OUR TEAM

Linda Laugesen

Director  Papamoa

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Linda is the managing director who coordinates the rehabilitation services and manages our Coastal Rehab Services team. Linda originally graduated with a Bachelor of  Speech and Language Therapy in 1998 and has since specialised in rehabilitation within the ACC sectors, DHB, and private practice. Linda continues to maintain a clinical interest in neurological rehabilitation.

Fleur Drewitt Fisher

Physiotherapist  Whitianga

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Fleur graduated with a physiotherapy degree (2004) & Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation (2014). She advanced to a senior level in neurology & neurosurgery and has worked with complex physical disabilities & brain injuries. Fleur specialises in neurological physiotherapy, specifically dizziness & balance disorders associated with concussion & traumatic brain injury. 

Justine Slow

Physiotherapist  Tauranga

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Justine qualified in 2007 & has extensive experience in neurology & rehabilitation. Areas of special interest are rehabilitation post-concussion & traumatic brain injury, falls, orthopaedic injuries, dizziness & balance & enabling active independent lives. She is a Bobath therapist & Bradcliff practitioner with a passion for delivering holistic evidence-based healthcare.

Laura Houston

Physiotherapist  Papamoa

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Laura completed her physiotherapy studies in 2018 through AUT & went on to complete a post-graduate diploma in sports physiotherapy through Otago University. Her favourite aspect of her job is getting to know a wide variety of people & being able to help them as best she can on their rehabilitation journey.

Leona Barnes

Neurophysiotherapist  Tauranga

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Leona has over 22 years experience working in neurology, neurosurgery & rehabilitation. Her postgraduate study is in health service management, neurology, & rehabilitation. Her principles behind service delivery focus on walking alongside clients on their goal-orientated rehabilitation journey, providing support, advice & expertise as needed. 

Mandy Meys

Paediatric Physiotherapist  Tauranga

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Mandy is a paediatric physiotherapist with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from Otago University and a Master of Health Practice in Child Health from AUT. A strong advocate for patient- and family-centred care, Mandy believes in the active involvement of clients in their rehabilitation journey. Her passion is in musculoskeletal injuries and pain management for children.

Ange McEwan

Occupational Therapist  Papamoa

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Ange qualified as an occupational therapist in 2003 and has since worked with a number of ACC suppliers over the years. Angela has a naturally warm and caring nature and a genuine interest in helping people, and 'helping people to help themselves,' by encouraging independence wherever possible.

Fiona Wilson

Occupational Therapist  Mount Maunganui

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Fiona has over 20 years’ experience in vocational rehabilitation for ACC, private insurers, and businesses. In 2020 she completed a postgraduate certificate in Vocational Rehabilitation and Trauma Informed Practice. Fiona has experience in concussion, TI programmes and working with a range of clients needing support due to mental health/pain.

Gail Morley

Occupational Therapist  Tauranga

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Gail has over 20 years' experience as an occupational therapist. She specialises in mental health, trauma & equine assisted therapy. Gail is certified in cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance & commitment therapy, & solution focused therapy. She works alongside people, assisting them to reach their goals. Gail mentors others & is a clinical supervisor.

Janie de Malmanche

Occupational Therapist  Mount Maunganui

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Janie is a descendant of Ngati Maniapoto with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. She has worked for over 20 years in mental health & addiction services. Manaakitanga (care & respect), rangatiratanga (enhancing self-determination) & whanaungatanga (forming authentic relationships) are fundamental to her practice. She works in ways to enhance mana – dignity & confidence.

Kim Olesen

Occupational Therapist  Tauranga

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Kim graduated as an OT from Auckland University in 2001 and she has worked in both hospital and community settings in NZ and the UK.  Most of her clinical experience has been in the areas of neurology and rehabilitation and she held an OT clinical supervisor role at Rehab Plus in Auckland for over three years.



 

Lucy Kelly

Occupational Therapist  Tauranga

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Lucy graduated in 2012 & has worked in vocational and social rehabilitation, forensic mental health, & medical driving assessments. She completed her post-graduate studies in mental health & is a qualified driver-trained OT. After an extended stint raising her children, she has returned to the workforce eager to learn from & walk alongside clients in achieving their goals.

