About Us
Prag Consulting provides a range of services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and partner agencies, and in the broader health and human services sectors.
We are a registered provider of Specialist Behaviour Intervention, Therapeutic Supports and Specialist Support Coordination services under the NDIS. We also provide organisational consulting and learning and development services in the Disability, Child, Youth and Family (CYF), Forensic Disability/Criminal Justice and Mental Health sectors.
We work from a trauma informed perspective and our work is grounded in human rights principles, humanistic values and evidence based, best-practice principles of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
Our Directors
Shanker Pragnaratne, MAPS
Registered Psychologist
Director and Principal Clinician
Shanker is the clinical director of Prag Consulting. His career spans over thirty years, from direct support in public mental health and disability, leadership and policy roles in government and non-government disability services, private practice, organisational consulting, and teaching.
Shanker has an interest in people who have complex presentations, including those with cognitive impairment and psychiatric presentations (dual disability), complex trauma issues and forensic disability. He has worked with adults and young people presenting with complex psychosocial issues and particularly enjoys working collaboratively with organisations and staff, in building their capacity for supporting those who present with complex issues.
Shanker worked from 2013 – 2016, as the Senior Practice Advisor for Disability and Complex Care, South Division, Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS). In this role, he provided clinical leadership to the Disability programs of South Division and promoted and contributed to continuous learning and improvement and evidence-based practice. He led cross programmatic collaboration in forensic disability practice and delivered reflective practice and training in trauma informed practice tailored to individual programs across South Division.
Shanker was a contracted consultant and trainer in Positive Behaviour Support with Melbourne Polytechnic (then, NMIT), a lecturer in the Disability and Education programs at RMIT (2012-2013) and clinical supervisor to the Intensive Behaviour Support Program (IBSP) of Jewish Care Victoria (2012-2013). From August 2007 to March 2012, Shanker worked as Manager, Positive Behaviour Support at Yooralla, which incorporated the mandated role of Authorised Program Officer (APO). In this integrated clinical and senior management role, he led and promoted a culture of Positive Behaviour Support across Yooralla, improving outcomes for people who were subject to restrictive practices. Prior to this, he was Senior Projects Officer at Disability Services Division, DHS (and the then Office of the Senior Practitioner), responsible for a policy portfolio which included the practice interface between Disability Services and Corrections Victoria, and the then State-wide Forensic Services.
In his current work, whilst supporting the team at Prag Consulting, Shanker provides a range of other consulting services, including clinical, forensic and behaviour support services, clinical supervision, and learning and development services to several organisations (both not-for-profit and private). Under Shanker’s clinical leadership, Prag Consulting is highly sought after as an NDIS registered provider of specialist behaviour support and therapeutic support services in Victoria.
Shanker is a registered provider with Medicare, and for several years provided psychological services in primary heath settings. He is also a current member on the board of directors of MOIRA Youth, Family and Disability Services.
Shanker Pragnaratne, MAPS
Registered Psychologist
Director and Principal Clinician
Registered Psychologist Director and Principal Clinician Shanker is the clinical...
Therese Morgante
Principal Consultant (Disability Sector & Policy)
Director, Operations and Business Development
Therese is an experienced disability administrator with over 25 years’ experience in the disability sector including roles in direct support, management and policy roles in government and non-government organisations and private consulting.
Therese has played key roles throughout Victoria’s progression towards individualised funding, including design and initial implementation of self-directed funding at the Transport Accident Commission (TAC; from 1999 – 2005) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS from 2005 – 2009). In her role as a senior manager at DHHS, Therese supported the implementation of Victoria’s first Autism State Plan. She worked as a Consultant at Dyson Consulting Group (2010 – 2016), where she supported organisations across Australia to prepare for providing services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Therese was also the Executive Officer for East Division, DHHS (from 2016 – 2020).
In her current work, Therese is responsible for all aspects of Prag Consulting operations including policy development, compliance and practice improvement. Therese also provides consulting services to organisations in the disability and broader human services sectors.
Therese Morgante
Principal Consultant (Disability Sector & Policy)
Director, Operations & Business Development
Principal Consultant (Disability Sector & Policy) Director, Operations and Business...
Maggie Abdelmalak, AASW
Manager, Support Coordination & Specialist Support Coordinator
Maggie is a Social Worker with more than 20 years’ experience in a range of clinical and community sector agencies. Maggie brings a wealth of experience and a high level of competence to develop and support the Support Coordination arm of Prag Consulting. She has been a NDIS Specialist Support Coordinator and has managed specialist support coordination services over a number of years. She has extensive experience supporting people who present with complex needs and from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations, LGBTIQ+ and people from multicultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
In her most recent role, Maggie managed the mental health team – including intake and triage, Counsellors (psychologists and generalists counsellors), peer support and care coordination of a large primary health provider. In this role, she was responsible for the local implementation of Head to Help and Health to Health mental health programs and the redesign of counselling programs to ensure equitable access to all users of the primary health service.
