Our Team
Our team has a diverse group of people who will work with you to determine your goals and together develop practical solutions and personalised health care and help you develop the skills of Purpose, Practice and Persistence when you choose Paragon PsychConnect.
PURPOSE - Everyone is full of possibilities – act with purpose.
PRACTICE - It’s just a wish unless you put it into practice.
PERSISTENCE - A good life is a process not a destination.
We value respect and integrity above all else. Respect for differences and diversity in our clients and our staff.
Brucee
Motivator and Meerkat Anxiety Program Presenter
Brucee is our Meerkat volunteer presenter and the inspiration of our “Meerkat Anxiety Program”. All our clients love Brucee, young and old. Some have even found themselves a Brucee relative to help them manage their anxiety. Follow Brucee’s adventures on Instagram Brucee_Adelaide .
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Brucee loves coffee, chocolate and travelling. He had to do his travelling virtually during Covid-19 but loved New Zealand with Lucee and the Ski Team in 2022. Check out his photos from his Instagram page.
He enjoys passing on words of wisdom and hugs to Paragon PsychConnect clients and his favourite saying is “Write your life in pencil, not pen, so you can make changes!”.
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- Brucee Out Walking
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- Brucee Out Walking
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- Brucee having a Baby Chino
Maria Polymeneas
Principal Psychologist, Clinical Manager
Maria works with adolescents and adults in managing a variety of health conditions.
She has over 3 decades of experience as a psychologist with her key areas of interest within the pain management, anxiety and capacity building arenas.
She is one of the few expert psychologists in Australia in pain management.
Maria is collaborative and practical in her approach to therapy and enjoys complex problems.
Professional Memberships
- Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
- Australian Pain Society
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Maria loves nature, heights (always wanted wings), the water (check her canyoning blog), all animals (yes…even snakes), cooking and has been a book worm since she started to read at 6!
Latest Videos
ADHD - Brains That Bounce Podcast
Psychologists Get Real About Mental Health Podcast
Latest Blog by Maria
Simon (Simo) Tyler
Psychologist
Simon has over five years’ experience as a psychologist with his key areas of interest being assisting a wide variety of populations experiencing anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Simon also has significant interest in male mental health and suicidality and has completed a PhD in this area after being awarded the inaugural Alison Milner Memorial Scholarship.
Driven to ensure positive, client centred outcomes, Simon enjoys building the knowledge and practical capacity of those who engage with his services.
Professional Memberships
- Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
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Simon loves going to the gym, watching sports of all kinds, and cheering as loudly as possible when the Port Adelaide Football Club play.
Simon cannot get enough of snow skiing and spent a lot of his childhood in the Victorian ski fields, somewhere he returns at every opportunity.
Latest Videos
Simo and Physical Exercise
Psychologists Experience Pain Too Podcast
Latest Blog by Simon
Chris Robinson
Psychologist
Chris has been working as a Psychologist for the past 6 years with clients from a variety of public and private sector roles and across a range of organisational settings.
He is dedicated to employing practical, evidence-based and client-centred approaches to foster a collaborative therapeutic relationship, empower clients and assist them in their mental health and wellbeing journey.
With a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique experiences and challenges, he strives to create a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration and personal growth.
Professional Memberships
- Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
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Chris enjoys staying active in the gym, cooking new meals with friends and family, and venturing out on camping trips across South Australia when he gets the chance.
His newfound woodworking hobby sees him spend his weekends collecting and restoring vintage hand tools and attempting to use them to create various things out of wood.
Latest Videos
ADHD - Brains That Bounce Podcast
Psychologists Get Real About Mental Health Podcast
Latest Blog by Chris
Hugh Gockowiak
Psychologist
Hugh is a compassionate and experienced psychologist who has been helping people for over six years. He’s worked in a variety of areas, from consulting and research to public health, and has a background in disability support and mental health.
Hugh is passionate about using proven, evidence-based approaches to help people improve their lives and reach their goals.
He understands that everyone is different, which is why he works with each person to find the best strategies and methods that fit their unique needs.
Hugh believes that therapy isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” process - it’s about finding what works for you, and he’s there to guide you every step of the way.
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Outside of work, Hugh loves cooking - especially making wood-fired pizzas from scratch (a new favourite hobby of his!).
He also enjoys playing electric guitar, working off the pizzas in the gym, and playing tennis when he can.
When he’s not busy with hobbies, Hugh enjoys spending time with his partner and their two dogs, who keep him on his toes and bring plenty of joy to his life.
