Pyes Pa

BHSc (Physiotherapy), COMT

Alana graduated from AUT in 2014 and moved back down to the sunny Bay to begin her career in musculoskeletal physiotherapy at Body in Motion. During her time with Body in Motion Alana completed the certificate of orthopaedic manual therapy and qualified in dry needling.

Alana also spent time working with the Bay of Plenty Women’s Sevens side and gained valuable experience in sports injuries. After working for three years the call of travel became too strong and Alana spent the next year and a half travelling Europe. Alana has now returned to Body in Motion and keen to continue using and developing her skills to help members of the community return to their best. Alana uses a combination of manual therapy, exercise and education to aid recovery and enjoys taking a holistic ‘whole body’ approach to treatment.

Alana is a keen hockey player who also has an interest in all the outdoors have to offer, especially spending time at the beach, camping and tramping.

Dip Phty, Dip Manipulative Therapy, MPNZ

Trudie has been practising Physiotherapy for 30 years and includes working in hospital, community and private practices, giving a wide variety of clinical experience.This background has enabled insight and clinical exposure to many conditions and provide physiotherapy treatment and management to those at any age and stage in life.

Trudie has completed a postgraduate qualification in Manipulative Therapy in 2001 (DipMT) and has continued to keep up to date with best practice in the management of musculo-skeletal, sports and spinal conditions. This includes identifying and addressing particular areas of tissue dysfunction or weakness that may be contributing to pain and limited mobility.
Trudie enjoys implementing both a manual therapy approach as well as integrating exercises to maintain improvements gained. Of particular interest is the management of cervicogenic headache and neck pain.

Working within a team of multidisciplines and other physiotherapists with various specialties she enjoys being able to find solutions,enabling the return of her patients to full optimal function and enjoyment of life, whatever that need may be.

BPhyst Deg, MPNZ

Tom gained his physiotherapy degree while in the South African military in 2000. His service enabled him to gain experience in a variety of fields, including musculoskeletal, hydrotherapy, respiratory and neurological physiotherapy. Tom then worked in the United Kingdom in the public and private sector for 4½ years before emigrating to beautiful New Zealand.

Tom’s areas of interest are manual therapy, exercise-based rehabilitation and sports injuries, particularly the diagnosis and management of shoulder injuries. Tom undertakes Occupational Workplace Assessments and Stay-At-Work programmes for both ACC and Private Insurers. He also has an interest in Concussion injury management and treatment of Vestibular Dysfunction. Tom’s corporate clients include NZ Police and Oji Fibre Solutions.

BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy, MPNZ

Alice graduated from the University of Manchester (UK) with a BSc (Honours) degree in Physiotherapy in 2001. After 3 years working in a large NHS teaching hospital in Leeds she decided to explore life “Down Under” moving to Australia in 2004. Based in Mackay, Queensland Alice owned her own successful Physiotherapy Practice for 10 years before selling this in November 2015 to move to NZ permanently with her Kiwi husband and young family.

Since 2007 Alice has trained in Pelvic Health; treating women and men with incontinence, bladder and bowel issues and sexual pain. Alice also enjoys treating people with persistent pain. She is passionate about helping people to move well, live well and achieve their goals. Outside of work Alice enjoys playing Football (soccer!) and spending time with her husband and young daughters.

B Phty

Originally from Botswana, Lebo moved to NZ to study Physiotherapy in 2012 and graduated from Otago University in 2016. Before moving to Body In Motion she enjoyed living and working in the rural community of Otorohanga in the Waikato where a passion of working with people of all ages and backgrounds developed.

Lebo has a keen interest in musculoskeletal and sporting injuries and is looking forward to working with the community to help restore function following injuries and help individuals achieve their goals. Outside of work Lebo enjoys an active lifestyle, going to the gym and spending time with friends.

Diploma of Physiotherapy 1978

Dennis graduated from the Auckland School of Physiotherapy in 1978, initially working at Waikato Hospital before going into private practice as a Clinic owner for 30 years. He was the Team Physiotherapist for the Waikato Rugby Team for 16 years, Chiefs Super Rugby for 10 years and 2 years as assistant Physiotherapist with the All Blacks. Between rugby roles he was the NZ Blacks Sox Softball Physiotherapist for 3 years. Dennis was a Clinical Educator for the Auckland School of Physiotherapy for 24 years before heading to Hobart, Australia to work for a four year adventure.

Dennis has a particular interest in treating neck and back pain, sports injuries and particularly lower limb injuries and was recently awarded Life Membership of Physiotherapy New Zealand.

Dennis returned to NZ for family reasons and recently moved to Tauranga and has joined the Body In Motion team. 

