Dear Families,

My name is Jana and I am a Registered Psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working alongside children and families across private practice, schools, and in home environments. I have completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Tasmania, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced and Master of Professional Psychology at Monash University, and a Master of Child Play Therapy at Deakin University.

At the heart of my philosophy is a belief that children benefit enormously from understanding themselves – what is happening within them and around them. I have a passion for helping children learn about their brains, bodies, feelings and behaviours. I believe in getting to know children by entering their world to create environments where they feel accepted, safe, trusted and empowered to explore their experiences. Every behaviour and emotion has meaning, and I enjoy working alongside children and families to make sense of what sits underneath the tricky moments.

As part of my role at New Horizons Preschool Lenah Valley, I incorporate Psychology and therapeutic play modalities, psychoeducation, emotional co-regulation, and social and emotional learning into small daily groups with the children. Through these regular, gentle and contextual interactions, children have opportunities to build the foundational skills of emotional literacy, understanding their own regulation, developing self-advocacy skills, strengthening their sense of self and recognising their own capabilities. 

I am also here to work alongside you, the parents and caregivers. I see families as the most important people in a child’s world and in their holistic wellbeing. My role is to work alongside you, drawing on psychological knowledge and your unique knowledge of your child, to collaboratively find approaches that feel supportive, practical and meaningful for your family.

I am looking forward to getting to know you and your children and feel fortunate to be able to bring psychology into the preschool environment in this way.

Warmest,

Jana Panagakos