About Us

Annie's Centre is Sydney 's first independent health clinic established exclusively for the health and developmental needs of children and their families.

Annie's Centre was launched in December 2004 by Founder and Director, Dr Anne Chalfant, Clinical Psychologist. Anne and her team of health professionals have extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of childhood difficulties such as challenging behaviour and ADHD, learning difficulties, language disorders, fine and gross motor difficulties, anxiety and depression, Autism, Asperger's and related developmental difficulties.

Dr. Anne Chalfant Director and Clinical Psychologist B.Sc.Psych.(Hons.), M.Clin.Psych.(Hons.), D.Clin.Psych, MAPS, MAACBT Member APS College of Clinical Psychologists

Anne has a wide range of experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of developmental, intellectual, emotional and behavioural difficulties within children. She is well regarded by parents, other health and education professionals and the media for her expertise in child health and development.

Anne has presented frequently on “Parenting” on talk-back radio. She has served as a guest expert on Parenting for both Radio 2GB and Radio 2UE in Sydney.

She has trained and worked in a variety of settings including, public health, non-government organisations and Universities both within Australia and Overseas. As a result, Anne has extensive skills in providing clinical consultation to children and families as well as to schools and health organizations both across Australia and overseas.

She is a Lecturer for the University of New South Wales and a Clinical Supervisor for both the University of New South Wales and the University of Western Sydney, Australia. Highly regarded for her clinical work with children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), she is the only diagnostician in NSW using the two major diagnostic assessment tools for Autism in all her diagnostic assessments. These are the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).

As a specialist consultant, Anne is highly sought after by both schools and families. She is one of few clinicians in Australia to have trained with the TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and other related Communication-handicapped CHildren) program at the University of North Carolina, USA. Therefore, she has specialist skills in creating effective learning environments for children with Autism, in their schools and homes.

Anne has a strong background in research and training. She has been involved in developing and conducting research projects on various aspects of child health and development including the treatment of anxiety in children, early intervention programs and effective parenting programs.

Anne is noted for her research into the anxiety difficulties of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which she has presented at both national and international conferences. As a part of her Doctoral research, Anne co-authored the first, manual based, cognitive-behavioural intervention program for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and anxiety difficulties. Please feel free to read a copy of Anne’s latest research article as published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

In 2004 Anne was awarded the Australian Psychological Society National Clinical Psychology Conference Prize for Early Career Research. As a highly regarded trainer, Anne has a wide range of experience in running seminars, workshops and professional development courses on child health and development.

She is one of only 2 people in the Asia-Pacific region with international qualifications to train health professionals in the main diagnostic tools for Autism, the Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised (ADI-R) and the Observation Schedule" (ADOS) . She has conducted these training courses in Australia, North America, Asia and the Middle East.

Janaki Rughani Clinical Psychologist B.Sc.Psych., Grad.Dip.Sc. (Psychology) with Merit, D.Clin. Psych. (Candidate), Assoc MAPS Student Member APS College of Clinical Psychologists

Janaki has considerable knowledge and experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of behavioural, emotional, learning and social difficulties within children and adolescents. She has worked in community and private settings with children and families experiencing challenges with Oppositional Behaviour, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Relational Issues and Parent management. Janaki has experience in working with children and their families both individually and in group settings. She has specialist experience in helping children learn to identify, understand, express and regulate their emotions.

Janaki is a registered Psychologist who has completed her Clinical Psychology training and is currently completing the final requirements of her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She has received university training in supervising intern psychologists and has extensive research experience. Her current research involves the development and implementation of a school-based intervention designed to assist high school students in seeking professional help to solve difficult problems such as depression or anxiety. Janaki has an ongoing commitment to professional development and values the importance of applying evidence based principles to her clinical work.

Janaki is passionate towards her work. She has also enjoyed carrying out volunteer work with children and disadvantaged families both in Australia and overseas.

Corinne Restuccia Clinical Psychologist B. Psych.(Hons.), M.Clin.Psych. (Hons.), MAPS, MAACBT Member of the British Psychological Society

Corinne is an enthusiastic, warm and professional Clinical Psychologist who is dedicated to enhancing the emotional, social, behavioural and educational well-being of children, young people and their families. She is experienced in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of developmental, learning and behavioural difficulties in clinical and research settings in Australia. Corinne also spent several years working directly with children, their parents and educational staff in school settings in the United Kingdom. In her work, Corinne recognises families as experts in their own lives and uses a range of evidence-based strategies to tailor treatment to each individual child’s and family’s needs.

