Neurokindred Affiliates

Neurokindred is dedicated to supporting our late-identified Autistic neurokin. We provide accessible, affordable and quality services that are aimed to nurture well-being and foster connection to community.

 

To do this, we rely on Autistic professionals and volunteer group facilitators who have hearts aligned with this value and willingly donate their valuable time, energy and expertise to support our community members.

 

They demonstrate in both word and deed that they are neuro-affirming and dedicated to lives that nurture and support not only their own Autistic selves but those of their neurokin as well.

 

It is an honour to know and work alongside them.

Neurokindred Affiliates Qualifications

At Neurokindred we are committed to providing quality support that prioritises Autistic well-being. Our affiliates come from different disciplines and fields but all share this burning passion. We are also committed to expanding services available through connection with like-minded souls. Different approaches and levels of support work for different people at different stages of their journey. Just as all Autistics are unique, so are our preferences for the intensity and style of wellbeing support we need. We hope, in time, to be able to provide a smorgasbord of delightful guides for you to select from.

 

We screen all our affiliates and they meet the following criteria:

 

  • Lived Experience of being Autistic
  • A Dedication to Neuro-affirming Practice
  • A Commitment to Learning from Lived Experience Educators
  • Continued Education and Development
  • Registration with the Appropriate Governing Bodies
  • Appropriate Insurance
  • Have invested their time and skills to support the Neurokindred Autistic Adult Community

Counsellors

Emma Mitchell

Emma (she/her) is a registered provisional counsellor, with a background in psychology. As a late-identified AuDHDer and Spoonie, Emma is passionate about providing tailored, neurodiversity affirming, and person-centred therapy to neurodivergent clients in her online counselling practice.

 

Emma draws on tools and skills from approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and other creative therapies particularly Bibliotherapy and Therapeutic art. She also loves to introduce lived experience developed resources and is informed by advocate educators in the community.

 

In addition, Emma prioritises working collaboratively with clients to adjust therapeutic approaches and activities to work with their neurology, fluctuating energy, sensory profile and preferences. All therapy work is orientated towards embracing the complexity of neurodivergence and designing a life that supports wellbeing infused with self-compassion and self-understanding.

 

Working with Emma is your space to share your passions and goals with someone who is deeply curious about your way of being. She is committed to supporting you to find what works for you. Her lived experience navigating the complexities of co-occurring chronic health conditions means she brings a wealth of experience and understanding of energy management, pacing systems and self-advocacy that are necessary skills to navigate life in a way that supports Autistic wellbeing.

 

Emma additionally, offers a ‘Toe in the Water’ session so that you can see if her services are a good fit for you. 

 

Areas of Interest:
• Autism
• ADHD
• Disability and Chronic Illness/Chronic Pain
• Grief and Loss
• Trauma

At Neurokindred Emma volunteers as lead facilitator for Autistic Spoonies and co-facilitates both Autistic Counsellors and Psychotherapists and the Autistic Women and Non-Binary+ Peer Support Groups.

 

She is additionally developing a Bibliotherapy program for our upcoming group therapy offerings based on lived experience resources. Emma is also helping to develop policies and procedures to increase our efficiency and serves on the board of directors as Secretary for Neurokindred Foundation Ltd. 

 

Emma’s ‘Things that make my brain dance’: Reading (particularly fantasy romance), her dog Sophie, gardening/plants, anything crafty.

Contact Emma

Qualifications:

  • Diploma of Counselling
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science
  • Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Completing)

Emma is registered with:

  • The Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
They offer a FREE ‘Toe in the Water’ first appointment.

Melody Edwardson

Melody (she/her) is a late-identified Autistic Mental Health Specialist with a background of 30 years working with people experiencing complex life changes. In her private practice, Wellbeing Wise, she is passionate about supporting her clients in discovering ways to thrive and create a life worth living. Wellbeing Wise is located in Sunnybank, Brisbane, and Melody sees clients aged 16+ both face-to-face and via telehealth.

 

Melody says…

“When you work with me, we have a clear purpose for what we will achieve together and develop an agreed plan for how to get there even if you felt unclear at the start. This is very practical and helps you feel like a weight is lifted from your mind.”

 

“Unlike a chat with a friend, I am totally focused on you. This allows you dedicated time and space to think through what you want and need to do to have a more meaningful, purpose-filled life right now and into the future.”

 

“Unlike a chat with a psychologist, I am not here to diagnose you or see you through a medical lens or put you through a one size fits all treatment. I ask you curious questions to help draw out your own wisdom, so you don’t need my advice. I can offer resources but only if you want them, you are in charge.”

 

“Between sessions you can experiment with some strategies and we can tweak them when you come back. Together, we decide together how many sessions you need.”

