Our Team
Dr Arun Pillai Psychiatrist
Dr Arun Pillai is a dedicated child and youth psychiatrist known for his warm, respectful, and person- centred approach to care. He works closely with children, adolescents, and young adults, offering comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans that are grounded in clinical excellence and genuine partnership.
Dr Pillai has worked extensively across public and private mental health services in Australia. He formerly held the role of medical director of campus-based Child and Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS) at Queensland Children’s Hospital and the Queensland Adolescent Extended Treatment Centre – Jacaranda Place, where he led multidisciplinary teams in delivering complex care for young people with severe mental health needs.
With a strong focus on early intervention and recovery-oriented practice, Dr Pillai creates safe, collaborative environments that support young people and families in navigating emotional and
developmental challenges. His clinical expertise includes a broad range of mental health conditions and developmental disorders, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurodevelopmental resentations.
Dr Arun Pillai Psychiatrist
Dr Arun Pillai is a dedicated child and youth psychiatrist known for his warm, respectful, and personcentred approach to care. He works closely with children, adolescents, and young adults, offering comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans that are grounded in clinical excellence and genuine partnership.
With a strong focus on early intervention and recovery-oriented practice, Dr Pillai creates safe, collaborative environments that support young people and families in navigating emotional and developmental challenges. His clinical expertise includes a broad range of mental health conditions and developmental disorders, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurodevelopmental presentations.
Dr Pillai has worked extensively across public and private mental health services in Australia. He formerly held the role of medical director of campus-based Child and Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS) at Queensland Children’s Hospital and the Queensland Adolescent Extended Treatment Centre – Jacaranda Place, where he led multidisciplinary teams in delivering complex care for young people with severe mental health needs.
Dr Kannan Kallapiran Psychiatrist
Dr. Kannan Kallapiran is a dedicated and compassionate psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. He specialises in managing a wide range of mental health conditions including ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Dr. Kallapiran is the Director of Catherine’s House, a 10-bed Mother Baby Unit focused on Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, and holds advanced certifications in both Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Infant Mental Health.
His clinical approach integrates medical treatment with evidence-based sychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mentalization-Based
Therapy (MBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). He values a holistic, strength-based, and recovery-oriented model, working collaboratively with clients to support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Dr. Kallapiran is deeply committed to early intervention and prevention. He is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Queensland, researching the impact of Positive Childhood Experiences on long-term
mental health outcomes. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), a member of the Faculty of Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists, and affiliated with key professional groups including the Marce Society, World Association for Infant Mental Health, and the RANZCP Section of Perinatal and Infant Psychiatry.
Dr Kannan Kallapiran Psychiatrist
Dr. Kannan Kallapiran is a dedicated and compassionate psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. He specialises in managing a wide range of mental health
conditions including ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Dr. Kallapiran is the Director of Catherine’s House, a 10-bed Mother Baby Unit focused on Perinatal and
Infant Mental Health, and holds advanced certifications in both Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Infant
Mental Health.
His clinical approach integrates medical treatment with evidence-based psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mentalization-Based
Therapy (MBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). He values a holistic, strength-based, and recovery-oriented model,
working collaboratively with clients to support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Dr. Kallapiran is deeply committed to early intervention and prevention. He is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Queensland, researching the impact of Positive Childhood Experiences on long-term
mental health outcomes. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
(RANZCP), a member of the Faculty of Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists, and affiliated with key professional
groups including the Marce Society, World Association for Infant Mental Health, and the RANZCP Section
of Perinatal and Infant Psychiatry.
Dr Meenakshi Sundaram Shanmugam Psychiatrist
Dr. Meenakshi Sundaram Shanmugam (Dr. Sundar) is a warm and experienced Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, young people and their families. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and holds Advanced Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry following training at the renowned NIMHANS (Bangalore) and Mindful Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health (Melbourne).
Dr. Sundar works with a wide range of mental health and developmental conditions, including anxiety, OCD, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, autism, ADHD, and neurodiverse presentations. He takes a thoughtful, big-picture approach—considering
each child’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and cultural background—to guide
personalised care.
He is currently Director of Community Mental Health Services and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland. He is also a passionate and long term contributor to international training through the Pathways Foundation course in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Families value Dr. Sundar’s calm presence, clear communication, and collaborative, compassionate care.
Dr Meenakshi Sundaram Shanmugam Psychiatrist
Dr. Meenakshi Sundaram Shanmugam (Dr. Sundar) is a warm and experienced Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, young people and their families. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
(RANZCP) and holds Advanced Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry following training at
the renowned NIMHANS (Bangalore) and Mindful Centre for Training and Research in
Developmental Health (Melbourne).
Dr. Sundar works with a wide range of mental health and developmental conditions, including anxiety, OCD, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, autism, ADHD, and neurodiverse presentations. He takes a thoughtful, big-picture approach—considering
each child’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and cultural background—to guide
personalised care.
He is currently Director of Community Mental Health Services and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland. He is also a passionate and long term contributor to international training
through the Pathways Foundation course in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Families value
Dr. Sundar’s calm presence, clear communication, and collaborative, compassionate care.
Dr Christopher Gandar
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr Gandar is a compassionate Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who works with young people and families to provide individualised treatment. His expertise encompasses a wide variety of mental health conditions including mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr Gandar incorporates holistic approaches, evidence-based practice, and a recovery focus, with a high value on therapeutic alliance. He works collaboratively to provide optimal care across different modalities for children, adolescents, and young adults. He is also able to support those seeking longer term psychotherapy.
