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.”

 

“Please join us in welcoming our two new team members, Renee and Maria, who bring fresh perspectives and a wealth of expertise to Victoria Art Therapy. We’re excited to have them contribute their unique skills and passion to support the well-being and growth of our clients.

 

“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

Justine

Justine is a human-centred, trauma-informed art therapist who works with children, young people, and adults. She has experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other disabilities, and adapts her approach to meet a range of sensory, emotional, and developmental needs.

Her practice integrates evidence-based frameworks including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC). For the past 2.5 years, Justine has worked with children, young people, and their caregivers in domestic and family violence settings, providing safe and compassionate therapeutic support.

With over five years’ experience in counselling and creative therapies, and a background in visual and performing arts, Justine brings a holistic, embodied approach to wellbeing. She holds a Master of Mental Health (Art Therapy) from the University of Queensland and is a professional member of ANZACATA.

Availability: Monday’s and Wednesday’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.

 

 

 

Feel free to stop by and say hello to Victoria Art Therapy!