 

Melody is committed to wellbeing-particularly Autistic wellbeing. She works part-time at Wellbeing Wise, which allows her to engage in activities that bring meaning and purpose to her life. This includes walking in the forest every day to connect with the natural world, being part of Free Mum Hugs Australia to celebrate the LGBTIQA+ community, mentoring students at her local high school, serving on the board of Support Groups Queensland and supporting neurokin at Neurokindred and Empower Autism.

 

Her favourite wellbeing booster is spending quality time with her beautiful, blended family, which includes four children aged 22, 21, 18, and 15, and her beloved staffy-cross sharpei, Rocky. Her key learnings about mental health and how to create a thriving, positive future have come from the people she has worked with and their families.

At Neurokindred, Melody volunteers as Peer Group Coordinator & Group Facilitator Trainer for the ‘Embracing the Crone’ Autistic Women & Non-Binary (45+) Peer Support Groups.

 

She has over 30 years of experience in community services working with people with disability or mental health issues to live their best lives.

 

Melody’s ‘Things that make my brain dance’: Being in nature, learning, dogs and art.

Contact Melody

Qualifications:

    • Master’s degree in Mental Health Practice
    • Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology
    • Diploma of Counselling
    • Diploma of Management

Melody is registered with:

    • Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)
    • Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

They offer a FREE 15 minute phone consult.

KJ Wiseheart

KJ Wiseheart (they/them) is a multiply-neurodivergent nonbinary elderqueer with a Profound Desire for Autonomy. They are an unabashed word-nerd and describe themselves as lit from within by curiosity and appreciation. KJ is a counsellor and narrative therapist, collaborative storyteller, Therapeutic Gamemaster, and game designer, who delights in exploring therapeutic applications of tabletop role-playing games. KJ is also an ACA Registered Supervisor.

 

As a neurodivergent and neuroaffirmative counsellor, KJ is committed to respectful practice, and an approach that is integrative, person-centred and trauma-informed. They are committed to co-creating neurocosmopolitan conversations and communities, where all neurocognitive differences in experience, communication, and embodiment are appreciated and affirmed. They focus on assisting clients in reclaiming storytelling rights over their personal narratives to improve their quality of life.

 

KJ holds a Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Human Services from LaTrobe University, and a Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work from Melbourne University. They recently presented at Reframing Autism’s Community Summit, and published the powerful collective research document “How we deal with Autistic burnout: A living document created by Autistic Adults for Autistic Adults” earlier this year.

 

They are available for counselling conversations either face-to-face (in Adelaide) or via zoom (anywhere!).

 

Areas of Interest:

  • Autism
  • Neurodivergence
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Autistic Burnout
  • Neurodiversity   
  • Therapeutic application of TTRPGs          

KJ volunteers as peer group facilitator for Blaze of Glory: Autistic Elders Discussion Group, Age of Valor: Autistic Elders (50+) & the Autistic Supervisors Peer Group. They also consult on accessibility, program development and inclusive practice, support Neurokindred’s Autistic Wellbeing events and provide resources to help inform our community.

 

KJ’s ‘Things that make my brain dance’: Narrative therapy, TTRPGs, and feminist activism.

 

They offer a FREE consult.

Qualifications:

  • Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Human Services
  • Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work
  • Certified AutPlay Therapist
  • Certified Therapeutic Game Master

KJ is registered with:

    • Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
    • ACA – College of Supervisors – COS Registered Supervisor
    • Climate-Aware Practitioners Network
Contact KJ

Coaches

Dr. Simone Kolysh

With backgrounds in Biology, Public Health, and Sociology, Dr. Simone Kolysh runs Defiant Life Coaching, where they help neurodivergent, LGBTQ, and otherwise marginalized people live unapologetic lives and speak truth to power. 

 

As a late-identified Autistic person who’s a non-binary lesbian parent of 4, Mx. Kolysh understands that being multiply marginalized often means worse outcomes for our health and wellbeing. They are driven to make information accessible to clients and help them make sense of everything from chronic illness to their gender and sexual identities.

 

Dr. Kolysh coaches through a trauma-informed, harm-reduction, anti-oppression approach to destigmatize the human experience, push back on systems that have gaslit their clients, and accepts their clients where they are without pressure or judgment.

 

Clients are free to infodump with Simone, tell them about their special interests, and unmask their autism in peace. In addition to life coach, think of Dr. Kolysh as career coach, peer support, household manager, and patient advocate. They work with anyone over 18 worldwide. 

 

Areas of Interest:

  • Autism
  • Neurodivergence
  • Disability and Chronic Illness/Chronic Pain
  • LGBTQ Identity
  • Kink/BDSM
  • Witchcraft
  • Burnout
  • Motherhood

Simone volunteers as consult and guest presenter for the F@ck the Patriarchy Autistic Feminism Discussion Peer Group. They also support Neurokindred’s Autistic Wellbeing events and provide resources to help inform our community.