Maree Paterson

Occupational Therapist  Tauranga

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Maree is an Occupational Therapist, who has completed a Masters in Health Science (Hons) at Auckland University of Technology. She has specialist rehabilitation skills in brain injury and mental health, with a developing interest in the management of chronic pain. For the past twenty years Maree has lived in Tauranga and worked in the Bay of Plenty.

Suzanne Wettasinghe

Occupational Therapist  Tauranga

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Suzanne has worked as an occupational therapist for over twenty years. She has experience in hospital acute and rehab settings, and in the last ten years has worked in private practice as a contractor on private and ACC contracts. She enjoys the satisfaction of knowing she’s made a positive difference to a client’s recovery and wellbeing.

Yvette Trask

Occupational Therapist  Tauranga

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Yvette has worked as an OT for 15 years specialising in assistive technology/equipment, fall prevention, musculoskeletal injuries, pressure injuries, pain management, manual handling, ergonomics & vocational rehabilitation. Yvette enjoys working with people of all ages & backgrounds, assisting in developing independence, daily routine & promoting their optimal potential.

Briony McCormack

Speech-Language Therapist  Papamoa

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Briony’s SLT experience ranges from working with adults following TBI & stroke to working for the Ministry of Education’s Early Intervention team. After 5 years with Rehab Plus, Briony moved to ACC contract work. Briony has experience with comprehensive assessment & intervention for communication, & swallowing impairments secondary to mild, moderate & severe TBI. 

Dr Geraldine Hancock

Clinical Psychologist  Tauranga

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Geraldine was conferred a PhD (Psychology) and Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology from the University of Otago in 2000. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & a member of the NZ College of Clinical Psychologists & NZ Pain Society. Geraldine has worked in DHB mental health teams & academic positions. She currently works part-time in private practice.

Dr Hilary Bradley

Clinical Psychologist  Tauranga

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Hilary qualified with a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (2012) & is a member of the NZ College of Clinical Psychologists. After completing her internship, she worked in the severe behaviour team for MOE special education for a year while completing her thesis. She contracts to the BOPDHB and PHO, does ACC work and sees private clients.

Dr Maren Klum

Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist  Tauranga

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Maren is a registered clinical psychologist & neuropsychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (2012). She has worked in mental health services in Tauranga since 2009 & completed her thesis on caregivers of a family member with a traumatic brain injury. She sees private and ACC clients with a difficulties including depression, anxiety, concussion/TBI, pain & physical illness.

Elsabé le Roux

Clinical Psychologist  Tauranga

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Elsabé is a South African trained clinical psychologist with experience working in both the public and private sector in New Zealand. She is passionate about supporting clients and families to overcome challenges that get in the way of living a fulfilled life. She has a special interest in working with children and adolescents.  

Prya Beharry

Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist  Tauranga

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Pyra gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology in 2009 and has since carried out further training to work in the field of neuropsychology.  She has experience in working with all ages in both the public and private sectors and now works alongside Simon Seal providing both clinical psychology and neuropsychological services to a range of clients. 

Sarah Jones

Registered Psychologist  Taranaki

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Sarah is a registered psychologist with a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology with Distinction (2014). She works in a strength-based, big-picture way, supporting clients to find inner strength as they face challenges. Sarah empowers clients to find a way forward, drawing on principles of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy & Compassion Focussed Therapy.

Simon Seal

Neuropsychologist & Clinical Psychologist  Tauranga

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Simon has over ten years' experience working with children and adolescents, adults and older people with a wide range of mental health and neurospsychological conditions across hospital and private practice settings. Simon's areas of specialisation include neurodevelopmental disorders, tramatic brain injury and dementia. 

Alexandra Harrison

Registered Nurse  Tauranga

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Alexandra has worked in mental health nursing since graduating in 1994 & has a Graduate Certificate in Child & Youth. In 2010 she trained with Dr Lloyd Lalande in Guided Respiration Mindfulness Therapy (GRMT), an evidence-based breath work therapy for clients with anxiety, depression, PTSD & trauma. Alexandra’s aim is to empower clients to utilise GRMT as part of their healing journey.

Dr Rajib Ghosh

Occupational Physician  Wellington

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Dr Ghosh is an occupational and environmental physician, & is registered as a specialist physician in Australia and NZ. He is also trained in aerospace medicine, diving and hyperbaric medicine, public health, human factors engineering, business management & IT management. He has supported patients with concussion and/or chronic pain for nearly a decade in NZ.

