Our Team
Founder /Director
Dr Kana Grace, BSc (Hons), MA (Counselling), PgCert (Autism), PhD, DipIBLM
Dr Kana Grace is an internationally recognized Autism and Neurodivergence Psychologist. She has been featured in various media outlets, including the BBC, The Scientist, and Daniel Tammet's book "Nine Minds". Dr Kana specializes in the mental, physical, and social health of neurodivergent people. Dr Kana is also a board certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional currently pursuing advanced education in Rheumatology. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practice and a strong commitment to lifelong learning.
Dr Kana's work is deeply rooted in her own experiences of living with multiple neurodivergences — autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette — along with chronic pain related to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and associated conditions. Because of these lived experiences, Dr Kana now supports neurodivergent people both with and without chronic pain and chronic illnesses.
Education:
PhD in Psychology, University College London (UCL), UK
PgCert in Autism (distinction), Sheffield Hallam University, UK
MA in Counselling Psychology, Boston College, USA
Bachelor of Science (honour), Northeastern University, USA
Certification:
Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine
Certification in Nutritional Medicine, University of Winchester, UK
Languages:
English and Japanese - bilingual, French - intermediate, Russian - elementary, ASL - elementary , Latin - basic (devotional use)
Co-Founders
Co-founder
Hiromi Grace
Hiromi is Kana's mother and has the experience of raising a neurodivergent child.
She is a professional make-up artist, esthetician, hair stylist, and certified yoga and Pilates instructor. Her work in the beauty industry has often been praised by many clients from around the country.
Her bright and friendly personality attracts many people, and many of her friends rely on her counselor-like character. She has a wide range of skills in health, beauty, and lifestyle.
Canine Co-Founders
Levi & Léa
Levi [leh-vee] and Léa are always by Dr Kana’s side, working right alongside her.
Levi enjoys life at her own pace and prefers spending time in her favorite cozy spots. She is very athletic, loves jumping into Dr Kana’s arms, and dislikes loud noises, being talked to by strangers, or being around other dogs.
Léa is full of energy and curiosity—she finds joy in everything, from the mundane to new adventures. She is also incredibly smart, like a little border collie in a small body, and picks up new tricks in no time.
Advisors
Dr Chris Edwards
Chris is an Autistic Autism Researcher with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). He is also an Adjunct Research Fellow with the Menzies Health Institute Queensland (Griffith University) as part of the Inclusive Futures beacon. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Australasian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR) and as a Non-Executive Director of Empower Autism. He has been supporting the Autistic community for over nine years across various roles, and is most passionate about research in adulthood.
Dr Vicki Gibbs
Vicki is Head of Research at Autism Spectrum Australia, and an Adjunct Associate Lecturer at the University of Sydney. She is also the parent of a young man on the autism spectrum. Vicki has lead or supported research projects on a wide range of topics, including several autism and criminal justice related projects and projects related to autism screening and assessment practices, employment, victimization, education, financial well-being, and self-compassion.
Dr Abigail Love
Abbey Love is an Educational Psychologist and Research Fellow at Autism Spectrum Australia with a background in K–12 education. Her research focuses on creating practical, meaningful outcomes that improve the lives of Autistic people. Abbey drives research that aims to build the capacity of professionals, including police officers, teachers, nurses, and midwives, to provide more awareness and support to Autistic individuals and their families. Her research focuses on practical, meaningful outcomes that can be translated to community members. She is also the sister to a young adult on the autism spectrum and parent to a neurodivergent son, so draws on both professional and personal experience in her work and teaching.
Dr Ru Ying Cai
Dr Ru Ying Cai is a Research Fellow at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and Senior Research Fellow at Mindful, the University of Melbourne. Ru is passionate about researching the factors that can improve the resilience and psychological wellbeing of Autistic individuals and parents of Autistic children, including emotion regulation, financial wellbeing, and inclusive employment. She is currently leading a research program exploring the self-compassion experiences of Autistic adults and parents of Autistic children. Ru serves as the Chair of the Board at Different Journey, a Victorian grassroots organisation supporting local Autistic communities. She also mentors other on compassion: https://www.compassionatecocoon.com/