Educational Psychologists

Educational Psychologists

– Children to Adults

Our Educational Psychologists can assist students at secondary and tertiary levels who may require Special Assessment Conditions for exams (e.g. NCEA). Their skills can help your child in their developmental journey and ultimately unlock their full potential. 

Marie Kelly

Marie Kelly

Educational Psychologist (NZ reg.)

MA (Hons). PGDipEdPsych, PGCertEdPsych, Dip Teaching (Adv)


Marie is the Founder and Director of Kidz Therapy. 


Prior to starting Kidz Therapy, Marie worked in a variety of educational settings including as a Psychologist at the Ministry of Education, a RTLB and lecturer at the Auckland College of Education. She also has extensive experience in teaching environments such as primary schools and ESOL, special needs and gifted and talented students. 


Marie specialises in comprehensive assessments for children, teenagers, and adults including cognitive functioning (IQ testing) learning disorders, academic assessments, gifted assessments including twice exceptional (2e) children, dyslexia, dyscalculia (maths), ADHD, adaptive assessments and more. 


Marie is a published author. Her Masters research on improving children’s’ reading comprehension was published both in NZ and overseas. She has also authored a teachers’ resource called ‘Reciprocal Teaching – A practical approach to improving comprehension skills’. 


Reflecting her lifelong passion for education, Marie has undertaken additional training in the Scerts Model and ADI-R autism frameworks, Interactive Drawing Therapy and as a Level 4 Triple P facilitator. Marie also presented at the 23rd World Congress on Reading and regularly facilitates professional development for teachers on a variety of topics.


Marie is a member of:

  • New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPSS)
  • International Reading Association
  • Triple P Positive Parenting Programme
  • SPELD
  • NZ Gifted Association
  • NZ Dyslexia Foundation
  • Autism NZ


Marie's books are currently closed.

Melissa Makov

Dr Jemila Chadwick

Psychologist (NZ reg.)

BSc (Hons), PGCE, DEdCPsy.


Jemila is an Educational and Child Psychologist who has a range of experience working with children, whānau and educators. Prior to her role at Kidz Therapy, Jemila has worked as an Educational and Child Psychologist in the UK, and for the Ministry of Education, in New Zealand. Prior to completing her Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology, Jemila worked as a qualified primary school teacher and as a teacher aide in the UK. 

 

She is experienced in assessing children using a range of cognitive, dynamic, and educational assessment tools. She is interested in understanding how children learn and supporting others to consider how teaching can be adapted to include all learners. 

 

Jemila has expertise in a range of school-based psychological interventions including Nurture Groups, Therapeutic Story Writing, and the Incredible Years Teacher Programme.

Educational Psychologist Shelley de Graaf

Shelley de Graaf

Educational Psychologist (NZ reg.)

PGDipEdDevPsych, MEdPsych (Hons), BTchg (ECE)

 

Shelley is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist with an extensive background in early childhood education. She is experienced in providing a range of assessments for children and adolescents, including cognitive, educational and behavioural assessments.

 

Prior to working at Kidz Therapy, Shelley worked in the Ministry of Education Learning Support team, working in primary, intermediate and high school settings. She supported high-needs students and their families and schools with a range of strategies to meet their behavioural, developmental and learning needs across both home and school environments.

 

Shelley takes a strengths-based approach to assessment and intervention and is a passionate advocate for ensuring children access that support they need to thrive.

 

Shelley is an accredited Triple P Stepping Stones provider and Bricks Group facilitator.


Melissa Makov

Melissa Mako 

Psychologist (NZ reg.)

PGrad Dip Ed Pscyh, MA (Ed Psych), BA


Melissa provides comprehensive cognitive and educational assessments for children and adolescents. 


Prior to her role at Kidz Therapy, she was with the Ministry of Education. Melissa worked closely with caregivers, teachers and other specialists to help children and young people with significant learning, developmental and behavioural needs. 


Melissa is passionate about her work and believes that every child can reach their full potential, with the right support and opportunities. She has a strength-based approach to assessment and intervention. 


Melissa is trained in Triple P and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. 

Educational Psychologist Zelda Brown

Zelda Brown

Educational Psychologist

​(NZ reg.)

Zelda Brown provides comprehensive cognitive and educational assessments for children and young people. For more information on Zelda, please contact us. ​

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