Our Team

Get to Know Us

Matthew Jardin

Developmental Educator, Clinical Lead, & Director

(Disability Specialist in Autism & Mental Health)

MHuServ (Disability Practice, Mental Health Practice, & Autism) Griffith, GCert Autism, BArt Ed & Lit USQ, AssocDeg Ed. DE (Full Practicing Membership #3324893)

Matthew is an AuDHD Developmental Educator (Disability Specialist), specialising in Autism, ADHD, and co-occurring mental health conditions. As an NDIS-recognised allied health practitioner, he provides clinical, evidence-based assessment and therapy to support neurodivergent people across their lifespan. His lived experience as a neurodivergent professional informs his deep understanding of sensory, emotional, and social differences, shaping an approach that is both evidence-based and authentically person-centred.

With advanced qualifications in Disability Practice, Autism, and Mental Health Practice, Matthew integrates research-informed strategies with a holistic, neurodiversity-affirming framework. His work focuses on emotional regulation, adaptive skill development, and self-determination, empowering clients to achieve meaningful participation and improved quality of life.

As Clinical Lead at Jardin Spectrum Assist (JSA), Matthew plays an active role in the diagnostic assessment team, contributing his Developmental Educator expertise to Autism and ADHD assessments. He oversees the coordination and quality of JSA’s multidisciplinary diagnostic process, ensuring each assessment is thorough, evidence-based, and neurodiversity-affirming. Matthew conducts developmental and sensory evaluations, functional analyses, and structured clinical observations, integrating these findings with psychological and occupational profiles to inform diagnostic formulations. His lens ensures that assessments capture the lived experience of neurodivergence across home, school, and community settings.

As Clinical Lead and Director, Matthew oversees quality assurance, clinician mentoring, and program development, ensuring JSA’s diagnostic and therapeutic services remain best-practice, person-centred, and neurodiversity-affirming.

Matthew founded Jardin Spectrum Assist to ensure that affordable, high-quality diagnostic services for Autism and ADHD were accessible to the neurodivergent community. His vision was to create a service with low wait times, clinically robust reports, and affirming, safe sessions where clients feel understood and respected. JSA continues to embody this mission, providing excellence in assessments and services while maintaining compassion, accessibility, and integrity at every stage.

Matthew is committed to leading systemic change within the disability sector by promoting understanding, inclusion, and authentic representation of neurodivergent people.

Matthew's Interests: Matthew has a deep passion for writing poetry and lyrics, often drawing from his own experiences and reflections on neurodivergence and identity. Autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence are his most significant and most enduring hyperfocus — they’re not just his work, but the lens through which he views the world. He’s also a keen reader with a love for modernist literature, especially The Great Gatsby, drawn to its emotional depth and timeless reflections on what it means to be human. Around the office and at home, Matthew is usually joined by his two miniature dachshunds and two cats — his four little sidekicks, who sometimes make guest appearances during sessions.

What is a Developmental Educator?

A Developmental Educator (DE) is a disability specialist and allied health professional who delivers clinical, evidence-based assessment and therapy for people with neurodevelopmental and other disabilities. DEs work across functional, social, emotional, and adaptive domains to enhance daily living, participation, and self-determination. They are recognised under the NDIS as providers within Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living and collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to ensure supports and assessments are neurodiversity-affirming, person-centred, and clinically robust.

Christian

Clinical Nurse Consultant, Clinical Governance Lead & Director

BNursing, BSc in Nursing (AHPRA NMW0002415311).

Christian, with degrees in Science and Nursing, brings a wealth of expertise honed through extensive experience in emergency and geriatric care. His hands-on clinical background has provided him with deep insights into managing complex medical needs, particularly in high-pressure environments. As a Registered and Clinical Nurse, Christian plays a pivotal role at JSA as an approved practitioner for Functional Capacity and Nursing Assessments under the NDIS.

Christian’s approach is guided by a deep commitment to person-centred care, ensuring that the individuals we support receive services tailored to their unique needs. His role includes collaborating closely with our multidisciplinary team to ensure that all aspects of care—from medical to developmental—are seamlessly integrated. His leadership in clinical services is invaluable, ensuring high standards and fostering an environment of respect, dignity, and empowerment for all clients.