Dr Rod Nicholson

Occupational Medicine Specialist  Auckland

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Dr Rod Nicholson graduated from Otago Medical School in 1985 and has been working as an Occupational Medicine specialist since 2000. He has a wide range of medical experience, in particular musculo-skeletal and head injuries. He is currently working in private practice based in Auckland.

Ali Hutton

Dietitian  Tauranga

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Ali is a registered dietitian who graduated from the University of Cape Town, South Africa in 2017. Since moving to New Zealand in 2018, Ali specialised in working as a clinical paediatric dietitian at Christchurch Hospital. She recently transferred her role to Tauranga Hospital where she continues her paediatric work in the sunny Bay of Plenty.

Sophie Evans

Dietitian  Papamoa

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Sophie is a registered Dietitian who completed her Masters of Dietetics in 2012 at the University of Otago. She has worked with adults and children in a range of specialty areas in New Zealand and the UK. She has a special interest in paediatric nutrition.

Jan Bell

Social Worker  Tauranga

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Jan is a registered social worker with an extensive history working in clinical roles in both DHB and NGO services.  Her experience is inclusive of working in the areas of mental health (child and adolescent), addiction, family therapy, counselling, as well as several supervisory and team leadership roles. Jan now works part-time with ACC sensitive claims. 



 

Joanne Gates

Social Worker  Tauranga

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Joanne has been working as a social worker since 2004 & completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work in 2009. Her experience ranges from statutory care & protection, adult mental health, intellectual disabilities, & alcohol & drug misuse. She has worked across many sectors & with diversity such as culture, age, gender, disabilities & different personal circumstances.

Nikki Fowler

Social Worker  Tauranga

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Nikki is a registered social worker who has worked in adult mental health, victim support, & youth at risk. Nikki contracts to ACC, working with sensitive claims clients & also delivers ACC's Mates and Dates programme in high schools. She believes in working with the whole person, including their physical, mental, spiritual & emotional health, whilst taking social factors into consideration.

Robyn Wilson

Social Worker  Tauranga

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Robyn is a registered social worker and a member of the ANZASW.  Robyn has worked as a social worker for 17 years, specialising in domestic violence, trauma & sexual assault. Robyn contracts to ACC and works within a holistic framework.

Steph Pease

Social Worker  Tauranga

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Steph has spent 20 years working as a physical health social worker in rural & community settings. She has worked alongside people with different needs, eg aged care, physical & disability, PTSD, family harm & elder abuse. Steph helps people's voices to be heard so they can guide their way through calmer waters to cope with the trauma that has led them to her door.

Suzanne Laird

Social Worker  Tauranga

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Suzanne is a registered social worker, a member of the ANZASW and has a social work degree with honours (Massey University, 2006). Suzanne has 10 years’ experience in mental health & addiction services where she assesses, counsels, & offers skills & support to get out in the community. Suzanne works alongside people to empower them to reach their potential.

Catherine Parr-Stephens

Rehab Coach  Coromandel

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Catherine has been in the health & fitness industry for the past 16 years. She recently began working as a rehab coach after 10 years as a qualified personal trainer. Helping people achieve their goals has always come naturally to Catherine. Her approach to health & fitness is holistic & scientific. Catherine is tangata whenua of Whangapoua, and has travelled and lived extensively abroad.

Laurel Ingley

Rehab Coach  Rotorua

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Laurel is a qualified enrolled nurse who has worked in rest homes & hospitals for many years. She worked as a co-ordinator before taking up the role of support worker in the community. Laurel finds delight in helping people achieve their goals & empowering people to be the best they can be.

Robyn Clarke

Rehab Coach  Coromandel

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Robyn was a caregiver in a rest home for ten years before working in the community as a support worker. She has been a rehabilitation coach for the past three years, where she works one-on-one with clients to achieve their therapy goals.

Hori Ahomiro

Cultural Advisor  Tauranga

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Hori holds a Masters in Indigenous Studies (Hons) from Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi, Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, a Diploma in Adult Education and is a certified clinical and Mataora supervisor. He is a fluent in Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga and affiliates to Tapuika, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Awa and Ngai Tuhoe Iwi. 

Leah Carter

Administration Support  Papamoa

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Leah has worked in both the public and private sectors, and as a volunteer in the community. She provides administrative support to Coastal Rehab Services’ dedicated team.

FIND US

Contact Us

PO Box 10374, Bayfair, Mt Maunganui 3152
(07) 542 1305