Manawatu student off to global conference
A Manawatu psychology student will present her research in front of experts from around the world.
Feilding’s Olivia Williams, 27, will attend the International School Psychology Association conference in Manchester, England, in July, where she will put forward her findings on the state of educational psychology in New Zealand.
Her research about teachers’ perceptions of the services available to children to support their men- tal health is the first of its kind in New Zealand. It also fits well with the conference’s theme for this year – supporting vulnerable children.
She found teachers were underequipped to support the increasing needs of young people and that too many young people were not receiving pyschological help. A lack of funding also prevented educational psychologists from studying the topic, she said.
Williams said it was the first empirically-based study exploring the nature of support New Zealand teachers and students were receiving. The opportunity to create a dialogue opened the door for ongoing possibilities to invoke change, she said. ‘‘The exposure afforded by such an opportunity, especially this early in my career, is invaluable. [It’s important] to ensure we continue to strive to provide the best possible care and education for our children.’’ Williams is completing her post graduate diploma in educational psychology at Massey University.
The diploma involves a full-time unpaid internship with the Ministry of Education as an intern psychologist.
Her inspiration is to help children with learning, behavioural, social or developmental challenges.