Meet the Team!

A team of compassionate professionals committed to evidence-based practice and meaningful outcomes for the clients we have the privilege of supporting.

Leadership & Admin

  • Chief Executive

    As a passionate contributor in the disability and mental health sectors for the past 30 years in both the US and New Zealand, Tami is determined to achieve equity for all children in need of support. She’s proud that the model that guides Acorn Neurodiversity is the gold standard internationally.

    Prior to becoming the CEO of Acorn, Tami practised as a registered psychotherapist. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan, a Master’s Degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago and a Post Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Education from the University of Auckland.

    Tami has thirty years of experience managing non-profit organisations and programmes, providing parent guidance, child and family psychotherapy, and school consultation specialising in autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma and learning disabilities. Tami has worked in foster care, special education, early intervention and community mental health in the United States and New Zealand in a variety of leadership and direct service roles. Additionally, she is a professional development facilitator for educators, specialising in inclusion, social/ emotional learning, and trauma-informed practice.

    Tami has three uniquely amazing children who keep her on her toes and remind her to keep pushing for an equitable Aotearoa.

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  • Clinical Manager (currently on maternity leave)

    As a registered psychologist and BCBA, Lily brings experience from both New Zealand and the UK, where she’s overseen service delivery, provided clinical supervision to practitioners and led training and professional development for caregivers and educators. Her passion lies in empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives through the application of behavioral psychology. She’s been actively involved in supporting neurodivergent and disabled children, youth, and adults across various settings, including early intervention centres, supported living arrangements, and family homes.

    Central to Lily’s ethos is the belief that all individuals deserve equitable opportunities to learn, communicate, engage with their community, and self-advocate. She works collaboratively with other disciplines to set individualised goals and deliver services that meet each person's unique support needs. Collaborating with individuals and their families is key to making real progress and achieving meaningful results.

    Drawing from Organisational Behavioral Management (OBM) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Lily aims to foster a workplace culture grounded in values, supporting team members in achieving their professional goals.

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  • Administrator, social media & communications assistant

    Sanchia currently studies Social Change Communication at the University of Auckland. Her interests and motivations lie in reframing social understandings of neurodivergence and disability. She believes strongly in the value of support networks and accommodations responsive to unique needs.

    As a late diagnosed neurodivergent individual, Acorn's kaupapa resonates deeply with Sanchia, having had first hand experience in both a world with and without appropriate support networks. She is eager to support Acorn, contributing towards increasing public awareness of neurodivergence inclusion and support in Aotearoa while connecting with the community.

    In her personal communication practice she is passionate about educating beyond traditional deficit models, showcasing the ways integrated support and accommodations can impact individuals - striving to help everyone achieve their fullest potential through advocacy, consideration, care, and, compassion.

Speech Language Therapists

Greenlane

  • Lead Speech-Language Therapist

    Ariel graduated from the Master of Speech and Language Pathology Programme at the University of Canterbury and is a member of the New Zealand Speech Language Therapists' Association. She previously completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta in Canada.

    Ariel has experience supporting children with developmental disabilities in a variety of settings, including providing communication and speech intervention to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Prior to moving to New Zealand, Ariel worked as a respite aide to a teenager and as an educational assistant in a special education preschool.

    Ariel is passionate about an interdisciplinary approach to supporting families while developing children's independent communication and social skills. She is particularly interested in language development and how implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies can support language acquisition.

  • Speech Language Therapist

    Rebecca completed her Masters in Speech Language Therapy at Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland following her undergraduate degree from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington in Psychology & Comparative Religion.

    With a focus on strength-based therapy where the child’s interests play a key role in each session, Rebecca brings personal experience to her practice from working as a Learning Assistant, past roles in Communications and from being a parent herself.

    She is committed to an interdisciplinary approach to child-centred therapy and works closely with whānau and colleagues to support each child to reach their own potential and be their best self. Rebecca believes it is a privilege to work with our tamariki and is honoured to play a small role in each family’s journey she works with.

