Staff profiles

Gráinne Parish

Gráinne is passionate about providing services not only to the individual, but also to families, schools and the community. As a Psychologist Practitioner, Gráinne specialises in the assessment of needs related to social communication and autism across the life span. 

Gráinne is a registered Psychologist with the Community Development Authority Dubai and the Health Care Professionals Council (UK). She is also a Chartered Psychologist with The British Psychological Society (CPsychol). In her spare time, she is a founding board member of All Children Included, a CDA registered non-for-profit agency supporting the inclusion of children of determination in our community. 

Jolene Palmer

Jolene has extensive experience in the administration of diagnostic psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of neurodevelopmental differences including, but not limited to: Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), executive function difficulties and learning difficulties associated with genetic disorders. Jolene is also experienced in leading multi-disciplinary teams in exploring such diagnostic queries as: Global Developmental delay, Developmental Language Disorder, ADHD, Autism, and Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia).

In addition to her experience in administering and interpreting and wide range of standardised psychological assessments, she is a trained and experienced administrator of Griffiths-3, ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2. Jolene is frequently asked to consult as a second clinical opinion for complex cases and she is available for supervision of other Psychologists specialising in psychological testing. She is a registered tutor with ARCID UK (Association for Research in Infant and Child Development), and she periodically hosts Griffiths' training in the UAE to enable other Psychologists and Paediatricans to become registered Griffiths-3 users. 

As a counselling therapist, Jolene sees a small caseload of predominantly adolescent clients. She is an Internal Family Systems informed-therapist and she also has specialist training in the implementation of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Kelly Pugin

At present, Kelly is working solely on conducting psychological assessments and leading multi-disciplinary assessment teams at Insights to explore such neurodevelopmental differences as (but not limited to): Global Developmental Delay, Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), Developmental Coordination Disorder (such as Dyspraxia), Autism, ADHD, executive function needs, Intellectual Disabilities. Kelly works across the lifespan from young children up to adults. 

Kelly is focused on providing comprehensive, thorough assessments in close collaboration with students, families and school support staff when appropriate. Through the assessment process, she aims to support, not only the family members and teachers, but also the person themselves, towards understanding their needs, but also their strengths and unique personal value. Her recommendations are personalised, honest and kindly delivered.

Kelly is a trained and experienced administrator of such assessment tools as: WPPSI-4, WISC-5, WAIS-4, WIAT-3/4, CTOPP-2, BASC-3, SRS-2, Vineland-3, Conners-3, DIVA-5, Conners CPT, Trails-X/CTMT-2, Beery-VMI, ADOS-2, MIGDAS and Griffiths-3 among others. 

Dr Leanne O'Brien

At Insights, Dr. Leanne is an assessment specialist. She conducts psychological assessments, and she leads multi-disciplinary assessment teams at Insights to explore such neurodevelopmental differences as (but not limited to): Global Developmental Delay, Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), Developmental Coordination Disorder (such as Dyspraxia), Autism, ADHD, executive function needs, Intellectual Disabilities. Dr Leanne works across the lifespan from school-aged children up to adults. 

Drawing on her experience from working for local authorities in the UK and private practice in the UAE, Dr. Leanne seeks to work collaboratively with families, schools, medical professionals and other referral sources that seek to support a person and their family.

Leanne’s work is underpinned by the British Psychological Society code of ethics and conduct with regard to respect, competence, responsibility and integrity which support the value, dignity and worth of all persons as well as being honest, clear and accurate in her delivery of information.

Dr Leanne is a trained an experienced administrator of such assessment tools as: WPPSI-4, WISC-5, WAIS-4, WIAT-3/4, CTOPP-2, BASC-3, SRS-2, Vineland-3, Conners-3, DIVA-5, Conners CPT, Trails-X/CTMT-2, Beery-VMI, ADOS-2, MIGDAS among others. 

Jacqui Lawson

With over 20 years professional experience in the UAE, Jacqui has worked in a variety of settings including private clinics, schools and hospitals. She has helped clients of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities and particularly enjoys working with neurodivergent individuals.

Although Jacqui mainly conducts assessments and counselling online, she also leads multi-disciplinary teams for face-to-face assessments. She specializes in neurodevelopmental assessments (ADHD, Autism and Specific Learning Difficulties) for adults and adolescents and uses tools such as the WAIS-4, MIGDAS, WISC-5, DIVA-5, SRS-2, BASC-3, CAARS, CAT-Q, and WIAT-3/4. 

When counselling, Jacqui recognizes the individuality of each client and their unique needs. She therefore tailors interventions to suit each client, and uses an integrative approach combining elements of different modalities, including Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness.

Jacqui works collaboratively with her clients to address areas such as post diagnostic support for Autism and ADHD, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, Trauma, Anger Management, Relationships, and Grief. Jacqui believes in working with clients holistically to help them discover their strengths and move towards self-acceptance.

