About Us

Hayley Lingard

Principal Practitioner

Kite Consulting’s Principal Practitioner brings together near decades of Social Work experience, Training Delivery and Supervisory skills, as well as, Business Management know-how, all in the one place.  With experience across frontline, management and Director roles, within a range of human services sectors and now private practice, Hayley brings a unique skill set of therapeutic practice experience and business management expertise. Having also represented Australia on the world sporting stage, Hayley brings with her a deep personal understanding of and passion for mindset, mindfulness and goal setting. Hayley has developed a caring and committed team at Kite Consulting that is passionate about quality service delivery and helping individuals and groups meet their own unique goals by tailoring services and resources to meet their specific needs.

I truly hope you enjoy working with my team and I!

Hayley Lingard

Principal Practitioner

Michael Ellwood

Clinical Counsellor/Social Worker

B.Socwk; GDip.SocWk; MCouns, PACFA (Clinical), AASW

Michael holds a Masters of Counselling, a Graduate Diploma of Social Work (majoring in Counselling and Family Therapy) and a Bachelor of Social Work. He has worked for fifteen years in the areas of relationships, parenting, grief and loss, and generally supporting people with change.

His approach to counselling is strength-based, systemic and solution-focused. He strives to help people achieve or manage change in a way that best fits their circumstances, resources and personal approach to life.

Michael provides support around areas including:
• Marriage and relationship issues
• Separation and divorce including post-separation parenting
• Grief and loss
• Parenting support
• Anxiety and depression
• Communication and self-esteem
• Life transitions and changes

Michael always aims to borrow from relevant counselling approaches in a way that best suits his clients and their experiences – whether Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Existential Therapy, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy or others – in a creative and down-to-earth way.

Michael also offers clinical supervision to other professionals including social workers and counsellors.

Meet Harper!

Therapy Assistance Animal

Harper is our Therapy Dog – in training. She joined our team in October 2021 and has hit the ground running. Despite still being a puppy, Harper has shown us, even within her first few weeks, that she was born for the role of supporting clients in our therapeutic space.

Harper is easy going, kind and gives the best puppy cuddles. You will always be asked at your initial appointment if you have any concerns or allergies when it comes to dogs. Our clients (you) always remain the focus of sessions; Harper can simply be a wonderful addition for those open to having her in the room.

Our Principal Practitioner, Hayley has been busy upskilling to ensure our space and Harper enhance your experience with us. Hayley has now completed an International Certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy as well as currently completing a short course (Animal-Assisted Therapy for Health Professionals) with La Trobe University. If you have any questions about this service offering please don’t hesitate to get in touch.