Kia ora!

Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy for Tamariki/Children

Haere mai!

Here at Paediatric OT & PT, our therapists help babies, children and young people to flourish and achieve their chosen occupations to the best of their abilities. Occupations can include anything from getting up in the morning to eating and drinking, riding a bike, playing with friends, or participating at school.

We use fun, engaging activities to help children succeed in meeting the daily occupations of childhood, for example, self-care, play, sleep, using a scooter, or writing a story. We are a family centred practice, providing an individualised approach focussed on your child and family goals.

We offer services for children aged 0 to 16 years who have a range of physical, neurological, cognitive, social, sensory, emotional and developmental needs. We provide a number of different services tailored to your child's needs as well as providing coaching for families and caregivers.

Our therapists are experienced, empathetic, practical and empowering. We partner with paediatricians, speech language therapists, and other specialists to provide a collaborative service for children and their families.

Our vision is to provide quality, best practice therapy services for families and children, and to maximise potential and build fulfilling lives, as a team.
Our mission is to maximize each individual child’s potential and participation in life activities by providing best practice, high quality therapy services, in partnership with families.

About F-Words
Our values
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What we do

Children aged 0 to 16 years with:

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Developmental Coordination Disorders
Delays in Development
Difficulties with Information Processing
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Neurological Conditions (Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury)
Other Specific Syndromes
Prematurity
Specific Learning Disabilities
Sensory Processing Difficulties
Social & Emotional Difficulties

We draw on a number of evidence-based theories and practices to develop and frame our interventions, including:

Neurodevelopment (Bobath) information processing (Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform model—PRPP)
Sensory processing and integration coaching (Occupational Performance Coaching)
Attachment and relationships (newborn behaviour observations, Touchpoints)
Respiration (Mary Massery) Musculoskeletal, Posture and Movement

We at Paediatric OT & PT offer tele-health for all our clients. Tele-therapy is available via a secure, professional, online video conferencing platform. Your child's therapy can take place in the comfort of your own home. Therapy will be in the context of your child's familiar home environment.

Photo used with permission

Our therapy sessions, evaluations, and task analysis enable us to build bridges, remove barriers and provide strategies for you and your child to reach their goals. When working with babies and children we use fun, engaging activities to help them succeed in meeting the daily occupations of childhood, e.g., self care, play, sleep, moving physically from place to place, writing a story and relating to others.

Following assessments, strategies are put in place to enable children to master tasks that are challenging for them. Strategies are specific to your child's behaviours which are identified during the assessment process. Instructional methods are used to address behaviours, incorporating cues, prompts, strategies and preferences.

Coaching and establishing goals:

We listen and support the goals you want your child to achieve
We listen to your child's hopes and dreams
We give parents the skills and knowledge to "do therapy" everyday
We enable you to overcome the everyday barriers for your child

Family, fun, friends, fitness, future:

Riding a bike or scooter
Using the playground
Meal times: eating and drinking
Walking and crawling
Playing with friends, toys and games
School: writing a story and packing your bag
Exams: special conditions
Relating to others
Dressing, toileting and washing self
Interests and hobbies
Managing self, including emotions and regulation

Assessments and approaches are linked to the Canadian Occupational Performance Model looking at a child holistically and the child's ability to do everyday tasks at school, home and community. Our paediatric Occupational therapists assess and support next steps for a range of areas in life including:

Neuro development
Play skills
Sensory processing
Information processing
Visual processing
Self-care and independence skills
Emotional regulation and social skills
School participation: learning, handwriting, friendships
Routines and daily living tasks, organisational skills
Children's Constipation and Incontinence, state and regulation, managing self, toilet learning competence and confidence

Physiotherapist assessments are integral to our practice. Paediatric physiotherapists assess and support next steps for a range of conditions including:

Balance and coordination
Constipation and children's incontinence with a focus on the pelvic floor and breathing
Developmental delay
Hypermobility
Musculoskeletal
Neurophysiological
Pain management
Plagiocephaly
Respiratory conditions
Toe walking
Torticollis

Multidisciplinary assessments are recommended for differential diagnosis and planning for next steps for children with a range of complex needs:

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
Autism spectrum disorder
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Congenital conditions
Neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy)
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)/dyspraxia

The multidisciplinary team includes an Occupational Therapist, Paediatrician, Speech and Language Therapist, Physiotherapist and other professions that we collaborate with for children and their families.

