How it works
A clear, caring process from first contact to final report.
The 5-Step Process
Step 1 — Get in touch
Book an appointment online, or send a message if you'd like to ask a question first. Many families start with a brief conversation to figure out which service is the right fit. There's no pressure.
Step 2 — Choose your starting point
Not sure whether to book a screener or a full assessment?
Start with a Screener ($350) if you have early concerns, want a low-cost starting point, or need clear findings to take to your child's school or an Educational Psychologist or SpeLD specialist. A screener gives schools enough detail to begin planning intervention straight away, and gives families a strong basis for pursuing specialist referral — without waiting months for a formal diagnosis.
Go straight to a Full Assessment ($750–$1,000) if your child has been struggling for some time, a previous screener or teacher has flagged concerns, or you want a comprehensive report with detailed findings and recommendations.
The assessment
Sessions are conducted in-person in Warrnambool or via a secure online platform. I'll let you know exactly what to expect beforehand so your child can come prepared and comfortable.
Your report and debrief
After a full assessment, you'll receive a written report with your child's scores, a clear interpretation of what they mean, and practical recommendations. We'll then have a debrief session where I walk you through everything in plain language — no jargon, no guesswork.
Your report is something you can share directly with your child's school, GP or other specialists. It includes everything they need to understand your child's profile and put support in place.
What comes next?
Depending on your child's results, next steps might include:
School adjustments or an Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Referral to a speech pathologist, psychologist or other specialist
Story Champs intervention sessions with Pelican Learning
A consultation to design and coordinate an intervention plan
Simply having the answers you needed — and knowing you're on the right track
Every report includes clear, practical recommendations. You won't be left wondering what to do next.
FAQ
Will an assessment provide a formal diagnosis for my child?
No — as a specialist educator, I provide educational assessments that identify indicators of learning difficulties and build a detailed picture of your child's learning profile. This is not the same as a formal psychological diagnosis.
For many families, an educational assessment is exactly what they need: it informs school support, helps parents understand their child's needs, and guides intervention. Where a formal diagnosis is required — for example, to access NDIS funding or certain specialist services — I will explain what that involves and help you find the right pathway.
I'm worried about my child being 'labelled'. Should I still get an assessment?
This is one of the most common concerns I hear — and it's worth taking seriously. But in my experience, the greater risk is not being understood. Children who are struggling often begin to label themselves before any professional does — and the labels they reach for ('I'm dumb', 'I'm broken', 'I'm not like everyone else') are far more damaging than any clinical term.
Understanding what's happening — and being able to name it honestly, with the right support around your child — replaces those harmful stories with an accurate one. It gives parents, teachers and the young person themselves the language to talk about challenges and strengths together. Many children feel a real sense of relief when they understand why learning has felt so hard.
I'm a strong advocate for honest, age-appropriate conversations with young people about how they learn — and for framing different learning profiles not just as challenges to manage, but as part of who they are, including genuine strengths.
Can I claim this on Medicare or private health?
Educational assessments are not currently covered by Medicare. Some private health funds cover services by a registered specialist teacher or educational consultant — check with your fund. I'm happy to provide a receipt with the relevant service details.
My child's school says they're fine. Should I still get an assessment?
Teachers do their best, but schools are not always resourced to identify subtle difficulties — particularly in bright children who find ways to compensate. If your instinct tells you something isn't right, it's worth exploring. A screener is a low-cost way to find out.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
I aim to offer appointments within a reasonable timeframe. Contact me to find out current availability.
My child is anxious about being assessed. Is that a problem?
Not at all. I work with children regularly and know how to create a calm, low-pressure environment. Many children find the session much less stressful than they expected. Some even enjoy the process! We can also talk through your child's needs in advance.
Can you liaise with my child's school?
Yes. With your permission, I'm happy to communicate with your child's school to help them understand the assessment findings and put appropriate support in place.
Do you work with adults?
TILLS assesses up to age 18. For adults with concerns, please get in touch and I'll let you know if I'm the right fit or can point you in a useful direction.