Maggie is passionate about supporting people with complex presentations, working from a strengths based, person centred and systems perspective. She is a highly sought-after specialist support coordinator who is compassionate, empathic and a strong advocate who is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of those whom she supports.
Maggie Abdelmalak, AASW
Manager, Support Coordination & Specialist Support Coordinator
Manager, Support Coordination & Specialist Support Coordinator Maggie is a...
Tracy Wilks
Administration & Systems Support
Tracy is an experienced and highly competent administrator who has worked in the customer service industry for over 15 years in various roles, including in allied health and NDIS administration support in the past three years.
Tracy brings solid experience in system implementation, business management, client relationships, and other administration functions including processing NDIS service bookings, service agreements, invoicing, and accounting functions. Along with her professional skills and competence, she brings a naturally empathetic personality and a calm and considered approach to her work.
Tracy has recently completed her Cert IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping at Swinburne University.
Tracy Wilks
Administration & Systems Support
Administration & Systems Support Tracy is an experienced and highly...
Our Practitioners
Stacey Antonopoulos, Assoc MAPS
Provisional Psychologist
Senior Associate, Behaviour Support
Stacey is a senior associate and a clinical supervisor with Prag Consulting. She has worked in the disability sector for 25 years within a variety of organisations including the Department of Health and Human Services as an Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner and supported young people and adults with a range of complex disabilities and mental health needs utilising evidence based positive behaviour support approaches.
Throughout her career, Stacey has gained an understanding of the biopsychosocial factors that impact on a person’s behaviours and how these factors can influence their sense of wellbeing, interactions with others and meaningful inclusion within their community. She has a particular interest in supporting people, their families and service providers to develop and maintain constructive relationships that facilitate positive change and improvement in their quality of life.
Stacey has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and clinical training in family therapy. She is currently undertaking the degree of Master of Professional Psychology at Monash University.
Stacey Antonopoulos, Assoc MAPS
Provisional Psychologist
Senior Associate, Behaviour Support
Provisional Psychologist Senior Associate, Behaviour Support Stacey is a senior...
Alicia Bakker
Senior Associate, Clinical and Behaviour Support
Alicia is a senior associate and a clinical supervisor with Prag Consulting. She has worked in the disability sector for a number of years including as a Behavioural Consultant and team leader at Melbourne City Mission’s Affirming Families Positive Behaviour Support Program. Prior to this she has worked for several years providing crisis intervention support for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Alicia enjoys supporting children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability and mental health needs from a Positive Behaviour Support approach. She is passionate about building positive relationships, promoting full inclusion in family and community life and improving quality of life for children and young people with complex needs.
Alicia has completed a BA in Social Sciences at La Trobe University and a Master of Social Work at Monash University. She also has a keen interest in alternative therapeutic approaches and has undertaken training in animal assisted therapy.
Alicia Bakker
Senior Associate,
Clinical and Behaviour Support
Senior Associate, Clinical and Behaviour Support Alicia is a senior...
Loren Coburn
Registered Psychologist & Senior Associate, Clinical and Behavioural Support
Loren is a senior associate and a clinical supervisor with Prag Consulting. She brings 17 years’ experience working in various roles in the disability sector, crisis intervention and homelessness support, alcohol and other drugs services and forensic services.
Throughout her career, Loren has developed a keen interest in working with people who have complex and multifaceted presentations and support needs utilising evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches. Loren views behaviour as an accumulation of the individual’s past experiences, their biological predispositions and their adaptive behaviour to gain insight and understand how these factors together influence and mould the individual’s thoughts, feelings and observed behaviour. Utilising applied positive psychology and a strengths-based approach, Loren’s focus is on promoting the individuals/ family’s wellbeing, building resilience and emotional coping strategies to develop preventative mental health strategies. Loren has worked primarily with adolescents and adults presenting with cognitive impairment (Intellectual disability, Acquired Brain Injury and neurodevelopmental disability), a history of trauma, complex mental health presentations and other psychosocial issues, including those with a forensic history or current involvement with the criminal justice system providing clinical assessment and intervention supports.
Loren is passionate about sharing her knowledge and promoting staff development. In her current work, Loren provides clinical supervision to Behaviour Support Practitioners and delivers training (internally and externally) to promote effective service delivery to those with complex presentations whilst supporting staff in demanding environments.
