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 Psychologists
Amanda Howell
Psychologist & Director
I am a registered psychologist who enjoys working with neurodivergent children, teens and adults along with supporting their families.
Through my own lived experience, as well as supporting neurodivergent and intellectually disabled family members, I have built a strong understanding of working with those who are neurodivergent and with intellectual disabilities.
I work from a neuro-affirming, supportive, and strengths-based approach to therapy that focuses on your goals, 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 have experience working one on one, organising and running group therapy and social activities, and delivering training on neurodivergence.
I am also available for supervision.
Qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of 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 others who think, learn, or experience the world differently. I take a strengths-based, neuroaffirming approach, helping people understand themselves, recognise their strengths and needs, and find ways of living that work for them. This may include assessment, exploration of potential diagnoses, or support to pursue goals that are meaningful to them.
My background includes extensive work alongside autistic and disabled people, including roles with the National Autistic Society and the Northamptonshire Society for Autism in the UK, as well as several other disability-focused charities. After taking time away from work to raise my children and move to New Zealand, I continued my psychology training at the University of Waikato. Since 2020, I have specialised as a psychologist in supporting neurodivergent people. Neurodivergence is also part of my family’s lived experience, as my husband has ADHD.
I support individuals of all ages, as well as couples and service providers, and I supervise health professionals. I also enjoy helping people build their knowledge and confidence through training and professional development.
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)
Olivia Benge
Clinical Psychologist
I am a clinical psychologist with a passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals and their whānau across all ages. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults, and take a warm, collaborative, strengths-based approach to assessment and therapy.
I have experience working with neurodiversity and intellectual disability in a range of settings, both as a psychologist and previously as a support worker. This has given me valuable insight into the everyday experiences and challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and their whānau, and the importance of practical, individualised support that recognises each person’s strengths and needs.
My clinical experience has also included working within Infant, Child, and Adolescent Mental Health Services and the Department of Corrections, supporting individuals with a broad range of psychological needs.
I am passionate about helping individuals better understand themselves, develop practical strategies to navigate challenges, build confidence and self-understanding, and feel empowered to make meaningful change in their lives.
Qualifications:
- Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Social Science (Psychology)
- Bachelor of Social Science with Honours (Psychology)
Sarah Harrison
Psychologist
I am a registered psychologist with a particular interest in neurodivergence and supporting children, young people and adults to better understand themselves, their strengths and their support needs.
I provide neurodevelopmental assessments for ADHD and autism, as well as psychological support for anxiety, emotional regulation and executive functioning. I also have experience working in specialist education, supporting neurodivergent children and young people, as well as the teams around them, with learning, behaviour, emotional regulation and engagement.
I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals, whānau, schools and other professionals. I take a strengths-based and neurodivergence-affirming approach, recognising that understanding your neurotype can be an important step towards finding strategies, environments and supports that work for you. My aim is to create a safe and respectful space where people feel understood, while translating psychological and neurodevelopmental understanding into practical support for everyday life.
Our Support Team
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
Neurodivergence Coach and Director
I'm a neurodivergence coach with a background in the arts, high tech start-ups and company strategy, and my late-in-life ADHD diagnosis didn't come as a surprise!
I work with individuals, companies and social groups on making the most of neurodivergent minds.
This includes helping Divergence Life to grow. With my involvement in sports over the years, I'm 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. With my involvement 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.
These are areas where we're raising funds and building partnerships where we can make things happen.
Qualifications:
- Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
- BSc in International Business
- Certificate in Neurodivergence Coaching
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.
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