Our Story
Where it began.
Madhavi Nawana Parker and James Parker met in 1999 at Autism SA, where Madhavi was writing and developing Social Confidence Building Programs, fresh out of studying Psychology and Counselling at University. They shared a genuine interest in finding creative and respectful ways to teach Autistic children and adults. This led to the development of a pilot program in Art therapy, utilizing Madhavi’s background in Psychology and Counselling and James’s background as a Graphic Designer and Youth Worker.
A first of its kind Art program for Autistic children and teenagers was launched and successfully delivered across South Australia in 2000. James returned to University to qualify in Developmental Education (and in 2023, James will complete a Masters in Education), pursuing his commitment to understanding and supporting neurodivergent children and adults. James continued professional work at various organisations in Developmental Education, Counselling and Family Separation.
Madhavi established her private practice in 2001 at the Behavioural Medicine Institute of Australia, extending her work to involve Schools, Organisations, Families and Young people, specialising in Resilience, Confidence, Social Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing tools.
Positive Minds Australia was launched in 2019 in response to Madhavi’s year long waiting lists, with the aim to find other like minded professionals to serve the growing list of families and organisations waiting for services.
Enter, those who Madhavi affectionately calls, ‘the world’s best team,’ Child and Youth Counsellor and Developmental Educator, James Parker, Senior Teachers, Nikki Wadewitz and Katie O’Reilly, Early Childhood Specialist and Social Worker, Millie Grant, followed closely by Workshop Energiser and Wing-Chun Teacher, Nick Bennett. These outstanding professionals bring humility, compassion, warmth and humour to work every day, and share the Positive Minds vision of a more compassionate, connected and happy world.
The Positive Minds Australia team not only share a deep sense of meaning and purpose in our work, but we are also great friends with enormous amounts of gratitude and mutual respect for each other. Will we keep growing? Of course, but only when the time is right, so we can continue honouring the sensitive work we carry, to the highest and best standards.
