Catherine Swan – Development Paediatrician

Catherine has worked as a developmental paediatrician with Canterbury District Health Board since 2002 having trained in Aotearoa and London, UK.  Over the last decade her main focus has been diagnosis and support for Autistic children and their whānau.  Catherine is also a clinical lecturer at the University of Otago and parent of five children.  Catherine says one of the aspects of her work she enjoys most is working with others to create positive solutions within existing networks and resources whilst keeping an eye out for new directions for understanding and support.

Karea Sutherland

PDA ADHD Autistic Queer Tagata Moana. They / Them She / Her 

I bring a deep understanding of PDA autism and ADHD and the challenges we face, as I personally navigate a lot of these barriers too.  

Over the past twenty years, I have had the privilege of working with countless Autistic and ADHD adults and youth, as well as their families and support teams.  This has given me a profound understanding of the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent individuals, and the educational approaches that have been the most neuro-affirming.  

In 2017, I established Earth School, a Neurodiversity Inclusion Centre in west Melbourne, Australia.  This centre served as a hub for inclusive education, providing a safe and nurturing environment for neurodivergent individuals to thrive centred on special-interests directed learning, student agency and autonomy,  socioemotional intelligent communication, and universal design for learning.  

In addition to my role as an Advisor for Altogether Autism, I am actively engaged in co-facilitating inclusive events, delivering presentations on autism and neurodiversity, providing professional development trainings, and developing policies and resources that promote inclusivity.  I am also committed to ongoing personal and professional development to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in the field.  My two neurodivergent unschoolers continue to keep me on my toes too. 

I am grateful to be part of a team that shares my passion for promoting equality and empowerment for all individuals.  Together, I believe we can create a brighter and more inclusive future.” 

Luella Wheeler (she / they / ia) – BSc, GradDipBus, PGDipSci

Tēnā koe, I am Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, and Pākehā, tangata whaitakiwātanga and tangata whaikaha – a late-diagnosed autistic person.

My realisation and diagnosis was a big turning point in my life and allowed understanding and insight to provide a sense-making narrative of my journey through life and its many ups and downs. It has been an opportunity to understand my needs and live well with authenticity. I am passionate about representation, validation, and liberation of autistic lives, promoting neurodiversity affirming perspectives, and building and nurturing the mana of the autistic community.

My study and work histories are mainly in science and I worked in botany and microbiology research positions. I have previously worked for Altogether Autism and Your Way | Kia Roha as a live chat agent and providing research support. Among many hobbies I’m a gardener, a photographer, and a weaver. I participated in the iNDx exhibition of autistic artists in 2023.

I grew up in Te Waipounamu and live in Ōtepoti Dunedin with my husband and two teenage sons.

Mauri ora.

Rory Hennessey  

I am a specialist immigration lawyer with a practicing certificate and a background as a fully licensed immigration adviser.  My journey into immigration law began with my studies at Victoria University and further developed during my tenure as a Solicitor in Nelson.  Since early 2019, I have dedicated myself full-time to providing immigration advice. 

Outside of my professional life, I’m an avid explorer of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, indulging in the quintessential Kiwi pastime of hiking.  I also have a deep love for travel and enjoy sharing my experiences with others.  This passion for discovery and connection translates into the genuine and secure experience I offer my clients, whether they’re looking to make New Zealand their long-term home or simply visiting.