In addition to assessment and counselling Jacqui has offered staff training on a variety of mental health topics and how to support neurodivergence in the workplace. Examples of training conducted include: Assessing ADHD in adults; Anxiety and Stress Management; Resilience, Growth Mindset and Post Traumatic Growth; Improving Executive Functioning Skills and Understanding and Managing Behavioural, Social and Emotional Difficulties. As a mother of two, Jacqui also enjoys delivering workshops to parents and teachers, such as teaching children coping skills, self - regulation strategies and mindfulness.

Jacqui’s ultimate goal is to help her clients gain insight and to be authentic. She aims to equip them with practical and necessary tools, to feel empowered to make their own choices and positive changes.

Dr Katie Kemp

Dr Katie is experienced in conducting neurodevelopmental assessments and leading mulit-disciplinary assessment teams for children, adolescents, and adults, which aim to be comprehensive, person-centred, and collaborative. Katie works together with individuals, parents, schools, and other professionals to ensure assessments are holistic, and to co-construct collaborative action plans.

Dr Katie is experienced in exploring such neurodevelopmental differences as (but not limited to): Global Developmental Delay, Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), Developmental Coordination Disorder (such as Dyspraxia), Autism, ADHD, executive function needs, Intellectual Disabilities.  

Dr Katie’s work is underpinned by the four ethical principles within the British Psychological Society code of ethics and conduct. These include respect for privacy and values, competence of professional knowledge and skills, responsibility and professional accountability, and integrity supporting the values of honesty, accuracy, clarity and fairness within her practice.

Dr Katie is a trained an experienced administrator of such assessment tools as: WPPSI-4, WISC-5, WAIS-4, WIAT-3/4, CTOPP-2, BASC-3, SRS-2, Vineland-3, Conners-3, DIVA-5, Conners CPT, Trails-X/CTMT-2, Beery-VMI, ADOS-2, MIGDAS among others. 

fairness within her practice.

Sarah Wedel

In addition to her management duties, Sarah has a small caseload of clients for therapy and assessment. She works individually with clients and within a multidisciplinary team for Developmental Assessments and Assessments of Neurodevelopmental Differences including Autism. Sarah is an advocate for affirmative approaches to neurodiversity. 

Sarah’s clinical trainings include:

Hanen ‘More than Words’

• SCERTS
• Michael Palin Stammering Training (school aged children)
• DIR Introduction to Floortime Therapy
• Auditory Processing Disorder
• Makaton
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy
• Social Thinking
• PECS
• ADOS-2
• MIGDAS-2

Leah Karacinski

Leah has extensive experience in administering assessments and providing intervention to children with a wide range of diagnosis with varying levels of ability.  

To support each child in reaching their potential, Leah is a strong advocate of involving parents, caregivers and relevant professionals in the therapy process. She is passionate about providing training and collaborative working to achieve positive outcomes. 

Training includes:

Hanen - It Takes Two to Talk.
PROMPT
Lidcombe
PECS
DIR Floortime
ADOS-2
MIGDAS-2
Myofunctional Therapy

Steph Love

Steph has a wealth of experience working in education, youth emotional health services and Great Ormond Street Hospital providing specialist neurodevelopmental assessments and therapy. She focuses on the influence of communication on learning, emotions/wellbeing, relationships, and confidently completing day-to-day tasks.

She has researched, delivered presentations, and contributed to write-ups on language, Autism, selective mutism, mental health and attachment and trauma. As reflecting on clinical practice is important to Steph, she is keen to ensure active involvement and feedback of assessments and therapy so these are personalised, focus on strengths and are meaningful.

Her training includes:

• PECS
• Makaton
• ADOS-2
• ADIR-2
• MIGDAS
• Attention Autism
• Talking Mats
• Understanding attachment difficulties
• Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development
• Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme 3

Annabel Whitcombe

In January 2018, Annabel moved to Dubai and since then, she has worked both in clinic and in outreach school settings. She is licensed with Dubai Health Authority and she is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) UK. 

Annabel’s interest in Speech and Language Therapy began during her undergraduate degree. Annabel was involved in a voluntary scheme supporting teenagers with challenging behaviours and also volunteered with HCPT – The Pilgrimage Trust taking children with additional needs on holiday. Whilst volunteering, Annabel saw how vital successful communication was for these children and the positive impact that appropriate communication support can have on not only a child’s life, but everyone around them. Annabel has a special interest in working with autistic people and their families. She is also specialised in supporting children and young people with development language disorders and speech sound difficulties. Her trainings include; Makaton, PECS, PROMPT, Shape Coding, Word Aware, Attention Autism, and ELKLAN Total Training ages 5-11 years.