Latest Videos
Gorge Wildlife Park Meerkat Encounter March 2026
ADHD - Brains That Bounce Podcast
Latest Blog by Hugh
Hannah Long
Psychologist
Hannah began her psychology career in the field of sleep health nearly six years ago, and it remains one of her key passions today. Over those six years she has supported individuals across both private and public sectors, working with diverse people supporting the spectrum of mental health and wellbeing.
Hannah loves the area of Health where psychology intersects with physical and social. She enjoys working with clients across the age range (12 to 99!) from all backgrounds.
Hannah meets people where they are and works alongside them. Her therapeutic interventions are individual centred using a practical approach that sometimes moves out of the square.
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Hannah is a massive book nerd—you’ll often find her spending her weekends lost in epic fantasy tales. She is also a devoted coffee lover, and her favourite morning ritual is enjoying a great brew while taking her dog for long walks.
When Hannah is not deep in a book or fueling her caffeine habit, she loves spending time with friends and family, going on adventures through the Adelaide Hills, and trying (with questionable success) to be a good plant mum.
Professional Memberships
- Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
Latest Videos
Gorge Wildlife Park Meerkat Encounter March 2026
ADHD - Brains That Bounce Podcast
Latest Blog by Hannah
William (Will) Plagakis
Psychologist (Provisional)
William is a provisional psychologist completing the 5+1 internship pathway toward general registration. He has experience supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and adjustment difficulties that impact daily functioning and employment.
Prior to psychology, William worked as a Claims Advisor in the insurance industry, supporting individuals who had experienced motor vehicle accidents and traumatic injuries. He has also worked within a sleep research laboratory and has a strong interest in the relationship between sleep, lifestyle, and mental wellbeing.
William is passionate about helping people rebuild confidence, navigate challenges such as grief and life transitions, and develop practical coping strategies to move toward meaningful life goals through collaborative, evidence-based approaches.
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Outside of psychology, William enjoys maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. He has a strong interest in health and fitness, particularly strength and hypertrophy training, and enjoys learning about ways to improve physical and mental wellbeing. In his spare time, he enjoys going for hikes in nature, grabbing a good coffee, and spending quality time with his wife, family, and friends.
Professional Memberships
- Australian Psychological Society (APS).
- Golden Key Society
Latest Videos
Gorge Wildlife Park Meerkat Encounter March 2026
William (Will) Plagakis Introduction
Mel Stone
Counsellor / Art Therapist
Mel is a counsellor and art therapist who knows that sometimes, a paintbrush says it better than words!
She’s all about using art to help clients tackle life’s hurdles, discover new strengths, and express themselves freely.
In Mel’s sessions, there’s no need to be Picasso - art therapy is about the process, not the masterpiece.
Whether inside or out, she creates a safe space where clients can get creative, connect with their feelings, and build resilience.
It’s all about self-expression, a splash of colour, and maybe even a few unexpected breakthroughs!
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Mel is young at heart and naturally curious - a real beach explorer who’s happiest camping under the stars, thanks to her bushland roots.
She loves her motorbike, but also her trusty 4x4.
Latest Videos
Mental Health Month 2024 with Mel
Latest Blog by Mel
My Journey into Art: Discovering My Creative Voice – Reflections on Inspiration and Early Influences
Nathan Rudolph
Mentor / Allied Therapy Assistant
Nathan is a fun-loving person who enjoys the outdoors.
He is a qualified carpenter with 5 years’ work experience in small business but is transitioning into the health sector; he has completed a Diploma in Health and is in his second year of Occupational Therapy studies.
Nathan likes to help and assist people to create and find ways to enjoy life (even while doing those boring house chores).
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Nathan enjoys outdoor activities such as soccer, snorkelling, surfing, and adventuring but also loves his down time with music, movies/TV series, board games, and time with family.
Latest Videos
Mental Health Month 2024 with Nathan
Gorge Wildlife Park Meerkat Encounter
Latest Blog by Nathan
Angela Salmon
Administration Manager
Angela has worked as an Administrator in Allied Health for over 15 years.
We have been blessed to have her agree to be our Admin Manager at Paragon PsychConnect even though some days it may feel like she is herding cats!
She keeps everything running beautifully and all our clients rave about her.
Angela is shy - that's her hiding behind all the Meerkats!
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Angela loves watching Police and investigative dramas and trying weird and wonderful new food (no she doesn’t…. Maria keeps trying to get her to try strange food but so far no luck). She loves plants and is our Lego Queen and you will see many of her creations in Reception.
Latest Videos
Gorge Wildlife Park Meerkat Encounter
Gorge Wildlife Park Meerkat Encounter
