About Stephanie
Stephanie Lau is more than a psychologist—she’s a voice for change, a connector of worlds and a champion for children and families navigating adversity. As an Educational and Developmental Psychologist, she brings over a decade of clinical expertise, working across legal, health and education sectors to transform the way we understand child development, trauma, resilience and healing.
Her journey is deeply personal. Born in Australia to Chinese-Vietnamese refugees, Stephanie carries the legacy of survival, strength and perseverance. That lived experience has shaped not just who she is, but how she leads, how she serves and how she heals.
Stephanie is a recognised Expert Witness in Family and Children’s Court matters, working at the crossroads of neurodivergence, child development, trauma and complex family systems. Whether she’s consulting in Family and Children’s Court proceedings, training professionals, or shaping policies, Stephanie is at the forefront of creating environments where individuals, families and communities don’t just survive—they thrive.
Stephanie is a recognised Expert Witness in Family and Children’s Court matters, working at the intersection of neurodivergence, child development, trauma and complex family systems. Whether she’s consulting in Family and Children’s Court proceedings, training professionals, or inspiring change, Stephanie is at the forefront of creating environments where individuals, families and communities don’t just survive—they thrive.
When she speaks, people listen—because her message resonates. She has a way of breaking down complex psychological concepts into powerful, human– centered insights that leave audiences feeling not just informed, but empowered to act.
Professional Practice
Stephanie is available online and in-person in Australia and internationally.
She works in specialist roles across education, public and community health, government and private practice.
Coupled with her training in neurodevelopmental disorders, Stephanie is a Single Expert Witness conducting assessments for at-risk children and families where there are concerns related to developmentally complex children for matters locally and internationally in the Children’s Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne, Australia.
She is a Senior Psychologist in the Specialist Autism Team at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia and a consultant psychologist and family report writer at Vincent Papaleo and Associates.
Qualifications
Infant Mental Health Advanced Training (IMHAT) – Mindful – The Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health, University of Melbourne (2021).
Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) – Monash University, Melbourne, Australia (2014).
Graduate Diploma in Psychology, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia (2010).
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia (2009).
Affiliations
Educational and Developmental Psychologist, member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and The Psychology Board of Australia
Fellow, APS College of Educational & Developmental Psychologists
AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor
Member of Pacifica Congress
Work with Stephanie
Speaking, supervision and training
Stephanie is an engaging speaker who presents locally and internationally. She speaks on issues including neurodivergence, mental health, children and parenting, diversity and intersectionality.
As a board approved supervisor and registered psychologist, Stephanie provides continuous professional development, training and supervision to psychologists, medical, allied health, education and legal professionals working with complex children and families.
Expert witness and developmental assessments
Stephanie conducts neurodevelopmental assessments for children and adults, including autism, attention and learning differences.
She provides advice in Children’s and Family Court matters where there are concerns around a child’s developmental needs and parenting capacity, with a focus on the positive outcomes for vulnerable children and parents.
Support for children and families
Stephanie provides therapeutic support to children and parents and is available for consultations online and in person.
Stephanie is available for consultations online and in person workshops.
Stephanie’s mission is clear: to ensure every child, every family, every individual—no matter where they come from—has the chance to meet their developmental potential.
Stephanie has worked with