Leyli Afsari

When working with clients, she uses a Person-Centred approach to offer a warm, compassionate, and confidential space for people to explore their experiences without judgment. This promotes acceptance, respect, and individuality. It also enables clients to build self-understanding and awareness, thereby helping them develop healthier relationships and a better sense of self. She also draws from other approaches, such as: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Child-Centred Play Therapy, Circle of Security (Parenting), and Internal Family Systems.

At Insights Leyli often sees clients that consider themselves as Neurodivergent. She works affirmatively and systematically to support Autistic people, ADHDers, and people that experience other differences. She has training in concepts such as Executive Function Difficulties, Working with Hard-to-Reach Children, and Working with Autistic Adults. She has additional training and experience in working with individuals with trauma, abuse, anxiety, and other mental health needs.

When working with young people, Leyli uses a strengths-based approach, and she prefers to include parents and school professionals in the therapeutic process to help the child thrive. Through the counselling relationship, she hopes clients can discover their inner strength to be able to manage life’s challenges and reach their full potential.

Lindi Nhlapo

Lindi's interests including working with clients that present with mental health needs, including, but not limited to, the following presentations:

• Anxiety and Stress
• Depression and Low Mood
• Emotional Regulation Needs
• Obsessional Thoughts
• Trauma
• Grief
• Challenges with self-esteem, self-confidence and executive function skills

Lindi is trained in Smart Choice Parenting, a course that has proved effective in addressing parent-child relationships. She has an interest in facilitating communication skills between parents and their children with an aim of equipping them with necessary parental skills to improve their relationship.

Lindi is experienced in working with adolescents and adults that consider themselves neurodiverse, in supporting their mental health needs. 

Remo Poulsen

Remo also work therapeutically with both teenagers and adults, and he specialises in utilising Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) as a primary therapeutic modality. CBT is a leading and evidenced based therapeutic approach for management of needs related to low mood, mood regulation and anxiety. Remo draws on techniques from a variety of other therapeutic approaches including Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Compassionate Focused Therapy. Remo has experience in working with adolescents and adults with a range of difficulties including, but not limited to:

• Emotional Regulation Difficulties
• Anxiety
• Social Anxiety
• Performance Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal Ideation

Having lived and worked in the GCC for five years, Remo is experienced with, and sensitive to, working with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Dr Claire Lewis

As a practitioner with over 20 years experience, Dr Claire works respectfully and collaboratively with you to help you achieve your own unique therapeutic goals. She has extensive experience assisting people with a range of difficulties including Anxiety, Depression, Abuse, and Trauma as well as addressing difficult family relationships. She has a particular professional interest in supporting neurodiverse clients and their families.

She draws on a range of evidence-based therapy approaches that include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Solution Focused Based Therapy to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, whilst providing a safe and nurturing space to supports them throughout the process of change and growth. She has also completed Gottman training for working with couples.

Dr Dina Bedair

Dr Dina is a client-led therapist that specialises in working with Autistic clients and their families. She uses a flexible range of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy and Play Therapy at our clinic in JLT, Dubai. 

In addition to therapeutic work with clients and their families, Dr Dina is trained and experienced in conducting Neuro-Developmental Assessments including assessments of Autism and ADHD across the life span. 

In addition to her clinical work at Insights, Dr Dina is also a lecturer at the University of East Anglia and a major contributor to the British Psychological Society guidelines on depression.

Follow Dr Dina on Instagram at: @dr.dina_psychologist

Dr Samir Pathan

In addition to his neurodevelopmental expertise, Samir is passionate about providing high quality, evidence based psychological therapies to clients across the lifespan. Samir utilises an integrative, person-centred approach to therapy, working alongside clients to tailor interventions that are in line with their personal values and goals.

Samir offers short and long-term psychological interventions utilising therapeutic modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Samir’s clinical practice is underpinned by robust, collaboratively developed formulations that are created with clients at their own pace. Psychological therapy is built on rapport and trust, and Samir provides a judgement free and safe space for clients to explore their difficulties.

Samir values working with people involved in a client’s life when appropriate. He has previously worked within family therapy clinics and is open to family and network participation in sessions. Samir is also experienced in providing consultations to other professionals and organisations.

Samir provides support for a range of presentations such as:

• Autism post-diagnosis support (for individuals, couples, families, care providers and other professionals)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Stress and burnout
• Trauma
• Emotion regulation difficulties
• Psychosis
• PTSD
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
• Personality Disorder
• Self-harm
• Phobias
• Formal diagnostic assessment for Autism

Kati Mencer

Natalie Reed

In addition to her management duties, Natalie enjoys working within a multi-disciplinary team to provide bespoke, holistic assessment and intervention for children and adolescents. She is passionate about parent and caregiver involvement, education and empowerment and this is a key focus in her therapeutic approach. Natalie holds the hearts of her clients and their families at the centre of her professional practice. She is an advocate for affirmative approaches to neurodiversity. 

