VICTORIA ART THERAPY TEAM
At Victoria Art Therapy, we are a dedicated group of qualified art therapists specializing in using creative processes to support mental health and well-being. Our team works with individuals of all ages and diverse needs, including those managing anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, and chronic conditions. In addition to personalised one-on-one sessions, we offer group art therapy, fostering connection and shared experiences through creative expression. We provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore various artistic mediums to build coping skills and work towards their therapeutic goals.
“I encourage you to explore each art therapist’s profile and discover the unique strengths and qualities they bring to our team.”
“Availability times for each art therapist are listed on their profiles. Our team is happy to accommodate alternative scheduling requests where possible.”
Yours sincerely,
Madeleine Chelini
CEO and founder of Victoria Art Therapy
Noha
Noha holds the belief that all individuals, regardless of their personal history, circumstances, or physical challenges, have the inherent capacity to thrive and develop. Creative, authentic, Compassionate, and Committed: she is a bilingual (Arabic/English) Master-level Art Therapist and Visual Artist, dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals and communities through her passion for art therapy.
Additionally, Noha has diverse art therapy experiences working with populations from clinical and community settings ranging from adolescence to adults. In particular, she has worked with clinical inpatients with eating disorders, borderline personality, and other psychological diagnoses; as well as clients with challenges or diagnoses relating to substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, schizophrenia and bipolar in community settings. Noha has extensive experience in both individual and group-based art therapy.
Over the years, Noha continued to pursue her artistic expression. As a professionally trained visual artist and designer, she has launched several solo art exhibitions in Australia and abroad. Noha is committed to social, cultural and community causes, and has dedicated her skills and time through volunteering in various art, education and health disciplines. Her professional training and lived experience, coupled with her compassionate, innovative, and authentic personal attributes, place her in a unique position to help individuals to improve their well-being through art therapy.
Noha, has a Master of Art Therapy degree from La Trobe University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Alexandria University. Noha is a professional member of ANZACATA.
Availability: Monday’s Wednesday’s and Friday’s
Paul
Paul Eves is our Studio Manager and Workshop Facilitator. Paul is a practicing artist, and a qualified visual arts teacher and youth worker. He has exhibited nationally and internationally and completed a Master of Teaching Practice at RMIT University and prior to that a Master of Fine Art at RMIT University in 2017. In 2014, Eves completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours from the Queensland College of Art. Where in 2013 he was a finalist in the Gas and Survey CO at QCA and was awarded the Iain Turnbull Bursary Prize for Printmaking.
As part of his art and teaching practice, Paul has developed highly tuned skills in a range of techniques, processes, and methods of making art. Paul designs his programs to encourage his students to engage directly with art making and to experiment, take risks and explore a sense of play within a supportive environment.
Paul believes that Art is a universal language that crosses borders, cultures, and beliefs. The process of making art and gives people the opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas. Art as an experience is important because it helps students crystallize their thoughts and ideas about who they are and the world around them.
Availability: By appointment
Renee
With over 20 years of experience in therapeutic support, Renée is a skilled Art Therapist with a passion for creativity and a commitment to holistic practice. Holding a Master’s in Art Therapy, a Bachelor of Fine Art, and a Bachelor of Education, along with Graduate qualifications in Guidance & Counselling, Renée has developed a broad skill set to meet the diverse needs of her clients.
Renée’s background includes working within government and community-based organizations, and she is currently employed as a Therapeutic Family Engagement worker. She is also completing Accreditation in Nature-Based Eco-Psychology, which enriches her practice by incorporating ecological perspectives.
A practicing artist, Renée integrates her artistic expertise into therapy, creating space for material exploration and play. Specializing in trauma-informed care, mental health, and relationships, she provides a warm, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore, process, and heal. Renée works collaboratively, offering a person-centred approach for individuals of all ages.
Available; Saturdays only
Effie
Effie is an ANZACATA-registered Art Therapist who is passionate about creating welcoming, safe, and supportive therapeutic spaces. She works collaboratively with individuals and families to support emotional expression and promote mental health and wellbeing through creative and relational processes.
Effie is committed to an inclusive and holistic practice, informed by a range of therapeutic frameworks, including person-centred, compassion-focused, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. She tailors her work to each client’s unique needs, strengths, and lived experience, supporting individuals to feel understood, empowered, and supported.
Effie has worked with people across the lifespan in a variety of educational, health, and community-based settings. She brings particular experience in working with neurodivergent children and young people, as well as individuals with disabilities.
Clients often describe Effie as welcoming, creative, compassionate, and warm. She values working in partnership with clients and families to support wellbeing and strengthen each person’s capacity to thrive.
Effie holds a Master of Art Therapy from La Trobe University.
Outside of her work, Effie enjoys pottery, painting, singing, and spending time in nature.
Availability:
Effie is available for sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.
Tanya
Tanya is an ANZACATA registered Art Therapist and a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. She received her Master of Arts in Counselling and Art Therapy from Adler University (Chicago, IL, USA).
Tanya has worked in both clinical and community settings. Her experience is vast, from leading groups and individual sessions at an inpatient substance use centre to co-leading therapeutic art groups at an ACCO for women and children with a past and/or present experience of family violence. She has solid knowledge of co-occurring mental health presentations and ways of navigating them, especially as they relate to stemming from a traumatic event(s).
Her practice is person-centred. She listens and supports with compassion and empathy. She creates a space that allows for shifts in perspectives and gently challenges thought processes and personal beliefs. She will help you experience all your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in a safe and productive way in order to foster positive change and growth.
She is interested in how mental health affects physical health and believes in the healing power of breath and movement, which she sometimes likes to incorporate into her sessions. She is an advocate for holistic, client-led therapy and is excited to show everyone how creativity can help promote more positive relationships with oneself and with others, increase confidence and self-esteem, and allow for a safe space for reflection.
Availability: Wednesday’s only
Nicole
Nicole is an ANZACATA registered Art Therapist holding a DipEd (Primary), GradDip (Special Education), and Masters AThR. Prior to facilitating art therapy over the last 7 years, she worked as a Special Education teacher for 16 years, dedicating much of her professional career to supporting children and young adults with a range of mental health challenges, with a sound understanding of personality and eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and ASD.
Nicole spent 3 years studying and teaching in China, and on her return to Australia worked for several years as an Advocate for people with disabilities from non-English speaking backgrounds, as well as providing employment support for people with disabilities.
Through facilitating art therapy sessions, Nicole encourages clients to navigate their internal, emotional landscapes and express themselves through visual art media. Her approach is trauma-informed and client-led, and she enjoys exploring the application of art as therapy with people from all backgrounds and abilities. Nicole is passionate about empowering people to develop an expressive outlet that enhances and supports their wellbeing and mental health.
Nicole is a professional member of ANZACATA.
Availability: Monday’s and Wednesday’s
Norma
Norma is a Registered Creative Arts Therapist (Clinical) with ANZACATA and has over 15 years of experience as a wellbeing facilitator. She works with adults, children, and teenagers, supporting them through life’s challenges holistically with creativity, compassion, and care.
Norma specialises in supporting people living with sensitive nervous systems and chronic conditions such as anxiety, depression, endometriosis, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia, as well as those dealing with low self-esteem, intergenerational trauma, and mental, emotional, or existential challenges.
Norma is passionate about the potential of artistic, symbolic, and creative processes in helping people find clarity, peace, new possibilities, and lasting wellbeing.
Norma is a registered Creative Arts Therapist with ANZACATA.
Availability: Monday’s and Wednesday’s
