A place to connect & learn
About
The Tasmanian School Psychology Association (TSPA) is the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools Association (APACS). We are a professional association dedicated to supporting school psychologists, counsellors, and school-based allied health professionals who work to enhance the wellbeing, learning, and development of children and young people across Tasmania.
Established in 2012, TSPA was formed following the transition from the Tasmanian chapter of the Australian Guidance and Counselling Association. Since then, we have continued to advocate for and support professionals working within educational settings, while fostering a strong and connected professional community.
At TSPA, we believe that meaningful connections, lifelong learning, and professional growth are essential to effective practice. We provide opportunities for members to connect with colleagues, engage in high-quality professional learning, share knowledge and resources, and contribute to the ongoing development of school psychology and counselling services within Tasmania.
Our work is guided by three core values:
Connection – We foster meaningful relationships among school psychologists, counsellors, school-based allied health professionals, and the wider community. Through collaboration, support, and shared experiences, we create a strong professional network that enhances wellbeing, strengthens practice, and promotes positive outcomes for students.
Learning – We are committed to lifelong learning and evidence-based practice. We encourage curiosity, professional development, and the sharing of knowledge to ensure members remain informed, skilled, and responsive to the evolving needs of children, young people, and school communities.
Growth – We support the personal and professional growth of practitioners at every stage of their career. By embracing reflection, innovation, and continuous improvement, we empower members to develop their expertise, build confidence, and make a meaningful impact within their schools and communities.
Together, we strive to strengthen the profession, support our members, and improve outcomes for the children, young people, families, and school communities we serve.
FAQs
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The Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools (APACS) is the national professional association representing school psychologists, counsellors, and guidance officers across Australia. As a TSPA member, you also gain access to APACS benefits, including free webinars, the Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, a biannual national conference, advocacy at a national level, professional resources, and opportunities to connect with colleagues across Australia.
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New memberships are $120, with renewal memberships priced at $100, and a discounted student rate of $80. Your membership provides access to professional development opportunities, networking events, resources, and the benefits of TSPA's affiliation with APACS, including webinars, publications, conferences, and national advocacy.
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Most of our webinars are recorded and made available to members after the event. However, recording is at the discretion of the presenter, so not all sessions will be available for later viewing.
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You can find the link here: https://www.apacs.org.au/membersareajournal
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Absolutely! We'd love to have you as part of our community. While many of our professional development opportunities are designed for school psychologists, most are also highly relevant to counsellors and social workers working in educational settings. Occasionally, we offer training focused on psychological assessment, which may be less applicable to some members. However, these sessions are infrequent, and the majority of our events focus on topics that support the wellbeing, learning, and development of students and school communities.
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Yes! If you work with school-aged children and young people, you are welcome to join TSPA.
Many of the professional development opportunities, resources, and networking benefits available through TSPA are relevant to professionals working in a range of settings, including private practice, community services, health, and education. Membership can still provide valuable opportunities for learning, connection, and professional growth.
Meet the Team
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Nicole Young
President
Nicole works predominantly at St Michael’s Collegiate School and also does some private assessment work. Nicole loves the variety of school psychology and the opportunity to influence the wider networks and environments that impact children. She has been part of TSPA since 2020 and particularly values connecting with like-minded professionals and delivering relevant PD. Outside of work, she is a mum of two young girls and always has a project on the go. She enjoys cooking, reading, catching up with friends and getting outdoors.
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Morgan Boddy
Treasurer & Memberships Secretary
Morgan works in the Primary School at The Friends’ School and loves helping young people understand how they make sense of the world and supporting the important people around them to understand this too. A TSPA member for almost seven years and committee member for five, Morgan values the connection and ongoing learning that comes from working alongside school psychologists across Tasmania. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, completing jigsaw puzzles and of course spreadsheets.
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Courtney Hartog
Secretary & APACS Representative
Courtney works at St Mary’s College alongside her private practice work. She loves the diversity of school psychology and the opportunity to support the wider school community. She has been a TSPA member for two and a half years and values the strong sense of community and ability to share in the highs and lows of the profession. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, running and spending time with friends and family.
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Kelsey Batchelor
Committee Member
Kelsey is currently on maternity leave and, when not on leave, works as a School Psychologist at St Virgil’s College. She loves being part of a school community, making psychological support and psychoeducation accessible, and getting to know the young people she works with and what makes them shine. Kelsey joined TSPA in 2019 during her first year as a school psychologist and has served as both Treasurer and President, valuing the passionate professionals, friendships and shared commitment that have helped TSPA grow. Outside of work, Kelsey is enjoying her newest role as mum to her little boy, as well as spending time with family and friends, getting outdoors, cooking, reading and tackling the occasional home renovation project.
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Myf Murphy
Committee Member
Myf is the non-psychologist voice on TSPA, bringing her perspective as an Occupational Therapist with a Masters in Clinical Family Therapy and a commitment to strengthening the broader allied health contribution to school communities. She is the Director of a private practice and has been part of TSPA since the 2025 locally hosted APACS conference. Outside of work, you’ll find Myf on the water in a rowing boat or spending time with her teenagers.
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Kara Stefanos
NW Tasmania Rep
Kara is a School Psychologist with DECYP, working across four schools on Tasmania’s North West Coast. As TSPA’s NW representative, she enjoys connecting with professionals across the region and values the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded people working towards the same goal. Outside of work, she loves heading to the beach, hiking and playing board games.
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Olivia Bounds
Committee Member
Liv works across private practice and DECYP and currently focuses primarily on autism assessments. She loves the collaborative nature of psychology, from working alongside young people to collaborating with families, schools and other professionals and advocating for the support students need. A TSPA member for almost a year, Liv values connecting with psychologists across different school contexts and contributing to relevant professional learning. Outside of work, she can usually be found trail running, at CrossFit, swimming, crafting or spending time with friends and other people’s dogs.
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Isobel Newton-Bennett
Committee Member
Isobel works at St Mary’s and casual roles in youth homelessness and family separation services. She values creating a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where students can understand and work through whatever is happening for them. Having joined TSPA in May 2026, she particularly values the sense of community and opportunities to learn from other professionals it provides. Outside of psychology, she loves being outdoors (especially near the beach), reading, food, music, and spending time with family and friends.
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Penelope Cooper
Committee Member and DECYP Representative
Penelope has spent most of her career in school psychology alongside experience in CYMHS and private practice. She loves the variety of school psychology, particularly supporting students to overcome barriers through therapy and helping students, families and schools better understand assessment and neurodivergence. As a new TSPA member, she values the opportunity to connect with colleagues and access relevant professional learning, particularly in the North West. Outside of psychology, Penelope enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting outdoors, bike riding and bushwalking, and enthusiastically throwing herself into new hobbies and interests.
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