Our Panel Of Child and Family Experts:

Jana Bodak

Jana is based in Brisbane, and has a Bachelor of Social Work and a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health from the University of Queensland, a National Certificate in Mediation from QUT, and ongoing postgraduate study in Mental Health and Neuroscience at USC. She believes that while compromise plays an important role in resolving conflict, it is through genuine collaboration and working together toward a shared goal that the most meaningful and lasting outcomes are achieved. She works collaboratively with parents in a child-focused and compassionate way, keeping the needs of children at the heart of every discussion. With specialist experience in the Family Court and child protection systems, as well as in the drug and alcohol and mental health fields, she brings a broad and informed perspective to family mediation.

Madison O’Flynn

Madison is based in Townsville and is a experienced Child & Family Expert with 10 years’ experience working with separated families to ensure the best interests of children are at the forefront of the coparenting relationship and communications. Madison has specialty training and expertise in matters where family violence is raised as a concern and is a family report writer for the Court. Madison takes a pragmatic and considerate approach to working with parents about their challenges and disputes. She has qualifications in a Bachelor of Social work (Honours), Post graduate in Domestic and Family Violence and Masters of Domestic and Family Violence Practice. https://familypost-separationservices.com/

Felicity Jensen

Felicity has completed undergraduate studies in psychology and a Master of Social Work and is appointed by the Family Courts as a Regulation 40 Family Consultant. She has spent the majority of her 18 year career working with children and families in child protection, mental health and family law. Felicity is a warm and compassionate practitioner whose approach is non-judgemental, practical and strengths focussed. She delights in engaging with children of all ages and hearing and understanding their perspectives. Felicity’s manner and skills quickly place children at ease, and her aim is that children experience interviews with her as supportive and empowering. Felicity has a particular interest in neurodiversity, child development and mental health.  https://www.childandfamilysupportservices.com.au/about

Lizanne Pllu

With over 20 years of experience in social work, including a master’s degree and a BA in applied social studies, Lizanne has dedicated her career to supporting children, young people, and families. Her expertise spans forensic assessments, child protection, criminal justice, and therapeutic interventions, including CBT. As a former Family Consultant at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, she facilitated family reports, assessments, and dispute resolution. Now, through her private practice, Lizanne provides independent family reports and assessments and facilities child inclusive / co mediation work – ensuring child-focused solutions with warmth, professionalism, and a strong social justice framework. https://www.lizannesocialwork.com/

George Butterworth

Having immigrated from Glasgow Scotland in 2009, George now based in Brisbane has primarily been employed as a child protection social worker working with families who have experienced conflict, crisis and family fracture. George was employed within the Court as a Family Consultant / Child Court Expert for 5 years and continues to provide Regulation 40 Family Consultant reports/supervised contact reports. George comes with a wealth of knowledge including in the social welfare sector, the mental health and disability sector.

Child Inclusive Mediation Process & Steps

Our panel of Child and Family Experts include practitioners with a broad range of experience working with families who are navigating separation, developing parenting arrangements for children, and adjusting to new co-parenting relationships.

These processes are complex and emotionally taxing for adults and children alike. Every family is different, but it is common for reaching a “new normal” to take time, patience, and often external support. Each member of our panel brings the appropriate educational background, practical experience, and accumulated professional wisdom to support families through this stage of the broader separation and mediation process.

Step one

Upon receipt of your mediation booking, our Mediator will contact the panel to establish practitioner availability for the date selected by the parties. The parties can then review the profiles of panel members and nominate the practitioner they feel would best meet the needs of their family.

Alternatively, our Mediator can match the most suitable Child and Family Expert to your family based on the information available.

Step two

Once a Child and Family Expert has been confirmed, the parties will receive engagement letters from the Mediator outlining the details of the mediation. This will include the name of the Child and Family Expert and a list of possible interview dates for the children.

The Child and Family Expert will then contact each party individually to discuss these arrangements. Some practitioners may request a short telephone call with each parent prior to the child interviews. The purpose of this call is to gather relevant contextual information about the children and family, which assists the practitioner in guiding the children through the process of discussing their views and wishes.

The scope of this discussion must remain strictly focused on the children, including their personalities, any medical or developmental considerations, and any accommodations or support they may need to participate fully in the process. During this conversation, the Child and Family Expert will also outline exactly what the children will be told about the process, to ensure that all adults use consistent language with the children both before and after the interviews.

Step Three