Sharelle is an experienced Clinical Psychologist specialising in the treatment of trauma and complex mental health symptoms. Prior to launching the Lightner Centre, Sharelle worked for almost a decade as a Senior Clinical Psychologist within the Crisis Stabilisation Unit, Emergency Department, and Acute Mental Health Units of the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.

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Sharelle has also worked as a Senior Clinician for the Department of Veterans Affairs and an Assistant Director for the Open Arms Family and Counselling 24/7 Contact Centre. Sharelle has worked with individuals exposed to a wide range of traumatic events as well as adults and children with severe and complex mental health difficulties. Due her experience with individuals experiencing complex and often chronic mental health symptoms, Sharelle became interested in early intervention and the factors that support the attainment of long-term recovery. This led her to the completion of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) which investigated the factors that contribute to PTSD and other mental health disorders, and to the development and validation of a definition and a model for Trauma Recovery. This research has informed the development of the Lightner Centre and forms the foundation of her clinical practice.

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Sharelle is trained in several therapeutic modalities including trauma-focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Trauma Informed Stabilisation Treatment (TIST). Sharelle is a Board Approved Supervisor, has held teaching positions at Bond University, and has a passion for supporting psychologists at all stages of their careers.

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Sharelle strongly believes in the benefits of lifelong learning and the promotion of clinical psychology treatments, and provides community education, organisational training, workshops, professional development opportunities, and clinical practice supervision.