Our Team

At Woodbury, our dedicated team of clinicians, specialist teachers, room leaders, therapists, and administrative personnel are united by their commitment to meeting the diverse educational needs of autistic children.

We foster a collaborative, kind, and inclusive environment, ensuring that our approach is tailored to the unique abilities of every student. Our clinical team brings extensive knowledge and passion, while our teaching staff are highly skilled and driven to provide exceptional learning opportunities. Together, they create meaningful and engaging programs that capture the attention and imagination of our learners, fostering their growth and development through education.

Led by a strong and capable board and executive team, we are all dedicated to meeting each student where they are on their learning journey and empowering them to grow into the best learners they can be.

Executive Management Team

Woodbury School – Jenna Ellis

Jenna is the Clinical Director at Woodbury and Ruben’s Place and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA). She discovered her passion for ABA in 2011 as an in-home therapist and has since dedicated her career to helping children thrive. Joining Woodbury in 2020, Jenna values the opportunity to apply ABA in group learning settings, supporting students, families, and staff. She is proud to be part of a team that inspires growth and positive change every day.

Jenna Ellis

Clinical Director
Woodbury School – Nadia Panetta

Nadia has over 20 years of experience in operational management, with a passion for making a difference in industries that matter. A natural people person, she excels at listening and offering support while constantly seeking ways to improve processes for staff and families. Nadia is a pivotal part of the Woodbury and Ruben’s Place team, where she is committed to promoting best practices. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and entertaining family and friends.

Nadia Panetta

Executive Administrator
Woodbury School – Martin Binoj 2024

Martin joined the Woodbury team in September 2019, bringing extensive experience in management and financial accounting. Dedicated to ensuring excellent financial performance and compliance, Martin is passionate about using his skills to support the Woodbury community. Outside of work, he enjoys watching cricket and singing along to just about any song on the radio.

Martin Binoj

Finance and Business Manager

Clinical Team

Woodbury School – Amira Bazouni

Amira has over 10 years of experience in Human Resources, with a passion for person-centred work. She pursued a degree in Psychological Science and earned her RBT qualification in ABA. Amira joined Ruben’s Place in 2021 as a therapist, later becoming Room Leader, Assistant Clinical Supervisor, and now, a Clinical Supervisor. In 2024, she completed her Masters in ABA and is working toward CBA and BCBA qualifications. Amira focuses on alternative communication methods and helping children achieve independent communication.

Amira Bazouni

Clinical Supervisor
Woodbury School – Deblina Das V3

Deblina is a Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA), Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA), and NDIS-registered Behaviour Support Practitioner. She is passionate about supporting young children in communication, play, self-care, and socialisation to help them become independent in a trusted learning environment. With extensive experience in parent coaching, Deblina values collaboration in spreading behaviour analysis and supporting families. She enjoys fostering a sense of teamwork and joy in group learning.

Deblina Das

Clinical Supervisor
Woodbury School – Sophia Fraihat Clinical Supervisor

Sophia is a Clinical Supervisor at Woodbury, a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA), and a registered NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner. With a Masters of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University, she has been dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities since 2016. Passionate about fostering safe and trusted learning environments, Sophia uses evidence-based interventions to help children develop functional communication, tolerance, and life skills. In her free time, Sophia enjoys training, good food, and time with her family.

Sophia Fraihat

Clinical Supervisor
Woodbury School – Joseph Hickman

Joe began his ABA journey in 2019 as a home therapist and registered behavioural technician, then joined Woodbury in 2021 as a Level 2 therapist. In January 2023, he took on the role of assistant clinical supervisor. With a Bachelor of Psychology (first-class honours) from Western Sydney University and currently pursuing a Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis at Monash University, Joe is working toward his BCBA certification. Joe finds his work deeply fulfilling, as it allows him to help children build independence, develop new skills, and enjoy their time at school.

