Lynn Berresford:

M.Ed (Hons), Dip Teaching (Distinction), Registered Psychologist with over 30 years of experience of working with children, teenagers and adults with exceptional needs. Lynn has developed extensive and practical knowledge of these individuals who learn differently.

Lynn has acted as the Gifted Education Centre consultant psychologist ever since the establishment of the centre in 1995. She was one of the ‘ask an expert’ on the Ministry of Education TKI website (Gifted and Talented Community Parent and Whanau).

She is a member of the N.Z. Psychological Society, N.Z. Counsellors Association, N.Z. Gifted Children Association and she is a life member of SPELD (N.Z. Federation of Specific Learning Difficulties).
Lynn is a dedicated, experienced and skilled advocate for individuals who have behaviours reflecting Giftedness, Dyslexia, Attention Deficits, Dyspraxia, Aspergers etc.
Lynn has worked in both clinical and educational settings.

Emrie De Vaal

Emrie is a New Zealand Registered Psychologist with a Masters degree in Educational Psychology. Growing up with a sibling with Dyslexia and ADHD she understands the family dynamics surrounding children with learning difficulties. She is skilled in assessing cognitive abilities as well as specific learning needs associated with dyslexia and attention difficulties. Emrie is dedicated to finding strategies and help that will enable children to reach their full potential and is committed to support children and their families on this interesting journey.

Emrie has a special interest in the needs of gifted individuals, particularly gifted students with specific learning difficulties i.e. twice exceptional students. She is a member of the New Zealand Association for Gifted Children as well as a member of SPELD. Emrie is working very closely with Lynn.

Prue Urlwin

12 January 2012
We are sad to advise that we are loosing Prue back to Christchurch. We have appreciated her valuable work here at Indigo and wish her all the best for her new position.
If you have any queries or require assistance re an assessment done by Prue over the last 20 months, please contact Jeanette in the office.

Prakash Grover

Registered Psychologist & Speech Language Therapist
Prakash is a strongly motivated Registered Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in both clinical and educational settings. Masters degree in Psychology, in Sociology, Post graduate qualification in guidance and counselling and a degree in speech language therapy make Prakash a well qualified professional. He is a member of the NZ Psychological Society, NZ Psychology Board, NZ speech therapists association and member of SPELD (he is an approved SPELD tutor and assessor]. He works in close collaboration with Lynn Berresford.

Prakash is a passionate professional with the desire to assess and support people with learning and behaviour issues. His advanced training in positive behaviour support and positive parenting add to his skills. Prakash also offers a unique client support programme to enhance client’s organisation and study outcomes.

He is a dedicated, skilled advocate for individuals who have behaviours reflecting Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Attention deficits, Autism/Aspergers, self esteem issues and other learning issues.

Prakash with a strong pedagogic framework and an intense desire to make a positive difference to people believes in the power of “simple” and “kindness”. To find what you seek in the road of life (Edward Bulwer Lytton) – “leave no stone unturned”.

Alison Kirby

Alison Kirby is a New Zealand Registered Psychologist with an MA [Hons] in Education, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology. She is a member of the NZ Psychological Society and the Institute of Educational and Developmental Psychology [IEDP] within the Society, The NZ Autism Association, and the NZ Gifted Children’s Association. Alison is also fully accredited in the Triple P [Positive Parenting] Programme, a Registered Nurse, and a parent of 3 herself.

Previously an assessor at The George Parkyn National Centre for Gifted Children, Alison has a keen interest in children who have special learning needs, those who learn differently, and those whose worries and behaviours are hampering their progress. Whatever the issue Alison offers private, professional advice and assistance by appointment.

Ruth Crawford

Ruth is a New Zealand Registered Psychologist and has over twenty years teaching experience in primary and intermediate schools within New Zealand as well as teaching for a year at a University in China. Ruth has a Dip Tchg degree and then studied at the University of Auckland graduating with B.Ed. She then attended Massey University gaining an M.Ed {Hons} in Special Needs Education. This was followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology.

Ruth initially became interested in gifted and talented children in her early teaching years when faced with meeting the varying needs within the everyday classroom, especially those gifted with specific learning needs. She enjoys working with teachers and schools to recognise gifted and talented students and help plan the best possible solutions for each individual whether it be academic, creative, social or assistance with exam work. She is also trained in Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme).

Ruth is still involved in teaching and runs a class for Year 2-3 gifted children as well as being an assessor with a local RTLB cluster, catering to a wide range of children with academic and behavioural needs.
She is a mother of two and has four grandchildren.

Noeline Levinson:
Sound Therapist
Noeline is a trained Sound therapist doing the work based on the Tomatis method.
Noeline has been doing this work for the past 15 years and specialises in children with learning and behavioural challenges.
She has been working in New Zealand since mid 2009 has has joined us at Indigo.
Noeline has two children both at school in Auckland
For further details: www.family-focus.co.nz

Brigitte Puls:

Brigitte Puls is both a NZ registered psychologist (clinical) and psychotherapist with more than 25 years of experience. Trained in Europe, Brigitte came to New Zealand after completion of her studies to raise her family here.

Brigitte works with adults addressing issues of depression and anxiety; recovery from sexual abuse (ACC registered) and other trauma; loss and grief issues; responses to illness; eating disorders, addictive behaviours and personal crises including spiritual crises and questions around the meaning of life. Brigitte helps children (and their families) with attachment difficulties (including step parenting and foster care, adopted children), bedwetting and other problematic behaviours, adjustment to illness, loss, or change in circumstances, especially divorce or blended families, eating disorders and body image issues.
Please, enquire.

Brigitte is passionate about working with children, adults and couples, helping them to live happier, more harmonious and meaningful lives.