Loren Coburn
Registered Psychologist & Senior Associate, Clinical and Behavioural Support
Registered Psychologist & Senior Associate, Clinical and Behavioural Support Loren...
Bob Bowen
Senior Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Bob Bowen is an internationally known consultant, author, and speaker who has over 40 years of experience in supporting people affected by complex disabilities. He started teaching about behaviour in 1981 at the college level and is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester in New York. In this role he has written three book chapters and over 20 articles and conference presentations on the role of culture in workplace violence.
Bob has taught workshops and consulted with families and organisations throughout Europe, Canada, the United States and Australia. Bob believes that families can and should, where possible, be actively involved in the support process. He travels to Australia frequently and even when not in the country, he is able to support families and organisations through video and tele conference technology. He has demonstrated his expertise and compassion in working with individuals affected by autism, mental health concerns and complex behavioural needs in Victoria and is looking forward to serving more people through his affiliation with Prag Consulting.
Bob Bowen
Senior Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Senior Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Bob Bowen is an internationally...
Stephanie Angelis
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Stephanie is an advanced associate of Prag Consulting with previous work experience as a Forensic Disability Behaviour Support Practitioner with the Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) and of Melbourne City Mission’s Affirming Families Program.
Stephanie has experience supporting individuals of all age groups but has a particular interest in the assessment and support of young people with forensic (criminal offending) behaviour and complex trauma presentations. Stephanie has a passion for supporting young people’s mental health needs through trauma-informed practice and enjoys supporting care teams to adopt a Person Centred, Positive Behaviour Support approach to ensure that holistic support is provided to each individual.
Stephanie is currently completing Honors in Psychology, having taken a break between her undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Stephanie Angelis
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Stephanie is an advanced associate...
Madeline Wilson
Provisional Psychologist
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Madeline (Maddy) is an advanced associate of Prag Consulting with previous work experience as a behaviour support practitioner and team leader of Melbourne City Mission’s Affirming Families Positive Behaviour Support Program. She also has experience in direct support work implementing positive behaviour support programs for children and adolescents with severe behaviours of concern within a shared care residential facility.
Maddy currently supports a diverse group of individual and families with complex presentations. She enjoys strengthening relationships and improving the quality of life of her clients and the important people in their lives. Maddy is also passionate about equipping her clients with skills that will last throughout their lifetime.
Maddy has completed a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Graduate Diploma in Psychology and is currently completing the degree of Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental).
Madeline Wilson
Provisional Psychologist
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Provisional Psychologist Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Madeline (Maddy) is...
Tracey Fink
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Tracey has worked in the Disability Sector for 30 years, beginning with aiding Integration for students with a disability into mainstream secondary college. She began working at the then Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in 1995 in Disability Accommodation Services and spent 18 years as a House Supervisor supporting adults with a range of cognitive disabilities to live independently, develop skills and participate in their community. She finished her career with DHHS as an Operations Manager supporting Staff and Residents from multiple Group Homes with a variety of complex needs.
Tracey is passionate about supporting people with a disability to live their best life by building positive relationships with family and community, promoting full inclusion, choice, decision making and access to their chosen services.
Tracey has a particular interest in supporting people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or complex behaviour needs through Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). She is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support in 2021.
Tracey Fink
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Tracey has worked in the...
Rebecca Ryan
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Rebecca commenced at Prag Consulting in August 2021, having worked for the past four years as a positive behaviour support practitioner and lead authorised program officer. She has over 25 years of experience in the disability field having also worked in case management, support coordination and project roles.
Rebecca always aims to reduce restrictions in the lives of her clients, ensuring their dignity and human rights are at the centre of all decisions.
She has a passion for working with young people and adults who may experience challenges in their day to day lives and believes that everyone, regardless of disability, can contribute positively to their communities.
Rebecca works from a trauma-informed approach and has a keen interest in supporting disability staff to feel pride in their roles.
Rebecca Ryan
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Advanced Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Rebecca commenced at Prag Consulting...
Gabriela Bica
Provisional Psychologist
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Gabriela (Gabi) joined Prag Consulting in early 2020, having worked previously as an ABA therapist and behaviour support practitioner. She has also worked in not-for-profit enterprises supporting young people with diverse backgrounds and abilities to develop employment skills.
Gabi has supported young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, ADHD, and mental health needs. She is passionate about empowering her clients and their families to improve their quality of life and participation in their communities. Gabi is committed to person-centred approaches in her practice, celebrating the differences and strengths of her clients. She enjoys collaborating with families and support networks including schools and therapy teams in working towards her clients’ goals.
