extensive experience in management and financial accounting to our Woodbury School Team since joining in September, 2019. Coming with extensive finance experience, he is keen to use his skills and knowledge within Woodbury. Martin is keen to ensure excellent financial performance, and meeting all financial compliances. When Martin is not assuming his role as a professional bean counter you can find him completely engrossed in a cricket match or singing just about any song on the radio.

Speech & Language Pathology Team

Jasmine De Aquino

Jasmine is a Speech Language Pathologist at Woodbury and Ruben’s Place. Jasmine’s career has focused on working with autistic children with communication difficulties in 1:1, group and school settings. She strongly believes that every child has the right to communicate and enjoys working with children, their family, teachers and therapists to strengthen a child’s chosen communication modalities.

Jasmine is particularly interested in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for students with disabilities and believes in functional, collaborative and person-centred work. Jasmine began her professional journey working in advertising and marketing for over 10 years, before re-skilling with a Master of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Sydney.

In her spare time Jasmine enjoys bushwalks, board games with her kids and beach swims.

Woodbury School Teaching Team

Assistant Clinical Supervisor
Andrea Berimballi

Assistant Clinical Supervisor
Joseph Hickman

Assistant Clinical Supervisor
Jessica Perlov

Clinical Supervisor

Merryll-Anne Morris

Merryll-Anne is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA), and Behaviour Support Practitioner, with special interests in the application of ABA in the school setting, teaching students essential functional skills, and the development and support of clinical and school staff.

Merryll-Anne started working in ABA in 2011 as a student. She then worked for various ABA providers in Sydney as a senior therapist while studying her Master of Special Education. During this time she also gained valuable teaching experience in special needs classrooms around Sydney.

Merryll-Anne spent 2017-2018 as a clinical supervisor in a specialist ABA school in London, where she fostered her passion for teaching essential functional and toleration skills. Returning to Sydney she worked as a supervisor, trainer, and clinical subject matter expert for a large ABA provider. However, Merryll-Anne’s work in the UK was career altering, and she was thrilled to return to this setting as a member of Woodbury in 2021.

Outside of work Merryll-Anne enjoys musical theatre, rock climbing, and hiking. Her favourite long-distance hikes have been the Great Ocean Walk and the Camino Portuguese.

Assistant Clinical Supervisor

Andrea Berimballi

After completing a diploma in early childhood education, Andrea went on to study a Bachelor of Teaching to further her career. After 6 years of educating young children within a Montessori learning environment, Andrea joined Woodbury as a Junior Therapist. She was eager to learn all about ABA and how best to support children with additional needs. At the start of 2021, Andrea began working with our young children in Rubens Place, and shortly thereafter, was appointed room leader gaining her RBT certification. Andrea’s passion is supporting our younger children in their growth and education before their move to primary school. “I believe education is about teaching a child in the way they learn and adapting the learning environment to suit their abilities and needs”.

Assistant Clinical Supervisor

Joseph Hickman

Joe began his ABA journey in 2019 working as a home therapist and a registered behavioural technician. He then started at Woodbury in 2021 as a level 2 therapist and began his new role as an assistant clinical supervisor in January 2023.

Joe has completed a Bachelor of Psychology with first class honours (GPA of 6.5 out of 7) in 2020 at Western Sydney University. Joe currently is studying a Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis through Monash University (current GPA is 6.75 out of 7) and is completing his supervision requirements through Woodbury. Joe aims to sit his BCBA exam and become a BCBA, once he is eligible.

Joe finds his job fulfilling because it allows him to do meaningful work that helps children to increase their independence, build their skills and enjoy coming to school.

Assistant Clinical Supervisor

Jessica Perlov

Jess began her ABA journey in 2016 as a behaviour technician supporting children in the home, school and preschool environments. In 2021, she worked as a senior therapist in the clinic-based realm until she joined Woodbury in September 2023.

Jess completed a Bachelors of speech, hearing and language sciences at Macquarie University while working in the ABA field to support her practical clinical skills. With the support of Woodbury, Jess is completing her supervision requirements to go alongside her studies at Griffith University in the Masters of Applied Behaviour Analysis.

