Deaf Health Staff & Volunteers

Karli is the Director of Karli Health Centre Pty Ltd. She works as a clinical counsellor and a yoga therapist in individual and group sessions. As well as this, she is a supervisor for her staff and work placement students.

She has a MA degree in Mental Health Counselling from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., USA attained in 1998 as well as a BA in psychology and developmental drama in 1996. She also completed a foundation certificate in family therapy (London, UK) in 2000. Karli is a member (Level 4) of the Australian Counselling Association and is a Senior Yoga teacher/member with Yoga Australia.

Karli has extensive experience working with Deaf children and adults with various additional needs since 1998, both overseas and in Australia. Karli is also a volunteer in advocating in the areas of Deaf Mental Health, by networking and partnering with other organisations. In 2019, she researched the term Deaf Trauma via Google (Anderson 2016) and raised it with her Deaf Mental Health volunteer team. She had noted the six unique Deaf traumas in her work with both past and current clients. For more information about Deaf Trauma, please visit https://deafmentalhealth.com.au

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, relaxing, meditating, walking, swimming and, of course, yoga and spending time with her family and friends.

Irene is a Deaf registered Counsellor and Yoga Therapist/Art Therapist. She believes everyone has the desire and the capacity to grow towards fulfilling their full potential and that they are the experts of their own lives. Irene works with the client through empowerment, positive change and strength based/person centered approach. She offers confidential, non-judgemental, culturally appropriate, and holistic support through counselling, wellbeing programs including art and yoga therapies.

Irene is also a multidisciplinary artist where her works have been shown at galleries, festivals, and performances. She has had extensive experience working in Deaf education, early intervention, advocacy, and Deaf arts. She is passionate about teaching the art of creativity, mindfulness, and simplicity and exploring ways to enhance our quality of life, wellness, self-development, and relationships.

Modiule joined KHC in May 2024 as part-time casual Deaf Counsellor. She hails from the Gold Coast, QLD, and possesses extensive multicultural experience working overseas and now in Australia, assisting clients with online therapeutic Counselling.

Modiule holds a Bachelor of Counselling, a Diploma in Psychotherapy, and a Diploma of Nutrition. She is a member (Level 3) of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and Associate Member of the EMDRAA. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprogramming). EMDR therapy is an integrated, client-centered approach that treats problems of daily living based on disturbing life experiences and trauma, that continue to have a negative impact on a person throughout their life.

Her clients benefit from her extensive knowledge, skills, and life experience as a Deaf woman. She employs an integrated approach that draws from various evidence-based theories of counselling and psychotherapy, with a focus on Deaf trauma. This adaptable approach allows the Counselling experience to be adjusted to her clients’ specific needs.
She employs “behavioural” forms of therapy, which are typically brief and solution-focused, as well as a “psychodynamic approach” which is a longer-term therapy that focuses on the client’s prior history, present life experiences, challenges, strengths, and objectives. The process assists clients in developing both awareness and confidence, allowing them to discover new and more effective ways of responding to others and difficult life situations.

Modiule is deeply committed to raising awareness and increasing access to Deaf Mental Health services. Collaborating on research to ensure knowledge is shared and Mental Health becomes a priority for Deaf/HH people in Australia.

In her free time, she enjoys surfing, cooking, vegetable gardening, yoga, and meditation.

Debra Swann is a highly experienced Social Worker with particular knowledge in the area of domestic violence as well as drug and alcohol issues. She has completed a Master in Counselling with Torrens University.

In addition, Debra has the following qualifications:
Masters of Social Work from La Trobe University
** Bachelor of Human Services from La Trobe University
** Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, Other Drugs and Mental Health) from TAFE Gippsland – formerly GippsTAFE

Debra provides client support and will be able to address a range of issues that can impact of client’s lives, particularly in relation to domestic violence, drug/alcohol abuse and mental health issues.

Debra loves walking on the beach with her dog, Jett. She also loves travelling, meeting new people, and learning about their culture, and way of living. She enjoys the company of her friends over good food.

Leesa provides compassionate recovery and well-being support to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing clients at KHC. Her holistic approach combines talk therapy, rehabilitation, mindfulness, meditation, and other therapeutic services tailored to your needs.

With Leesa, you’ll develop practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety, improving daily living and self-care, and fostering a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Clients often describe feeling uplifted and empowered after their sessions with Leesa, experiencing both immediate relief and lasting positive change. She is dedicated to helping you build confidence and take meaningful steps toward your personal goals.

