Janine Catanach 

Janine is an Aboriginal social worker, a clinical play therapist, and is certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). Janine integrates this neurodevelopmental approach with Aboriginal healing ways and evidence-based Western therapeutic practices to foster resilience, cultural identity and emotional wellbeing for children and families.

As the founder of Yilimu House, Janine has established a culturally safe and trauma-informed play therapy practice that provides a gentle and creative space for children to heal, connect and grow their stories and Spirits strong. Her clinical work focuses on helping children who have experienced complex trauma to regulate, relate and recover. Working alongside families and educators to weave Cultural Therapeutic Webs — intentional, everyday moments of safety and connection that surround a child and strengthen healing in community.

In addition to clinical practice, Janine leads The Cultural Consultancy Group, offering organisations and practitiners the skills, tools, and cultural frameworks needed to engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal people and communities. She is passionate about creating bridges between Aboriginal and Western ways of knowing and healing, empowering communities to grow strong Spirit and belonging.

Janine’s approach is grounded in cultural knowledge, neurodevelopment science, and trauma-informed practice, and is committed to amplifying Aboriginal voices and healing stories within therapeutic spaces.

Janine joins us from Queensland, Australia.

Dr. Robert Jason Grant 

Robert is a licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Advanced Certified Autism Specialist. 

He specializes in working with children, adolescents, families, primarily serving neurodivergent individuals (autism, ADHD, sensory differences, learning disorders, and developmental disabilities). He is the creator of AutPlay® Therapy, an integrative family play therapy framework designed to help address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children and adolescents. 

Robert is a supervisor, consultant, and life coach and utilizes several years of advanced training and his own lived neurodivergent experience to provide affirming services to children and their families. He has infused his experience and love for education and mental health care to create training programs for professionals and caregivers. He is an international trainer and keynote presenter and is also a multi-published author of several articles, book chapters, and books. 

In 2015, he was awarded Play Therapist of the Year by the Missouri Association for Play Therapy. In 2017, I was presented with the APT Service Award by the National Association for Play Therapy. He has served on the board of directors for the Association for Play Therapy, including as past president.

Robert joins us from Missouri, USA AND will be offering a 2-day in person AutPlay Therapy Training Master class directly following the conference.

Natalie Mackenzie 

Natalie joins us from Sydney, Australia.