Press play to hear from our founders, Sian & Tony!
Meet Sian Chambers
CEO, Play Therapist, Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor
BPA, BA (Psych), Post Grad Dip PT, Dip Couns, Dip Mindfulness
Dip Yoga, Cert Kids Yoga, Dip AT, Cert AP, Cert Sup.
Sian is the CEO of a nationally award-winning team. Her expertise and excellence has been recognised across fields receiving national and regional awards:
⭐ Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards: Children’s Services, Winner (2024)
⭐ Australian Small Business Champion Awards Allied Health Finalist (2024)
⭐ Maroondah Business of the Year, Winner (2023)
⭐ Maroondah Business Awards: Training and Educationm Winner (2023)
⭐ Australian Telstra Business Awards, Semi Finalist (2024)
She is a passionate clinical play therapist, professional supervisor and creative therapist specialising in early trauma and attachment difficulties. She works with children and families in a systemic way and believes that brain based parenting, teacher education and support are key to helping this next generation of children thrive, along with harnessing the power of play.
Sian is a proud mum of two boys, one trainee therapy dog and an aloof cat!
Qualifications & Professional Training
University Qualifications
- Bachelor of Psychology
- Bachelor of Performing Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy
Counselling & Therapeutic Training
- Diploma of Counselling
- Diploma of Art Therapy
- Diploma of Mindfulness
- Advanced Graduate Training in Clinical Child-Centred Play Therapy
- Certificate in AutPlay Therapy
Wellbeing & Movement Training
- Diploma of Yoga Teaching
- Certificate in Kids Yoga
Professional Supervision
- Certificate of Individual & Group Supervision
- Clinical Supervisor for Play Therapy and Counselling
Professional Registration & Memberships
- Australian Play Therapy Association (APPTA)
- Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA)
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Meet Tony Vallance
Play Therapist, Educator, Speaker & Trainer
Founder of ADHD Speaks, Dads Chat
BSc (Zool), Grad Dip Ed, Dip Couns, Post Grad PT
Tony is an award-winning teacher, play therapist, speaker and trainer with over 14 years’ experience supporting children, families, schools and professionals. As a leader of a multidisciplinary team, Tony is passionate about innovative, relationship-based approaches that help neurodivergent children and young people thrive.
Tony’s leadership and impact has been recognised through numerous state and national awards, including:
⭐ Australian Education Awards: Teacher of the Year, Winner (2019)
⭐ Victorian Education Excellence Awards, Finalist (2018)
⭐ Australian Counselling Association: Excellence in Counselling: Community Impact, Winner (Dads Chat) (2026)
⭐ Victorian Father of the Year, Finalist (2026)
Drawing on his own lived experience as well as expertise across education, counselling, play therapy, child development and behaviour support, Tony delivers engaging, practical and evidence-informed training for educators, allied health professionals, community organisations and parents.
Tony speaks on topics including:
- neurodiversity and inclusive practice,
- emotional regulation and behaviour support,
- child and adolescent mental health,
- resilience and social-emotional development,
- parent and family wellbeing,
- men’s mental health and fatherhood, and
- creative and play-based therapeutic approaches.
Qualifications & Professional Training
University Qualifications
- Graduate Diploma of Education
- Diploma of Counselling
- Postgraduate Qualification in Play Therapy
- Bachelor of Science (Zoology)
Professional Registration & Memberships
- Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA) – Registered Play Therapist
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA) – Registered Counsellor
- Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) – Registered Teacher
Email: tony@buildingbetterbrains.com.au
ADHD Speaks: www.adhdspeaks.com.au
Dads Chat: www.dadschat.com.au
