We provide neurodivergence-affirming support
Divergence is a Registered Charitable Company (number CC64539). We provide neurodivergence-affirming assessment, therapy and support, mostly in the Waikato region. We also develop and deliver training and professional development workshops for health practitioners, educators and organisations seeking to improve their understanding of neurodivergence, and to implement inclusive practices within health, education and workplace environments.
We are expanding our services into neurodivergent-specific education and skills development, using group-based learning and coaching.
As a charity, any profits we make go back into providing services. You can see more on our charitable aims at the bottom of this page.
Our Team
Amanda Howell
Psychologist & Director
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 & Director
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. My work and home life also blend together as my husband has ADHD.
Qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma of Clinical Psychology
- Master of Social Sciences (Psychology)
- Bachelor of Human Psychology
Bex Thompson
Clinical Psychologist
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with a strong passion for neurodiversity, attachment theory, and child development. I come to this work with both professional and lived experience of neurodivergence, and I care deeply about helping children feel safe, secure, and like they truly belong.
Before becoming a psychologist, I worked as an early childhood teacher. That background continues to shape the way I connect with tamariki and their whānau — with warmth, curiosity, and respect for each child’s unique way of experiencing the world. I’ve been working with children and families for over a decade, and I love walking alongside them as they navigate challenges and celebrate growth.
Qualifications:
- Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Social Science (Psychology)
- Bachelor of Social Science (Honours – Psychology)
- Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
- Bachelor of Arts (English)
Kylie Marshall
Director & administrator
My background is in administration, bookkeeping, non-profits and education. Previously I have worked as an Education Support Worker and Facilitator at Playcentre and have almost 20 years admin and treasurer experience for non-profits.
I have lived experience of neurodivergence and how it impacts daily life and education through my children, home education and volunteer work. I am passionate about creating more neuroaffirming spaces, especially for adults and teens.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Business Studies (Accountancy)
- Diploma in Science and Technology
Nigel Slaughter
Director, advocate and fund raiser
Graphic artist/designer, stained glass window designer / maker, actor, playwright, film maker, director, high tech start-up CEO, founding board member of the NZ Medical Cannabis Council, indigenous bioactives developer, international market researcher, and investment-raiser for hundreds of tech start-up projects... perhaps the late-in-life ADHD diagnosis shouldn't have come as a surprise. Now I'm focused on the development of Divergence Life - the most important project yet.
With my involvement in (and supporting the coaching of) sports over the years, I'm particularly keen to support the development of neurodivergent-affirming capabilities in sports coaches as so many kids have poor experiences and drop out of activities that could have so many benefits.
As I'm involved in theatre, where there are so many neurodivergent people already involved, I'm also keen to support the development of dedicated groups in performing arts. The impact of creating a space where people can un-mask and just be themselves is huge.
Qualifications:
- Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
- BSc in International Business
Our wider network of neurodivergence support
Dr Tanya Breen
Tanya is a consultant clinical psychologist who 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 supervisor and mentor to members of the team.
Jenny Gibbs
Jenny is a registered clinical psychologist with over 35 years of experience working with children with developmental, learning, emotional and behavioural differences, and their families.
Her specialty is the assessment of children with complex or “quirky” presentations, including those who may be autistic.
She worked at the Child Development Centre at Waikato Hospital for 31 years and was the Consultant Psychologist for Altogether Autism until mid 2025.
Jenny does not provide therapy or assessment services through Divergence, but acts as supervisor and mentor to members of the team.
Our charitable aims
The following aims are described within the 'Purpose' section of Divergence Limited's constitution:
To provide access to affirming, evidence-informed supports for neurodivergent individuals and their whānau, including but not limited to psychological services, occupational therapy, behaviour support, peer support, mental health and wellbeing services, and other allied or community-based services.
To operate an inclusive, accessible hub or platform that fosters identity, connection, and wellbeing for neurodivergent people through interest-based groups, peer mentoring, advocacy, and shared resources, creating spaces where difference is celebrated and supported.
To advance education and professional development in neurodiversity-affirming and culturally safe practices for professionals, educators, whānau, and organisations, through training, supervision, mentoring, and the development and distribution of resources.
To support systemic change and uphold the rights of neurodivergent people, by collaborating with tangata whenua, communities, and organisations to remove barriers to participation, challenge stigma, and promote inclusive, equitable, and culturally grounded approaches.
To celebrate and affirm neurodivergent identity and culture, through community-led initiatives, events, storytelling, creative expression, and opportunities for collective learning and social change.
To undertake any other charitable activities that align with these purposes and contribute to an inclusive, affirming, and equitable future for neurodivergent people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
