At the NGO Training Centre, we’re delighted to highlight Anita Gardner (BA, PGDipPsych, MSocH, Mres) – Psychologist, Supervisor, Researcher, Lecturer and subject matter expert at the NGO Training Centre.
Anita has dedicated over 20 years to providing compassionate psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. She now practices as a psychologist in her private practice, supervises provisional psychologists, leads The Westmead Feelings Program online, and works as a research psychologist. In 2017, she took on the role of Research Psychologist at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia, where she adapted the Westmead Feelings Program specifically for autistic adolescents with mild intellectual disability. She also earned a Master of Research at Western Sydney University.
Anita’s journey with Autism began in 2000 through Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). She has worked across many services, including early intervention, school programs, and adult services, conducting assessments, providing support, implementing interventions, and creating visual supports.
As a Registered Psychologist, she strongly believes in using evidence-based practices to support individuals, families, and service providers. Her dedication shines through in her training sessions and presentations, which have taken her from workshops to international conferences in Canada, Singapore, and Ireland. She has shared her expertise on topics like supporting siblings, learning from consequences, and video modelling. Recently, she had the opportunity to speak at the APS Congress and the Australian Association for Special Education about her research with the Westmead Feelings Program, and she has also enjoyed lecturing at Western Sydney University.
Anita is a passionate advocate for raising awareness around neurodiversity and mental health. She promotes positive behaviour support and mental health strategies that help enhance people’s quality of life and build resilience.
We are genuinely delighted to have Anita as part of our Governance Team and invite you to join us in celebrating the wonderful impact she’s making! 💪
Courses: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sexuality and Relationships
Learn more about all our brilliant Subject Matter Experts on our About Us page.