Areas of special interest include developmental assessments, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), executive function, emotional and sensory regulation, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)/Dyspraxia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

Natalie’s clinical training includes:

- Ayres’ Sensory Integration

- Circle of Security Parenting Program 

- Griffiths III Scales of Child Development 

- ADOS-2 

-The SCERTS Comprehensive Education Framework for Autism 

- Makaton 

- Social Thinking 

- The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) 

-Friends Resilience 

Miriam Mahdi

Miriam is from Cork, Ireland. Her experience includes working in hospital settings in orthopedic rehabilitation and adult mental health before pursuing her passion of working in paediatrics. She has worked with children and families in the Middle East for the past 8 years, including Bahrain and Dubai. Miriam has worked with clients with a variety of diagnoses such as Autism, Dyspraxia/DCD, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, Global Developmental Delay and ADHD.

Her primary focus is on helping children and their families to be as independent as possible. Her clinical interests include handwriting, sensory and emotional regulation, toilet training, gross and fine motor skills and self-care activities. Miriam is passionate about supporting and empowering parents and caregivers through training and education. She is an advocate for affirmative approaches to neurodiversity.

Niamh Crofton

With experience gained in Ireland, the UK and Dubai, Niamh has developed a broad range of skills across a variety of specialties. Niamh has worked with adults in areas such as physical rehabilitation, mental health, and older adults' services before pursuing her passion of working with the paediatric population. Niamh has worked with children with a range of developmental and neurological differences including Autism, Global Developmental Delay, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and sensory processing differences. 

Niamh has been living and working in Dubai for 4 years, which has provided her with a multicultural experience and allowed her to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She believes that this rich cultural exposure has helped her become a more compassionate and effective healthcare provider and is grateful for the opportunity to work in such a diverse and dynamic city.

Niamh’s primary goal is to provide comprehensive and holistic care, with a focus on advocacy, education, and empowerment. Niamh has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent children and their families. She is dedicated to working closely with parents and school teams to develop customised treatment plans that address each child's individual needs. She is committed to empowering families to take an active role in their child's therapy journey, and works collaboratively with them to set goals and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Above all, Niamh is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children and their families. She strives to provide compassionate and evidence-based care. She is committed to ongoing professional development, staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field of occupational therapy.

Areas of special interests include: Autism, ADHD & executive functioning, Sensory Processing Disorder, gross and fine motor development, visual-perceptual and visual-motor integration, social and emotional regulation and assistive technology. Niamh is trained to administer the ADOS-2 assessment and she is also a Griffiths-3 registered user. 

Eamon Carr

Having gained professional experience in a range of clinical settings in the UK before moving to Dubai, Eamon has developed a professional interest in working with people with mental health difficulties and neuro-disabilities including traumatic brain injuries. 

He enjoys working with clients that benefit from rehab in such areas as:
Development of leisure and recreation activities
Enhancing skill sets for activities of daily living 
Executive function difficulties including strategies for managing memory difficulties
Psycho-education for mental health and physiological needs including anxiety, low energy, low frustration tolerance, and regulation. 

With extensive experience in working with people accessing in-patient mental health settings, Eamon is passionate about supporting the most vulnerable in our society. 

Swimmu Zacharias

As a busy mum-of-two, Swimmu works part-time from home, and she assists in the day to day running of Insights. She is a friendly, approachable member of the Insights team.

Swimmu speaks English, Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil. In her spare time, Swimmu is likes cooking, baking and keeping fit, always with a smile on her face.

Jeniffer Posas

She is from Manila, Philippines and completed Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has been in UAE since 2012 and has been working with Insights since March 2020. She has worked as a customer service in her previous job and is confident to be able to deliver assistance to everyone with a smiling face. 

Whenever she is not working, she enjoys playing ukulele and guitar and watching movies/series.

Marga Belino

She's been in the UAE since 2019 and has worked as a process analyst previously. Along with therapy team's scheduling, she also assists with insurance documentation, group therapy, and other ad-hoc duties. 

When not at work, she enjoys camping and likes trying out new food with family and friends. 

Kris Saberola

Kris has over a decade of client care experience both in the Philippines and the UAE, handling customer service and client coordination. He has been in Dubai since 2014 and have worked with various organizations and in different roles, from being a Relationship Officer in Banks to becoming a Team Lead in a Wellbeing Centre.

Ankitha Francis

With four years of experience as a dedicated teacher, she has now transitioned to the role of an assistant to testing psychologists at Insights. Ankitha is currently working in an administrative role and she is working towards professional licensing as a Psychologist with the CDA, Dubai.

Renu Johny

Renu joined our back office accounts team in summer 2023. She handles payments, accounts and accounts receivable. 

Outside of work, Renu is a busy mum of one young child. 

Mickey Cuvos