Andrea is the Principal Psychologist at Connections WA. Specialising in individualised support for child, adolescent, and adults, her areas of particular interest include Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, PTSD as well as addressing the multifaceted impact of trauma. Andrea is also a skilled Supervisor, guiding and supporting other mental health professionals in their professional development.
Connections WA Booragoon
Psychology, Occupational Therapy & Allied Health | Perth South
We’re excited to welcome you to our Booragoon clinic — a warm, calm and welcoming space where children, adolescents, adults and families can access psychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dietitian services and more.
Connection is our cornerstone at Connections WA. Every interaction and intervention is deeply rooted in the science of interpersonal neurobiology, driven by our passion for helping people find more joy and meaning through powerful relationships.
We empower and connect with children adults and families to flourish and become happier, healthier and truly themselves. We achieve this by providing connection based approaches, neurodiversity-affirming therapy, built on trust, empathy and equity while actively contributing to community wellbeing and professional excellence.
To achieve this, we’ve brought together a diverse team of dedicated practitioners—from psychology and occupational therapy to other vital disciplines. Each practitioner at Connections WA contributes a unique, yet unified, connection-based perspectives. This means individuals receive holistic, multidisciplinary support that is consistently well-informed by Evidenced Based Practice, deeply relational, and always designed to empower them to GROW and THRIVE.
Psychology Team
Andrea Groom
Founder and Principal Psychologist
Qualifications
Bachelor of Psychology
Psychology Board Approved Supervisor
EMDR, IREM and Schema therapy Practitioner
Interpersonal Neurobiology Certificate
Psychology Board Approved Supervisor
EMDR, IREM and Schema therapy Practitioner
Interpersonal Neurobiology Certificate
Registrations
AHPRA Registered
Working with Children Check
Supervisor
Australian Psychological Society
Working with Children Check
Supervisor
Australian Psychological Society
About
Something interesting about
Andrea is like an explorer, she loves going on adventures in nature! She also thinks laughing is super important and watches lots of funny movies. Sometimes her hands feel a little like ice pops that’s because most mornings, she has an ice bath! After a busy day of helping, her warm and snuggly cat Bella keeps her cozy.
Bas Snijder
Senior Psychologist
Qualifications
Masters of Education and Developmental Psychology Advanced, Bachelor of Psychology, Psychology Board Approved Supervisor, Mental Health First Aid trainer (Youth, NSSI, Suicide, Gambling)
Registrations
AHPRA Registered, Working With Children Check, Australian Psychological Society
About
Bas is a highly experienced psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in extensively with schools across WA to support students across the domains of learning, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing. His practice has focused on fostering inclusive educational environments, collaborating with educators and families, and implementing evidence-based strategies to enhance student outcomes. Has a special interest in the area of problematic gaming and technology use. His extensive work with different religious and cultural backgrounds provides a base for his culturally safe practice alongside neuro diversity affirming approaches to working with his clients.
Something interesting about
Proud Third Culture Kid (TCK), loves listening to “inappropriate” and non-mainstream music, wears funny socks, will take every opportunity to make a pun, and not so bad at juggling!
Lakshay Prakash
Clinical Psychologist
Qualifications
Bachelors (H) in Psychology, Masters in Psychology, MPhil in Clinical Psychology, Certificates in EMDR and Schema therapy
Registrations
AHPRA Registered, Working with Children, Member of APS ( MAPS)
About
Lakshay is a Clinical Psychologist at Connections WA. He is experienced working alongside adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, or acute and complex presentations. He provides a safe, calm space for his clients to navigate the complexities of life.
Lakshay is highly experienced with clients who maybe experiencing high distress and need that extra care and support. Delivering informed and context-sensitive intervention for adults presenting with trauma, anxiety and depressive conditions. Drawing on evidence-based approaches (including CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, and EMDR),
Lakshay uses his diverse background and breadth of clinical experience to help clients reconnect with meaning, purpose, and joy in their lives.
Something interesting about
A passionate reader of science fiction and poetry, Lakshay turns to books to unwind from clinical work. He’s also always on the lookout for new places to explore and live music to stumble upon.
Mathew Woodford
Provisional Psychologist
Qualifications
Master of Professional Psychology (Current), Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Christian Ministry
Registrations
AHPRA (Provisional Psychologist), Working With Children Check, Australian Psychological Society, Australian Association of Psychologists Inc
About
Matthew is a Provisional Psychologist at Connections WA. He supports adolescents and adults. He has a special interest with school-based and workplace challenges, stress, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, adjustments and the sensory or cognitive demands of life. Matthew’s care is deeply rooted in a warm, collaborative, and person-centered philosophy. By integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed frameworks through a neuro- diversity lens to help clients to flourish in the world
Something interesting about
Matthew enjoys venturing on the golf course and playing his guitar. He also has a strong interest in the connection between nutrition, lifestyle, and mental well-being. In his spare time, he enjoys music, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.