 

Simone’s ‘Things that make my brain dance’: Argentine tango, Astrology, lesbian literature, feminist activism, jewellery and crystals.

 

They offer FREE 30-45 minute consults 7 days a week, day or night.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Biology
  • Master of Public Health, Master of Sociology
  • Doctorate in Sociology (concentration: LGBTQ Studies)
  • Graduate Certificate: Women’s Studies
Contact Simone

Educators & Mentors

Jade Lee

Jade (she/they) is a registered teacher who has nearly 20 years of experience working in the education field. After seeing the gaps in knowledge and experience on how to best support neurodivergent students (and teachers!) as well as other disabilities, Jade decided to leave the industry and begin her Master of Autism. She will graduate at the end of 2024 and be eligible to qualify as a Developmental Educator.

 

Jade currently works as a Neurodivergent Educator who provides consulting and mentoring services. She provides tailor-made training for individuals and businesses on topics such as neurodivergent awareness and understanding and neuro-affirming practice. As a mentor she can help with such things as goal setting, developing self-advocacy skills and transition plans. Jade is also an Artist and Creative Therapist. She offers a mobile service for those in the Gladstone Region but also provides online sessions. Although Jade works with all ages, her speciality is teenagers and adults, particularly those who are just beginning their journey.

 

As a late identified AuDHDer, Jade is passionate about helping to support others. She believes in using a neuro-affirming, person-centred approach, tailored to the individual and their family with a focus on self-determination and identity. She believes in making information accessible to everyone so that they are armed with the knowledge they need to succeed in life. 

 

Jade wants clients to feel like they can be themselves in a session. She uses self-expression in all creative forms to foster connection and this is why she will always be wearing something interesting when you meet her! Jade believes in helping individuals to be empowered and strives for a client relationship where a person can use the strategies from a session competently and confidently.

 

Areas of Interest: 

  • Neurodivergence (particularly Autism and ADHD)
  • Self-determination
  • Identity
  • Art and creativity
  • Education

Jade volunteers as the lead  facilitator for the Adult Play Dates: Art & Craft Co-Play Groups. They also consult on accessibility, program development and inclusive practice, support Neurokindred’s Autistic Wellbeing events and provide resources to help inform our community.

 

Jade’s ‘things that make my brain dance’:  Anything related to neurodivergent brains, study and learning (a big old nerd and proud of it!) creativity in any form (writing, photography, filmmaking, digital art), cats, sheep and goats and listening to podcasts while walking.

 

They offer a FREE 15 minute phone consult.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology) with a Major in Studies in Religion
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Archaeology)
  • Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching
  • Certificate IV in Kinesiology
  • Master of Autism (completing)

Jade is registered with:

Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)

Contact Jade

Karen Noble

Karen (she/her) has almost 3 decades of clinical experience working in areas of diagnostics, oncological therapy and research in the public sector and pathology collection in the private sector.

 

She is a late diagnosed Autistic ADHDer, and has been raising and nurturing 3 creative offspring, advocating against systems and stigmas to their unique gifts and challenges from Autism & ADHD, SPD, SLD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia, LGBTQIA+, PTSD, chronic illness and grief from young traumatic loss.

 

Karen discovered her AuDHD identity when seeking support and advocacy for her kids through education. She was inspired by Lou Kuchel, the late founder of Square Peg Round Whole and has been advocating for change in education with SPRW since meeting Lou in April 2022.

 

For much of her journey Karen felt isolated. Since finding her truth she has been on a path of learning and healing, rewriting the narratives of her own life. She is determined to be there for others and to share her story to advocate for change.

 

Through Noblekinnections, Karen is giving back from what she has lived and what she has learned. Her strengths lie in holding space for others to talk through life’s struggles, identify priorities, set goals, seek truth, find help and re-write narratives that do not serve.

 

Whatever you face and wherever you are at, Karen offers peer mentorship, to collaborate and problem solve together, step by step, or toe by toe, at your own pace.

 

Areas of Interest:

  • Neurodivergence (Autism & ADHD)
  • Grief and Loss
  • Somatisation, Central Sensitisation and chronic illness/Chronic Pain
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Autistic Burnout
  • Inclusive Education
  • Human Rights Advocacy
           

Karen volunteers as a peer group facilitator for Blaze of Glory: Autistic Elders Discussion Group and Age of Valor: Autistic Elders (50+).

 

Karen’s ‘Things that make my brain dance’: Reading and learning (from historical fiction and fantasy to neuroscience), moving and making (from yoga & golf to colouring, knitting, cooking, baking, planning and organising space), spending time in nature and with family.


They offer a FREE 30 minute phone consult.

Qualifications:

  • Diploma of Applied Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology
  • Graduate Diploma in Ultrasound (not completed)
  • Certificate IV in Pathology Collection
Contact Karen