As a parent, you know your child best. If you have a feeling that something isn't quite right, it's always worth exploring. Sometimes the signs are clear, and other times they're more subtle. Here are a few things to consider:
Is your child aware of their struggles? Sometimes tamariki can tell us they're finding things hard. It's so important to listen to their concerns.
Are their challenges impacting family life or school? Even if your child doesn't seem bothered, their difficulties can affect the wider whānau.
Has a teacher or doctor suggested seeking help? An objective view can be incredibly valuable in noticing a functional difficulty.
As an experienced paediatric occupational therapist, I'm dedicated to helping your tamariki build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
I partner closely with you and your whānau to create a personalised therapy plan that honours your child's unique strengths and meets their specific needs. My approach is grounded in proven, evidence-based methods—including sensory integration, neuro-developmental techniques, and play-based learning—to ensure our sessions are not only effective but also fun and engaging."
To help your child build foundational motor skills, I am trained in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI).
This hands-on approach uses specific, active movements to help the brain create new pathways for development. By guiding your child through these movements, we are helping their brain and body work together to build the strength and control needed to reach milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking.
The Tomatis® Method is a sound-based listening program designed to enhance the connection between the ear and the brain. Using specially modified music and voice, this gentle approach can support your child's development in key areas like listening skills, communication, attention, and emotional regulation. It’s a unique way to help re-train the brain for better learning and processing.
For tamariki who are ready to make a significant leap forward in their development, I offer Intensive Occupational Therapy.
This involves a block of frequent, high-energy sessions designed to help the brain form new connections more quickly. It's an immersive approach that helps solidify new skills—from improving balance and coordination to mastering daily routines. This focused effort can often lead to faster results than traditional weekly therapy, helping your child reach their potential with confidence.
Using a shared passion for Lego®, I run therapy groups that help tamariki build crucial social and communication skills in a fun, natural way. In these sessions, children work together in specific roles (like the 'Engineer' or 'Builder') to complete a project. This structure helps them practice collaboration, turn-taking, problem-solving, and following instructions—all while having a great time creating something new.
Join our Sensory Safari! This weekly group program is a playful, interactive environment where tamariki can develop essential skills alongside their peers. With my guidance, your child will be supported to:
Improve Self-Regulation: By learning to manage their responses to sensory input.
Increase Participation: By building confidence in daily "occupations" like dressing, mealtimes, or hygiene tasks.
Enhance Social Skills: Through structured interactions, turn-taking, and collaborative play that help them navigate social situations.
Develop Motor Skills: With targeted sensory activities that improve gross motor control, balance, and body awareness.
