Leith at work in our office!
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Leith McMurray qualified as a Social Worker at the University of Canterbury. (Post-graduate Diploma in Social Work, 1984). She comes from a long line of Aspies on both sides of her family. She also has a Bachelor of Arts (1981), and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) by distance learning from Cambridge University (2001).
Leith was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of 58 and thus had spent the larger part of her life trying to cope in a Neurotypical world before finding her "true" nature. (The great news about Asperger Syndrome was not widely known until Uta Frith published an English translation of Hans Asperger's work in 1991). It took a while after that for people to realise that Aspie children grow up into Aspie adults, (surprise!!!) but the world has changed dramatically since then. Although there are still dinosaurs who think that AS is for boys only.... Leith worked together with Jan Brooking as co-counsellors introducing people to the likelihood (or not) of their being Aspie, and providing information and a plan about what steps next to take in the great journey of obtaining a diagnosis, and how to adjust to their new future lives. Leith has recently received the accolade of becoming a "Registered Social Worker"- the Government Gold Standard. After initially studying 40 years ago, this is a great confirmation of her skills. My motto: "If I haven't offended you yet, please be patient. I'll get to you shortly". Famous for the Aspie blurt, alas. Really chuffed to receive this Civic Award In December 2017 for Community Service! |
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Julie McGeorge joined our organisation in June 2016 as a counsellor.
She had some experience with Asperger's while working in a Special Needs Unit in a high school in Timaru, and has experience in working one on one with students. Working with us has led to further enlightenment! She has great people skills and communicates well with all ages, and wishes to further these skills and add to them whilst working for Aspiehelp. Julie has finished studying for a Diploma in Psychology and Counselling to add to her already impressive skills. Reader, she passed with flying colours! |