Gabriela Bica
Provisional Psychologist
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Provisional Psychologist Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Gabriela (Gabi) joined Prag...
Katherine Howells, PhD
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Katherine joined Prag Consulting in mid-2020. She has worked with children across a range of abilities for several years, including as a behaviour interventionist. She has also worked in a research setting, with a particular focus on neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and as a university tutor in an undergraduate child and adolescent development unit.
Katherine is passionate about supporting individuals of all abilities, improving their quality of life, and increasing participation within the community.
Katherine holds a PhD in Psychology and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). Her thesis examined the impact of organised physical activity for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Katherine Howells, PhD
Provisional Psychologist - Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Katherine joined Prag Consulting in mid-2020....
Steph Ganegoda, AASW
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Stephanie is an associate of Prag Consulting. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages from a Positive Behaviour Support approach. She is passionate about supporting mental health needs and creating an inclusive space where everyone feels safe and confident to be themselves and achieve their personal goals. Stephanie embraces diversity and supports individuality and character.
Stephanie has completed a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours, and a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology at RMIT University.
Steph Ganegoda, AASW
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Stephanie is an associate of Prag...
Meagan McLean
Meagan joined the team at Prag Consulting with experience in therapeutic person-centered support roles, alongside adults and youth with complex psychosocial presentations.
Meagan is a creative and compassionate practitioner who has a keen interest in understanding each person’s unique circumstances and targeting her support with the aim of empowering individuals to reach their optimal capacity. Her areas of interest include mental health, building positive relationships and person centered and solution-focused counselling practices. She has a strong commitment to ensuring inclusion and equal opportunities for everyone.
Meagan is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Behavioral Studies.
Meagan McLean
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support/ Psychoeducational Practitioner
Meagan joined the team at Prag Consulting with experience in...
Kaye Swan
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Kaye has worked in the disability and child protection sectors for a number of years in therapeutic support roles. She has experience working with parents of young children through mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches and the principles of attachment theory. She enjoys working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and has developed a keen interest supporting those with complex sensory needs.
Kaye is currently completing a Bachelor of Psychological and Neurological Sciences (Honours).
Kaye Swan
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Kaye has worked in the disability...
Carsten de Jong
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Carsten joined the team at Prag Consulting in early 2021, having worked for three years as a Disability Support Worker providing individualised services to people with complex needs (including forensic disability and complex behaviour issues).
Carsten has a passion for working therapeutically with individuals who have complex psychosocial support needs and brings a naturally compassionate and person-centred approach to his work. He is a budding clinician who has completed a Master of Professional Psychology and an Honours degree in psychology and is eligible for registration as a Provisional Psychologist.
Carsten de Jong
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Carsten joined the team at Prag...
Belinda Xagremenakos, AASW
Social Worker; Associate, Positive Behavioural Support
Belinda is an Associate at Prag Consulting with previous work experience as a NDIS Specialist Support Coordinator, where she gained particular experience supporting individuals and families with complex needs, including in forensic disability and criminal justice. Prior to this, she has experience facilitating carer support programs at ERMHA and experience at Ozchild assisting families and children who have been removed from custody and placed into kinship care. She has also worked overseas in South Korea, Saudi Arabia, UK and in rural areas of QLD and NSW with high indigenous populations and has a deep understanding and respect of various cultures and belief systems.
Belinda has experience supporting people with complex trauma, and intergenerational trauma and works from a systems approach to help facilitate positive change. She incorporates a trauma informed and person-centred approach to support and is passionate about helping individuals achieve personal growth.
Belinda has completed a Master of Social Work at Griffith University and registered with AASW, Bachelor of Journalism degree at University of the Sunshine Coast and completed two years of a psychology major at Swinburne University. She also has an interest in narrative therapy and working towards being an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.
Belinda Xagremenakos, AASW
Social Worker; Associate, Positive Behavioural Support
Social Worker; Associate, Positive Behavioural Support Belinda is an Associate...
Lauren Hanafin
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Lauren joined the team at Prag Consulting having completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology and having worked with children as a nanny, for a number of years.
Lauren enjoys working with children and is passionate about supporting their goals and developmental needs. She enjoys working from a positive behaviour support framework adapting play-based, skill focussed and educational approaches to her support.
Lauren has completed a Bachelor of Arts with an extended major in psychology and a minor in criminology and aims to continue her studies to become a clinical psychologist.
Lauren Hanafin
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support
Associate, Positive Behaviour Support Lauren joined the team at Prag...