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What is B.R.I.D.G.E?
B.R.I.D.G.E. is a targeted early intervention program designed by psychologists Kylie Donnolley and Jakki Ulrick to support students who are showing signs of disengagement or school refusal.
By working directly with the student, their family, and the school, we co-create a plan that promotes emotional safety, academic re-engagement, and realistic, step-by-step return to learning.
Belonging
Creating a sense of connection, inclusion, and community.
Resilience
Building the capacity to cope with challenges and bounce back.
Insipration
Igniting hope, motivation, and purpose.
Discovery
Encouraging exploration of strengths, interests, and identity.
Growth
Supporting personal, social, and academic development.
Engagement
Fostering meaningful participation in school and learning.
Who We Help
This program is ideal for:
• Students avoiding school or have irregular attendance
• Students with anxiety, learning differences, or social difficulties
• Families unsure how to help their child reconnect with school
• Schools seeking a structured reintegration process
Services We Provide:
✔️ Psychological support for the student (10 sessions per calendar year via MHCP)
✔️ Support and psychoeducation for parents or caregivers
✔️ Onsite school meetings with key staff
✔️ Collaborative reintegration planning
✔️ Psychoeducational Assessments
✔️ Flexible support tailored to the student’s unique context
✔️ Training for school staff regarding identification, early intervention and support planning
Why
Early Intervention Matters
Avoidance can become habitual. The longer a student is disconnected from school, the harder it can be to return.
Disengagement can lead to:
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Academic decline
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Poor self-esteem
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Social isolation
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Increased anxiety
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Limited future pathways
This program interrupts that trajectory early — with empathy, strategy, and teamwork.
Our Approach
We combine:
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Clinical expertise in child and adolescent psychology
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Extensive understanding of school systems
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Collaboration with families and educators
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A strengths-based, student-first model
We believe every student deserves a path back to connection, confidence, and learning.
What Informs the B.R.I.D.G.E. Program
The B.R.I.D.G.E. Program is grounded in evidence-based, student-centred approaches that promote wellbeing, confidence, and re-engagement with school. Our work is informed by:
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Positive Psychology – Focusing on strengths, connection, and purpose.
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Hope Theory – Building belief in one’s ability and creating pathways to create positive change.
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CBT Principles – Supporting emotional regulation and helpful thinking.
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Self-Determination Theory – Encouraging autonomy, competence, and belonging.
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Motivational Interviewing – Guiding meaningful, student-led goal setting.
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ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) – Promoting self-compassion, thought defusion, and values-based living.
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Family Systems Perspective – Recognising the role of family and relational dynamics in student wellbeing.
Our approach is relational, trauma-informed, and designed to meet each student where they are —with empathy, clarity, and hope.
About Us
Kylie Donnolley - Psychologist and Educator
Kylie brings over 2 decades worth of school-based psychology/educational experience, focussed on supporting adolescents experiencing anxiety, stress, low self-worth, perfectionism, school-based difficulties and social challenges. Kylie is passionate about helping young people rebuild their confidence and re-engage with purpose and connection to ensure a promising future.
Jakki Ulrick - Psychologist
Jakki has worked across state, private, and special assistance schools, with a strong focus on boys who have disengaged from learning. Her personal experience supporting her son through school refusal gives her unique empathy and insight. Jakki also has a background in youth homelessness, child protection, and justice.
Referrals and Services
The B.R.I.D.G.E. Program
Belonging • Resilience • Inspiration • Discovery • Growth • Engagement
The B.R.I.D.G.E. Program offers a flexible, multi-layered approach to re-engaging students who are struggling with school connection, attendance, or emotional wellbeing. Grounded in evidence-based psychology and a deep understanding of school systems, we provide meaningful support for students, staff, and families. We provide individual support to students and families and are able to support schools upon request. The different services we provide are:
1. Individual Psychological Intervention
One-on-one therapy for students experiencing school disengagement
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Students can be referred directly to us, or through their GP with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
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Up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions available per calendar year
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Sessions address anxiety, mental health difficulties, emotion regulation, self-worth, and school-based challenges, and so on.
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Includes one collaborative team meeting with the student, psychologist, and school staff
2. Professional Development for School Staff
Practical workshops to upskill and support educators
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Early identification of at-risk students
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Strategies for supporting student mental health and school connection
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Tools to help foster purpose, motivation, and meaning for students at school
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Grounded in CBT, ACT, Positive Psychology, and Hope Theory
3. Ongoing Consulting for Wellbeing Teams
Strategic support to strengthen your school’s systems
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Regular consultations with school wellbeing staff
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Support for case planning/management, systems review and tailored evidence-based wellbeing appraoaches
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Collaborative approach to improve outcomes for disengaged students
4. Parent and Caregiver Workshops
Engaging families as part of the solution
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Workshops hosted at school for parents and carers
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Topics include understanding school refusal, supporting emotional regulation, and building connection at home
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Practical guidance for encouraging resilience and re-engagement
*Please contact for a quote.