About Us

We are a team of therapists who are focused on shaping children who are empowered members of the family and the community. We believe that truly successful early intervention is built on relationships – the relationship between your child and those around them. Although we have to call ourselves therapists, we much prefer to see ourselves as play partners, confidantes and mentors for your child. The Robin to your Batman, the Yoda to your Luke Skywalker, the Nick Fury to the Avengers. In that order.

Our Story

Project Superhero was founded by Derek Truong. He has been working with children with Autism and other developmental delays since 2009. In 2013, he was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) where he became the first mobile ESDM therapist in Australia. The underlying principles of ESDM have been instrumental in shaping his beliefs about Autism and how best to help children overcome the challenges that Autism presents.

About 5 years ago, as Derek reflected on his views on autism and it had dawned on him that he no longer saw children with autism as children with autism. He simply saw them as children. Each with their own individual profile of strengths and challenges. As we all do. The work that he was doing with them was focused mostly on helping them overcome their challenges. In other words, he was trying to help them bridge the gap between where they are and where typically developing children are. And, in a nutshell, that’s what early intervention is all about. We are playing catch up.

But what if instead of playing catch up, we aimed to play offense? One where children with autism and other developmental delays actually became proactive and helped those around them rather than needing help themselves? How would that change the way we interacted and developed these children? What kind of skills would we teach them to make this possible?

This led him to create an early intervention roadmap that is based on the differing demands on a child as they increasingly move away from the routine comforts of their own home to the unpredictability of the school and community settings.

Our Team

Empathetic. Curious. Courageous. Fun

Meet Derek

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Derek is known for his unique ability to create a deep connection with children with autism and other developmental delays. He was also the first in Australia to bring ESDM into the home and community settings.

Some say he has yet to grow out of childhood.

Meet Jacinta

Practice Manager

Jacinta is a dedicated and caring therapist whose passion lies in helping children feel confident, capable, and connected in their everyday lives. She partners closely with families, recognising that strong, trusting relationships between parents and children are key to meaningful growth and development at home and in the community. With a child-centred, strengths-based approach, Jacinta utilises each child’s unique abilities and interests as a springboard to create valuable learning experiences that foster growth and connection.

When given the choice between the violin and viola, she chooses the viola.

Meet Monica

As a mother of two, Monica is driven by her desire to help parents support their child’s development. Although she is passionate about children, her strength lies in her ability to create individualised strategies for families to support their child’s social and functional skills development in the home and community settings. Monica has received training in the Early Start Denver Model and Project ImPACT while also currently completing her studies in Psychology.

Her idea to bake cookies for children to sell as a fun way to build social engagement with community members at the local park will forever go down in folklore.

Meet Ashleigh

Ashleigh is a naturally talented therapist who can quickly connect with children regardless of their needs and motivations. Her desire to help all children build connections with others through play led her to discovering ESDM and has seamlessly adapted to the naturalistic and child-led teaching philosophy of ESDM.

She possesses the triple threat trifecta of singing, dancing and acting skills.

Meet Yanik

Yanik brings an excitement and passion for child development that allows him to build deep connections with children, empowering them to grow. Before working at Project Superhero, Yanik worked with adults with autism as a support worker, and is currently completing his degree in Psychology, as well as his certification in ESDM.

Rated the #1 steak and other meats chef 2024 (self-rated).

Meet Ryan

Our resident celebrity. Ryan has appeared on TV on numerous occasions speaking about his work supporting youth mental health. He continues to advocate strongly for vulnerable children and has a wealth of experience delivering workshops to educators and students in primary and secondary schools across Sydney. More importantly, he has been incredibly open about his ADHD and the challenges it presents on a daily basis. He has been an invaluable source of information in helping the team better understand the needs of children with ADHD both at home and in the classroom

Definitely not one to be messed with. Having spent some time in Thailand training with the locals, Ryan is just as passionate about Muay Thai as he is with the work that he does with children and youths.

Meet Michael

Apart from being responsible for delivering our Academy group program, Michael uses his degree in Psychology to design and deliver school-based programs for gifted and talented primary school children across Sydney with an emphasis on honing their creative and critical thinking skills. He has also delivered well over 500 community-based shows and workshops around Australia teaching children all about the importance of looking after the environment as well as their health and mental well being.

Look out! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Michael – we mean Santa Clause – riding on his helicopter spreading joy to children in need. All captured by Channel 9 WA.

Meet Alisia

For Alisia, working with children isn’t just a profession in training, it’s a passion grounded in the belief that every child deserves to feel empowered and equipped for life. Her journey towards becoming a certified ESDM therapist and speech pathologist is driven by her heart for children, including those who are neurodivergent. Known for her big smiles and high energy, she’s never afraid to be a little silly if it means building connection and growth.

Re-igniting her love for adventure, one slope, trail, mountain at a time.

Meet Sally

Sally has a strong passion for working with children and supporting their development through meaningful connection and play. She has particular interest in Autism and ADHD, and is driven by the opportunity to help children thrive in their everyday environments. Her goal is to create a positive and supportive space where each child feels seen, heard, and empowered

Centre back, team captain, soccer lover since age 5—boots on, game on!

Meet Rosni

Rosni is dedicated to working with children and supporting their development and learning by harnessing their individual strengths and interests. Before joining Project Superhero, she worked as an early childhood teacher, supporting children from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Rosni is a proud plant mum and enjoys taking care of her nursery of plants in her apartment!

FAQs

When was Project Superhero founded?

Project Superhero was founded by Derek Truong. Derek has been working with children with autism and other developmental delays since 2009. In 2013, he became the first person in Australia to deliver ESDM therapy in the home setting. After helping to establish ESDM in various clinics across Sydney, he founded Project Superhero in 2020.

What qualifications do Project Superhero therapists hold?

Our team holds qualifications across Psychology, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Pathology. Practice Manager Jacinta is a qualified Occupational Therapist. Several team members hold or are working towards ESDM certification.

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