The role of a Therapy Supervisor in supporting kids with behavioural challenges

In the Spotlight with Eli: Lizard Centre Therapy Supervisor in Newcastle

Deciding to seek support for your child is a big step. At Lizard Centre, we want families to feel confident knowing they have a dedicated partner to guide them through the process. Our Therapy Supervisors design personalised programs, monitor progress and work closely with parents to ensure each child receives the support they need.

Eli, our Therapy Supervisor in Newcastle, will be helping local families do just that. With her expertise and passion for working with children, Eli partners with parents to develop practical strategies, celebrate milestones and navigate challenges together. Her goal is to ensure families in Newcastle feel supported, informed and empowered as their children grow and develop.

Ahead of Lizard Centre’s Newcastle launch this October, Eli shares her professional journey, her approach to working with children and parents, and what excites her most about bringing Lizard Centre’s evidence-based approach to families across the Newcastle region.

Eli’s Path: Research, ABA and a Child-First Approach

A Therapy Supervisor does more than oversee a child’s program. They help set meaningful goals, break skills into manageable steps and continually evaluate progress so the program can adapt as the child develops.

For Eli, her connection to this work began early. “I’ve worked with children since high school,” she says. During her Master’s degree, she discovered how Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) could support children and families through evidence-based strategies.

“Becoming a Therapy Supervisor gave me the chance to apply a different set of skills: not just working directly with children, but also evaluating progress, analysing data and developing tailored solutions. With my research background, I rely on evidence-based practices to guide decision making and ensure each child’s program is as effective as possible,” she says.

How Eli Works with Children and Why Play Matters

Eli describes her approach to working with a child as relationship-first. “We don’t force learning and instead, we integrate skill development through play and gradually build towards other goals,” she explains.

This approach can help children feel safe, engaged and motivated while creating opportunities to practise skills in meaningful situations. By incorporating learning into play and everyday interactions, children can begin applying their skills beyond therapy sessions.

Eli also recognises that progress looks different for every child.

“Sometimes progress happens quickly, while other goals take more time and persistence, but every achievement feels meaningful. Watching a skill we’ve worked on make a real difference for a child and their family is always the best part of my day.”

Partnering with Parents

Supporting parents is an important part of Eli’s role. Therapy is not simply something that happens during a session; effective support also involves communication, collaboration and helping families understand how strategies can be used in everyday life.

“Therapy is a two-way street, and open, honest communication with families is essential,” Eli says.

At Lizard Centre, this includes building a strong relationship with the child, explaining the reasons behind therapy goals, modelling practical strategies parents can use at home and creating regular opportunities for questions and feedback.

For Eli, the goal is practical: helping parents feel confident using strategies that support their child’s communication, independence, behaviour and participation in everyday activities.

“I make sure the parents feel supported by encouraging ongoing conversations and creating space for them to share any questions or concerns,” she says.

What Progress Looks Like in Practice

For Eli, one of the most rewarding parts of her work is seeing children develop new skills and witnessing the positive impact those achievements can have on their families. Every step forward, whether big or small, can be meaningful.

“I love that we get to play such a meaningful role in a child’s development. Working closely with families to identify the skills that will truly improve daily life is incredibly rewarding.”

Progress is not only about what happens during a therapy session. Eli is particularly motivated when children begin using new skills in real-world situations, such as asking for what they need at home, playing with a sibling or completing an activity independently.

“It’s not just about a skill being mastered in a session, it’s about that skill becoming part of their everyday life, helping them communicate, connect or gain independence.”

A Quick Word to Parents Considering Behavioural Therapy

If your child has NDIS funding for behavioural therapy and you’re unsure where to begin, Eli’s advice is straightforward: give it a try and see whether it is the right fit for your child and family.

“Starting therapy doesn’t mean you or your child are locked in forever. It’s about seeing if it’s the right fit. I do encourage allowing some time for your child to settle into the sessions, but if it doesn’t feel right, you can always explore other options. And throughout the process, remember you have every right to ask questions and share your thoughts at any stage.”

Choosing a therapy provider is an important decision. Families should feel comfortable asking questions about the therapy approach, goals, progress measures, communication and how they will be involved throughout their child’s program.

What Eli Loves About Working at Lizard Centre

Eli has previously worked with Lizard Centre in Sydney and is now moving to lead the team in Newcastle. For her, one of the best parts of working at Lizard Centre is the organisation’s approach to supporting children and families.

“I was drawn to Lizard because of its neuro-affirming approach where the child’s best interest is always the top priority. Every service is carefully designed to be both compassionate and research driven.”

She also values the culture of professional support, collaboration and ongoing learning within the organisation.

“As one of Australia’s leading providers, Lizard not only ensures children’s needs are met but also invests heavily in ongoing support and professional development for its team, which I have found invaluable in my own growth.”

For Eli, this combination of meaningful work with children, collaboration with families and strong team support makes Lizard Centre a place she truly enjoys being part of.

Practical Next Steps for Families Considering Therapy

If you’re considering behavioural therapy for your child, an initial consultation with Lizard Centre can be a useful opportunity to ask questions and understand whether the service is right for your family.

During an initial consultation, you can:

• Ask how your child’s therapy goals will be selected and measured.
• Learn what day-to-day behavioural therapy may look like for your child.
• Discuss how parents and carers will be involved in the therapy process.
• Ask how your child’s progress will be monitored and communicated.
• Understand how therapy strategies can be incorporated into everyday family life.

For families in Newcastle: Lizard Centre opens in Newcastle in October, with Eli available to support local children and parents as Therapy Supervisor.

If you’d like to meet Eli, learn more about behavioural therapy or arrange an intake, get in touch with Lizard Centre here.