Meet the team at 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.

Welcome to Willow Corner!

Sharyn Gousmett

I completed my training as an Educational Psychologist in 2007 after which I worked at the Ministry of Education for 10 years, before founding Willow Psychology in 2017.
I believe that listening to each family’s story is a vital part of the assessment process. Many families come for an assessment after feeling ignored or brushed aside, and I aim to explore each child’s unique strengths and challenges to leave families with a clearer understanding of their child and a plan for next steps.
I enjoy presenting information on neurodiversity affirming supports to parents and educators through our Mighty Willows course and other workshops. I am also a certified provider of Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) and can work alongside families and schools to implement CPS.
I am also a parent of two school-aged children and understand how busy and complex family life can be. I also enjoy singing, running and crafting.

Shelley Parkin

After my initial studies in NZ, I moved to the UK, where I retrained as a Speech Language Therapist. I worked in London schools supporting children’s speech, language and communication needs, before concentrating on neurodevelopmental assessments - specifically exploring Autism.
Now back in Canterbury with my family, I am delighted to have connected with Sharyn to share in cultivating Willow Corner; to continue supporting families as we grow our understanding of neurodiversity together. It’s so important for young people and those who support them to feel empowered in advocating for their needs, as well as to celebrate their strengths.
My experience with Autism also extends to parenting; my daughter is Autistic, artistic and awesome! She creates some of the digital art you might see within Willow Corner resources.

Anna Harvey

I have been involved with the disability and neurodiversity community for over a decade, dedicating my volunteer work, education, and employment to the community.
In the United States, I worked with the TEACCH Autism Program and Vanderbilt’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorder. My experience includes working with autistic people aged 3 to 60, contributing to research on paediatric screening assessment tools, supporting autistic college students, and working in a 24/7 adult care facility.
Through all of my work, I believe early identification and understanding are essential to the well-being of neurodivergent people. I am dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children and their families to not only accept but to celebrate and honour their neurodivergence.

Emma McKenzie

I am a registered Child and Family Psychologist and completed my training at the University of Canterbury in 2013. Since then, I have worked across education and health services, as well as in private practice.
My interest in research has included involvement 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 honour their neurotype and mana.
Outside of work, I live in Christchurch with my husband and three daughters and spend my free time folding washing and gardening!

Samantha Robinson

Kia ora, I am a registered Child and Family Psychologist and completed my undergraduate and postgraduate training in New Zealand through the University of Canterbury.
Over the past 10 years, I have enjoyed working with children and adults, primarily conducting and supervising assessments within an NGO as well as privately.
I am the learning assessment specialist at Willow Corner and complete 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 understanding of their child’s developmental path.

Cathy Robson

Tēnā koutou, ko Cathy Robson tōku ingoa, nō Ōtautahi ahau. I am a registered Educational Psychologist and have been practising for the past 12 years. My experience includes working in education, school-based mental health as well as in private practice.
I support with the developmental assessments at Willow Corner. My favourite part is meeting with the young people themselves and hearing their perspective. As well as playing with all our fun sensory toys in sessions! I like staying up to date with the latest neuro-affirming research, resources and podcasts to be able to share with whānau.

Rosie Petrie

Tēnā koutou, ko Rosie Petrie tōku ingoa, nō Ōtautahi ahau. I am a registered Psychologist and have been practising for over 10 years.
My experience includes working in a range of settings, including government and private practice.
I enjoy getting to know tamariki and their whānau, joining them on their journey to celebrate successes and problem solve together.
When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my three young children and family, exploring the beautiful Port Hills, travelling, eating good food, and spending time with friends.

Libby Gallagher

Professionally I am a registered Educational Psychologist and Primary School Teacher. Over the past two decades, I have taught in a range of schools across Christchurch, Hamilton, and London, and more recently worked within the Ministry of Education’s Behaviour and Learning Support team.
I believe every child and parent deserves to feel truly seen and understood for who they are so they can recognise their strengths and develop confidence in their own identity and ability.
Outside of work I am a parent to four children and live with my partner, a goofy dog and a crazy cat. I love to explore new places in our campervan, go to the theatre and connect with family and friends.

Eloise Robinson Ono

Tēnā koutou, I have over 15 years of experience working alongside young children and their families. My background is in Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa New Zealand, where I regularly collaborated with support services to meet the diverse needs of tamariki and their whānau, including neurodivergent children.
In 2020, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (with distinction in Child and Family Psychology) and plan to continue further study in this field.
I am passionate about building warm, supportive relationships with tamariki and whānau, with a strong focus on resilience and wellbeing. My particular area of interest is parenting support.
Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, travelling, discovering new foods, and continuing my passion for learning Japanese.

Emily Currie

My name is Emily Currie, and I am a Child and Family Psychology master’s student at the University of Canterbury. I have recently completed my master’s thesis on the mental and relational health of children in whānau care.
Alongside my studies and work at Willow Corner, I volunteer as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters North Canterbury to a vibrant neurodivergent girl. My "little sister" has a passion for fashion and together we are building her fashion portfolio so she can take the fashion world by storm! We also enjoy intense UNO matches, although I rarely win! Additionally, I support a bright neurodivergent boy as a learning assistant, gaining experience in educational settings.
I am passionate about promoting wellbeing and resilience in young people, especially neurodivergent children, helping them thrive and achieve success in all aspects of their lives.