Hi, I'm Carol Utens

Carol is the director at Colourful Minds. She is also a behaviour specialist and does the admin for Colourful Minds. Carol is an enthusiastic, driven professional with over 10 years of experience in the mental health care setting, supporting children and adults. Carol finds her job very rewarding and is thankful to be able to contribute to a child’s colourful future and that of their families.

All the behaviour we show is a form of communication and Carol is intrigued about the meaning of this behaviour. She specialises in the connection between body and mind and applies an inclusive, person-centred and holistic approach in therapy sessions. Carol focuses on where the child and family are in their journey and supports and advises them according to their needs and wishes.

Carol has a Bachelor in Sports & Physical Education, a Bachelor of Health Care in Psychomotor (play) therapy and her Master in Social Work. Furthermore, Carol also gained experience in Applied Behaviour Analyses (ABA), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Carol has been working in different therapy settings such as schools, day-cares, in-home and clinical settings.

Carol is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

In her spare time, Carol likes to play soccer, go for a hike and loves to camp and travel.

Carol speaks fluently English and Dutch.

Hi, I'm Laura Chantre

Laura is one of the Behaviour Specialists at Colourful Minds. Laura comes from the vibrant land of Colombia. Spanish is the melody of her heart, but her true passion lies in the rhythm of dance and the art of teaching. A profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of human diversity has ignited Laura's journey.

While Laura's initial path in education led me through the world of finance and international trade, her heart always resonated with the calling of dance and the nurturing of young minds. In 2017, Laura embarked on a life-altering adventure that carried her across oceans to the welcoming shores of Sydney, Australia. There, Laura saw her dreams of becoming a dance teacher take flight, and it marked the inception of an incredible transformation.

In 2022, Laura achieved a significant milestone by earning a master's degree in Emotional Education and Neurosciences, further fuelling her unwavering dedication to the neurodiversity community. Within this community, Laura finds her purpose in nurturing and supporting neurodiverse children and adults, including those with Down syndrome and autism. Laura's journey has also been shaped by experiences in counselling and empowering individuals on their paths, helping them discover their unique potential.

It is Laura's privilege to open her heart and share her experiences and knowledge with every family and child, emphasizing the belief that, with love and unwavering support, they can achieve and celebrate the small victories that adorn their exceptional journeys.

Laura speaks fluently in Spanish and English.

Hi, I'm April Sia

April is one of the Behaviour Specialists at Colourful Minds.

April is a Registered Play Therapist under the APPTA (Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association) and is also a Certified Autism Specialist through IBCCES.

April gained her master's at the Academy of Performing Arts (film production) and in Art philosophy. In 2024 April will start studying for the Master of Special Education at the Asian Teacher’s College.

April has 7 years of work experience with children with autism and ADHD. April has worked in community centres, schools and NGO’s to support children, parents and educators. She uses a variation of methods to work on emotional regulation, social skills, problem-solving techniques and other goals that fit the child’s individual needs. These methods include Sand Play Therapy, Lego®-Based Therapy, Aut®Play Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Theraplay ®, and Six Bricks intervention.

April enjoys using play-based activities with children who are neurodiverse to help them develop specific skills and boost their self-esteem. For example, April supported a child by producing a Lego movie and a picture book to exhibit them to others. This activity supported the child in gaining confidence, working on their social skills, improving communication, using fine motor skills and receiving positive feedback from others.

In her free time, April likes to play board games with her son, watch movies, water paint and volunteer as a clown when she has the time.

April can hold therapy sessions in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

Hi, I'm Walaa Katta

Walaa is one of the Behaviour Specialists at Colourful Minds.

Walaa’s passion lies in working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities. She is currently completing an honours in Cross-Cultural psychology. Walaa also holds a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts and Science (Psychology) from the University of Sydney, and a Diploma in Counselling. She also is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Walaa has 3 years of experience working with children with Autism, ADHD, and ODD as an Allied Health Assistant and Support worker. In these roles, she worked alongside occupational therapists and psychologists to develop and implement behavioral support plans. She also has experience in family-based therapy with children with various neuro-developmental disorders and cognitive delays. Walaa takes a strength-based, person-centered approach to therapy. She believes children and families each have their own strengths, knowledge, and skills that can be supported to ensure they meet their therapy goals. She enjoys developing resources specific to child needs, including visual boards and social stories.

Walaa’s experience enables her to work with individuals of different ages, abilities, and cultural groups and allows her to create tailored programs as well as work with different support networks toward the child’s goals.

In her free time, Walaa likes to catch up with family and friends, explore new places, and try new food.

Walaa speaks English and Arabic fluently.