Play Therapy Training Australia proudly presents our training team below.

 Our team is compromised of Clinical Trainer and CEO, Kylie Ellison, who is responsible for the delivery of all clinical training program services. Kylie has been delivering clinical training services for the past 7 years, and share her clinical skills, knowledge, qualifications and expertise in the area of Child Centred Play Therapy.

Our role of Clinical Supervisor is delivered by Mel Robinson, who also holds extensive experience, qualifications and expertise in the area of clinical services and support. Mel assists the clinical program by marking all submissions by students including video recordings, and delivers specifically our Group Supervision services to our students.

Our Training Coordinator Sharyn Bee supports the student learning experience as the point of contact for students. Sharyn assists with all enquiries and enrolments, and supports the team with liaising with students regarding all aspects of the training program including registration and fee payment, assessment submissions, documentation throughout the course and general enquiries.

We are proud of the services we provide to ensure a high standard of ethical and professional training services to all students. For more information regarding each team member’s professional qualifications, registration and experience please see each profile below.

Qualifications

Kylie Ellison – Founder, CEO & Clinical Trainer

Kylie is a Registered Counsellor with ACA and PACFA, Registered Play Therapist and Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor who has been working with children, young people and families in the human services field for the past 19 years.

Kylie commenced her career working alongside mental health practitioners in adult mental health, before moving into the area of child protection and disabilities.

In 2016, Kylie discovered a passion for Child Centered Play Therapy as a way of working alongside children and their parents/ carers. Subsequently, Kylie established her private practice, an organisation committed to supporting children to work through difficult feelings and experiences through the provision of Child Centred Play Therapy services.

In 2018 Kylie developed introductory and clinical workshops, to offer a professional training program and provide a pathway to registration as a play therapist for professionals in Australia.

Today Kylie works with both clients and students and is passionate about creating a community of play therapy practitioners that fosters access to training and therapy services along with advocacy for play therapy in both the community and professional arenas.

  • Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (2004)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (2009)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Play Therapy (2015)
  • Advanced Clinical Training in Play Therapy (2015)
  • Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, ACAP (2019)
  • Level 4 Registered Counselor, Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
  • Registered Clinical Counsellor, PACFA
  • Registered Play Therapist, Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA)
  • Rise Up Individual and Group Clinical Supervision Certificate (2023)
  • Registered Clinical Supervisor – ACA College of Supervisors
  • Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor, Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA)
  • Registered Play Therapist – Australia Play Therapists Association (APTA)
  • Credentialled CCPT Practitioner – National Institute for Relationship Enhancement (NIRE, USA)

Qualifications

Melanie Robinson – Clinical Trainer

Mel has been practicing as a Social Worker and Psychotherapist for 25 years, in Independent School settings, health services, and more recently has been employed as a Mental Health Clinician in a boutique psychology practice on the outskirts of the beautiful Barossa Valley in South Australia.

Mel was curious to learn more about Child Centred Play Therapy practice and how this humanistic, non-directive modality might be added to her clinical toolkit to support children in the Early Intervention space meaningfully.  Since undertaking the Advanced Certificate Mel has established a playroom and CCPT services in the practice in which she works.

Outside of her professional roles, Mel finds joy in her family, especially being mum to three busy growing boys and actively participating in her local community as an advocate and friend.

  • Bachelor of Social Work (1999)
  • Master of Social Science (Counselling Studies) (2009)
  • Certificate in Mindfulness and Wellbeing for Children (2021)
  • M.A. Counselling (2022)
  • Theraplay (Level 1 & Level 2) Foundational Practitioner (2022)
  • Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)
  • EMDR (Level 1) (2022)
  • Advanced Certificate in Play Therapy Studies (2023)
  • Level 4 Registered Counsellor – Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
  • Registered Play Therapist, Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA)
  • Registered Play Therapist, Australian Play Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Australian Play Therapy Association (APTA)

Sharyn Bee – Training Coordinator

Sharyn is a highly experienced admin and finance professional with 18 years of bookkeeping and finance experience. Holding a Certificate IV Financial Services and Graduate Certificate Business, her experience is wide and varied.

Having worked mostly in the not-for-profit sector specifically in the area of youth advocacy, mental health and support, Sharyn is thrilled to be further involved in services that make a positive impact in young individuals.

She enjoys a good spreadsheet, coffee, reading, coffee, exploring the great outdoors and coffee.