Bowel and bladder control

Bowel and bladder problems are common in childhood and can make life hard! One in five children are constipated at some point in their lives and paediatric incontinence and bedwetting problems are commonly associated with constipation. Our physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help children of all ages with constipation, daytime wee and poo leaks, bedwetting and toilet training. We take a multi-systems approach for assessment, education, and intervention. We link and align with the infant/child and their family's ability and capacity so that they can achieve the best they can in their daily lives. We work collaboratively alongside GPs and paediatricians for best outcomes, reviewing and accessing protocols and clinical reasoning.

Our team use a variety of tools to support routines, breathing, and pelvic floor function with movement. One of these tools is biofeedback. Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists have certification in The Poo Detectives management of paediatric bladder and bowel dysfunction course.

Infant massage

Join one of our infant massage group sessions. We follow the International Association of Infant Massage www.infantmassagenewzealand.org

Intensives

We run intensive therapy sessions over a week of two (occupational therapy and physiotherapy).

Lego club

Lego-based therapy is an evidence-based social-development program, where social skills are coached and practiced while the group builds a Lego set together. The children will have the opportunity to learn about turn taking, listening to and following instructions, giving instructions, collaborating and being flexible in their thinking, being able to self-regulate, developing their hand skills and most of all making friends and having fun.

National, International and the Islands

We see babies, infants and children from throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand and from the Pacific Islands.
We journey alongside families from the Pacific Islands including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga.

Next steps

Down Syndrome baby and infant “Next Steps” Sessional blocks.

Other group sessions

We also run group sessions for:

Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD).
Learning to ride your bicycle sessions in the park.

Please contact us for more information about any of these special interest programmes.

We work closely with a highly experienced orthotist—SSD Ltd to provide othotics assessments and equipment.

The orthotist and a physiotherapist or occupational therapist perform neurophysiological and musculoskeletal assessments, prescription and fitting of neurophysiological devices and orthoses, to help:

Postural control
Proprioceptive feedback loop
Alignment and correction
Pain management
Muscle strengthening

Equipment may be used to enable your child to participate in everyday tasks, for example: adapted cutlery, seating, curriculum adaptation, pencil grips, specific toys to facilitate play etc.

The F-Words Life Wheel is an interviewing and coaching approach to facilitate conversations and goal setting for children and their families, caregivers and educators. The F-Words Life Wheel was developed by Lucy Charles and Arul Hamill of Paediatric OT NZ, and Kelly Reynolds from Kidsplus Australia in collaboration with CanChild Canada.

In 2011, Rosenbaum and Gorter developed CanChild’s six F-Words that focus on childhood development domains: Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future. The F-Words build upon the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. CanChild hoped to encourage people in the childhood development field to adopt a more inclusive, strengths-based way of thinking and to apply these concepts in their work with children with disabilities and their families.

Building on the work done by Rosenbaum and Gorter and CanChild’s F-words research group, and utilising coaching tools and techniques, Lucy, Arul and Kelly developed the F-Words Life Wheel. They have found this an invaluable tool for facilitating rich and meaningful conversations and enabling meaningful goal setting, based on what is important to children and families in their given contexts and situations.

Checkout our events signup page for upcoming Fav-words Life Wheel workshops.

We provide the following training and workshops:

Knowledge translation workshops
Clinical reasoning workshops
F-Words Life Wheel workshops
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) training with Lucy Charles and Arul Hamill
Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform (PRPP) Stage 1 workshops with Arul Hamill and Wendy Burrows

Go to our events signup page for upcoming events.

Lucy Charles and Arul Hamill are registered OTNZ supervisors. We provide both professional and clinical supervision. Please contact us if you would like to organise supervision sessions.

Please contact us for current information or if you or your service would like us to run a workshop for your team.

We have started the sustainable business journey by working with Ekos to calculate our carbon footprint (this work is still in progress).
We are committed to sustainable development and have an application pending approaval with the United National Global Compact.
In our therapy for children and families who live with disability we work to promote Good Health and Wellbeing and Reduced Inequalities.
We believe that caring about planetary health is the first step in caring about human health.

