

Our Team
Strength ~ Connection ~ Community ~ Future

Founder / Counsellor
Richard O'Connor
A desire to make a difference and a love of people and exercise, inspired my entry into the wellness industry in 1991. I have worked in many capacities, including creating two businesses, one educational (est 2007), focusing on professional development, and a Personal training gym which was established in 2002 that I still operate today in Robina. During this time I have had the opportunity to care for many people from diverse backgrounds with varying health and wellness challenges and help them achieve their individual goals. Many of these people for almost 20 years.
Along the way my interest in mental health has deepened, leading me to undertake my Bachelor of Counselling degree at Griffith University Gold Coast. Walk and Talk for Wellness is another small way I hope to make a difference in the lives of the people in my community.
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I look forward to walking and talking with you soon!
Richard is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast

Counsellor trainee
Laura Bannerman
Hi, I’m Laura, a third-year Bachelor of Counselling student with ACAP University College. I’m thrilled to join Walk and Talk for Wellness to integrate the healing power of nature with inclusive support, social connection and gentle movement. I hope to create a safe and grounding space for clients, where they can feel heard and understood. I’m passionate about the environment and feel that all beings are interconnected with the natural world. I believe that the outdoors can be a powerful therapeutic tool which can support the restoration of balance and a sense of belonging and can enhance self-discovery. My counselling approach is person-centred, strengths-based, and solution-focused, adapted to each individual’s unique needs. I draw on mindfulness practices for the development of awareness and acceptance, and work with you to establish practical, holistic and empowering strategies for change. I look forward to walking with you!
Laura is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast region​​

Counsellor trainee
Sasha Chote
Hi, I’m Sasha. I am completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling at ACAP. I am excited to join the healing space of nature, movement and connection at Walk and Talk. I draw on a variety of counselling approaches, but my overall aim is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and understanding space for people to feel comfortable exploring their struggles and to work together to enhance their unique self-understanding, growth and well-being. As a mother of 3, I understand the juggle of life, self-development, sacrifice, and seeking identity, purpose, and meaning in an ever-changing environment. It is important to fit your own oxygen mask before others; as such, I am passionate about supporting and working with people to recognise and take steps to prioritise their well-being and coping so they can better care for themselves and those around them.
Sasha is available at our Benowa location in the Gold Coast region​​

Counsellor trainee
Chanelle Rika Da Silva Pedruco
Hi! My name is Chanelle and I am currently completing my Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at ACAP. My aspirations center around ensuring people never feel alone, through listening, empathy and understanding. I have volunteered with the Red Cross in their telecross program and this has further inspired me to believe that human connection leads to healing. Human connection and nature serves as such a wonderful outlet in improving mental health and wellbeing. As someone who engages in daily walks and loves writing poetry and music, I am inspired by nature to hold space for silence and motivation. I look forward to walking beside you within the Walk and Talk for Wellness community and supporting you on your journey towards self-care, self-compassion and self-empowerment
Chanelle is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast region​​

Counsellor trainee
Halle Wiblen
Hi! My name is Halle. I am studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Griffith University. I am passionate about making support feel approachable and accessible, especially at a time when many people feel increasingly isolated.
I’ve always loved being active whether that is playing netball, going to the beach, or walking with my friends and family. I believe being outdoors and moving our bodies can make conversations feel easier, more natural, and less overwhelming.
My goal is to create a relaxed, welcoming space where you can simply be yourself. We can walk in comfortable silence, chat about your week, or gently explore anything on your mind. There is no pressure to share more than you want to, and we can take things at your pace with whatever feels right for you on the day. I look forward to walking alongside you soon!
Halle is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast region​​

Counsellor trainee
Krishna
Hello! I’m Krishna, a Master’s student in Counselling and Psychotherapy, passionate about blending compassionate listening with the restorative power of nature. I believe that movement and meaningful conversation can open pathways to healing, self-discovery, and resilience.
My approach is warm, person-centred, and culturally sensitive—honouring each individual’s unique story, strengths, and goals. I draw from mindfulness, strengths-based frameworks, and evidence-based strategies to support emotional well-being in a gentle, holistic way.
I’m excited to join the Walk and Talk for Wellness community, where we can walk side-by-side in a safe, supportive space—connecting with nature, with others, and with ourselves. I look forward to walking and talking with you
Krishna is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast region​​

Counsellor trainee
Jess Mulla
Hi, I’m Jessica, a fourth-year psychology student at Griffith University. I am passionate about connecting with others and enjoy drawing on my background in performing arts to build rapport and foster positive relationships in an active environment. With aspirations to become a sport or clinical psychologist, I am particularly interested in approaches that support both mental and physical well-being. Walk and talk therapy stood out to me for its accepting, gentle approach and its ability to combine movement, nature and human connection within a supportive, therapeutic space. Throughout this journey, I aim to help create an environment where people feel comfortable, heard and supported without judgement. I understand how busy life can become, which is why I value creating awareness around the importance of prioritising mental health. I take a person-centred approach to honour each individual’s unique experience. I can’t wait to create collaborative goals and take small steps toward positive change, self-awareness and long-term comfort.
Jess is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast region​​

Counsellor trainee
Harry Liebke Pereyra
Hello, my name is Harry. I am a trainee counsellor completing my Graduate Diploma of Counselling at the University of Canberra.
I am excited to be a part of the team at Walk and Talk for Wellness. I have a strong interest in supporting people’s wellbeing through evidence-based talk therapies and value creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where people feel genuinely heard and understood. I believe in the powerful connection between mind and body, and I am particularly interested in how movement, time in nature, and healthy lifestyle choices can complement therapeutic conversations and self exploration.
Outside of my professional interests, I enjoy sports, engaging in creative outlets such as painting and music, and spending time in nature to recharge and reflect.
Let us walk together and allow conversation to unfold naturally in a space that feels safe, supportive and grounded.
Harry is available at our Benowa location on the Gold Coast region​​