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 Services
Welcome to Connections WA
Holistic, Neurodiversity-Affirming Allied Health in Booragoon & Rockingham
At Connections WA, we believe well-being begins with genuine connection. We are a dedicated multidisciplinary team providing deeply relational, evidence-based care to children, adolescents, adults, and families across Western Australia.
Whether you visit us at our clinics in Booragoon or Rockingham, or connect with us online, our goal is to help you feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow and thrive.
Our Allied Health Services
We collaborate to offer comprehensive, wrap-around support tailored to your unique identity and goals:
Psychology (including Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapy)
Occupational Therapy
Speech Language and Communication (coming back)
Dietitian & Nutrition Services
Comprehensive Clinical Assessments for Autism, ADHD and Learning and Cognition
Clinical Supervision & Therapy for Therapists
Ready to connect? Call our friendly care team today on (08) 6288 9283 (Booragoon) or (08) 9524 6491 (Rockingham).
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 Sensory Friendly Booragoon Clinic Space
At Connections WA, we understand that arriving at an appointment can sometimes be the hardest part of your day. That is why our Booragoon clinic on Marmion Street has been intentionally and thoughtfully designed to be a calm, low-demand, and welcoming space from the moment you step through the doors.
Whether you are visiting us for therapy or an assessment, our environment is built to support your sensory and emotional needs.
A Calming Waiting Room Experience
If you are attending for yourself or your family, we want you to feel completely safe and comfortable while you rest. In our waiting area, you will find:
Sensory Adjustments: We play quiet, soothing music, and we are always happy to dim or turn the lights down if they feel too bright or overwhelming for you or your child.
Comfort & Regulation: We provide a selection of fidget toys, engaging books, and calming activities to help with transitions.
Nourishment: Fresh water and snacks are always available to help you refuel and settle in.
Clinic Amenities
We want your visit to our Booragoon location to be as seamless and stress-free as possible. If you or your child need to use the bathroom before your session begins, it is easily located just down the main hallway—the first door on your left.
When you arrive, check in at reception, then press the bell and rest in the waiting room and you therapist will come and collect you and take you to their therapy room.
Parking
There is limited parking on site, you can park at the shopping centre and walk over the road. Please do not park on the verge outside of the clinic.
We look forward to welcoming you into our gentle, supportive space.

551 Marmion Street, Booragoon, WA

A space designed with you in mind
Arriving at Our Booragoon Clinic
From the moment you arrive, our Booragoon clinic on Marmion Street is set up to help you feel comfortable, relaxed, and completely at ease. We want your visit to be as seamless as possible, starting from when you park your car.
Parking
Onsite Parking: We have limited convenient onsite parking spaces available directly at the clinic.
Overflow Parking: You are also very welcome to use the large shopping centre car park located directly across the road, which offers ample parking space and an easy walk to our front door.
Checking In & What to Expect
When you arrive at the clinic entrance, simply press the doorbell. Our friendly reception and client care team will be there to greet you warmly and welcome you inside.
Our team is here to support you with:
Checking in for your session
Processing payments seamlessly
Booking your future therapy or assessment appointments
Showing you around our calm, sensory-friendly clinic spaces
Whether it is your very first visit or you are a returning family, we are here to make your experience smooth and stress-free.
LET’S GET CONNECTED
Call us now to learn more about our services and
how we can help you and your family.