North Shore

  • Speech-Language Therapist

    Kirsty completed her Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours at Massey University. She is registered with the New Zealand Speech Language Therapists’ Association. Kirsty is trained in the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) and Communication Assistive Technology (CAT).

    She is dedicated to partnering with tamariki and whānau (family) to build meaningful, lasting communication skills. She believes the most effective support begins with listening and valuing their voices, experiences, and goal(s).  She fosters a strengths-based approach, focusing on what individual tamariki can do and using those skills as a foundation for communication growth.

    Kirsty is particularly passionate about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She enjoys supporting children to access tools and systems that give them a voice and greater independence in their environments.

    She is committed to setting tamariki up for long-term communication success, working collaboratively with whānau, educators, and colleagues to create an environment where communication can thrive now and in the future.

    Outside of work, Kirsty is a busy mum of two teenage children and is often seen on the side of a rugby field, BMX track, or exploring the beautiful scenery Aotearoa has to offer.


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  • Speech-Language Therapist

    Ruth graduated from the University of Ulster in Belfast, qualifying with a BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy. She is registered with the New Zealand Speech Language Therapists' Association. She is also a Hanen member and is a qualified Makaton tutor.

    Ruth has been working as a Speech-Language Therapist for over 14 years. She has experience with supporting children with a wide range of needs across different settings. She also has experience introducing other ways of communicating such as Makaton signs and communication devices. Ruth has a special interest in early literacy skills.

    Ruth is passionate about supporting children's early communication and interaction skills. She has expertise in supporting the important people in a child life so they to can be supporting the child's communication development in everyday activities.

    Ruth has two young children who keep her busy.

Occupational Therapists

North Shore

  • Lead Occupational Therapist

    Susi is a Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience working alongside tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau across Aotearoa, Australia, the UK, and the Pacific Islands. She has worked in the charitable, public, and private sectors, including running her own paediatric private practice for 10 years. Her diverse experience has given her a deep understanding of the lifelong impact of special needs, early intervention, and the importance of tailored, family-centred support.

    Passionate about neuro-affirming practice, Susi believes in supporting individuals in ways that respect their unique neurology, strengths, and challenges. She has extensive experience working with both autistic children and adults, sensory and learning differences, motor-coordination challenges, physical disabilities, mental health, anxiety, and behavioural challenges. She was involved in developing and implementing the UK’s National Autism Strategy and continues to advocate for improved support, quality of life and equitable opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.

    Susi graduated from Otago in 2001, receiving the Graduate Award for the highest results across both clinical practice and academic achievement. A self-confessed neuro-geek,  she loves learning about the body, brain, neurology, wellbeing, human relationships and behaviour. Susi has continued to study over the course of her career and completed extensive postgraduate training in a range of evidence-based approaches, including Sensory Integration Treatment, Sensory Attachment Intervention, Neuro-developmental Intervention, the CO-OP approach for motor-coordination difficulties, Cognitive Rehab for TBI/Concussion, Theraplay, and trauma-informed play therapy, SOS Feeding Protocol, The ALERT Program, Picture Exchange Communication System, Intensive Interaction, DIR Floortime and most recently Dr Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Approach.  She is also a trained facilitator of the Parenting Place Programs, including the Parent Toolbox and Awesome Whānau. In addition to her work in paediatrics, she has trained in yogatherapy, NLP & Life Coaching, Family Systems Theory, te reo Māori, suicide prevention and intervention for those bereaved by suicide.

    Susi loves working collaboratively with families, educators, and professionals to create meaningful and practical strategies that empower children and young people to thrive. She finds great joy in seeing the long-term benefits of good support watching children grow into confident, capable individuals.

    Outside of work, Susi is a parent to two lively children and understands firsthand the joys and challenges of raising kids with their own unique needs. She loves playing games, adventuring with her dog, camping, ice baths and cold water swimming, yoga, dancing, snowboarding, and travelling to new and different places.

Greenlane

  • Occupational Therapist


    Isabella graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy from Auckland University of Technology. Prior to this, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Human Development Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.


    Isabella has experience supporting neurodivergent children and adults in a range of settings, including hospitals, day centres, community environments, and one-on-one support.