Occupational Therapy
Melanie Stephen
Occupational Therapist
Qualifications
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons), DIR Floortime Practitioner (Basic Certificate), Tuning into Kids Facilitator
Registrations
AHPRA registered, Working with Children Check, Senior OT, Occupational Therapy Australia
About
Mel is a Senior Occupational Therapist at Connections WA, who is a founding team member and supervisor. Mel specialises in provides support to teenagers and adults, following working extensively in Paediatrics. Mel’s area of interest is offering neuro-diversity affirming approaches, supporting gender diverse teens, and supporting individuals to flourish, learn about their unique individual needs and in developing a plan to reach those goals.
Something interesting about
Melanie once won a Street Roller Hockey League girls championship club!
We are looking for another OT to join the team, could this be you?
Allied Health Team
Jasmine Smithers
- Mental Health Occupational Therapist
- Jasmine is the Director of Bespoke OT, with over 20 years experience. Jasmine works with children, adolescents, and adults. Her area of interest include Autism, ADHD, complex trauma, eating disorders,...
Jasmine Smithers
Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Qualifications
Bachelor of Primary Education, Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy, Graduate Certificate in Mental Health.
Registrations
The WRIGHT DIETITIAN ANZAED Practitioner, The WRIGHT DIETITIAN Dietitians Australia Member, The WRIGHT DIETITIAN Sports Dietitians Australia
About
Jasmine is the Director of Bespoke OT, with over 20 years experience. Jasmine works with children, adolescents, and adults. Her area of interest include Autism, ADHD, complex trauma, eating disorders, and mental health challenges. Jasmine’s passion is in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and build the skills, confidence, and supports they need to thrive. Before being an Occupational Therapist, Jasmine was a school teacher.
Something interesting about
Jasmine used to be a school teacher, but wanted to help young people understand themselves more so then studied OT. You can often find Jasmine at the beach or in nature. However, don’t get on the wrong side of Jasmine, as she has a black belt in Taekwondo.
Matt
Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Qualifications
Registrations
About
Matt is a Senior Occupational Therapist at Be Spoke Occupational Therapy, specialising in Mental Health and Addictions. He is passionate about supporting people to build meaningful, balanced lives by reconnecting with the activities that bring purpose, enjoyment, and a sense of identity. Matt takes a warm, strengths-based approach and enjoys working alongside individuals to explore what helps them feel most like themselves. He has a strong interest in life balance and believes that meaningful activity, creativity, and play can be powerful tools in supporting wellbeing and recovery.
Matt enjoys incorporating engaging and creative activities into therapy, including music, art, movement, and sport. He is well versed in group work and sees value in bringing people together to create meaningful change, He particularly values helping people rediscover activities that build confidence, connection, and enjoyment in everyday life.
Something interesting about
Matt is outnumbered by his two dogs. and honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. Beach walks with them are his non-negotiable reset button.
Matt is a big believer that life (and therapy) should have fun in it — with a love for art, music, and sport that often sneaks its way into sessions.
Marie Hackett
Qualifications
Registrations
About
Marie is an experienced psychologist at M.G.Psychology. Working with both adults and children in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, cognitive function and specific learning difficulties. Maire, has worked extensively with children, families across the state and has a focus on providing a holistic service involving collaboration with families, and educators to achieve the best outcomes for their children.
Something interesting about
Marie, loves to travel each year and learn about the culture and people in different cities. Marie enjoys reading and taking time out to go by the ocean and relax or listen to live music while enjoying the company of friends.
Samantha Wright
Dietitian
Qualifications
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons), Accredited Practising Dietitian, Accredited Sports Dietitian, Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician
Registrations
The WRIGHT DIETITIAN ANZAED Practitioner, The WRIGHT DIETITIAN Dietitians Australia Member, The WRIGHT DIETITIAN Sports Dietitians Australia
About
Sam creates a neuro-diversity affirming approach which is practical, sustainable strategies to fit’s lifestyle goals, and health needs which is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and meeting you where you are at.
Something interesting about
Sam has a love for all things movement, especially running and swimming. Sam loves to travel and read books. Her most important companion, is her German Shepherd, Luna.
Our waiting room
Our waiting room has been thoughtfully designed to be a calming space. There’s quiet music playing, and we can turn the lights down if they feel too bright. While you wait you’ll find fidget toys, books and activities, water, and a snack if you need one — because we know getting here is sometimes the hardest part.
If you need the bathroom before your session, it’s down the hallway, first door on the left.

551 Marmion Street, Booragoon, WA

A space designed with you in mind
From the moment you arrive, our Booragoon clinic is set up to help you feel comfortable and at ease. We have limited onsite parking, and you’re also welcome to use the shopping centre car park directly across the road.
When you arrive, simply press the doorbell and our friendly reception team will greet you and help you check in, take payments, book future appointments, and show you around the clinic.
LET’S GET CONNECTED
Call us now to learn more about our services and
how we can help you and your family.