Meet our Team

Dr Fernanda Nardi

Psychologist

Qualifications

  • PhD in Psychology
  • Master’s Degree in Psychology
  • Postgraduate Accreditation in Couple and Family Therapy
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
  • AHPRA Registered Psychologist

Specialities

  • Supporting children and teenagers through anxiety, emotional and behavioural challenges and low mood
  • Helping young people develop emotional regulation, resilience and confidence
  • Guiding families with clear, practical strategies to support their child at home and at school
  • Offering a safe and supportive space where children and teenagers feel truly heard
  • Working alongside families and schools to ensure every child gets the joined-up support they need to thrive

Fun facts

  • Fernanda and her family love exploring the beautiful beaches on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. You’ll often find them making the most of everything the coastline has to offer
  • She is a keen cook who loves bringing family and friends together around the table – and the Kids First team are always delighted when she shares her favourite Brazilian treats
  • Fernanda enjoys volunteering at her daughter’s school and being an active part of the local community

Fernanda is a warm and compassionate registered psychologist who brings a calm and practical approach to her work with children, adolescents and families at Kids First on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

For more than 15 years, she has provided clinical support to children and teenagers experiencing anxiety, emotional and behavioural challenges, low mood, trauma and the impacts of family stress. Using evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT and trauma-informed practice, she helps young people develop the emotional regulation, resilience and practical skills they need to manage school, friendships and everyday life with greater confidence.

As a mum of two daughters, Fernanda understands from her own experience what it means to navigate the everyday pressures of family life. She knows that reaching out for support takes courage, and she works hard to ensure that every child and family feels genuinely heard and at ease from their very first appointment with her.

Fernanda’s PhD research focused on the protective factors that shape young people’s lives, and this evidence-based foundation informs the thoughtful, individualised approach she brings to every child she works with. Fernanda works closely with families, offering clear and practical guidance so parents feel confident supporting their child between sessions. She also collaborates with schools and other professionals to ensure that kids’ support networks are well equipped to offer understanding care.

Fernanda began her career in Brazil and her bilingual background means that, in addition to English, she can offer sessions in Portuguese for families who are more comfortable speaking their first language.

Fernanda work at Kids First from Monday to Friday. Rebates from the NDIS, Medicare and private health funds are available and she is accepting new clients now.

We see you,
We understand you,
We’re here for you.

Supporting Northern Beaches children from Manly to Mona Vale since 2007

Contact

(02) 9938 5419

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