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Our Team
Vera Billings
Founder and Counsellor
Vera founded Expressive Art Therapy with the vision to heal and enhance the life of others. She brings years of experience, skills and dedication to the forefront. She has studied a Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Psychology) at Monash University followed by a Graduate Diploma of Counselling at the Australian College of Applied Psychology. Vera's main interests is in counselling groups and individuals with disabilities.
Elyse Belford - Thomas
Registered Music Therapist
Elyse is a Registered Music Therapist (RMT) with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA). She completed a Bachelor of Music before undertaking a Masters of Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne, graduating with First Class Honours.
Elyse has experience supporting children, adults, and older adults in aged care, mental health, and disability services. She is passionate about creating warm, person-centred spaces where individuals can connect, express themselves, and build confidence through music. Elyse tailors each session to the individual's strengths, interests, and goals using singing, instrument playing, improvisation, songwriting, and movement.
Outside of music therapy, Elyse is a classical trained soprano who enjoys performing with choirs across Australia.
Anne Billings
Support Worker
Anne is a dedicated team member of Expressive Art Therapy.
Anne Billings is a community support worker that has been working over 15 years in residential care. She has always strives to ensure the clients are engaged with creative and meaningful activities.
Oletta Woodman
Counsellor
Oletta is a qualified and registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). She works with clients to encourage and support authenticity, helping to connect to their individual identity and explore authentic self expression. Oletta works from a person centred approach, combining methods of creative expression and talk therapy during sessions. Her sessions provide a non-judgemental, human space for self awareness, reflection, and practical support to navigate challenges.
Leonid Gaisinovitch
Art Teacher
Leonid has studied art from distinguished Australian artists and has a long time affiliation with Glen Eira Cheltenham Art Group. Leon loves to reflect beauty of nature in every day paintings and drawings. He enjoys exhibiting his art work at galleries and has won first price at the Exhibition of Orchids Arts. He is passionate in teaching skills he has learned to people in the community and encourage them to see beauty of art like he does.
Rochelle Kindler
Artist
With over two decades of experience, Rochelle’s artistic journey bridges the worlds of creativity, neuroscience, and therapeutic practice. Working primarily in acrylics and mixed media, she has recently embraced abstract styles that incorporate tactile elements like modelling clay and paste, creating richly textured, three-dimensional works. These methods offer more than visual impact—they invite sensory engagement and emotional release.
Rochelle’s approach is deeply informed by her studies in art therapy and neuroscience. She explores how materials and movement interact with the brain’s emotional regulation systems, designing workshops and frameworks that support healing through texture, rhythm, and visual metaphor.
Dina Goldberg
Marketing Executive
Dina has over twenty years of experience in administrative and bookkeeping roles, bringing exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail. She plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while also supporting marketing initiatives that help connect people with expressive arts therapy. Passionate about community service, she regularly volunteers with elderly recipients and vulnerable individuals, fostering meaningful connections and making a positive impact. Her dedication to both administration and outreach helps create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.