Welcome to Willow Corner!
Willow Corner was founded by Sharyn in 2017 and was named Willow Psychology until October 2022 when Shelley joined the team as co-Director. We aim to better support children and young people by exploring and understanding each child's unique neurotype. While much of our work involves the diagnosis of developmental differences, this is done in a strengths-based way. We follow neurodiversity-affirming frameworks and are constantly upskilling our own knowledge of both assessment and intervention support to help children and young people thrive.
Meet the Willow Team
Sharyn Gousmett
Educational Psychologist, Founder & Director of Willow Corner
My name is Sharyn Gousmett, I am the founder and Director of Willow Corner. I am a registered Educational Psychologist. I completed all training in New Zealand through Canterbury University and Massey University. I worked at the Ministry of Education from 2007 - 2016, before leaving on maternity leave. I now have two young children and my work hours revolve around their busy lives!
My aim is to provide knowledge and awareness. I seek to support families and schools to understand each child. While much of my work involves the diagnosis of underlying challenges, this is done in a strengths-based way. It is vital to explore what each child is good at, as well as what is tricky for them.
I strongly believe in listening to a family’s story. Many families arrive for an assessment having had experiences of being ignored or brushed aside. I hope that all families who work with me will feel empowered with knowledge to understand their child’s developmental pathway, and have a plan for the next steps – whether this is for further assessment, or implementing strategies and supports.
Shelley Parkin
Speech Language Therapist & Director of Willow Corner
My name is Shelley Parkin, I am a Speech Language Therapist and Director of Willow Corner. I grew up in Canterbury and originally studied Linguistics at the University of Canterbury.
After moving to the UK and having two children, I decided to re-train as a Speech Language Therapist at City University in London. I worked in schools in and around London for a number of years supporting children’s speech, language and communication needs. I later specialised in multidisciplinary assessments for children and young people with neurodevelopmental differences, predominantly Autism.
My experience with Autism began many years ago however, with my own daughter, who is autistic, artistic and awesome! My family and I have now settled back in Canterbury, where I am continuing to support families on their journey to understanding their child’s strengths and challenges in a positive way. I want young people and their families to feel empowered in knowing themselves/their child, how to advocate for their needs, and to celebrate their amazing qualities.
Anna Harvey
Senior Psychology Assistant
Anna Harvey has been involved with the disability and neurodiversity community for over a decade and has dedicated her volunteer work, education, and employment to the community. In the United States of America she worked for the TEACCH Autism Program and Vanderbilt’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has experience working with autistic people from ages 3-60, being involved in researching paediatric screening assessment tools, supporting autistic college students, and working at a 24/7 adult care facility. Through all of her work she believes early identification and understanding is essential to the well-being of neurodivergent people. She is dedicated to supporting neurodivergent kids and their families to not only accept but to celebrate and honour their neurodivergence.
Cathy Robson
Educational Psychologist
Tēnā koutou, ko Cathy Robson tōku ingoa, nō Ōtautahi ahau. I am a registered Educational Psychologist and have been practising for the last 9 years. I have worked in a range of settings including government and non-government agencies, alongside private practice. This includes working at Mana Ake, school based mental health service and the Ministry of Education. I enjoy meeting young people and their whānau, hearing their stories, and working alongside them to explore what is contributing to their current challenges. In my mahi I use an evidence-informed, holistic, strengths-based and a neuro-affirming approach. A passion of mine is supporting wellbeing/hauora by helping young people to develop an understanding of themselves, their preferences and how their brain works. I like to spend time exploring our own backyard, go biking, attend community events and visit the market for bakery treats and coffee! I am also a volunteer with the Canterbury Special Olympics basketball team.
Emma McKenzie
Child and Family Psychologist
I am a registered Child and Family Psychologist and completed my training at the University of Canterbury in 2013. I have worked in various settings across education and health services as well as in private practice since this time. I have an interest in research and have been involved in studies investigating the use of Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) and sleep interventions in Autistic children. I love working with neurodivergent children and am always seeking new ways to connect with and support them in ways that honor their neurotype and mana. I live in Christchurch with my husband and three daughters and spend my free time folding washing and gardening!
Samantha Robinson
Child and Family Psychologist
Kia ora, my name is Samantha Robinson, and I am a registered Child and Family
Psychologist. I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate training in New Zealand
through the University of Canterbury and over the past 10 years I have enjoyed working with
children and adults primarily conducting and supervising assessments within a NGO as well
as privately.
My work at Willow Corner includes completing developmental assessments using an
evidence-based and neuro-affirming approach. I strive to create a welcoming and supportive
environment for individuals and their whānau to share their story and work together to
support their understanding of their child’s developmental path.
Katelyn Desborough
Intern Psychologist
Kia ora. My name is Katelyn and I am an intern psychologist at Willow Corner. As an intern educational psychologist working at Willow Corner, I am committed to supporting children and young people with developmental differences through a neurodiversity-affirming approach. My role involves collaborating with families, educators, and other professionals to conduct comprehensive assessments that celebrate each child's unique strengths and identify areas where additional support may be needed.
Prior to joining Willow Corner, I worked with Explore Wellbeing as behaviour support specialist, where I focused on supporting neurodivergent individuals and their whānau. This experience has enriched my ability to provide tailored, evidence-based interventions and support, empowering everyone involved to both celebrate and address the diverse needs and potentials of each individual.
Jo Finch
Psychology Assistant
Kia ora my name is Jo Finch. I have been a primary school teacher since 2002. I am also a parent of two wonderful neurodivergent children. I have always had a special interest in helping children who have extra needs, are neurodivergent or just need a little extra support. I love being able to bring together my knowledge and passion for working with children and our amazing team at Willow Corner.
Kimberley Kamana
Psychology Assistant
My name is Kimberley Kamana (Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri; Ngāti Kiriparu), I am a Child and Family Psychology student at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha I University of Canterbury. I am currently completing my master’s thesis on Whānau Māori perspectives on emotional connection. I lived in the Chatham Islands until I was four years old, then moved to Christchurch. My experience with neurodiversity stems from my role at another agency as a youth worker and from a close family member who has an intellectual disability. I am passionate about working alongside young people and I enjoy understanding children’s strengths and challenges in a positive way.
“Relaxed, professional and flexible approach.”
— Stephanie