We at Paediatric OT & PT are a fully vaccinated practice—all our practitioners are vaccinated against COVID-19. We don't want to spread covid if at all possible, especially because many of our children are vulnerable. To reduce risk, we try to perform all of our initial consultations by tele-health and we ask that everyone coming to see us for a face-to-face visit has documented vaccination (if old enough) or immunity against COVID-19.

For most people, we recommend well-fitted, multi-layered cloth masks that are regularly laundried, which reduce a lot of waste compared to using disposable masks. Please see the WHO recommendations for more information about children and masks. Other important actions against covid are:

Wash your hands
Use the covid tracer app
Stay home if sick
If in doubt, get tested
Take care
Be kind to yourself and others

Want to be part of our team? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Do you want to work in a progressive team passionate about best practice and ongoing professional development? Are you a New Zealand Registered Occupational Therapist with extensive experience in paediatrics with a passion to keep learning?
We are looking for an occupational therapist with a special interest in paediatrics to work contractually in our private practice of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. The successful applicant will be able to build strong responsive relationships with children and their families, work in a multidisciplinary community of care with Paediatricians & SLTs, and be passionate about best practice and ongoing professional development. Applicants can submit their application and CV in confidence. Please include your professional qualifications and experience, and why you would like to work at Paediatric OT & physiotherapy.
Please Contact Us for more information

Paediatric OT & Physio Team

Meet our team of Wonder Women.
Paediatric Occupational Therapy & Physio is directed by Lucy and Arul (with a bit of help of their best friends, Will and James). We simply would not function without Gillian, our wonderful ‘Chief Everything Officer’—administration and marketing. What makes us really special is all of our amazing Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who absolutely love working with children.

Summer 2021

Arul and Lucy

Arul and Lucy are the Founders and Directors of Paediatric Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy.

Arul Hamill

Occupational Therapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

New Zealand Registration (NZROT 1988)
Australian Registration (OT Australia 2013)
Founding member of the International PRPP instructors Network (2014)
Member of Occupational Therapy New Zealand/Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa

Experience

Arul has over 25 years of experience working with babies, infants and children. Arul is passionate about valuing the voice of infants, children and families.

Arul worked in Child Development teams from 1991 to 1999 before running a Private Practice from 2003 and worked with ACC and school learning support units.

Arul has experience working with children with Developmental delay, Syndromes, Cerebral Palsy, Head injuries including Shaken baby syndrome, Prematurity, Learning disability, Neurological conditions, Equipment support, cross cultural support and working in the community including clinic, home and school.

Specific training

Arul has completed post grad training in many areas including the following:

Foundation Bobath, Baby Bobath and Advanced Baby Bobath certification
Neurobiology and development
Infant Massage International Association of Infant Massage
Sensory Integration theory and Practice
Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform PRPP assessment and Intervention of Information Processing
Sensory Processing and Profile
SOS (Sequential, Oral Sensory) Approach to feeding
If you can’t breathe, you can’t function—Lifespan lab course (Mary Massery PT)
Newborn Behavioural Observations (NBO)
Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC)
Upper Limb Performance Assessment (ULPA)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
Supervision NZ Coaching and Mentoring

Workshops, teaching and clinical supervision

Arul has taught, educated and supervised in New Zealand and Australia, including the following:

Integrating coaching into practice with families
Learner profile with Down Syndrome
Understanding ADHD, ASD, cerebral palsy, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and anxiety for young people processing information in their community programs—Recreate
Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform Workshop, Introduction and stage 1—Co-presenter with Wendy Burrows
Occupational Performance Coaching (co-teaching)
Clinical Reasoning and Knowledge Translation workshops
F-Words Life Wheel Courses

LinkedIn Profile

Lucy Charles

Occupational Therapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

British Diploma of College of Occupational Therapy (DipCOT 1986)
New Zealand Registration (NZROT) 1993
Australian registration (Aphra) 2016
Member of Occupational Therapy New Zealand/Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa
Registered Occupational Performance trainer

Experience

Lucy is a co-founder of Paediatric Occupational Therapy. She has over 25 years of experience working in the UK and NZ with Children aged 0 to 18 years in Child Development Services, Mainstream Schools, Specialised Units and Private Practice.