Appointments are available online for clients across Australia, in both Auslan and English, whether you are NDIS-funded or self-funded.

Passionate about her work in Deaf mental health, Leesa is deeply grateful to be living her purpose, sharing her vast experience, knowledge and expertise in supporting the Deaf community with care and respect.

Natalie is passionate about working with young children and adolescents as she believes that starting with a good foundation of mental and emotional health at a young age will lead to a good and stable lifestyle. Natalie has volunteered her time yearly as a deaf mentor at her local primary school and camp, working with deaf and hard of hearing students from grades 4 to 6.

Natalie completed her Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Psychology and Psychophysiology at Swinburne University of Technology in 2023. She volunteers for Deaf Mental Health Fund – link: https://deafmentalhealth.com.au

In her free time, she enjoys reading fictional books of various genres along with listening to music.

Clair is passionate about providing wellbeing services to all deaf and hard of hearing people. Having a good mental health professional who understands is vital to achieve all the wonderful things life can offer. From a very young age, Clair has been driven to address the issues that are faced by deaf and hard of hearing people. Having worked as a deaf mentor at a deaf high school, as a communication guide and volunteering with KHC since 2023, Clair understands the Deaf journey.

Additionally, Clair has the lived experience of being profoundly deaf herself, as well as having a sight impairment and a mild cerebral palsy. These experiences allow for a unique insight into the daily struggles for Deaf people. She is acutely aware of the problems faced by our teens and youth and she is compelled to help others to navigate their path in this challenging world and in all stages of life.

Being able to communicate with people from all walks of life is a distinct advantage with the ability to communicate in Auslan, English (with the aid of cochlear implant), and deaf-blind sign language.

In 2021 Clair completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology (minor Philosophy) and has since completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. She is now studying for her Diploma in Counselling. These stepping stones have led to hopes of being a Deaf Psychologist or Counsellor in the near future.

She is passionate about Deafness and Mental Health, and volunteers for Deaf Mental Health Fund – link: https://deafmentalhealth.com.au

In her spare time Clair enjoys reading, painting and playing with her dog Daisy. Clair says: “Before anyone asks, I am not a great painter but I enjoy it and am proud of the works I have completed”.

Pam has brought a wealth of finance experience to KHC since commencing with us in late 2022. She has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) Degree and Post Graduate Diploma in Accountancy. She obtained her Chartered Accountancy qualification through one of the Big Four accounting firms and is a Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). She had worked extensively for public accounting firms – small, medium and large – in a variety of roles in Melbourne and Sydney.

She is a life member of Deaf Victoria, is keenly involved in Deaf groups, and volunteers with the Deaf Mental Health Fund.

She enjoys keeping fit, swimming and travelling, having toured extensively in Europe, UK, USA, South America, Asia, and Africa.

Gabby previously worked in hospitality, retail, customer service, and office admin, before starting her Auslan journey. She joined Karli Health Centre as an Admin Support in 2020 and completed her Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work in 2023, allowing her now to combine her two favourite passions: Auslan and mental health.

She also has certificates in Business Administration and Finance and is currently enjoying studying for her Diploma of Auslan at Melbourne Polytechnic.

In her spare time she enjoys going out to cafes, bullet journaling, and pet time.

Bernhard has a background in Computer Science and helps with Administrative work and IT related issues at Karli Health Centre. He is completing a Masters of Urban Planning at the University of Melbourne while working at KHC.

In his free time, Bernhard likes to go on adventures in the outdoors, including bikepacking and hiking. He also loves to read fantasy books when he has the time, and enjoys cooking.

Belinda is enthusiastic in providing accessible mental health services for all Deaf and hard of hearing adults and children. Belinda has obtained her Certificate IV in Mental Health at Melbourne Polytechnic in 2024 and is a trainee therapy assistant at Karli Health Centre. She is also involved in KHC’s social media (SM). She enjoys being creative in designing posters and adding translation to videos.

Belinda is interested in the field of psychology and has an interest in supporting Deaf peers’ mental health and would like to support new group programs. She is also interested in developing greater awareness of the mental health issues that the Deaf and HoH people face and is a volunteer for Deaf Mental Health team.

In her spare time, Belinda enjoys playing different sports, catching up with her family and friends, and travelling overseas.