Meet the Team

Carlie Belancic - Director BSc(Psych & Nutr), PGDipPsych, DipPosPsychCarlie is passionate about enabling people of all abilities to become the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves. Carlie has over twelve years of experience in the disability sector as a Psychologist and allied health leader in the government and non-government sector. Carlie is especially experienced in working in the areas of Intellectual Disability, Developmental Delay and associated conditions.Carlie is a registered Psychologist and also the Director of our sister business, The Happiness Lab, where she works as a Positive Psychologist and wellbeing & leadership consultant for organisations. Having spent the first decade of her career in the disability field, Carlie opened The Ability Lab in the hope to bring the principles of Positive Psychology to therapy for people with disability. Her vision is that people with a disability will be given access to opportunities and tools to live a full and happy life.

Carlie Belancic - Director
BSc(Psych & Nutr), PGDipPsych, DipPosPsych

Carlie is passionate about enabling people of all abilities to become the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves. Carlie has over twelve years of experience in the disability sector as a Psychologist and allied health leader in the government and non-government sector. Carlie is especially experienced in working in the areas of Intellectual Disability, Developmental Delay and associated conditions.

Carlie is a registered Psychologist and also the Director of our sister business, The Happiness Lab, where she works as a Positive Psychologist and wellbeing & leadership consultant for organisations.

Having spent the first decade of her career in the disability field, Carlie opened The Ability Lab in the hope to bring the principles of Positive Psychology to therapy for people with disability. Her vision is that people with a disability will be given access to opportunities and tools to live a full and happy life.

Sam Manago - Psychologist BArts (Psych), PGDipPsych Sam is a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years experience in the disability and education industries.  Sam has worked with a diverse range of clients; from different backgrounds, age groups and abilities to help them reach their goals.  Sam is passionate about assisting the people he works with to identify what is important to them so they can live a happy and meaningful life.  He applies an eclectic and tailored approach to his support, using a blend of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Sam has also provided training to other psychologists and the general public on topics such as dealing with stress, resilience, managing anxiety and pain management. 

Sam Manago - Psychologist
BArts (Psych), PGDipPsych 

Sam is a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years experience in the disability and education industries.  Sam has worked with a diverse range of clients; from different backgrounds, age groups and abilities to help them reach their goals.  

Sam is passionate about assisting the people he works with to identify what is important to them so they can live a happy and meaningful life.  He applies an eclectic and tailored approach to his support, using a blend of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Sam has also provided training to other psychologists and the general public on topics such as dealing with stress, resilience, managing anxiety and pain management. 

Sebastian Pennisi - Occupational Therapist BSc(ExSc), MOTSeb is a registered Occupational Therapist. He completed his studies in 2017 at the University of Queensland and has worked across a number of different fields across Queensland and New South Wales. As well as experience in aged care and hospital settings, Seb is also experienced in working with adults and children with a disability. He is passionate about his role and enjoys seeing the impact his job has in helping people get the most out of themselves and their lives.

Margot Dews - Early Intervention Occupational Therapist

Speech Pathologist - Coming Soon

Speech Pathologist - Coming Soon