Specialist
mental 
health
support in
Townsville
Our mission is to improve the physical and mental health of people faced with the challenge of mental illness, while restoring balance and quality of life.
Mindful Health was created to address a clear gap in mental health care in Townsville, where there was a need for more practical, person-centred support that goes beyond traditional models.
We are a team of dedicated and passionate therapists who strive to help our clients succeed and reach their goals. We focus on practical, meaningful support that helps people build confidence, independence, and connection in their day-to-day lives.
Meet the Team
Jayden Freitas
Co-Founder / Occupational Therapist
Jayden is an Occupational Therapist and Director at Mindful Health with a longstanding passion for working in the mental health and alcohol and other drug field.
He enjoys building genuine connections with people and working alongside them to understand what they need, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
His experience includes working with complex mental health, substance use and disability presentations, alongside a broad range of assessment and therapeutic approaches. This experience allows Jayden to draw on a diverse skill set when working with people with different needs, circumstances and goals.
Outside of work, Jayden enjoys keeping active, spending time with friends and family, and spending time with his dogs.
Nicola Bell
Co-Founder / Practice Manager
Nicola is Practice Manager of Mindful Health and brings over nine years of experience in administration, including four years in operations, management and human resources. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the clinic, supporting the team, systems and processes that keep MHQ running smoothly.
Nicola is passionate about creating a positive workplace culture and ensuring both participants and staff feel supported.
In her spare time, Nicola enjoys travelling, painting and spending time with family and friends.
Callum Bell
Co-Founder / Occupational Therapist
Callum is an Occupational Therapist and Director of Mindful Health Queensland, with a strong background and passion for mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) practice.
Callum has experience supporting people with complex mental health needs and uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS), to help people better understand themselves, work through difficult experiences and move towards what matters to them.
Outside of work, Callum values spending time with his family and friends and making the most of the things that bring him joy. He loves travelling, finding somewhere with a great view, connecting with good people and just about anything involving a bit of healthy competition.
Lydia Varghese
Clinical Lead / Occupational Therapist
Lydia is Mindful Health’s Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist with nine years of experience across occupational rehabilitation, disability employment, psychological injury, paediatrics, mental health and the NDIS.
She graduated as an Occupational Therapist in Melbourne in 2017 and started her career supporting young adults entering the workforce through disability employment before moving into occupational rehabilitation, specialising psychological injury and mental health. From there, her career expanded into paediatrics and community-based NDIS practice, where she now works with people across a wide range of ages, diagnoses and support needs.
She moved to Townsville around three years ago and has happily settled into North Queensland life. Outside of work, Lydia loves to spend time with her dogs, cooking, or making the most of any opportunity to relax.
Helayna Kennedy
Administration Assitant
Helayna has over 10 years of experience working in customer service and administration.
She enjoys working with all different types of people and personalities and has a passion for meeting new people, building connections and finding solutions to help things run smoothly.
Having lived in both Townsville and the Sunshine Coast, Helayna has a big love for the beach and spending time near the water. She is approachable, friendly and always happy to have a chat and help wherever she can.
Joshua Denman
Occupational Therapist
Josh is an Occupational Therapist with experience across childhood trauma, education, acute mental health, disability and community-based practice. He graduated from James Cook University in 2016 and was born and raised in Townsville.
Josh began his career working with young people and their families in the area of childhood trauma, before moving into education where he supported young people with disabilities. He later worked in adult mental health, supporting people experiencing a range of mental health concerns. At Mindful Health Queensland, Josh now works with children, adolescents and adults across a range of mental health and disability-related needs.
Josh has a particular interest in using meaningful activities and occupations as part of therapy and enjoys working collaboratively with people to identify what is important to them and what they want to achieve. He aims to keep therapy practical, client-centred and focused on meaningful outcomes.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys playing music and spending time with his family.
Olivia Firmin
Occupational Therapist
Olivia is an Occupational Therapist who works with participants of all ages. She has experience supporting people with a wide range of developmental, cognitive, physical and mental health needs, including those with complex support requirements.
Olivia also provides outreach services on Palm Island, supporting the local community to achieve meaningful goals and increase participation in their everyday life.
Having grown up in Townsville, Olivia enjoys being part of the local community. Outside of work, she loves spending time at the beach, catching up with friends and finding new coffee shops.
Ian Oxwell
Occupational Therapist
Ian is an Occupational Therapist with around seven years of experience, working primarily within the NDIS. He enjoys getting to know participants in the context of their everyday lives and takes a practical, person-centred approach to supporting greater independence, confidence and participation.
Relatively new to Townsville, Ian has enjoyed settling into North Queensland and getting to know the local community and services.
Outside of work, Ian enjoys playing drums, walking his dogs and staying active and healthy. He has also sailed around Australia and enjoys getting out and exploring whenever he can.
Breanna Pettman
Occupational Therapist
Hollie mccullough
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Ryan McSherry
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Nalani Reid
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Your safety is
our priority.
All of our practitioners hold the relevant safety checks and clearances, ensuring you receive care in a safe and trusted environment.
Mindful Health is also a registered NDIS provider, meaning our service has undergone a stringent auditing process to meet national quality and safety standards.