Dr Gandar completed undergraduate biomedical science with a focus on neuroscience in New Zealand, followed by completion of his medical degree (MBBS) in Brisbane. He has worked at various hospitals throughout his training in Queensland, including basic psychiatry training at The Prince Charles Hospital and Royal Women’s and Brisbane Hospital, followed by advanced training at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Dr Gandar is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and has completed a certificate of Advanced Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He also works at Jacaranda Place, providing care to adolescents with complex mental health presentations at the Queensland Adolescent Extended Treatment Centre.
Dr Christopher Gandar Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr Gandar is a compassionate Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who works with young people and families to provide individualised treatment. His expertise encompasses a wide variety of mental health conditions including mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr Gandar incorporates holistic approaches, evidence-based practice, and a recovery focus, with a high value on therapeutic alliance. He works collaboratively to provide optimal care across different modalities for children, adolescents, and young adults. He is also able to support those seeking longer term psychotherapy.
Dr Gandar completed undergraduate biomedical science with a focus on neuroscience in New Zealand, followed by completion of his medical degree (MBBS) in Brisbane. He has worked at various hospitals throughout his training in Queensland, including basic psychiatry training at The Prince Charles Hospital and Royal Women’s and Brisbane Hospital, followed by advanced training at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Dr Gandar is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and has completed a certificate of Advanced Training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He also works at Jacaranda Place, providing care to adolescents with complex mental health presentations at the Queensland Adolescent Extended Treatment Centre.
Dr Mark Vickers Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Dr Mark is an advanced trainee in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry who values humour and honesty. He is known for his direct nature and believes that transparency is the key to authentic human connection. He grew up in Brisbane and has worked in mental health services in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales and has experience working with a diverse range of mental health presentations including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, OCD, eating disorders, psychotic disorders and personality disorders.
Dr Mark sees quality research as important to developing knowledge and progressing evidence-based medicine. He has been involved in a range of research projects and currently holds a research position with the Child Health Research Centre.
He delivers individual and family focused care, that is based on inclusion, understanding and compassion.
Dr Mark Vickers Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Dr Mark is an advanced trainee in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry who values humour and honesty. He is known for his direct nature and believes that transparency is the key to authentic human connection. He grew up in Brisbane and has worked in mental health services in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales and has experience working with a diverse range of mental health presentations including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, OCD, eating disorders, psychotic disorders and personality disorders.
Dr Mark sees quality research as important to developing knowledge and progressing evidence-based medicine. He has been involved in a range of research projects and currently holds a research position with the Child Health Research Centre.
He delivers individual and family focused care, that is based on inclusion, understanding and compassion.
Dr Vijini Jayawardena Adult Psychiatrist
Dr Vijini Jayawardena is an Adult Psychiatrist over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. She had MBBS with second class honours in 2004 and MD in Psychiatry in 2010 from Post Graduate Institute in Sri Lanka. Dr Jayawardena been practising Psychiatry in Australia since 2011 and got RANZCP Fellowship in 2015.
Dr Jayawardena has experience in both public and private settings. She has special interest in Perinatal mental health and women’s mental health.
Dr. Jayawardena can and provide assessment and management for adults on a range of diverse and complex psychiatric conditions including:
- Psychotic disorders
- Mood disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (such as ADHD)
- personality disorders
- Work cover
- DVA
Dr Vijini Jayawardena Adult Psychiatrist
Dr Vijini Jayawardena is an Adult Psychiatrist over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. She had MBBS with second class honours in 2004 and MD in Psychiatry in 2010 from Post Graduate Institute in Sri Lanka. Dr Jayawardena been practising Psychiatry in Australia since 2011 and got RANZCP Fellowship in 2015.
Dr Jayawardena has experience in both public and private settings. She has special interest in Perinatal mental health and women’s mental health.
Dr. Jayawardena can and provide assessment and management for adults on a range of diverse and complex psychiatric conditions including:
- Psychotic disorders
- Mood disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (such as ADHD)
- personality disorders
- Work cover
- DVA
Ms Deborah Bossy Senior Admin Officer
I commenced my career as a nurse in South Africa and immigrated to Australia in 2005, where I have continued to work within the medical sector. With over 24 years of experience in healthcare, I have progressed through a wide range of clinical and administrative roles, culminating in my current position as a Practice Manager. This journey has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of both patient care and practice operations.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to maintaining high professional standards, supporting multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to efficient, patient-centred healthcare services. I am recognised for my supportive and approachable leadership style and am often regarded as a trusted source of guidance within the workplace. I take pride in fostering a collaborative environment that supports both staff wellbeing and optimal patient outcomes.
My professional passion lies in delivering excellent customer service and ensuring a positive experience for all patients, with a particular focus on creating a calm and reassuring environment for children. I value the opportunity to support families over time and find great satisfaction in watching young patients grow and develop into confident, independent individuals.
Ms Deborah Bossy Senior Admin Officer
I commenced my career as a nurse in South Africa and immigrated to Australia in 2005, where I have continued to work within the medical sector. With over 24 years of experience in healthcare, I have progressed through a wide range of clinical and administrative roles, culminating in my current position as a Practice Manager. This journey has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of both patient care and practice operations.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to maintaining high professional standards, supporting multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to efficient, patient-centred healthcare services. I am recognised for my supportive and approachable leadership style and am often regarded as a trusted source of guidance within the workplace. I take pride in fostering a collaborative environment that supports both staff wellbeing and optimal patient outcomes.
My professional passion lies in delivering excellent customer service and ensuring a positive experience for all patients, with a particular focus on creating a calm and reassuring environment for children. I value the opportunity to support families over time and find great satisfaction in watching young patients grow and develop into confident, independent individuals.