Our Team

Eliza Kerwin

Director/Play Therapist
BPsychSc, MCPT

I am a registered Play Therapist through the Australasian Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA). I currently hold a Masters Degree in Child Play Therapy from Deakin University. Prior to this, I completed my Bachelor of Psychological Science, also at Deakin University. Up until the start of 2021, I spent two years living in Singapore. Whilst I was there, I held various roles across child therapeutic services and a school for children with disabilities. This experience of living and working overseas has given me a deeper understanding of cultural differences, working with minority groups, and the challenges they face.

Prior to setting up my own practice, I worked with the Department of Health and Human Services, where I supported children who had experienced significant trauma and/or had been removed from their parent’s care. This showed me the many ways in which trauma can present itself within a child, and the need for an individualistic approach to therapy.

Whilst completing my Masters, I worked with a range of children who experienced difficulties such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Anxiety, Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), social difficulties and physical disabilities. 

I have completed my TraumaPlay™ Certification (Trauma Play Institute, Tennessee, USA). This further training equips me to work with children and families who have severe and complex trauma. I am also a Certified Facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy.

At Peninsula Play Therapy, we strive to create a safe, positive and nurturing environment, which enables children to grow and develop in confidence, whilst learning through play. We aim to make a genuine difference in the lives of children through the highest quality, evidence-based therapy. Our vision is to help society to provide an environment where all children can grow and reach their full potential.

Ellesha Wilson

Play Therapist
BPsychSc(Hons), MCPT

I recently completed my Masters of Child Play Therapy (Deakin University) and I am a Registered Play Therapist through the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA). Previously, I have completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), majoring in cognitive neuroscience.

In addition to this, I have extensive experience working as a support worker for many years with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Over the past year, I have been implementing the Learn to Play program with many children with a range of developmental needs and diagnoses, including global developmental delay (GDD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ASD. Throughout my Masters training, I developed skills in facilitating Humanistic Play Therapy sessions, where I focused on fostering a child’s ability to grow and heal from adverse experiences.

I became a Play Therapist to assist children in meeting their fullest potential in their emotional, social and cognitive development. I am passionate about helping children express themselves, grow and engage socially with others through play. I am grateful that through my work I am able to witness children utilise the therapeutic powers of play to enhance their self-esteem, understand their past experiences and learn to regulate themselves emotionally and physically.

I achieve this through permitting the child to be themselves and accepting them with unconditional positive regard, while maintaining a safe environment and developing a strong therapeutic relationship with both the child and their family. 

I am currently in the process of completing my TraumaPlay™ Certification (Trauma Play Institute, Tennessee, USA). This further training equips me to work with children and families who have severe and complex trauma.I am also a Certified Facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy.

Ruth Wendt

Play Therapist
BECE, MCPT

I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at The University of Melbourne and have been a kindergarten teacher for 17 years. More recently, I have been delivering school readiness programs for children in both individual and group settings. I have completed my Masters Degree in Child Play Therapy at Deakin University and have been delivering Play Therapy as well as incorporating therapeutic play principles into my school readiness programs.

I am passionate about working collaboratively with all the significant parts of a child’s system- their family, school, neighbourhood and other relevant services in their life- to ensure we are getting the best outcomes for children.

Building warm, trusting relationships is my number one priority in all the work that I do with children and families. Developing deep connections allows for a collaborative approach to identifying solutions tailored to individual children and their family units.

I have worked with children from diverse backgrounds, including children with Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and difficulties with social development and emotional regulation. I have experience in supporting families with NDIS applications and ongoing support with goal setting and intervention planning.

I aim to create a safe and supportive environment, where children and families can express themselves freely and creatively, without judgment or pressure; a space for everyone to feel heard and valued.

I love to play…. and I believe that play therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that can foster positive change and growth in people of all ages.

Rachel Mills

Play Therapist
BECE, MCPT

As a graduate of Deakin University’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program, I’ve had the privilege of working in the vibrant world of early childhood learning as both a Kindergarten and Primary teacher over the past 7 years.

Now as I have completed my Masters of Child Play Therapy at Deakin University, my dedication to understanding and supporting children with diverse backgrounds, abilities and neurodiversity’s continues unabated, grounded in a strengths-based approach.

An unwavering conviction in the extraordinary power of play drives my therapeutic methodology. Viewing play as a conduit for healing, growth, and self-expression, I find fulfilment in witnessing its remarkable transformative effects as children are afforded the freedom to explore, create, and connect on their own terms.

Central to my ethos is the recognition of the profound impact of tailored, individualized support for children through the therapeutic relationship. Committed to fostering safe, inclusive spaces where children and families alike feel seen, heard, and valued. 

In acknowledgement of the pivotal role families play in a child’s life, I place a particular emphasis in harnessing the strength, wisdom and relational dynamics within families to promote optimal support and wellbeing for each child. I advocate for collaboration with all stakeholders, fostering a systemic approach that prioritizes the collective effort in meeting the child’s needs.

Kaysie Gabsch

Play Therapist
BPsychSc, GDipTCP

I have always been fascinated by the brain and the ways in which children grow, learn, and express themselves. My journey began with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Deakin University, and I am currently completing my Masters of Child Play Therapy at Deakin, deepening my understanding of how play can be a powerful tool for emotional expression, healing, and development.

Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of working in early intervention, supporting children with ADHD, Autism, Selective Mutism, and Global Developmental Delay. Through this experience, I have seen  how play provides children with an outlet to make sense of their world, build resilience, and develop social and emotional skills. I believe that every child deserves a safe and supportive space where they can explore, express, and process their thoughts and feelings without fear or judgment.

I pride myself on building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families. Creating an environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe in meeting each child where they are and supporting them in their unique journey.

My passion for creativity and play extends beyond my work; it's something I truly believe in as a beautiful medium for healing, self-expression, and connection. I aim to empower children to develop confidence, emotional regulation, and a sense of agency in their own lives.

I am excited to support children in discovering the power of play in their own healing and development.

Tiahn Holloway

Speech Pathologist

I have been helping children and their families on the Mornington Peninsula for over 10 years. I work with children from birth to nine years using a capacity building approach where caregivers and educators are taught how to develop a child's communication skills during everyday routines and activities.

I provide services in the clinic and the community through visits to homes, childcare centres, kindergartens and schools. I believe children benefit from a consistent approach to developing communication across all people and environments they spend time in. 

I am available to provide formal speech and language assessments, written reports, and ongoing blocks of therapy where indicated.

I am able to provide services to self and plan managed NDIS participants in addition to private paying clients.  Some clients may be eligible for Medicare or private health insurance rebates.