Joe Hickman

Clinical Supervisor
Woodbury School – Ligia Martos

Ligia is a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) and an NDIS-registered Behaviour Support Practitioner. After completing her Psychology degree, she implemented educational projects in Brazil and five African countries. For the past decade, Ligia has focused on supporting people with disabilities, particularly in mental health and applied behaviour analysis. Passionate about working with children, she helps them acquire meaningful skills to lead independent, fulfilling lives. Ligia enjoys dancing, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.

Ligia Martos

Clinical Supervisor
Woodbury School – Jessica Perlov

Jess began her ABA journey in 2016 as a behaviour technician, supporting children in home, school, and preschool environments. In 2021, she worked as a senior therapist in a clinic-based setting before joining Woodbury in September 2023. Jess holds a Bachelors in Speech, Hearing, and Language Sciences from Macquarie University and is currently completing her Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis at Griffith University with Woodbury’s support. Jess finds the most fulfilment in helping learners develop lifelong leisure and play skills for joyful engagement beyond the learning environment. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing at the beach to recharge.

Jessica Perlov

Clinical Supervisor
Woodbury School – Andrea Berimballi

After working in the early childhood education industry for six years, Andrea was ready for a new challenge and discovered Woodbury. She joined the team in 2020 as a Level 2 Therapist, where she quickly developed a deep passion for Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and supporting autistic children. This passion led her to become a Room Leader at Ruben's Place, where she began pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Eager to deepen her knowledge of behaviour support, Andrea enrolled in a Masters program in Applied Behaviour Analysis. In 2024, she transitioned back to the primary school setting, taking on the role of Assistant Clinical Supervisor.

Andrea Berimballi

Assistant Clinical Supervisor
Woodbury School – Sejal Choudhary

With a strong HR background and an MBA, Sejal transitioned into the study of autism after her son was diagnosed in 2020. Driven by a desire to learn, Sejal joined Woodbury as a practical student while studying support education. There, she gained hands-on experience and witnessed the transformative power of ABA. Inspired by this, Sejal is now pursuing her goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) while completing her studies at Griffith University.

Sejal Choudhary

Assistant Clinical Supervisor

Speech & Language Pathology Team

Woodbury School – Jasmine De Aquino 2024

Jasmine is a Speech Language Pathologist at Woodbury and Ruben’s Place, dedicated to helping autistic children find their voice and thrive. She works closely with families, teachers, and therapists to support communication through functional, person-centred approaches, including AAC. After a decade in advertising, Jasmine followed her passion and earned her Masters in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Sydney. Outside of work, she loves bushwalks, board games with her kids, and beach swims.

Jasmine De Aquino

Senior Speech Language Pathologist
Woodbury School – Colleen Khamis

Colleen holds a Masters in Speech and Language Pathology and is passionate about helping children find their voice and build meaningful connections. With extensive experience supporting school-aged children with diverse needs, including autism, Down syndrome, and language delays, she takes a holistic, child-centred approach rooted in encouragement and compassion. Outside of work, Colleen enjoys staying active at the gym, spending time with family, and exploring her love of cooking.

Colleen Khamis

Speech Language Pathologist

Woodbury Teaching Team

Woodbury School – Rebecca Freakley

Bec joined Woodbury as a teacher in 2010, gaining her first ABA experience through service providers and in-home therapy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology and a Masters in Special Education. In 2020, Bec became a BCBA and transitioned into a Clinical Supervisor role. In 2024, she was appointed Head Teacher, bringing her expertise in both education and ABA to all classrooms. Bec is dedicated to helping children develop self-help skills, improve communication, and smoothly transition to other schools, whilst training others in ABA.

Bec Freakley

Appointed Senior Teacher
Woodbury School – Lori-Anne Brennan

Annie joined Woodbury in 2018, having first encountered the school in 2006 during an observation that sparked her passion for teaching. After completing a Diploma in Children’s Services and a BEd (birth to 12 years), Annie gained experience in both classroom and outside school settings. During maternity leave, she completed postgraduate studies in behaviour support teaching. Annie enjoys building relationships with students and families and is excited for her future at Woodbury.