The most fulfilling and rewarding part of the job for Jess is supporting learners develop lifelong leisure and play-skills to ensure joyful and meaningful ways to engage beyond the learning environments.

In her spare time, Jess enjoys relaxing and unwinding at the beach which is her favourite way to recharge and find balance.

Appointed Senior Teacher

Bec Freakley

Bec came to Woodbury as a teacher in 2010. After gaining experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis; her first experience and ABA training were through service providers and in-home therapy. Bec has a B. A (majoring in Psychology), and an M.Ed. Recently having completed her BCBA qualification she moved to the role of Clinical Supervisor. Bec brings extensive knowledge into the role not only in the classroom, but of Woodbury.

Her particular interests are helping children develop their self-help skills with regard to daily living tasks, communication, helping students manage and identify their own behaviours (where possible) and making the transition to other schools as smooth as possible for both the children and their families. Bec is also passionate about training others in ABA, including staff and other stakeholders, so more people can see the benefits of this powerful tool.

Teacher

Lori-Anne (Annie) Brennan

Lori-Anne (Annie), started at Woodbury in 2018.

Annie’s initial encounter of Woodbury was after an in class observation when they first opened in 2006. It was this experience which ignited Annie’s passion for teaching. Now, after completing her studies ( and a short break to start a family) she has come back to Woodbury and is excited to be part of this amazing team.

She first began her career in the Early Childhood Sector, completing a Diploma in Children’s Services. She then went on to complete a BEd (birth to 12 year) gaining valuable experience working with children in both the classroom and outside school settings. While on maternity leave she completed post graduate studies in behaviour support teaching.

What she enjoys most about working at Woodbury are the relationships and bonds that are built with your students and their families. Annie says “The students at Woodbury have taught me so much already and I can’t wait to see what my future at Woodbury holds”.

Teacher

Tammie Chui

Tammie graduated from Sydney University with a Masters of Teaching in primary school and went on to teach for a number of years at various schools throughout Sydney before moving to Canberra. At the end of last year, she returned with her family and has become a valuable member of the Woodbury team. She is a passionate teacher and loves watching students grow academically as well as socially and the excitement and energy that it brings. In her spare time, Tammie enjoys playing board games, reading and picnics with her family.

Teacher

Saba Irfan

Saba Irfan is an accomplished teacher at Woodbury, dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young minds. With a robust background in telecommunication engineering and over three years of experience as an antenna design engineer overseas, Saba transitioned seamlessly into the field of education upon moving to Australia. She pursued her passion for teaching by obtaining a Postgraduate Degree in Primary Teaching from Western Sydney University, graduating with distinction in 2023.

As a new teacher at Woodbury, Saba brings a wealth of enthusiasm and commitment. Her journey is defined by a profound desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her students, empowering them to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Saba’s dedication, combined with her diverse expertise and genuine passion for education, marks her as an invaluable asset to the Woodbury School Community.

Teacher

Ethan Munday

After graduating with a BA and B.Ed (primary) Ethan moved to the UK to explore different teaching opportunities. During this time he worked in a range of roles including teaching at a behavioural school, special ed needs and disability schools including children with Autism, as well as working on a one to one basis with students who had been excluded from school and looking to return.

Through these schools he witnessed the improvements students could achieve academically, socially and emotionally when the appropriate learning environment and support was provided. These experiences fostered a strong passion for teaching children with additional needs and developed my educational philosophy of inclusion wholism and independence which he brings with him to Woodbury.

Teacher

Sarah Stewart

After graduating with a Bachelors of Primary Education (Majoring in Inclusive Education), Sarah taught in a primary school before becoming a full-time carer of a close family member who had a profound intellectual and physical disability. During this time, she commenced a Master of Education (Special Education) where she developed an interest in teaching with the principles of ABA and a passion for supporting students with high support needs.

Sarah has high expectations of her students achieving this by providing engaging and fun learning experiences, through encouragement and positivity developing communication and functional skills. Her wholistic approach to teaching, ensures Saran builds independence and self-determination for her students.

