In memory of Pagan Aston (passed away unexpectedly in June 2026). 

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (She/Hers)

Tribute:

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In Loving Memory of Pagan

The day has come for me to most regretfully say the following:



Today I say goodbye to my dear friend, colleague, mentor, clinical paychology supervisor and one of the most extraordinary people I have ever had the privilege to know.



Pagan was more than a clinical psychologist. She was a visionary. She possessed a rare ability to see not only what was, but what could be. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to understanding, supporting, and advocating for children and families who had experienced the most profound adversity. Her compassion was matched only by her determination to create meaningful change.



For me personally, Pagan was a cherished friend and trusted clinical psychology supervisor. She believed in people before they believed in themselves. She challenged us to think more deeply, to listen more carefully, and to hold hope even when circumstances seemed overwhelming. Her guidance shaped not only my professional practice but also the clinician I became.



What made Pagan truly remarkable was her unwavering commitment to children and families. She understood the devastating impacts of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, family violence and presentations of neurodivergence and differences in sexuality and gender expressions. She never lost sight of the resilience and strength that can emerge when people are met with understanding, safety, and compassion.



Over more than thirty years of my own work in this field, Pagan recognised the value of the knowledge and experience I had gathered. Together, we shared a vision of ensuring that those lessons would not be lost. We dreamed together of building a very meaningful hub and practice for children and families who could be supported in all the ways they needed. She was passionate about taking the collective wisdom gained from decades of working with vulnerable children and families and transforming it into something enduring—something that could continue to inform, educate, and protect future generations.



Pagan's influence reached far beyond the individuals she met. Her ideas, her wisdom, and her fierce advocacy touched countless lives. Many of us work differently, think differently, and care more deeply because of her. I know I do. 



The world feels immeasurably quieter without her laughter, her insight, and her presence. Yet her legacy remains in every practitioner she mentored, every child she helped protect, every family she supported, and every person fortunate enough to have known her. And every clinician, like me, that she mentored. 



I will miss our conversations, our shared passion for this work, and her unwavering belief that positive change was always possible. Most of all, I will miss my friend. I miss that she chose to join my registered brand name of “Down the Rabbit Hole”. 



Thank you, Pagan, for your wisdom, your friendship, your generosity, and your vision. Thank you for believing in us and our kick arse joint private practice. Thank you for believing in the practice we were building together, until your ill heath got in the way. Thank you for showing us what it means to dedicate a life of service of others.



Your work will continue. Your influence will endure. And you will never be forgotten.



Rest peacefully, dear friend. You will never know the hole you have left in my soul. I love you and will always applaud the beautiful work you completed with children and families. 



Thank you



Thank you



Thank you



Two too small words…



Haley Atkinson