A Dedicated Team of Learning & Behavioural Difficulties Therapists
We have a dedicated, experienced and caring team who fulfill a variety of roles, from hands-on therapists to management and administration. The Developmental Learning Centre was established by Learning & Behavioural Difficulties Expert Rosemary Murphy who pioneered Developmental Movement Therapy and Auditory Retraining Therapy in New Zealand. You can read more about Rose's story here.
Sherryll Dansey Irvine, Reg. Extra Lesson™ Practitioner, Dip. Tch. (Primary)
Sherryll has worked as a primary school teacher in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, as a youth counsellor, a youth social programme director and a special needs coordinator for early childhood centres. Sherryll is a graduate of the Extra Lesson™ post graduate training programme, is a Registered Extra Lesson™ Practitioner, an iLs Practitioner and former SPELD tutor.
Susan Christie, Listening Therapist, B.Soc. Sci. in Psychology
Susan spent several years working for IHC/IDEA as a Support Worker, Community Services Manager and in Behavioural Support.
After a break from social services to raise her family, Susan worked in the commercial world before returning to her roots. Susan has completed her Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) Practitioner training, and is currently studying for her iLs Advanced qualification and training.
Susan also has three children who have all been through both our Integrated Listening Therapy and Developmental Movement Extra Lesson therapies.
Heather Cohen, Child and Adolescent Counsellor, B.A, MSc, PGDip Counselling
Heather is the founder and lead counsellor at Aroha Counselling Services, now based in the Developmental Learning Centre. She can be reached directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 022 4591101.
Heather has studied in the USA, UK and NZ and worked with the children of the Christchurch Earthquakes for several years. She has previously provided emotional first aid in conjunction with crisis responders and as an in-person Youthline counsellor. Most recently, Heather was a child and adolescent counsellor serving 13 South Otago area primary and intermediate schools. Her counselling philosophy is to provide her clients with age and stage appropriate support in a non-judgmental, hope filled way.
She specialises in children and teens who struggle with anxiety, poor self-esteem, family and friendship concerns and problems with school. She also has experience with the struggles of Sensory Processing Disorders and chronic disorders, so is able to connect with clients and whanau who are navigating these.
She works primarily in person-centered, narrative and strengths based methods, using Play Therapy and Drawing Therapy. Heather is a registered member of NZCCA.
You can read more about her, Aroha Counselling Services, and her great work with young people at arohacounselling.co.nz.
Fiona Samson, Practice Manager, Dip. ECE
Fiona has had 17 years experience in early childhood education, both as a teacher and in Early Childhood Education centre management. Fiona currently overseas the running of the clinic including administrative duties and business support.
Eva Lee, Certified Bowen Therapist, MNZBTI
Eva has years of therapeutic experience as a Bowen Therapist and offers treatments for children and adults on weekends at our clinic.
Rosemary Murphy, Founder and Learning/Behavioural Difficulties Expert, B.Ed, Dip, Tch., Grad, Dip. L. D.
Rosemary Murphy studied education at Hamilton Teachers’ College and Waikato University and went on to teach in public and private schools in New Zealand, the UK and the USA for 16 years. She is a graduate of the Extra Lesson™ post graduate training programme and is a Registered Extra Lesson™ Practitioner. She is also a Certified iLs Advanced Professional and former SPELD tutor. Rosemary now works as a consultant in our clinic from time to time.
Call 0800 543 399 or Request a free call back with the Developmental Learning Centre to understand how your child could benefit from our natural and holistic therapies.