Lucy currently works with children aged 5 to 18 years with delays in their development: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Specific Learning Disorders, Developmental Coordination Disorders (DCD), Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, (FASD) Sensory Processing Difficulties, Prematurity, Cerebral Palsy, Neurological Conditions, Syndromes, Global Developmental Delay and Anxiety Disorders. As well as children with social emotional needs or lags in their development of specific skills needed for school, friendships, fun, and function at home or school.

Lucy is passionate about walking alongside children and their families, hearing their stories and empowering them to reach their hopes and dreams in life. She embeds best practice guidelines and up to date clinical reasoning into her practice as well as coaching models and cognitive behavioural frameworks. She advocates for children’s voices to be heard, to ensure positive mental health, strong family connections, success at school, fun and meaningful participation in everyday life.

Specific training

Lucy had many years of training, including the following courses:

Neuro-developmental Theory (Bobath)
Sensory Integration (Theory and Practice)
PRPP (Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform) Information processing Assessment and Intervention
Professional Life Coaching (International Coaching Federation approved)
Occupational Performance Coaching (trainer programme)
Team Teach (Positive Behavioural Management)
Supervisor for Health Professional and OT Students (UNITEC)
Upper Limb Performance Assessment (ULPA)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

Supervision

Registered Supervisor, Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ)
Registered Supervisor Occupational Therapy New Zealand Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa (OTNZ WNA)
Coach and Mentor for Health Professionals
Clinical and professional supervisor
Occupational Performance Coaching supervisor

Workshops and teaching

Lucy has taught courses in NZ and internationally. She is a Registered Occupational Performance Coaching Trainer and developed the F-Words Life Wheel with Arul Hamill Paediatric OT and Kelly Reynolds Kids plus Foundation Australia in collaboration with Canchild Canada. Arul and Lucy run the F-Words Life Wheel workshops together as well as a number of other courses:

Kidsplus Geelong Australia
Integration coaching into practice with families of children with cerebral palsy
Recreate
Understanding ADHD, ASD, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and anxiety. See through your clients eyes
Auckland District Health Board (Starship Community)
Occupational Performance Coaching co-presenter Dr. Fi Graham
Ministry of Education, Rotorua
Using coaching skills within our practice
Australian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
Occupational Performance Coaching co-presenter Dr. Fi Graham and Jenny Ziviani
Parenting Place
Play Workshop co-presenter Arul Hamill
Waitemata DHB and Ministry of Education
Occupational Performance Coaching co-presenter Dr. Fi Graham
Paediatric Occupational Therapy and Kidsplus, Geelong, Australia
Clinical Reasoning Workshop; co-presenters: Kelly Reynolds, Dani Atkins
Paediatric Society of New Zealand
Developmental Coordination Disorder co-presenter Annabelle Borrie
Choose to Learn Canada
Occupational Performance Coaching co-presenters Caroline Hui and Arul Hamill
Auckland District Health Board (Starship Co mmunity)
F-Words Life Wheel co-presenter Arul Hamill
Paediatric Occupational Therapy
F-Words Life Wheel co-presenter Arul Hamill

LinkedIn Profile

Ashleigh Greyling, Occupational Therapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

New Zealand Registered Occupational Therapist (current)
Member of Occupational Therapy New Zealand - WNA
Paediatric Special Interest Group Member
Member of New Zealand Bobath Association

Experience

Ashleigh graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Cape Town in 2008. She then went on to complete her Masters of Occupational Therapy (Neurosciences) at the University of Witwatersrand in 2013. Ashleigh has gained a wealth of knowledge over the past 13 years from working in a variety of settings across health and education sectors in South Africa and New Zealand, including private practice, schools, hospitals and community disability services.
Ashleigh has experience in the assessment and management of children with neurological conditions, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, neuromuscular conditions, developmental delay, learning disorders, sensory processing difficulties, ADD/ADHD, ASD as well as spinal cord injuries.
Ashleigh is passionate about working collaboratively with children and their whanau to reach their goals and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to maximise their potential in a way that is fun, functional and meaningful.

