Director and Principal Psychologist, Jason Toombs, is a well regarded Toowoomba local with over 25 years experience as a Psychologist.

Jason commenced his working life as a carpenter/joiner, which has proved invaluable in working with clients today. Jason has extensive experience across both public and private organisations.

In addition to being a registered Psychologist, he has specialist training in occupational and rehabilitation psychology and assessment and treatment of clinical disorders. He has a special interest in the treatment of PTSD and trauma and is often consulted by emergency services personnel, orthopedic surgeons, general practitioners and insurance personnel for his expertise in this area.

Jason has an extensive tool box that is geared towards overcoming barriers and maximising potential.

Jason is well known as a fierce advocate for people’s rights and needs and someone who goes the extra mile to facilitate real outcomes.

Director and Behaviour Change Specialist, Michelle Toombs, joined the Renew team in 2017. Michelle has 25 years’ experience working with both adults and children with disabilities.

Michelle has managed community agencies including an open employment service for people with disabilities, and adult day service, and an in-home support service.

Michelle has also worked with students with disabilities in educational settings, assisting them to transition from school to post-school options, as well as, working with students and their families to be able to engage with school communities, curriculum opportunities and community supports. Facilitating access to and engagement with real life opportunities for people with disabilities has been Michelle’s life’s work and passion.

Amelia joined the Renew team in March 2021 and brings 15 years’ experience of corporate and business administration and management, including communications, workforce development, performance reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Amelia has worked across private, non-profit and government sectors, mostly in Queensland. Amelia and her husband both grew up in rural NSW, and both maintain a passion for providing high-level services to regional communities. She chose to join the Renew team after her daughter received an autism diagnosis, and she became much more aware of the vital support companies like Renew provide to so many families. Amelia considers that lending her skills and experience to the amazing team of practitioners at Renew makes her work worthwhile.

Amelia has two children, aged 9 and 5, and is a strong advocate of early intervention and empowering people who see and interpret the world a little differently to engage with that world in a positive way (and sometimes that means the world needs to do some changing!). 

Emma relocated from Far North Queensland in 2015 where she completed her Bachelor of Psychology studies. Whilst in Cairns, Emma worked with young girls, assisting a program around body image and hygiene.

Emma has previously worked in both disability and mental health sector, working with both adults and children. Emma has spent the last 3 years working in community mental health supporting adults with psychosocial disabilities to achieve their goals with employment and training as well as providing opportunities to socialise and maintain their mental health supports. Emma focuses strongly on building positive professional relationships with all clients and promotes a person centred approach to her work. 

Wendee currently lives in the Lockyer Valley with her two children, three dogs, and two cats. Prior to this, she lived in the mountains overlooking Wivenhoe Dam. This is where she completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at the University of Queensland, achieving First Class Honours. Additionally, she has recently completed the Positive Practices in Behavioural Support with the Institute of Applied Behaviour Analysis.

Wendee has a special interest in Trauma/PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Autism. She is passionate about supporting people throughout their journey to achieve their goals and grow as an individual.

Wendee looks forward to making a difference in a world that embraces diversity and values inclusiveness and belonging.

“Diversity means having a seat at the table of equality, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard and valued.”

Leanne was born and bred on the Darling Downs and brings over 20 years’ experience in various customer service roles within the Toowoomba region to Renew Psychology and Rehabilitation.

While she was studying her Diploma in Community and Development, she discovered her true passion for psychology and counselling and has recently completed her dual degree in Psychology and Counselling from USQ. She has also completed the Positive Practices in Behavioural Support program through the Institute for Applied Behaviour Analysis and is a registered NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner.

Leanne has a passion for mixed media art and is working towards her goal of incorporating art therapy into future practice.

‘Marcus has recently relocated from Brisbane after he and his wife fell in love with the sunny beach life of Yeppoon. Whilst in Brisbane, Marcus completed a Bachelor of Educational Studies and a Master’s of Social Work. Throughout his studies, he has gained previous experience in early intervention for children diagnosed with ASD, primary education, Child Safety / Out of Home Care and Employment Services Assessments. Marcus has a strong values-based framework driven through genuineness, connection, and empowerment for all.

Through being a father of a teenage son, Marcus has learnt the importance of transparency and patience but also enjoys all forms of interaction with young people, including their hobbies / interests. Outside of work, Marcus enjoys exploring new places, going on new adventures and four-wheel driving (especially if the dogs can come along).’

Cristel relocated from Far North Queensland to Toowoomba in 2015. Prior to this she lived in Cairns where she completed a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and completed extensive additional training with a particular focus on supporting young people with trauma.

Cristel is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling with majors in ‘Expressive Therapies’ and ‘Child Development and Effective Parenting’. She has also completed the Positive Practices in Behavioural Support with the Institute of Applied Behaviour Analysis and she also has a Certificate in Sandplay Therapy & Symbol Work and Certificate 3 in Education Support.

Cristel has worked in a variety of roles over the last 10 years in which she advocated for and supported people to achieve their goals and she is passionate about making a difference and helping people.

Ashley was raised on the sunny Gold Coast and has recently relocated to Toowoomba to further develop her knowledge and skills in the behaviour management field.

She has completed her Bachelor in Psychological Science with an intense focus in Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental conditions. Ashley has previously worked in early education and both the mental health and disability sectors. She has spent the last 3 years working in the field of ASD, in addition to being a member of the founding team of an Australian Autism camp, assisting children to develop positive behaviours and relationships. Ashley has a strong passion for client outcomes and building and maintaining positive relationships.

She loves the ocean and at any chance, you will find her out in the surf.

Kelda joined the Renew team in April 2021 and brings 27 years’ experience in Education. Kelda was born and raised in western Queensland and has lived and travelled extensively across Queensland and New South Wales.

Kelda has worked with students across both primary and secondary school settings and within a positive learning centre, focusing on behaviour.

Kelda comes from a family who worked tirelessly to provide opportunities to youth by providing them with alternative pathways through sport and Kelda endeavours to continue this by advocating and giving hope to others.

Jesse calls the Lockyer Valley Home and comes to Renew Psychology and Rehabilitation with unique insight from the education sector. After being a secondary classroom teacher for six years, he realized that his strong passion for the wellbeing, mental health and support of others would go far in assisting those within the disability sector. Inspired by a strong interest in behaviour, in 2020 Jesse completed a Masters in Guidance & Counselling with focuses on education, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and disability support. Jesse has strong beliefs in improving client outcomes, community engagement and client opportunities.

He also has a strong passion for music and performs often around the Darling Downs, he also has aspirations of including elements of music therapy in his practice. 

Karen joins our Renew Team with an abundance of administrative and customer service experience. She has a Diploma in Community Services and has worked within non-profits and with people with disabilities as a Senior Disability Support worker. 

She grew up on the Gold Coast and relocated to Toowoomba in 2016 and enjoys exploring the great outdoors! Karen is very responsive to our client’s needs and is always willing to assist with enquiries.

Michelle recently relocated to Toowoomba after 25 years living on a property near St George with her husband and children. Michelle previously worked as an office manager on a grape farm, a rates officer at Balonne Shire Council, and she has a legal background in conveyancing.

Michelle did the majority of her schooling in Toowoomba and is happy to be back in the garden city. She enjoys quilting and cooking.