About us

Amanda Howell

Psychologist

I am a registered psychologist who enjoys working with children, teens and adults who are neurodiverse or who have disabilities, along with supporting their families. I have experience working one on one, facilitating training and organising and running group social activities.

I can support you with both therapy and assessment, depending on what you are wanting to achieve, helping you to identify areas where you might want to make a difference in your life, or to better understand yourself and your needs. I also have lived experience as my brother is autistic and has an intellectual disability.

Qualifications:

Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
Masters in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Education)

Jennie Parsons

Clinical Psychologist

I am a clinical psychologist who works with neurodivergent people and people who think differently. I enjoy helping people understand themselves better and figure out where they fit in the world, whether that is through assessment of strengths and needs (and potential diagnoses) or helping them to meet their goals, whatever they might be.

I have a background in autism and disability, having worked for the National Autistic Society and the Northamptonshire Society for Autism in the UK, as well as a variety of other disability-focused charities. I took a break from working to bring up kids and move to New Zealand, and then continued my psychology training through the University of Waikato.

Qualifications:

Postgraduate Diploma of Clinical Psychology
Master of Social Sciences (Psychology)
Bachelor of Human Psychology

Dr. Tanya Breen

Consultant Clinical Psychologist (M.Soc.Sc.; Dip.Psyc. (Clin.); DHSc; MNZPsS; MICP)

Tanya specialises in autism, neurodiversity and intellectual disability. She works from a strengths and rights perspective. Tanya is a consultant to agencies, NGOs and Ministries on autism, disability and neurodiversity issues. She also works within the New Zealand court system as an expert witness when autistic or neurodivergent people, or people with disabilities, are complainants, defendants or subject to court orders.

Tanya does not provide therapy or assessment services through Divergence but acts as our consultant, mentor and guide.