Training & Continued Education

Occupational Performance Coaching [2022]

27th Australian and New Zealand Spinal Cord Society Annual Scientific Meeting [October 2021]

F-Words Life Wheel, Lucy Charles and Arul Hamil [2021]

Paediatric Neurosplinting [May 2021]

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) 1: Culture and cultural competency [2021]

Paediatric Normal Movement Workshop, New Zealand Bobath Association (NZBA) [2020]

Classification of movement disorders of Cerebral Palsy, New Zealand Bobath Association (NZBA) [2020]

WeeFIM Accreditation, Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre [2020]

Working with High Risk Infants [2019]

Typical Child Development, New Zealand Bobath Association (NZBA) [2019]

Taping for Neuro-rehabilitation [2015]

Hands on Autism module 1 & 2, Autism South Africa [2015]

7th Annual Child Trauma Conference, Child Trauma Centre [2015]

Sensory Integration Module 2: Theory and test administration [2013]

HIV and Rehabilitation Symposium [2012]

South African NDT Association Cerebral Palsy Conference [2011]

Sensory Integration Module 1: Foundations and neuroscience [2010]

Neurosplinting Workshop [2010]

Introduction to the Assessment and Treatment of Babies [2009]

Introduction to Assessment and Treatment of Children with Cerebral Palsy [2009]

Christiana Barker, Physiotherapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

New Zealand Registered Physiotherapist (2006 – current)
Member of Physiotherapy NZ
New Zealand Bobath Association Member

Experience

Christiana graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) from Auckland University of Technology in 2005. She has over 12 years’ experience working with children, primarily in the areas of paediatric neurology and orthopaedics. Christiana also works part time at Starship Children’s Hospital as a Physiotherapist within Paediatric Orthopaedics and at the Auckland University of Technology for the Starship Clinical Gait Analysis Service.

Christiana has experience in the assessment and management of children with developmental conditions including cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, developmental delay, toe-walking and other gait disorders. She also has expertise in serial casting for the management of paediatric equinus deformities in conditions such as cerebral palsy and idiopathic toe-walking.

Specific training

Integrating Cardiopulmonary and Postural Control Strategies in Pediatric and Adult Populations, Mary Massery; 2019
Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Medicine Conference – Committee Member; 2018
Rehabilitating Running in children & adults with neurological conditions; 2017
Normal Movement course, NZ Bobath Association; 2017
Developmental Orthopaedics of the Trunk & Lower Extremity, Beverly Cusick; 2016
Paediatric Equinus Deformity Management, Beverly Cusick; 2016
Melbourne Clinical Gait Analysis course, Royal Children’s Hospital; 2015
Toe Walking Management course, Lisa Persaud; 2015
Bobath Paediatric Foundation Course; 2011/2012

Gillian Irwin, Administration and Marketing

Gillian is the mother of two wonderful boys and holds together the administration and marketing for Paediatric OT & Physio. Gillian has extensive experience in the corporate world in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Jodi Davidson, Occupational Therapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

NZ Registration (NZROT) 2005
Member of Occupational Therapy New Zealand / Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa

Experience

Jodi has worked in New Zealand and England, in acute hospitals for adults and children. She has worked with inpatients and outpatients with varied diagnoses, including traumatic brain injury, neurological conditions, orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, oncology, rheumatology and chronic pain syndromes.

Jodi is the mother of three young boys.

Specific training

Bachelor of Health Science (Occ. Therapy), AUT 2004
Occupational Therapy in Primary and Population Health
Rehabilitation of the Neurological Upper Limb
Basic Splinting
Occupational Performance Coaching -Lego-based Therapy facilitator training

Liesel Jansen, Physiotherapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

New Zealand Registered Physiotherapist (current)
Australian Registered Physiotherapist (2011 – current)
Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand (PNZ)
Paediatric Special Interest Group Member

Experience

Liesel is an Australian trained Physiotherapist who graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) from La Trobe University, Melbourne (2011). Liesel also has a Bachelor of Science (Biology).

