Meet our Team
Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalised support to children, adolescents, and their families. We combine extensive experience in education, psychology, and healthcare, ensuring that every individual receives the care and guidance they need to thrive. From expert psychological assessments to nurturing therapy, we are here to support families.
Emma Harper
Educational Psychologist / Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
Pronouns: She/Her
Qualifications
Post-Graduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology- Distinction
Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology – first class honours
BSc (hons) Health Science
Professional Registrations
Registered Psychologist
Registered Nurse
About
Emma has the unique background of an initial successful career as a Registered Nurse, working alongside children and whānau, often at critical times in their lives. This gives her a unique perspective, that enables her to draw upon her wealth of professional experience to inform and support her compassionate, child-centred psychological practice.
As a parent of three teenagers, she understands the real-world challenges that children, adolescents and parents face when navigating through the complex spheres of health and education and the importance of having accurate assessments that can guide tailored support. Moreover, her personal journey and diagnosis of ADHD has deepened her understanding of the wealth of neurodivergent strengths. Emma nurtures a neuro-sparkly, affirming, and strengths-based approach throughout her relationships to support every child to reach their full potential.
With a foundation of academic excellence, Emma ensures that families are in safe and trusting hands. She provides clarity, confidence, and practical psychological strategies for children and families to thrive.
Abigail Sanford (Abi)
Educational Psychologist / Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
Pronouns: She/Her
Qualifications
Post-Graduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology- Distinction
Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology – first class honours
Bachelor of Arts majoring in Educational Psychology and minoring in Development Studies
Professional Registrations
Registered Psychologist
About
Abi is passionate about supporting tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau to thrive. With an extensive academic background in psychology and education, she combines strong theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Before starting her career in Psychology, Abi worked as a school teacher aide, preschool relief teacher, and youth mentor, fostering meaningful connections with young people across different ages and stages. Taking an ecological and strengths-based approach in all that she does, Abi values collaboration and developing practical strategies that are tailored to empower individuals and their whānau. With training in CBT therapy for children and adolescents and experience in intellectual disability assessment, she is dedicated to creating a supportive and understanding space where individuals feel seen, heard, and equipped with tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Mandy Purdie
Business Manager
Pronouns:
She/Her
About
Mandy is our Business Manager and has more than 25 years’ experience as an Executive Assistant in both FMCG and Education sectors, time on senior leadership teams and has run several of her own businesses. Perhaps this is why she can calmly coordinate any level of complexity that arises.
Mandy has brought her impressive skills to CEPS because she wants to make a difference. She loves being part of a team that is supporting young people with their educational needs. She has empathy for everyone navigating the system for assessment and diagnosis – she’s been there herself for her family and she’s ready to help you too.
Frank
Companion Animal
Miniature Schnauzer, age 6
Non-shedding, Hypoallergenic
Professional Registrations
Canine Friends Pet Therapy Programme
Reading Buddies Team at Cambridge Library
About
Frank, is a valued member of our team. His gentle nature and ability to sense emotions provide a calming presence in sessions, making him a comforting companion for children experiencing anxiety, communication difficulties, or learning challenges. His role is to help reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and create a warm, non-judgmental space for children to engage in the assessment and therapy process.
Research has consistently shown that therapy dogs can reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and enhance learning engagement, particularly for neurodiverse learners. For children who struggle with reading or confidence in literacy, therapy dogs provide a non-judgmental, supportive presence, helping to increase motivation and fluency.
If your child has fears of dogs or allergies, please let us know in advance, and Frank will take the day off. Our goal is to create a space where your child feels safe and supported.
In the News
https://www.waipadc.govt.nz/our-council/news?item=id:2u2lzxn3e17q9szwml3i
Cambridge News | May 8, 2025 page 11 https://www.cambridgenews.nz/about/publications/ sadly I was there but didn’t get my photo in!
Cambridge Educational Psychology Services
Freephone: 0800 730 700
Mobile: 021 730 700
Email: enquiries@ceps.co.nz
Emergency Support Contacts
CEPS does not provide crisis support services. For any life-threatening emergencies, please dial 111.