Our Team
Leadership & Admin
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Chief Executive
As a passionate contributor in the child disabilities and mental health sectors for the past 25 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 is the gold standard internationally.
Tami is 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 therapy, 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 the Ministry of Education through Core Education, specialising in inclusion, social/ emotional learning and trauma-informed practice.
Tami has three lively neurodivergent children who keep her on her toes and remind her to keep pushing for an equitable Aotearoa.
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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.
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Clinical Manager
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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Administrative Assistant
Speech and Language Therapists
Central Centre
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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.
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Speech-Language Therapist
Florencia Rabitti holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Therapy from the National University of Rosario in Argentina. She has gained valuable experience working with neurodivergent children in both an Early Intervention center and a Neurorehabilitation center in Argentina.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Florencia has called New Zealand home for over four years, where she has worked as a support worker for young children facing developmental challenges and as a teacher aide in primary schools, helping students to thrive in inclusive learning environments. As a certified Hanen member, she also leads workshops for parents, empowering families to support their children's communication development. Florencia takes a holistic, strength-based approach to therapy, recognizing the invaluable role that caregivers and family members play in the process.
In her free time, Florencia enjoys exploring the outdoors on her bike, spending time at the beach, and chasing sunsets.
North Shore
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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 Therapist
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Occupational Therapist
Sophie graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Occupational Therapy. Sophie is excited to be a part of the team at Acorn as she has always had a passion for paediatrics - which was accentuated while on placement at university.
During her studies, she was a support worker for individuals with physical disabilities and a paediatric mathematics tutor. Prior to beginning her journey with Acorn, Sophie worked as an Occupational Therapist providing residential rehabilitation for adults with traumatic brain injury.
Sophie is passionate about making learning fun and enjoyable for the children involved and using therapy to enhance independence and skills in activities of daily living. She values working collaboratively with children and their families to achieve their identified goals.
Psychologists
Central Centre
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Registered Psychologist
Rachel completed her master's in Behavioural Psychology in 2021 at the University of Auckland and just completed her internship with Acorn and Rescare Homes Trust. Rachel's professional journey started as a senior behaviour therapist. She has also held roles as a community support worker at A Supported Life and with adults with traumatic brain injuries during her master’s research.
Throughout her career, Rachel has had the privilege of working with a wide variety of learners of all ages, all with unique interests and learning needs. Through these experiences, Rachel has developed a passion for supporting learners in developing their skills to increase communication, engagement, independence and self-advocacy.
Rachel strives to provide a fun, safe and encouraging environment for children to grow into their full potential. She believes a child-led and whānau-focused approach to therapy with the support of a multidisciplinary team is the best way for learners to succeed.
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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.
North Shore
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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.
Intern Psychologist
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Intern Psychologist
Stella recently completed her Master’s in Psychology at the University of Auckland and is now an Intern Psychologist at Acor. 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.
Therapists
Central Centre
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Lead Therapist & Assistant Supervisor
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.
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Therapist
Jo completed her undergraduate Psychology and Philosophy degree at the University of Auckland in 2021. She is currently undertaking her masters in behavioural psychology, where she aims to work toward earning the qualifications of 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.
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.
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
- Helen Keller