For the last 8 years, Liesel has worked in paediatrics in Australia and the United Kingdom across public and private sector roles. Liesel has experience in the assessment and management of children with developmental delays and physical and intellectual disabilities (including cerebral palsy, neurological conditions, neuromuscular conditions and other genetic syndromes).

Liesel is passionate about supporting children and families to achieve their goals in ways that are fun, functional and meaningful. Liesel enjoys working collaboratively with children, families and their supports to facilitate enjoyable participation within their community.

Specific training

Foundation Paediatric Certificate in Neurodevelopmental Therapy (Australian Bobath and Neurodevelopmental Therapy Association)
Enhancing skills in Paediatric Physiotherapy (Monash University)
Integrating cardiopulmonary and postural control strategies in the adult and paediatric populations (Mary Massery PT)
Training and retraining of bicycle skills in adults and children with neurological conditions (Epworth Hospital)
Analysis and treatment of running in adult and paediatric neurological clients (Epworth Hospital)
Therapeutic evaluation & treatment of paediatric toe walking (Liesa Persaud)
Learn to Play (Karen Stagnetti)
Foundation coach approach (Jacqui Snider)
Physical management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Royal Children’s Hospital)
Strengths based training (Bernadette Glass & Associates)

Lynette Hing, Physiotherapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

New Zealand Registered Physiotherapist (1999 – current)
Member of Physiotherapy NZ

Experience

Lynette graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhty) from the Otago of University. Since graduating, she has developed a special interest in paediatric physiotherapy. Lynette has gained a wealth of experience over the last 20 years from employment in a variety of sectors and organisations including education, private practice, Starship Children's Hospital, and ACC.

Lynette loves working with children and their families to achieve functional, meaningful goals in order to improve their quality of life and independence.

Recent specific training

sEMG biofeedback in neurorehabilitation - Pia Stampe
If you can’t breathe, you can’t function - Mary Massery
Knowledge translation - theory into practice - Paediatric OT
Understanding Autism spectrum disorders - Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett
First Aid in the school environment
24 hour postural management
Occupational performance coaching - Fi Graham
CPR (updated annually)

Merryn Robertson, Physiotherapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

New Zealand Registered Physiotherapist (2008 – current)
Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand (PNZ)
Member of Paediatric Special Interest Group, PNZ and secretary (2016 – present)
Member of New Zealand Bobath Association
Founding member of the Wired Collective

Experience

Merryn graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2004 as well as a Masters in Physiotherapy in 2009 from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg South Africa. Merryn is a certified Bobath Trained Therapist (2006) and has recently started her Bobath Tutorship Training with the New Zealand Bobath Association. She has over 16 years’ experience working with children, primarily in the areas of paediatric neurology and respiratory. Merryn has worked in a variety of settings within the health and education sectors in South Africa and New Zeeland including the clinic, homes, preschools and schools. She also enjoys volunteer and outreach work, and visited Tonga in 2019 to support children with disabilities in their community.

Merryn has experience in the assessment and management of children with developmental conditions including cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, toe-walking and other gait disorders as well as respiratory illnesses in children.

Merryn is passionate about every child reaching their potential whilst having fun, and enjoys working closely with the child’s whanau to achieve their goals and optimizing their child’s well-being. Merryn is driven to keep learning every day to ensure she stays up to date with international evidence informed practices and uses regular peer reviews and supervision to ensure best practices. Merryn is currently on a national Down’s syndrome working group to review NZ national guidance documents as well as developing evidence informed allied health interventions for school aged children with Down syndrome.