Ruben’s Place Team

Assistant Clinical Supervisor
Amira Bazouni

Clinical Supervisor

Deblina Das

Deblina is a Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA), Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) and an NDIS registered Behaviour Support Practitioner. She is dedicated towards supporting young children with their foundational skills of communication, play, self-care and socialization to help them become independent in a safe and trusted environment of learning. She also has extensive experience in parent coaching and helping families and caregivers build capacities to support their children. She believes collaboration to be a key factor in the dissemination of Behaviour Analysis and behaviour support practice in Australia.

She is enthusiastic about working in a group learning environment, bringing the joy with children and fostering a sense of belongingness and teamwork amongst the teachers and clinicians who are inspirational in so many ways.

Ligia Martos

Ligia is a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) and an NDIS-registered Behaviour Support Practitioner. After completing her Psychology degree, she spent five years implementing educational projects in Brazil and 5 countries in Africa. For the past decade, Ligia has focused on supporting people with disabilities, particularly in the areas of mental health and applied behaviour analysis.

Ligia’s true passion lies in working with children, helping them acquire meaningful skills that lead to happier, more independent, and fulfilling lives. She firmly believes that all learning processes can be respectful and joyful. Her dedication to the work at Ruben’s Place stems from her conviction that foundational skills will have a positive impact on her students’ lives.

In her spare time, she likes to take dancing classes, go to the beach and spend time with her loved ones.

Assistant Clinical Supervisor

Amira Bazouni

Coming from a HR background, Amira has always enjoyed working with people. An interest in childhood and adolescent psychology saw her pursue a degree in Psychological Science. Amira started at Ruben’s Place as a therapist and a room leader. She has recently moved into the assistant clinical supervisor role. She received her RBT certification and is currently working towards completing her Masters and a BCBA qualification. Amira has found working with the children and their families incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. She has a particular interest in alternative methods of communication and assisting children in reaching independent communication.

Room Leader

Trishia Barlahan

Trishia found ABA whilst studying Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) in 2020. She started as a junior ABA therapist with a service provider, she diligently supported children in enhancing their skills across developmental domains through in-home, one-on-one therapy. In 2022, Trishia joined Woodbury as a casual therapist to explore the group-based application of ABA. Progressing swiftly, she became a permanent behaviour therapist at Rubens Place. In 2023, Trishia embraced a leadership role as a room leader. Her dedication to growth is evident through her plans of pursuing a Masters in ABA in 2024.

Trishia’s genuine passion for supporting children and fostering strong connections with families shines through every aspect of her work.

Room Leader

Vanessa Phan

After graduating from a Bachelor’s and Honour’s degree in Psychological Science, Vanessa found ABA through the recommendation of her Honours supervisor. Vanessa joined us in 2020 as a junior therapist at Woodbury where she quickly grew to love the work and team. She saw the value of implementing the principles of ABA in the classroom and found fulfilment in seeing the students thrive and progress in a safe and nurturing environment. Vanessa was then appointed the Room Leader role at Ruben’s Place after wanting to further her experience working with a younger age group. Her passion is to provide her students with a voice to advocate for themselves and to provide them with fun and engaging learning experiences based around their special interests. Vanessa strongly believes in the power of ‘yet’ in her students and encourages them to enjoy every little step they take towards learning.

In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys going on walks, eating sushi and spending time alone with a good book.

Therapy Team

Meet the Woodbury Therapy Team.

Woodbury is proud to have a dedicated team of highly trained ABA therapists who work in our school providing vital support within the classroom.

The team here at Woodbury undergo specialist training in ABA, and are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, including education, speech pathology, childcare and psychology.

Our Board of Directors

Woodbury was started in 2006 after a group of parents and a dedicated speech therapist saw how ABA therapy could improve the lives of children with Autism. As the first school of its kind and based in NSW, Woodbury has made ABA therapy accessible to parents and families offering their children acceptance and achievement.

Those parents and Speech therapist, now form our Board of Directors along with a parent representative. The board of directors work closely with our Clinical Director and Finance Manager to ensure Woodbury’s continued development and growth.