    She has also worked in community mental health and forensic mental health settings for the Waikato DHB in Hamilton. Additionally, while living in Canada, Isabella supported teenagers in high school settings to engage with their learning and achieve academic success.


    Isabella is passionate about providing compassionate, neuro-affirming, and play-based therapy for children and their families. She enjoys creating fun and meaningful connections by getting alongside children at their level and taking the time to understand their individual needs, strengths, and interests. She has a particular interest in sensory modulation and integration, alongside supporting self-care, daily living, and coping skills.

Psychologists, Case Supervisors, Intern Psychologists

Greenlane

  • Registered Psychologist

    Alex studied Psychology at the University of Auckland, and has just completed her internship with Acorn and Project Employ. While completing her BA she gained an interest in psychology and subsequently completed her Masters Thesis which specialised in supported decision-making in employment settings for neurodivergent adults.

    Alex has worked as a support worker with adults with intellectual disabilities, a job coach with neurodivergent adults, and has been a therapist working with neurodivergent children since April 2021.

    Alex is a supporter of the interdisciplinary approach taken by Acorn and enjoys supporting her clients to increase their independence and autonomy. She is passionate about providing a client-centred and strengths-based approach to her practice, and supporting neurodivergent learners to develop social, communication, cognitive and adaptive skills in fun environments.

  • Registered Psychologist

    Axie studied Psychology and Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland, graduating in 2020. Axie completed a Masters in Psychology in 2023.

    Axie’s passion for helping neurodivergent children thrive started with her volunteer work in schools that she undertook whilst living in Dubai. Here, she worked one-on-one with children to support the development of their social and cognitive skills through play. Since moving to New Zealand, Axie has been a long-term caregiver for a child with Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome (SKS), which sparked her interest in behavioural psychology and led her to working at Acorn.

    Axie is committed to supporting neurodivergent children develop their social, cognitive and communication skills, and help them reach their greatest potential.

  • Registered Psychologist

    Jo completed her undergraduate Psychology and Philosophy degree at the University of Auckland in 2021 and her Master’s in Psychology in 2023. Jo recently completed her psychology internship at Acorn and is now a registered psychologist.

    Jo is passionate in working with children from all walks of life. Prior to Acorn, Jo has had extensive experience working with children across a wide range of settings, which include working as a Teacher’s Aide in a kindergarten in Singapore and as a Research Assistant at a developmental psychology research lab at the University of Auckland. Most recently, she was a support worker and carer for a young autistic child with Angelman’s Syndrome, which inspired her to continue pursuing postgraduate studies to keep developing her skillsets.

    Jo is eager to utilise psychology practice to help children develop social, emotional, communicative and adaptive skills, in order to attain the best qualities of life.

  • Registered Psychologist

    Stella completed her Master’s in Psychology at the University of Auckland in 2023 and recently completed her psychology internship. Stella has had the privilege of working at various specialist schools as a teacher aide and has also worked with adults with dementia.

    Stella values collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, families, and caregivers to provide services that encourage the child’s independence and better their quality of life. Stella believes that creating a client-centric, fun and safe environment will allow them to thrive and develop their cognitive, communicative and social skills.

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  • Intern Psychologist

    Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science, specialising in Behavioural Psychology. She recently completed a Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Auckland and is now an Intern Psychologist at the University of Waikato.

    Jamie brings a deep sense of empathy and an enduring passion for helping others. She has extensive experience supporting tamariki in a range of settings, including as a nanny, early childhood educator, sports coach, and tutor. In recent years, she has provided pet therapy at Starship Children’s Hospital, supported young athletes through Special Olympics New Zealand, and offered in-home support with Plunket.

    Jamie’s overall life goal is to understand, appreciate, and positively impact the lives of those she interacts with. She is dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and supportive space for every child to grow.

  • Intern Counselling Psychologist

    Emma recently completed a Master of Health Science in Counselling Psychology at Auckland University of Technology, and is currently an Intern Counselling Psychologist at Acorn. Prior to Acorn, Emma has had a range of experience supporting young people including as a Teacher Aide at an intermediate school, a nanny for primary school aged children, and as a Mental Health Support Worker. 