Training & Continued Education

Typical Child Development, NZ Bobath Association; 2021
The Poo Detectives, Lulu Becker SA; 2021
Normal Movement course, NZ Bobath Association; 2020
The W-sitting controversy: evidence and science - Billi Cusick; 2020
Classification of movement disorders of Cerebral Palsy - NZBA; 2020
Early postural control acquisition - Billi Cusick; 2020
Expanding postural control into movement - Billi Cusick; 2020
sEMG biofeedback in neurorehabilitation - Pia Stampe; 2020
Maximizing neuroplasticity and minimize maladaptive habits in children and teenagers with Cerebral Palsy, 2020
CALD 2: Working with Migrant Families; 2020
Integrating Cardiopulmonary and Postural Control Strategies in Pediatric and Adult Populations, Mary Massery; 2019
Engaging Learner’s with complex needs Prof Barry Carpenter; 2019
Pelvic floor paediatrics with Julie Wiebe and Shelley Mannell; 2019
Pia Stampe: Maximizing Neuroplasticity in children with Cerebral Palsy Key to CP Framework; 2019
Bringing the F-words to life workshop Paediatric OT; 2018
How do we best deliver therapy? Trends in service delivery models and strategies for knowledge translation with Dr Chantal Camden: Auckland; 2018
Toe Walking Management course, Lisa Persaud; 2017
Theratog fitters Course; 2017
Engage Me - Experience Sharing with students with ASD, 2017
Assessment and Treatment of Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking; 2016
Developmental Orthopaedics of the Trunk & Lower Extremity, Beverly Cusick; 2016
Paediatric Equinus Deformity Management, Beverly Cusick; 2016
Equipment - Wheelchair and seating assessor & 24 hour postural management Assessor Accessable (updated annually)
CALD 8: Working with families with disabilities; 2014
Paediatric Upper limb splinting workshop with A. Recordon and A. Coyle; 2011
Analysis and problem solving with children with Cerebral Palsy, NZBA Auckland; 2010
Working with Pacific Island families; 2010
CALD 3: Working with refugee and migrant families, 2010
CALD 2: Working with migrants (Asians); 2009
Advanced Facilitation 1 Bobath Course, Jean-Pierre Maes; 2009
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) 1: Culture and cultural competency; 2009
Bobath Paediatric Foundation Course South Africa (8 weeks); 2006
CPR (updated annually)

Sally Parton, Physiotherapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

New Zealand Registered Physiotherapist (2001 – Current)
Australian Registered Physiotherapist (1994 – 2002)
New Zealand Society of Physiotherapy Member
Paediatric Special Interest Group Member
VNT Association Member

Experience

Sally is an Australian trained physiotherapist who graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland in 1994 and brings to her role over 20 years of experience. She has worked in Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand. More than 15 years of Sally’s career has been dedicated to working within the area of paediatrics and primarily within Child Development Teams. She is passionate about working with all children and their families. She has a special interest in the birth – 2.5 years age group and for approximately 10 years has focused her practise on this age group, understanding the importance of early intervention for babies who may be delayed in their development or who may have already been diagnosed with a specific condition. Sally has also worked with pre-schoolers and school aged children with a variety of childhood conditions and/or disabilities.

Her experience includes assessment and treatment of babies and children with developmental delays, intellectual and physical disabilities, syndromes, cerebral palsy, prematurity, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal problems such as torticollis. She has worked in many settings including clinics, homes, and community settings such as day cares, play groups and schools. She values collaborative working with other services and individuals to incorporate other specialities, cultural and family support.

Specific training

Sally has completed post graduate training in many areas including but not limited to:

Liesa Ritchie-Persaud Toe - Comprehensive Toe Walking Series July 2021
Mary Massery Linked: Breathing and Postural Control Part 1 Sept 2001
F-Words Life Wheel Workshop May 2021
The Poo Detectives, Lulu Becker SA; 2021
2002 NZBA Inc. Eight Week Paediatric Basic Bobath Course
Elaine Owen Paediatric Orthotic and Footwear Management Course
Seating to Go: Wheeled Mobility & Postural Management Level 1 and Lying Level 1
Brian Hoare Functional Hand Use in Hemiplegia
QPRS Conference Spina Bifida and Spina Bifida e-leaning Course (Clinical Skills Development Service QLD)
Prechtl's Method of the Qualitative Assessment of General Movements Course Basic
HINE Training
Supervisor Training
Newborn Behavioural Observations (NBO)

Tokuko Makita-Shroff, Occupational Therapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

New Zealand Registered Occupational Therapist
Member of Occupational Therapy New Zealand/Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa

Experience

On my return to work after having three children, I worked with disabled children at Sommerville School satellite class. Through this experience, I gained a real desire to help children achieve the quality of life they deserve, regardless of their circumstances. With this as a motivating factor, I studied Occupational Therapy. I hold a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) and a Bachelor of Arts.