Christian is also dedicated to staying current with his field's latest research and developments. His focus on continuous learning allows him to implement the most effective and up-to-date nursing practices for neurodivergent individuals with complex health conditions. Outside of his professional role, Christian enjoys engaging with research and staying at the forefront of best practices in the healthcare field.

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Dr Hugo Gonzales

Clinical Psychologist

BA-Psych, Mpsych(Clinical), M Health Psych, PhDPsych, GCert Uni Teaching. (AHPRA PSY0001290047).

As a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, I am deeply committed to affirming practice and respect for diversity in all its forms. My approach is rooted in the belief that every individual’s unique neurotype, identity, and lived experience are valuable and deserving of understanding and respect. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is inclusive, nonjudgmental, and empowering, where clients feel seen, heard, and respected for who they are. By integrating evidence-based practices with a neurodiversity-affirming lens, I aim to support clients in exploring their strengths, navigating challenges, and building resilience on their own terms.

Alysse

Occupational Therapist

BA Occupational Therapy (Hons), GCert Autism Studies (AHPRA Registration [OCC0002563388]).

Alysse is an Occupational Therapist with three years of professional experience
centralised in supporting neurodivergent children, teens, and adults. Her journey into occupational therapy was shaped by four years of disability support work during her studies, fostering a strong commitment to empowering people with diverse needs.

Drawing from her early career experience working with paediatric neurodivergent clients, Alysse has developed a passion for promoting autonomy, self-determination,
and confidence through collaborative therapeutic relationships.

Alysse’s qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy (Honours), a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Studies, and various certifications in fitness, business, and disability support. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree
in Autism and Neurodiversity to further explore her deep interest in this field.

As part of the Jardin Spectrum Assist team, Alysse combines her experience, skills, and knowledge to provide individualised and affirming support.

In her downtime, Alysse enjoys reading research papers, sharing autism research in accessible ways on social media, spending time with her fur and feathered friends, and reading books.

Michael

Occupational Therapist

BA in Occupational Therapy (AHPRA Registration [18185056874]).

Michael is an Occupational Therapist with experience supporting neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults, particularly at the intersection of neurodivergence and mental health across the lifespan. His approach is neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, and grounded in each person’s strengths and lived experience. Michael places strong emphasis on trust and connection, walking alongside individuals as they navigate their unique path toward recovery and growth.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and additional qualifications in the creative arts. As part of the Jardin Spectrum Assist team, he combines his clinical experience, creativity, and compassion to provide individualised and affirming support.

In his downtime, Michael enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, baking sourdough, playing video games, exploring new food spots, deep-diving into YouTube rabbit holes, and spending time with loved ones.

Tanya

Community Engagement Coordinator

With over 28 years of experience in the disability and aged care sectors, Tanya brings a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to her role as Community Engagement Coordinator at JSA.

Her focus is on building strong connections with the community and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Tanya ensures that JSA’s services remain inclusive, responsive, and accessible to clients and their families, while strengthening partnerships across the broader disability sector.

Her extensive background and commitment to advocacy enrich our practice and help us continue delivering services that are respectful, person-centred, and aligned with the diverse needs of the people we support.

Sheryl

General Manager & Practice Manager

Sheryl, with an extensive background in operations and management, ensures the smooth running of Jardin Spectrum Assist. She oversees daily operations and ensures that the services we provide are delivered to the highest standards of quality and care.

Sheryl's strategic vision has been instrumental in driving continuous improvement within our organisation. Her leadership supports the team in staying responsive to the evolving needs of our clients, ensuring that our services are always person-centred, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming. With a hands-on approach to problem-solving, Sheryl fosters a work environment built on collaboration, respect, and professionalism.

Under Sheryl’s leadership, JSA has continued to grow and evolve, focusing on providing tailored services that meet the unique needs of every client. She is committed to fostering a workplace culture where our team feel supported, which translates into the high-quality care we offer to the people we serve.

Our interventions at JARDIN SPECTRUM ASSIST go beyond standard practices. We are deeply committed to respecting the individual narratives of autistic and disabled people. Our support is tailored to recognise and honour the unique strengths and experiences of each person we work with. As we continue to listen, learn, and adapt, our mission remains clear: empowering individuals to lead lives defined by their own goals, dreams, and strengths—free from societal limitations.