    Emma takes a holistic and strengths-based approach to working with young people and their families, and is passionate about neuro-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirmative practice. She strives to create a warm and welcoming space for clients where they can be open and expressive. Emma is training in interventions including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to understand themselves, learn new skills to support their wellbeing, and live in line with their values. Outside of work, Emma enjoys reading, boxing, swimming at the beach, and going to the movies.

North Shore

  • Psychologist, BCBA

    Philippa graduated with her Master’s in 2018 and became a Registered Psychologist in 2021. Philippa started working in the field of autism and neurodiversity in 2016. Philippa worked with neurodiverse children, focusing on functional skill and language acquisition, learning support, and the reduction of challenging behaviours. Philippa also worked as a helpline volunteer and duty manager with Anxiety New Zealand Trust.

    As a Psychologist, Philippa has developed a specialisation in supporting young people through the use of Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and teaching self-advocacy.

    Philippa is committed to using child-led approach to benefit children and their families: considering a child's entire environment, focusing on the skills which are important to them, creating a fun and motivating setting to cultivate learning, encouraging children's choice, empowerment and self-advocacy, and collaborating with professionals from multiple disciplines.

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  • Psychologist

    Melissa is a registered psychologist. She has a Masters in Applied Psychology from the University of Waikato and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice from Massey University. She received her registration in 2018. She spent six years in the Hawke’s Bay designing and rolling out a Positive Behaviour Support service at a residential service provider and specialist school. 

    Melissa works alongside families and neurodiverse people to reduce challenging behaviours, teach self-regulation, and other skills and to improve wellbeing. Melissa uses mindfulness in her practice, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

    Melissa also works in the area of sexuality and relationships. She works with individuals, couples and groups to learn about friendship and dating skills, communication, consent and healthy relationships. She likes to create a relaxed and warm environment, where people can feel free to share, ask questions, and have fun in the process. 

    Melissa’s brother is a talented artist, who is also on the Autism spectrum. Her family’s journey with her brother led her into family-driven work and sibling leadership work. In 2022 she became a peer facilitator for the evidence-based parent and youth program Now & Next in New Zealand, as well as Canada, Albania, and Croatia.

  • Counselling Psychologist

    Rebecca holds a PGDip in Counselling Psychology, and Master of Health Science in Psychology (Honours) from the Auckland University of Technology. She completed these in 2020.

    Prior to joining Acorn Neurodiversity, Rebecca worked across a variety of spaces, including: providing trauma therapy to family violence survivors at Family Action; supporting ECE, primary, and secondary schools with the Ministry of Education; briefly as a Health Improvement Practitioner in-training at a local GP clinic for general mental health needs; supporting clients via teletherapy in her private practice since 2023.

    Rebecca is passionate about empowering people to live their best lives, driven by their unique strengths and values. While she works with all ages, Rebecca is especially interested in working with children and parents, with the hope to see families thrive.

    She works holistically, taking into account the various factors that influence a person’s wellbeing. She also draws from a range of modalities, i.e. ACT, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT and Person-Centred. Rebecca works collaboratively with her clients with a warm and inquisitive attitude.

    Hailing from Taiwan originally, Rebecca is also fluent in Mandarin Chinese. When she is not spending time with her toddler, Rebecca enjoys playing video games and board games.

  • Counselling Psychologist

    Susannah is a friendly and compassionate Counselling Psychologist. She strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment in which her clients feel at ease and understood, and is passionate about empowering young people and their families to optimise their wellbeing.

    Susannah holds a Master of Health Science in Psychology with Honours (First Class) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology from Auckland University of Technology, as well as a BA(Hons) in History and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & History from the University of Canterbury.

    Susannah is internationally experienced (formerly living/working in Tonga, Japan and England), and applies a culturally conscious, contextually informed, and strengths-based perspective in her work. Having pivoted from a prior corporate career, she draws on an appreciation of the twists & turns, pressure, and adversity life can present – and uses evidence-based approaches to help clients manage day-to-day stress, navigate major challenges and achieve meaningful change.

