Speech Therapists

Helen White
Speech and Language Therapist (NZ reg.)

Dip Tchg; Dip Ed; MNZSTA

Helen works with students of all ages on speech-language therapy, active listening skills and thinking skills. She specialises in working with those who have auditory processing disorder. Helen uses a variety of approaches including Hyerle Thinking Maps, Costa’s Habits of Mind, de Bono, 3 Storey Intellect and Blooms Taxonomy. She has over 30 years’ experience in the fields of speech-language therapy and education.

During her time in the UK, Helen spent 20+ years as the Team Manager of the Speech and Language Centre in London. The centre became a model for other UK local authorities. They provided training for teachers and associated professionals in the language of the classroom and thinking skills. She also co-developed a programme to teach ‘Active Listening Skills’.  At the request of the Commissioner for London Schools the programme was co-published in the book “Learning to Listen to Learn”.

​Previously, Helen was the Director of Advanced Learning and Head of Thinking Skills at a private Auckland secondary school. Helen is also an experienced facilitator.  She has presented numerous workshops on speech language therapy and thinking skills.

Helen’s  areas  of specialty include:

• Language processing difficulties
• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
• Articulation difficulties
• Dyspraxia and dyslexia and phonological awareness
• Language delay
• Learning strategies including memory and thinking skills
• Active listening
• Accent reduction

Art Therapists

Maggie van den Heuvel
Clinical Arts Therapist (NZ reg.)

Maggie works with children, teens and young adults in both individual and group settings. She offers close-fit Art Therapy help her clients face a variety of challenges including:

• Anxiety, self-esteem and body positivity
• Trauma
• Social skills
• Resilience training
• Anger issues
• ASD: autism spectrum disorder
• ADHD
• Developmental disorder
• Personality disorder
• Behavioural disorder
• Palliative care
• Stroke survivors

​Maggie is a well-rounded clinical Art Therapist with over 15 years’ experience. She uses art as a tool to explore, nurture and self-express. Maggie has worked in diverse settings such as closed clinics, prisons, schools, private practices and ambulant care.

Maggie graduated with a degree in Art Therapy in 2012 and is a Member of ANZCATA: (The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association). She has recently completed  courses including ‘Counselling youth on the Autism Spectrum’, ‘The Transformation Journey through the Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy’ and ‘A Therapeutic Treasure Box 2-Day Seminar on Trauma’.

Julia Hanna
Registered Arts Therapist
​(NZ reg.)

Julia has been practicing Art Therapy with children and adolescents since 2016.

She has led art therapy groups for children with anxiety and has worked extensively with children on the autistic spectrum through DTNZ (Dance Therapy New Zealand). Her previous experience includes work for Glowkids Conductive Education and Carlson School for Cerebral Palsy.

Currently Julia works in private practice using a range of creative modalities, with a key focus on visual art and sand tray therapy.  Julia uses art to establish a rapport with your child and then works closely with you to best meet their needs. Her sessions are predominantly child-lead which gives children power of their own process in a fun, safe and dynamic space. 

Julia has experience with a range of challenges including:

•       Anxiety issues
•       Impulse control
•       Parent separation/family difficulties
•       Sensory issues
•       ASD
•       ADHD
•       Behavioural problems
•       Special needs
•       Social Skills

​Julia is a registered Arts Therapist with ANZACATA (The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association).

Movement & Visual Art Therapists

Emilia Rubio
Dance/Movement Therapist

​DTAA (Prof. DMT) Reg.No.220-05,  Expressive Arts Therapist, Education and Consulting| Professional Dancer and Performer

Emilia’s work with children and young adults combines movement and intermodal arts expression through movement and visual art. She guides them through an encounter with their own expressions and body awareness, ultimately leading to an enhanced sense of self and confidence.

Emilia has an extensive background working with children, young adults and adults as:

• Consultant at Auckland special schools and their satellites facilitating Expressive Arts programmes 
• A tutor for inclusive dance community classes and choreographic workshops in schools
• A facilitator for Movement and Arts therapy programmes for kids with trauma 
• Collaborator as a professional dancer in various research dance projects and public performances 

Emilia’s interest in therapeutic dance is a result of her time in Buenos Aries as a professional dancer.  There, she spent 14 years as a member of the Teatro San Martin Contemporary Dance Company.   

Emilia has completed Post Graduate training in Dance Movement Therapy in Buenos Aires and Expressive Arts therapy in Peru.  She recently received the postgraduate certificate of Advanced Graduated Studies in research, leadership and training in Expressive Arts Therapist, Education and Consulting towards her doctorate in Expressive Arts Therapy.

Emilia received the Clarín Award for Best Dancer of the year in Argentina – 2001 and Best Female Dancer in Tempo Dance Festival in Auckland – 2006.