As well as working with Paediatric OT & PT, I work part-time at Starship Children's Hospital, I'm involved in the Cure Kids funded LEAP programme—Learn, Engage, And Play—research project and I co-manage a private holiday programme for disabled children. I have worked as a Teacher Aide supporting students with special education needs and their families for 4 years, and have three children.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts (French Language and Literature)
Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan, 2003
Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
Auckland University of Technology (AUT), 2021

Recent specific training

NZ Bobath Association Typical Child Development
NZ Bobath Association Normal Movement (enrolled 08/10/21 & 09/10/21)
F-words framework workshop
Movement ABC-2 training
Paediatric Neuro Splinting workshop
STAR Foundations of Development Course: Sensory Processing, Regulation, and Relationship (enrolled 24/09/21, 25/09/21, 02/10/21, 03/10/21)

Ursula Gee, Occupational Therapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

NZ Registration (NZROT) 2004
Member of the Australian Neuromuscular Network

Experience

Ursula has over 15 years paediatric experience and is passionate about empowering young people and their families to reach their goals. She has worked in child rehabilitation and management since 2005 within a variety of environments including clinic, home and school. Ursula has experience in the assessment and management of children and young people with conditions including Traumatic and Acquired brain injuries, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Specific Learning Disorders, Developmental Coordination Disorders (DCD), Sensory Processing Difficulties, Cerebral Palsy, Neurological Conditions, Neuromuscular Conditions, and Global Developmental Delay.

Ursula is committed to supporting children and their families to have fun, develop friendships, and gain skills and function at home or school. She works collaboratively with other services and specialists to optimise each child’s well-being and ensure cultural and family needs are met.

In her spare time Ursula enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and extended family. She enjoys sailing, walking, biking and reading.

Specific training

The Poo Detectives, Lulu Becker SA; 2021
Canchild Developmental Coordination Disorder, Online, 2021
PRPP (Perceive, Recall, Plan & Perform) Information Processing Assessment—Occupational Performance Model (Australia)
Knowledge translation - theory into practice - Paediatric OT
Understanding Autism spectrum disorders - Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett
Occupational performance coaching
CPR (updated annually)
Understanding Normal Movement for Paediatric Therapists
Upper Limb Orthoses (Splinting) Course – Professor Brian Hoare
Assisting Hand Assessment Accreditation
WeeFIM accreditation
Enable Level 2 Wheelchair and Seating and Postural Management accreditation
Identification, classification and assessment of dyskinesia in children with cerebral palsy, for Paediatric Therapists

Wendy Ramsay, Physiotherapist with a Special Interest in Paediatrics

New Zealand registered physiotherapist
Wendy has many years of experience with paediatric and adult physiotherapy
Past Team Leader, Counties Manukau DHB Allied Health Team.

Favourite Words Life Wheel Workshops

Our events signup page has information on our upcoming workshops and you can register here too: https://buytickets.at/paediatricot.
Please contact us if you would like to find out about future courses or if you would like us to run a workshop specifically for your team.

F-words Life Wheel Research Presentation

Arul, Lucy and other researchers present F-words Life Wheel research to the Starship Paediatric Update session, July 2022.

F-words Life Wheel Talk

Arul and Lucy explain the F-words Life Wheel

The Good Life Goals

“The Good Life Goals are a set of personal actions that people around the world can take to help support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They are behavioural/lifestyle asks for individuals that are carefully aligned with the SDG’s 169 targets and indicators.”— Futerra

How Children and Adults Can Build Core Capabilities for Life

“Every day we take on the ordinary, sometimes challenging, tasks of work, school, parenting, relationships, and just managing our busy lives. How do we navigate these tasks successfully? And what can send us off course?”— Center on the Developing Child

Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) Workshops

Occupational Performance Coaching is proposed as an intervention which is family- and occupation-centred, focused and research informed and was developed by Professor Fiona Graham, Otago University. OPC involves working alongside parents to achieve parents’ goals for themselves, their children and/or their families. In OPC therapists utilise performance analysis, problem-solving, occupational and disability knowledge to guide parents’ exploration of changes that facilitate goal achievement.

Please contact us if you would like to register for an OPC training course or if you would like one specifically for your team.