Annie Brennan

Teacher
Woodbury School – Saba Irfan

Saba Irfan is an accomplished teacher at Woodbury, passionate about fostering the growth and development of young minds. With a background in telecommunication engineering, Saba transitioned into education in Australia, earning a Postgraduate Degree in Primary Teaching from Western Sydney University in 2023. Saba is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on her students, helping them reach their full potential.

Saba Irfan

Teacher
Woodbury School – Ethan Munday

After graduating with a BA and B.Ed (primary), Ethan moved to the UK to explore various teaching roles, including at a behavioural school and special education settings. Working with children with autism and those excluded from school, he witnessed the positive impact of tailored support, and developed a passion for teaching children with additional needs. Ethan brings his educational philosophy of inclusion, wholism, and independence to his work at Woodbury.

Ethan Munday

Appointed Senior Teacher
Woodbury School – Sarah-Anne Stewart

After graduating with a Bachelor of Primary Education (Majoring in Inclusive Education), Sarah taught in a primary school before becoming a full-time carer for a family member with a profound disability. During this time, she began a Master of Education (Special Education) and developed an interest in ABA. Sarah provides engaging, fun learning experiences to help students develop communication, functional skills, independence, and self-determination, with a focus on positivity and encouragement.

Sarah Stewart

Teacher

Ruben’s Place Team

Woodbury School – Kaya Demir

Kaya graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. With experience as a Speech Therapy Assistant and a Room Leader, she has developed a solid foundation in supporting children’s speech, language, and overall development. Kaya is passionate about working with children, creating an environment that fosters growth, confidence, and communication skills. She tailors her approach to meet the needs of each child and is committed to helping them reach their full potential. Kaya continues to expand her knowledge to provide high-quality care and support.

Kaya Demir

Room Leader
Woodbury School – Trisha Barlahan

Trishia discovered ABA while studying a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) in 2020 and began as a junior ABA therapist. She supported children through in-home therapy before joining Woodbury in 2022 as a casual therapist. Quickly advancing to a permanent behaviour therapist, Trishia became a room leader in 2023. She plans to pursue a Masters in ABA in 2024. Trishia’s passion for supporting children and building strong family connections shines through in her work.

Trishia Barlahan

Room Leader
Woodbury School – Vanessa Phan

After graduating with a Bachelor’s and Honours degree in Psychological Science, Vanessa discovered ABA in 2020 and joined Woodbury as a junior therapist. She quickly fell in love with the work and team, progressing to room leader at Ruben’s Place. Vanessa’s passion is to give students a voice and create engaging learning experiences. She believes in the power of 'yet' and celebrates every step toward learning. In her spare time, she enjoys walks, sushi, and reading.

Vanessa Phan

Room Leader

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.

Woodbury Autism Education
Woodbury Autism Education

Our Board of Directors

Founded in 2006 by a group of visionary parents and a dedicated Speech and Language Pathologist, Woodbury School was established to provide Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA therapy) and improve the lives of autistic children.

As the first school of its kind in NSW, Woodbury made ABA therapy accessible, offering families a supportive environment where children experience acceptance and achievement. Today, our founding parents and Speech and Language Pathologist continue to serve on our Board of Directors, alongside other members who share deep connections to the Woodbury community.

Together, the Board works hand-in-hand with our Executive Management Team to ensure Woodbury’s continued growth and development, so they can keep empowering children and families for years to come.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Be a driving force for change at Woodbury and become part of a community dedicated to unlocking potential, fostering growth, and making a real difference in the lives of autistic children through education.

Your journey starts here!

Please email your resume to: hello@woodbury.org.au

Woodbury is a warm and unique setting to work in. Never have I felt so supported in my role as a teacher. The school has an amazing culture of collaboration and teachers work alongside clinical staff daily to support students in the moment. Staff ratios are exceptionally high, which enables me to create a dynamic fun classroom where best practice is a reality and not a dream.”

“Working at Woodbury gives me a unique opportunity to learn and implement new teaching methodologies with support and professional development”