The NearAway Project ... because our kid's mental health matters.
Our Consultants
Introducing our Mental Health Consultants
The NearAway Project is grateful for the input, advice and continued support offered by the following mental health experts.
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Dr Elizabeth Pritchard
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Christine Burns
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Dr Judith Merari-Lyons
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Sarah Draeger
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Sandra Scott
Dr Elizabeth Pritchard
A keynote Speaker, Author, and Leadership Coach, specialising in cultivating Authentic Leaders and creating lasting change with women executives and professionals, drawing on her expertise in neuroscience, psychology and research.
CEO and Co-Founder of WALT Institute
Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard, is a distinguished international keynote speaker, researcher, author and leadership coach from Aotearoa, New Zealand, currently based in Melbourne Australia. She is a trailblazer in cultivating Authentic Leadership among women executives and leaders.
As Co-founder and Director of the Women Authentic Leadership Training Institute (WALT Institute), Elizabeth's three-decade career spans neuroscience, leadership, and research. Having triumphed over childhood adversity, Elizabeth serves as an inspiration for women to discover their influential voice and lead themselves and others towards success.
Christine Burns
Tony Robbins Coach, former elite athlete, author, and Mental Agility Skills Trainer
CEO and Co-Founder of WALT Institute
Christine, former New Zealand indoor hockey representative, holds a background in psychology, sport psychology, exercise science, and business management. After overcoming a cancer diagnosis in 2016, Christine has used her resilience and tenacity to inspire others and is a former elite athlete, author, and Mental Agility Skills Trainer. She empowers individuals and teams to take bold action, perform under pressure, and lead authentically every day. Christine’s latest book, Igniting Resilience, captures her journey from diagnosis to triumph and has inspired readers worldwide.
Dr. Judith Merari-Lyons
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Master of Social Policy (arts) Grad dip psych: doctor of philosophy (PhD)
Mental Healthcare Consultant
Judith has over 20 years clinical experience in assessment and interventions for adults, children and young people.
Her thesis is called "An Exploration Of Hypnosis In The Australian Context" and comments on hypnosis within the Australian Context
and its relevance to Social Work.
Sarah Draeger
MSc Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology (University of East London, England)
BA (Honours) Early Childhood & Psychology
(University of East London, England)
Positive Psychology Coach
Sarah's extensive experience as a Positive Psychology Coach allows her to provide guidance and support for people who seek a positive change, want to reach their personal and/or professional goals and unlock their potential. She is currently practising in Germany.
Sandra Scott
20 years clinical experience, specialist in ADHD, anxiety, trauma,
grief & loss, developmental difficulties.
Educational & Development Psychologist. AUS
With a wide knowledge and 20 years clinical experience, Sandra uses evidence-based therapies personalised to your treatment goals. She works with clients of all ages on all manner of complex concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, troubled relationships, grief, loss & infertility. Sandra also provides psychological assessment and diagnostic services to those seeking to understand the nuances of ADHD, ASD, LD (dyslexia) and other developmental difficulties. Her specialised training in mind body connection, hypnosis and nutrition complements treatment for those seeking a holistic approach.
