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’s 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.

Prue Urlwin

Prue is a New Zealand Registered Psychologist, M.Ed Child & Family Psychology (Distinction), PGDip Child & Family Psychology.

Prue has worked with children and their families for over 30 years. Firstly as a Karitane nurse with mothers and babies and following this with pre-schoolers and their families as a Montessori Nursery teacher.

In Christchurch Prue worked as a Psychologist with children and youth who learn differently and have specific learning needs. She is skilled in cognitive and specific learning needs assessment and is committed to supporting children and their families. Prue recently moved to Auckland to join Indigo.

She is a passionate and skilled advocate for individuals (and their families) who have behaviours that can be associated with dyslexia, attention difficulties, dyspraxia, as well as mood problems and anxiety. Prue is able to offer counselling, behavioural interventions and professional advice for children, adolescents and families by appointment.

Prue is also is also accredited in the Triple P [Positive Parenting].
She is a mother of three and has two grandchildren.

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 experienced in cognitive, educational assessment and dedicated to finding strategies and support that will enable children to reach their full potential.

Emrie was previously involved in training teachers who deal with special needs children. This adds to her experience when dealing with families coping with learning difficulties. As the parent of two primary school boys, she experiences the demands of parenting first hand and is committed to support parents on this interesting journey.
Emrie is working very closely with Lynn.

Judy Selvaraj

Judy is a Registered Educational Psychologist and Teacher with over 30 years’ experience in education as an Educational Psychologist, Secondary and Middle School Teacher, SPELD Tutor, Special Needs Adviser, University Researcher and Tutor and Tertiary and Adult Lecturer and Conference Author and Presenter. She graduated both from The University of Auckland (B.A. and M.A. (Hons) in Psychology) and the Auckland College of Education (Diploma in Teaching) and is a qualified business studies teacher, in addition to the roles of teaching and evaluating special needs students both within schools and formerly with the Ministry of Education. She is a trained facilitator and preferred presenter for the North Shore Friends for Fun and Friends for Focus self-esteem programmes for early, middle and adolescent confidence development. Additionally, she has assessed gifted pre-schoolers and those already attending school at varying ages and is able to assess adults for specific needs when entering University or Unite tertiary level courses.

Judy works with children who have special needs; those who are being educated within mainstream education, smaller groups or at home and whose families may need assessment and intervention for their children. Such interventions may be provided for students with ADHD, ADD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and those who show challenging behaviours that can be triggered by other events. Judy is passionate about assisting students who have learning difficulties and considers she has been privileged to have previously been exposed to the educational environments in both North Carolina and in London recently within small schools, private learning centres and in special needs classrooms to gain further insights about special needs and psychological assessing. She is able to draw together the functional educational assessment and the school environment to recommend the types of strategies and support best suited for children. Judy is focused on empowering students and families to understand how their needs for quality educational outcomes are better facilitated and how parents are pivotal to that process.

Prakash Grover
Registered Psychologist & Speech Language Therapist

Prakash is a strongly motivated Registered Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in the field of Psychology. He is well qualified and experienced to deal with a variety of learning and behaviour issues in children, youth and adults. Masters degree in Psychology, Masters degree 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 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. He is a member of the NZ Psychological Society, NZ Psychology Board, NZ speech therapists association and member of SPELD (NZ Federation of Specific Learning Difficulties). He is an approved SPELD tutor and SPELD assessor.

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

Prakash offers an eclectic (holistic) assessment and comprehensive guidance to his clients and their families. Prakash is focussed on empowering students and their families to understand the ‘how and why’ of their learning and behaviour needs.
Prakash has worked in both clinical and educational settings with a great success.

Prakash offers a range of services which include cognitive, educational assessment, functional behaviour assessment, speech and language assessment and parent support programmes. Prakash offers a unique client support programme to enhance client’s organisation and study outcomes.

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, the best proverb of all is by 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.

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.

Having worked in both in- and outpatient mental health settings for children and adults both here and overseas she draws on a rich tapestry of knowledge and expertise. A senior lecturer at AUT University, she teaches part-time on the adult and child psychotherapy and psychology programmes.

With a deep understanding of what it is to be human, her practice is underscored by her belief that when the conditions are right, people can make lasting changes for the better.

Clinically, 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. Couples are supported and guided by Brigitte when they face relationship difficulties, parenting issues and transitions in life. Brigitte also facilitates an ongoing personal growth/ psychotherapy group. Some fee subsidies available. Please, enquire.

In her private time, Brigitte loves spending time on horseback, dancing (including spiritual dances), enjoying nature, reading or simply hanging out with her family and friends.

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