My name is Beki, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Performance Science and Psychology from the University of Waikato. My research focuses on teaching functional water safety skills to neurodiverse individuals, with particular emphasis on caregiver-led strategies to prevent unintended water entry.

Alongside my studies, I have spent the past four years working in the sports sector as a coach and educator. My work centres on making sport and aquatic activities accessible to all participants by adapting traditional teaching approaches to meet diverse learning needs. I am passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments where every individual can build confidence, competence, and enjoyment in movement and using these strategies to facilitate positive changes in the lives of the families I work alongside. 

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

My name is Krysten, and I hold a BSc in Psychology from the University of Waikato. I am currently completing my Master’s thesis at the University of Waikato, based in Tauranga. My research investigates the effects of parent-mediated interventions on parent–child outcomes, with a particular focus on improvements in reciprocal interactions and social validity. Specifically, I am examining how the Sunny Starts (DANCE) intervention supports these outcomes. My goal is to contribute to the evidence base for early intervention practices in Aotearoa New Zealand by evaluating both measurable interactional outcomes and the acceptability and relevance of interventions for families.

Bio coming soon!

Riya Gigi Thomas is a Master’s student in Behaviour Analysis at the UOW. She also works as a Teaching Aide in Hamilton, New Zealand, where she supports learners with diverse developmental needs while advancing her clinical and research training in ABA

Riya previously completed an MS in Psychology in India and worked as a Child Psychologist for three years. Her early research examined the relationship between Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and executive functioning, with a particular focus on how heightened social monitoring and digital engagement may affect cognitive processes and sleep patterns. The study explored whether increased FOMO was associated with difficulties in attention regulation, inhibitory control, decision-making, and sleep disruption, highlighting the interaction between emotional vulnerability, technology use, and cognitive functioning.

She also conducted research on couple satisfaction and conflict management, examining how communication patterns, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution strategies influence relationship quality and stability. This work reflected a broader interest in how cognitive and behavioural processes shape both individual well-being and interpersonal functioning. Her current research focuses on Functional Communication Training (FCT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities. Riya’s long-term goal is to become a BCBA and help expand access to evidence-based services.

Mitch is a Masters student at the University of Waikato. He has completed his PgDip in Science and a Bachelor of Health Science, both majoring in psychology from the University of Canterbury. Mitch has seven years of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities in both community support and behaviour support roles. Mitch’s interests include complex behaviour, restraint reduction, and empowering individuals.

Dr. Carnett is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, Director of the Behaviour Analysis Programme, and a Research Affiliate at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is a doctoral-level Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA-D). Dr. Carnett initially obtained her bachelors degree in Human Rights and Political Science at the University of North Texas. She later went on to work in educational settings to support learners with developmental disabilities, which led her to pursue her masters degree in behaviour analysis at Texas State University. She completed her doctorate degree in Educational Psychology, specializing in behaviour analysis and communication interventions at Victoria University of Wellington. She has over 15 years of experience working in the field of behaviour analysis and developmental disabilities. Her research is focused on developing interventions to help individuals develop autonomy within their environments and increase their overall quality of life. She believes this best achieved by interventions that target issues associated to generalization of skills, as well as ensuring social significance through stakeholder participation. Her research interest can be classified into two overlapping categories: communication interventions and  adaptive functioning.