Portal for General Practitioners
Clinical Psychology Services
![]() Sarah Bell Practice Manager |
![]() Aimée Pearce Project Coordinator & Personal Assistant to Dr Robi |
![]() Katie Johnston Reception CertIV.BusAdmin |
![]() Elsa Goninon Accounts Manager CertIV.BusAdmin |

Dr Robi Sonderegger is the Chief Executive of Family Challenge. He completed his PhD in Clinical Psychology at Griffith University (in the area of transcultural mental health). Dr Robi serves as a policy adviser to international humanitarian agencies around the world and is an expert consultant in trauma associated with war, child-exploitation and natural disaster. Dr Robi is well known as a keynote presenter at diverse conferences on topics pertaining to mental health and relationships.

Dr Rhiannon Penny is Acting Clinical Director for the Family Challenge Psychology Clinic. She completed her Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland (investigating self-harming behaviours). She has previously worked with Queensland Health, the UQ Behaviour Research & Therapy Centre, The Princess Alexandra Hospital Alcohol and Drug Assessment Unit, and Ipswich Hospital Clinical Psychology Department.

Dr Gemma Roux completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland (conducting wide-scale parenting interventions for families of children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities). She has worked in private, community and corporate settings, including the Cancer Council Queensland, the UQ Behaviour Research & Therapy Centre, as a corporate consultant for PsyCare Ltd and as a professional trainer for Triple P International. Dr Gemma has delivered parenting and psycho-educational seminars in community and school settings and has a special interest in couple's and family therapy, health psychology, child and adult anxiety and women's issues.

Dr Johann Eloff completed his Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland. As a dynamic and engaging clinician, he has extensive experience in the areas of behaviour modification/parenting and Asperger's Syndrome. Johann has previously worked with Queensland Health, Minds & Hearts (Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Clinic), and Triple P United Kingdom (international training consultant).

Dr Gabriel Roux completed his Professional Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Queensland. He has experience working with a wide range of clinical disorders and clientele. Gabriel has a special interest in the treatment of anxiety disorders and vast experience working in men's mental health.

Noleen Sonderegger completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Griffith University (investigating risk and protective factors among child/adolescent refugees). She is published in National & International Scientific Journals for her work with childhood anxiety and depression. Noleen has previously worked with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (New Zealand), Brisbane's Southside Education Centre (for homeless and at risk youth).

Sally Shepherd completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ballarat. Sally has extensive experience in women's mental health (in the areas of sexual assault, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancies, and relationship difficulties). In addition to working across clinical, health and neuropsychology fields, Sally has also worked with the Victorian Department of Education (early intervention for children and their parents with developmental delays and disorders) and has a special interest in working with childhood anxiety and depression.

Jennifer Zahara has spent a number of years working in private practice (Sydney) with a range of pathologies among children, teenagers and adults. In recent years she has specialised in child/adolescent mental health (anxiety, depression, abuse, family conflict, self-esteem issues and anger management) in educational settings. Jennifer is currently conducting post-graduate research with the University of the Sunshine Coast (investigating the role of shame in Major Depression).

Sarah Bell is the Practice Manager of Family Challenge; bringing with her to this role a wealth of experience in the fields of communications and community development. Sarah is dedicated to excellence in and around clinic operations, she loves working with people, and her mandate is to empower communities locally and abroad through the work of Family Challenge.

Aimée Pearce is a strong communicator with proven abilities in project coordination and journalism. Aimée has a broad range of experience working cross-culturally in not-for-profit organisations and is passionate about international and community development.

Elsa has previous experience in Administration from her work with ANZ and a Market Research Company. She is currently responsible for the bookkeeping and is working to develop and implement organisational systems and structures within the workplace. Her passion for helping people coupled with her strong organisational skills make her a real asset to the Family Challenge Team.

Katie has over nine years experiences working in various medical practices in Bundaberg and on the Sunshine Coast as receptionist and Practice Manager. She hold a Certificate IV in Business Administration and is qualified in CPR/SFA and Advanced Resus techniques.