Dr Ann Parker

Ann is a highly experienced psychologist with a diverse background in child and adolescent psychology, adult mental health, and disability support. With over 10 years of experience working in school settings, Ann specializes in developing comprehensive behavioral and learning plans for students with additional needs. She also extends her expertise to families, addressing the behavioral, social, and emotional needs of children.

Her career includes significant contributions across both government and non-government sectors, providing services and supervision for provisional and registered psychologists, as well as social work students. Ann is adept in brief solution-focused therapy and cognitive behavior therapy, with a particular interest in supporting individuals on the Autism spectrum and those with diverse sexuality and gender backgrounds. Her warm and caring nature makes her effective in helping clients achieve positive outcomes.

Ann holds memberships in several professional organizations, including the Australian Psychological Society, Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, Learning Difficulties Australia, Autism SA Board, and the South Australian Rainbow Advocacy Alliance. She has been serving as the President of the Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools since 2010.

Her academic credentials include a PhD conferred in 2005, focusing on the differential use of discretionary powers by police with young offenders. This study encompassed Australian and International police jurisdictions.

In her career journey, Ann has worked in various roles, including in the Intellectual Disability Services Council, the Dept for Education, and as a learning support psychologist in an independent girl’s school. Her roles have involved learning assessments, policy writing, and management of Learning Plans.

Currently, Ann practices privately, focusing on assessments for school-aged children and working closely with schools on learning difficulties. She also collaborates with The Speech Boutique and Ignite Allied Health.

As an AHPRA Board-approved supervisor, Ann provides valuable supervision to psychology students in various programs, including the 4+2 and 5+1 programs, and Masters placements. Her areas of special interest encompass a wide range of psychological and learning assessments, mental health issues across different age groups, school-related challenges, disability support, suicide prevention, anxiety and depressive disorders, parenting skills, and working with families of children with disabilities.