Corinne’s qualifications include a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of NSW and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Macquarie University. She values and maintains the importance of ongoing professional education in order to enhance her practice and to receive information on the most up-to-date and effective evidence-based interventions.

Corinne is fully registered with the NSW Psychologists’ Registration Board, is a member of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy and the Australian Psychological Society. She is also a member of the British Psychological Society.

Lindy Abelsohn Registered Psychologist and Senior Behaviour Therapist B.A. Psychology, P.G.Dip. (Psychology), MAPS

Lindy has over 4 years experience in the Educational and Developmental field, implementing individualised interventions to children with Learning Difficulties and Developmental Disorders such as AD/HD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Autism Spectrum Disorders across a range of settings. She has been trained in Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and has provided therapy to children ranging in age from infancy to adolescence.

Lindy is skilled in supporting the emotional, social and academic development of children within the educational setting, in addition to conducting initial and ongoing assessments of clients within a clinical setting. She is familiar with the challenges many families face when their child is diagnosed with a learning, developmental or emotional difficulty and strives to accomplish client goals and help overcome challenges through her interventions.

Amy Spruce Speech Pathologist B. Sp. Path., M.S.P.A.A., Member of Speech Pathology Australia

Amy has had experience working with children of all abilities. She has had training and experience in the community health setting, hospitals as well as private practice. Amy has extensive knowledge and experience in the assessment and management of children with phonological disorders, articulation delays, language delays/disorders, fluency disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

Amy has a special interest in reading and literacy support for children. In fact, she is one of the registered practitioners and trainers for the MULTILIT Reading Tutor Program (Revised) at Annie’s Centre. Early speech and language difficulties can be one the key factors in children not reaching their potential with reading and literacy skills. Amy is very experienced in providing intensive support and systematic instruction to children who are low-progress readers and for children with delays in pre-literacy skills.

Amy also has a keen interest in working with developing countries and communities. She has worked with Operation Boomerang and the Trinh Foundation in Vietnam in a voluntary capacity providing services to children with a range of disabilities in hospitals, orphanages and in community health settings. Amy has brought her international experience to Annie’s Centre, offering a holistic approach to working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Elaine Lee Occupational Therapist B. App. Sc.(Occupational Therapy), Member of Australian Association of Occupational Therapists – NSW

Elaine is an experienced therapist who has worked in both Occupational Rehabilitation and Paediatrics. She has worked in both the public and non government sector, including working within schools.

Elaine has extensive experience in providing physical and cognitive therapy to children and adolescents both individually and through group skill programs such as social and life skill groups. She has worked with children with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.

Elaine has specialist skills in sensory integration therapy. She has developed and provided programs to support children both in their school and home settings. Elaine also brings specialist expertise in trialling and applying for Assistive Technology to support and enhance academic learning and in providing hydrotherapy. Elaine works collaboratively with families and other health professionals to ensure that therapy goals are achieved.

Roxanne Dogon Psychologist (prov. Registered) and Senior Behaviour Therapist B.A. (Psych.), P.G. Dip.Psych, Assoc MAPS

Roxanne has diverse knowledge and experience in working with children with behaviour and developmental difficulties including children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and children with AD/HD. Roxanne is experienced in using a range of intervention methods to work with children including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

In her role as a Senior Behaviour Therapist Roxanne is responsible for developing, overseeing, and maintaining intensive early intervention programs. The programs address many of the social, emotional, behavioural and linguistic challenges that young children with developmental difficulties can experience. They enable children to develop effective communication and social skills, to become competent in completing a wide range of daily living skills, to manage strong emotions such as frustration and anxiety and to prepare appropriately for their transition into primary school. Roxanne has also been responsible for providing behaviour-based parent training to parents of children with behaviour and developmental disorders.

Roxanne is a provisionally registered Psychologist who graduated with a High Distinction in her Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology from Macquarie University. She is an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Anna Demetre Receptionist

Anna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Annie’s Centre in dealing with children and the general public. She has worked with various organizations including work as a receptionist in High Schools as well as travel and recruitment agencies. Anna has also worked as a functions manager in sports clubs and function centres.

As a mother of 5, Anna has extensive experience in supporting children and families. She has participated in reading and maths programs at her childrens' schools to help promote better reading skills and to enhance understanding of maths concepts. Anna also assisted in canteen duties when required over many years.

Anna is able to assist and communicate with families and children at Annie’s Centre with ease and confidence, making their visit to the Centre comfortable and stress free. Please feel free to contact Anna at the Centre to make an appointment or to arrange professional services for your family or organisation.