Meet the Beacon Team
Bec Filliponi
Bec is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, consultant, trainer, supervisor and speaker with over 2 decades experience supporting children, adolescents, adults and professionals. Bec specialises in innovative therapies, is EMDR Trained & an Accredited Animal Assisted Psychotherapist alongside Tilly the Therapy Dog.
Bec has a degree in Psychology, Human Resource Management and Sociology, a degree in Social Work & a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma. Bec has published academic journal articles in the field of social work, is the author of children’s therapeutic story books, therapeutic art journals & has created numerous therapeutic group programs around violence prevention, early intervention and recovery.
Bec values dignity, accessibility and evidence-based knowledge in her work and specialises in trauma, regulation, mental health, child sexual exploitation, sexual assault, parenting, emotional connection and somatic processing.
Mel Smart
Melissa comes with over a decade of experience in the following areas:
- Trauma and Mental Health Therapist
- Allied Health Assistant
- Qualified Youth Worker
- Enrolled Nurse
- Diploma in Early Education and Care
Melissa joined our team in 2022, with over a decade of experience working in mental health, facilitating therapeutic programs, supporting people with disabilities and has worked as an Enrolled Nurse in the community and schools. Her diverse experiences have honed her ability to provide comprehensive care that nurtures minds and supports skills building in emotional regulation, social skills, relationship building, all through a trauma informed approach.
She can support clients through NDIS funding as an Allied Health Assistant or through Agency or Private funding.
Tilly the Therapy Dog
Tilly the Therapy Dog is a chocolate brown Australian Labradoodle. She was born December 22nd 2017. Tilly has lived with Bec since she was 8 weeks old. When she was 5 months old Tilly and Bec trained at Lead The Way Institute and Tilly has been working along side Bec as a Certified Therapy Dog ever since.
Tilly loves being a therapy dog. She loves meeting lots of different humans. She likes it when people take her for a walk on her lead, pat her or cuddle her. She also likes sleeping at people’s feet while they talk about their big feelings.
Tilly helps people feel safe when they come to counselling. She provides a distraction when discussions become overwhelming, helps people regulate by patting and cuddling her and allow people to feel safe by having something to care for. Tilly is also helpful to teaching people about body bubbles and respecting people’s boundaries, so that everyone in the session is and feels safe.
Evie the Therapy Dog ..... Joining our Team soon in 2025
