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

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)

Lydia Littlejohns
Clinical Psychologist
I am a clinical psychologist and a mum of two small children. I enjoy supporting people to identify their strengths and interests and using these to work on goals together. I focus on helping people feel comfortable and empowered in sessions and finding creative ways to work through challenges.
I worked with neurodivergent individuals in multiple settings in the UK as well as Aotearoa for a decade before becoming a psychologist. Through my work as a psychologist and prior, I have seen what a difference it can make when someone has an understanding of themselves, their strengths and strategies for dealing with difficulties. This is why I am passionate about working in this area.
Qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience and 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.