    As a parent herself, Susannah appreciates first-hand the joys and challenges of family life, and feels privileged to work alongside young people and their whānau to support their mental health and wellbeing.

  • Board Certified Behaviour Analyst / Case Supervisor

    Sara completed her undergraduate and masters degrees in Psychology in the United States.

    For over a decade, Sara has worked with individuals and their families in the home, clinic, school, and community settings both in Hawaii and New Zealand.

    She is especially passionate about early intervention, emerging communication skills, and increasing independence with daily living tasks.

    The joy and relief families experience when challenging behaviours decrease and new skills are learned is incredibly rewarding and keeps Sara motivated.

    Sara feels fortunate to witness many successes. From first words, to first dates, and from toilet training, to job training. Sara feels privileged for being able to share in these amazing moments.

    In her free time Sara likes to hike, go to concerts, and relax at the beach.

Behaviour Therapists

Greenlane

  • Therapist

    Ashleigh is currently undertaking her Master's degree in Behavioural Psychology at the University of Auckland, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Criminology, and Community Service: Youth Development, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy. Ashleigh has worked in youth development and mental wellbeing fields for the past several years. She has experience in specialised services operating under trauma-informed care and disability models.

    Ashleigh seeks to create space and time for every person, regardless of diagnosis or presentation, and prioritises strengths-based approaches. Her practice is guided by empathetic and intersectional views, recognising how overlapping identities shape every person's experiences, needs, and opportunities.

    Ashleigh loves learning about people's special interests, and likes to weave them into meaningful and individualised support. She is passionate about advocacy and social change. Ashleigh aims to foster an environment where strengths are celebrated and differences never equate to deficits

  • Therapist

    Renitta graduated with a BA in Psychology and Criminology from AUT in 2024. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Behaviour Analysis at the University of Auckland. Renitta has a wealth of experience working with children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds, including as a tutor and as a Residential Youth Worker. These experiences have strengthened her passion for supporting neurodiverse young people and refined her skills in building strong therapeutic relationships, allowing her to tailor her approach to the unique needs of each child.

    Alongside her professional experience, Renitta is Mental Health First Aid accredited and has received training in Crisis Prevention Intervention and Trauma-Informed Care. Her practice is guided by a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach that prioritises empathy. She views working with young people as a privilege to be welcomed into a space where she can make a meaningful impact in ways that matter to each child. 

    Renitta strives to create spaces where young people are celebrated for their differences. She is passionate about taking a child-led approach, enjoying the process of learning about each person’s unique interests and weaving them meaningfully into her work to support engagement and skill development. Ultimately, her goal is to empower every young person to pilot their own journeys.

North Shore

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  • Lead Therapist

    Janaki graduated with a PGDip in Psychology from the University of Waikato. She previously completed her BSc and MSc in Psychology at the University of Madras in India.

    Janaki has five years of work experience with neurodiverse individuals in different settings such as home, school and clinic and from diverse cultural backgrounds. Before moving to New Zealand, Janaki worked as a special educator in an International Baccalaureate school in India. This paved the way into Behavioural Psychology. Janaki enjoys supporting individuals in reducing behavioual challenges and seeing the client’s quality of life improve.

    Janaki’s core value is providing compassionate care and supporting the clients and their whānau to navigate through this complex social world. The work which Janaki does is child-focused; involving them in every step of the way and gauging the sessions based on their needs on any given day. Janaki is constantly learning and re-learning from her practise with her clients as well as from her supervisor to serve the children better.

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  • Therapist

    Katrina completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in human resources at Massey University in 2018 and her Masters in Psychology in 2022. Katrina is currently a therapist at Acorn. 

    Katrina enjoys working with children and helping them achieve their goals. She has worked with children in a variety of settings over the past nine years including working as kindergarten teacher, as a nanny for many different families, at holiday programmes and most recently as a teacher’s aide at Wilson school. 

    Katrina is dedicated to supporting children and their families to achieve their individual goals and develop their social, emotional, communicative and adaptive skills. 

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

- Helen Keller