Pene trained at the University of Otago with an MSc in Clinical Psychology. Her particular areas of interest include helping older adults improve their psychological well-being and quality of life, as well as helping people cope with trauma and co-existing problems such as substance abuse. She especially values helping people to identify and change enduring unhelpful patterns that negatively impact their daily lives, by forming therapeutic relationships that allow clients to achieve their goals at their own pace.

Pene is passionate about taking a person-centred approach to psychology, in which the key to helping people make lasting changes lies in working collaboratively in a way that is respectful and supportive. In addition to her work at Dunedin Psychology she also works part-time with older clients, and for an adolescent addiction and mental health service.

Pene uses a range of evidence-based approaches to work with clients, including cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, the meta-cognitive model, harm reduction, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing. She welcomes people of all ages, including adolescents and older adults.