About
Patrick Glancy
Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner & Director
In 1987 I came across the book “The Road Less Travelled” by M. Scott Peck, which sparked my interest in my own mental health. a few years later I had the opportunity to see Scott Peck speak live and, although I didn’t fully understand everything he spoke about, I knew that I wanted to learn more.
Fast forward 14 years and I began my career as a therapist. For the following 13 years, I ran my own practice in the US. In 2014, I moved to Australia and became an accredited counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association. Since then, I have provided therapy to individuals and families through not-for-profit organisations on the Sunshine Coast until 2021 when I became a NDIS registered provider.
Over the years, I have worked with survivors of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and war veterans, as well as victims of domestic violence and abuse. I hold onto the idea from “The Road Less Travelled” that through the bad, we can find the good.
Lauren England
Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner
I have always had a passion for walking with people through all of life’s challenges and joys. I grew up in Toowoomba as a part of a close knit community that valued and emphasised social action and advocacy for those who were excluded or vulnerable in society. This led me to complete my Bachelor of Special Education at the University of Southern Queensland in 2014. In the years following I worked in primary and secondary special education and mainstream school settings as a classroom and relief teacher. My passion for community work led me to work as a Youth Pastor for nearly 8 years, specifically focussed on training, community development and programs for refugee and migrant communities, mental health advocacy and pastoral counselling with children and adolescents. On the Sunshine Coast my work has been focused toward the disability and mental health sector.
I am passionate about seeing all people flourish and be empowered to live their best lives, and believe in meeting people where they are at to move towards wholeness. I work with all age groups and disabilities and strongly believe in empowering families, service providers and other key stakeholders to become and continue in their role as change agents.
On the weekends, you will find me hanging out with my dog, Ruby, drinking copious amounts of coffee and exploring this beautiful part of the world.
Maddy Malancioiu
Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner
My experiences through childhood made me deeply curious about human experiences from a young age. This strong desire to understand how people behave, combined with my empathy and commitment to social justice, led me to major in Human Services with a minor in International Relations in university.
I started working in residential care homes while still studying, caring for children and young adults with complex needs who couldn’t be placed with regular foster families. For the next 14 years, my career focused on helping children, young people, and families navigate foster care, child safety concerns, and disabilities.
My experience and ongoing education shaped my work style. I use a trauma-informed and client-centered approach, which reflects my genuine respect for everyone I work with. In addition to my degree, I’ve taken courses in creative and mindful counselling for young people and became a certified yoga teacher.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mum of two amazing kids. I love spending time outdoors, gardening, staying active, art, and whipping up delicious meals.
Justine Bensley
Counsellor
Raised by my mother while she worked for the United Nations, I have experienced many cultures, living in Italy, Somalia, Zambia, the US as well as my country of birth, the UK. I am now an Australian citizen. My upbringing, lived experience and career have all brought a strong focus on communication, understanding people from different backgrounds and diverse ways of thinking. My passion is to help empower others. This inspired me to complete a degree in counselling and study Creative Therapies. I am an accredited counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association.
My approach to counselling focuses on a collaborative partnership with individuals and the family dynamic. I use strength-based and solution focused therapies and integrate mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to help with anxiety or rumination. I am inspired and curious about people and enjoy working with children, young people, and adults alike. I have experience counselling ‘at-risk’ young people within a school environment and working with children diagnosed with ASD and ADHD who require a unique approach to counselling to address behavioural concerns. I also work with children who have experienced trauma and abuse using a trauma informed approach, integrating creative therapies to help regulate emotional and behavioural issues.
My great interest also lies in supporting Australian Indigenous people and communities, understanding that a holistic viewpoint of connection to Spirit, land, skin, and kinship is paramount where deep listening is vital.
To keep balance in my life, I enjoy walking in nature, travelling, listening to anything from Dua Lipa to classical music, catching up with friends, meditation and giving Reiki treatments. Coffee is essential as are exploring new eateries and good food with my hubby!
