Our team has a working knowledge of autism and related developmental conditions, and backgrounds in various autism treatments and programmes. Collectively, we hold graduate and post graduate qualifications in Neuroscience, Developmental Science, Psychology, Communication and Education.
As a team, we focus on strength-based approaches and are dedicated to enhancing individual strengths, promoting optimism and interpersonal skill development. We also strive to draw connections that enhance knowledge and understanding that support developmental change.
In working with families, we provide parents and carers with knowledge and skills that contribute to optimising abilities of their teens throughout the stage of adolescence. Ultimately we aim for our teens to be included and to be active participants in their educational settings and their communities.
Bios.
Beverley Witherington
- Certified PEERS Provider and Neuroscientist
- Beverley has had a range of experience and training in a number of autism treatments, interventions and programmes during her professional career in the UK and Australia. Beverley holds a Masters in Developmental Science from the University of London and a Masters in Research from Macquarie University and is currently completing Post- graduate studies in Coaching psychology at Sydney University. Beverley is also a PEERS Certified Instructor, having completed training with Dr Laugeson. Beverley has gained professional knowledge and experience with individuals of all ages in a range of settings including clinics, hospitals, private practice and outreach settings. Beverley is dedicated to ongoing research and engaging with evidenced-based autism treatments and programmes, and is passionate about supporting individuals and families by facilitating strengths and by promoting inclusion in all domains of life including education, work and community.
Tessa Winton
- Certified PEERS Provider/ Senior Leader/Facilitator/Trainer and Professional Actor
- Tessa Winton holds a Bachelor of Dramatic Art from The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment (Drake Training) and a DiSC Accreditation (Maura Fay Group). With over twenty years of diverse experience professionally as an Actor in both film and television, Tessa synthesizes specialist acting, voice, and communication skills into her additional role as Senior Leader /Facilitator and Trainer within the Corporate sector. For over fifteen years Tessa has developed specialisation in Communication skills, Presentation skills, Role play development, Leadership development and Team facilitation in large national and global corporate organizations with considerable success. In addition, Tessa has worked with clients from onset to follow up in a consultative capacity, and specifically within development of Change management processes. Tessa has an extraordinary energy and passion for diversity inclusion, and for driving engagement to achieve optimal and high level learning outcomes for individuals and groups.
Imogen Carlisle
- Sports Coach and Learning support tutor
- Imogen is completing a Bachelor degree in Human movement and Health Education at the University of Sydney in 2017. Professionally, Imogen has worked as a sports coach in a range of settings, and also as a Learning support tutor in schools and community settings with a number of individuals, including individuals with autism. Imogen has also been involved in implementing tailored PEERS programmes in a team environment, within both educational and home settings to develop social skills, in preparation for senior school and for school transitions. As a personal development, health and physical education teacher, Imogen is passionate about supporting children and teens in achieving their potential via the development and implementation of inclusive sport programs that develop both physical and social skills, build confidence and support positive mental health.
Morgan Maguire
- Certified PEERS Provider/ Coaching Psychologist and Professional Actor
- Morgan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology/English) from The University of Queensland, Masters of Science (Coaching Psychology) from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), and a Graduate Diploma Creative Arts (Theatre) from The University of Melbourne. Morgan's professional experience is extensive as a Coach and Facilitator for NIDA Corporate Performance, and her work has been conducted with individuals, groups, and large-scale conferences for corporate organisations. In Coaching settings, Morgan's approach embeds specialised performance knowledge, combined with solution focused, goal oriented, and evidence based techniques, while integrating latest research in Coaching Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Peak Performance. Morgan is committed to creating engaging, dynamic, collaborative, generative, and safe environments to foster positive change in individuals, groups and organisations that lead to harnessing unique potentials.
Kirsten Lee
- Learning Enrichment Educational Advisor
- Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Macquarie University and a Masters of Education from University of New South Wales. Throughout her career Kirsten has worked extensively in supporting the social and emotional development of individuals with autism and related conditions in clinical psychology settings, community based programmes, and also primary and secondary schools. In addition, Kirsten has worked in adapting PEERS interventions to meet individual social goals, facilitating social skills, and enhancing abilities in forming and maintaining friendships and interpersonal relationships. Kirsten is passionate about supporting the holistic development of children and adolescents through delivering evidence-based teaching, social skills and well-being strategies and practices in both her teaching and therapy roles that aim to foster learning in conjunction with social and emotional well-being.
