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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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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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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Administrative Assistant
Speech Language Therapists
Greenlane
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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.
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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
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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.
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Speech-Language Therapist
Francesca holds a Master's degree in Speech and Language Therapy and a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Auckland. Before becoming an SLT, Francesca spent almost five years as a support worker and teacher aide in a specialist school, where she developed a strong foundation in working with diverse learning needs.
Francesca takes a fun, strengths-based approach to therapy, always valuing the unique interests and needs of the tamariki she works with. Coming from a neurodiverse whānau herself, she deeply understands the importance of supporting and empowering whānau as they navigate their own path.
Francesca has experience using a variety of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools like tablets and visuals, and loves witnessing the growth of her clients' communication and language skills through these methods.
Occupational Therapists
North Shore
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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
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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
Greenlane
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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.
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Lead Therapist & Intern 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.
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Intern 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 is currently an Intern Psychologist at Acorn.
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.
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Intern Psychologist
Stella completed her Master’s in Psychology at the University of Auckland in 2023 and is now an Intern Psychologist at Acorn. 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.
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.
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Intern Psychologist
Susannah is a friendly and compassionate Intern 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 BHSc(Hons) in 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.
Therapists
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