Aurelia specialises in understanding learning profiles and providing insight into individual strengths and challenges. This includes identifying specific learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia) as well as gifted and twice exceptional (2e) students who are both gifted and have learning, developmental, or neurodevelopmental challenges.

In New Zealand, Aurelia worked as an Educational Psychologist in the Manukau, Otahuhu, and Kaikohe offices of Special Education, Ministry of Education in New Zealand.  She subsequently established her own private practice in Auckland for four years before relocating to Brunei Darussalam with her family. 

Aurelia was an Educational Psychologist in the Department of Special Education, Ministry of Education where she held several senior leadership roles. Most notably, Aurelia was appointed as Head of the Assessment and Evaluation Unit with responsibilities which included ensuring the quality of assessments, monitoring specialised support services, and providing opportunities for professional development in primary and secondary schools.  She also held the position of Head of Gifted Education Programmes and Services where she was responsible for assessing gifted students, selecting gifted and talented students for national and international gifted programmes and working closely with Lead Teachers for Gifted Education in establishing and running the national gifted programmes in Brunei Darussalam.

Aurelia chaired the Referral and Cross-Referral Committee, leading the development of Standard Operating Procedures to improve referral pathways and service efficiency across government and non-government schools. She is also a lecturer in Special Education, a supervisor of Educational Psychologists in training, and an active contributor to professional and departmental initiatives.

A significant recent contribution to the field – which formed the basis of Aurelia’s PhD research – was the development of Designated Priority Levels for students with special needs. This system ensures students are placed in appropriate educational settings and receive access to appropriate specialised support services and resources.  The Priority Levels are now implemented across all government primary schools in Brunei Darussalam and have fundamentally influenced how students with special educational needs are identified, prioritised, and resourced, ensuring more equitable access to appropriate educational support.

Aurelia is known for her clarity, depth of expertise, and collaborative approach.  She works closely with individuals, families, educators, and other professionals to ensure assessment leads to genuine, shared understanding and meaningful support.