BPhty with Distinction, Otago

Harriet completed her studies through the University of Otago, graduating at the end of 2019. Originally from Aria in the King Country, Harriet played hockey throughout her schooling years and also picked up waterpolo and adventure racing while at secondary school. She has spent many summers holidaying in the Bay and jumped at the opportunity to kickstart her career here at BIM.

Harriet has a keen interest for musculoskeletal physiotherapy and has enjoyed spending the past few seasons on the rugby sideline as a medic, both in Otago and Hawkes Bay. At this stage, she uses a combination of manual therapy and exercise prescription to facilitate recovery and is looking forward to broadening her skills and scope. To keep fit, Harriet enjoys running and attending the gym. Some of her other interests include going to the beach, catching up with friends and watching rugby.

BSc Human Nutrition, PG Dip Dietetics. Cert Sport Nutrition (AIS Sports Dietitian Course)

Emma graduated from Otago University in 2010 and has worked as a Registered Dietitian for most of this time in between having her family. Emma started her career in a hospital role at CCDHB specialising in diabetes and heart health, but a few years later moved back home to Tauranga to purse her interest sports nutrition and desire to work privately.

From 2013 – 2018 Emma ran a private practice specialising in sports nutrition, digestive health problems, weight management, food intolerance, and lifestyle conditions. Emma also worked as the BOP nutrition provider for the High Performance Sport NZ Pathway to Podium Program. Emma Started here at Body in Motion in November 2019 and is working part-time seeing patients and building the Nutrition Service

Cert Registration (Physiotherapy), MPNZ

Frances and her family moved to Tauranga in June 2014 after spending 35 years in Auckland. She worked for 5 years as a Physiotherapist at Middlemore Hospital, then (after a 10 year break raising her 4 children) worked at various Private Hospitals & Rest-homes.

From Dec 2008 Frances and her husband spent 2+ years in France (the 1st at a French Language School). After their return, Frances started her own business “Mobile Physio Care”. Special interests include Neurology (Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease & Cognitive Impairment), Rehabilitation following Joint Replacements & Fractures, Falls Prevention,Training for Independence, Group Exercise Classes and Palliative care.

Rona has been with Body In Motion since July 2015. She enjoys meeting new people, “pina colada’s” and “getting caught in the rain”. We look forward to seeing you in the Pyes Pa Clinic soon.

BHSc (Occ.Ther.), PG Cert HSc (Rehab), NZROT, MNZAOT 

Carmen has 20 years’ experience in public and private healthcare settings in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, specialising in Cognitive Behavioural approaches in neurological conditions such as Brain Injury and Stroke. She held clinical and consultant/teaching roles across the UK for 10 years before returning to NZ and applying this knowledge to both Vocational and Community Rehabilitation sectors. Carmen is listed on the HASANZ register, and works with a number of companies developing Wellness at Work programmes throughout the Bay of Plenty.

Outside of work, Carmen is a member of the Otumoetai Rotary club and chairperson for District 9930 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Bach OccTher) Post graduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy (PGCert OccTher)

Lucy graduated Otago Polytechnic in 2010 and has worked across various community rehabilitation and mental health services around the Bay of Plenty and Auckland regions. Lucy joined the Body In Motion team in 2014 where she worked in the vocational rehabilitation sector delivering ACC and Private Stay at Work programmes.

Lucy took some time off to travel in 2017 and returned to practice in 2019. Lucy now works with the community rehabilitation team in the Concussion Service, Social Rehabilitation Service, and Training for Independence programmes. She enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life and is passionate about supporting people in their rehabilitation.

In her spare time, Lucy loves to grow her own food, travel, and explore in nature. She also runs a small boutique business importing jewellery and textiles from around the world.

BHSc (Occ.Ther.), NZROT, MNZAOT

Since graduating in 2009, Jo has worked in a number of different inpatient and community settings eventually specialising in rehabilitation. With a special interest in acquired and traumatic brain injury although, regardless of diagnosis, Jo’s passion is supporting people to return to doing what is important to them after an injury or illness.

Jo is excited to join the Community Rehab Service at Body in Motion and work alongside such a passionate, skilled and knowledgeable team in order to get the best outcomes for our clients.

Having recently moved to Tauranga with her husband and two young children, Jo enjoys spending time with family and friends, long walks on the beach, cooking with a glass of wine, travelling, and is looking forward to exploring all the beautiful Bay of Plenty has to offer!

BHSc (Occ. Ther), NZROT, MNZAOT, NZBA.

Lara was born in Thailand and spent her later schooling and the majority of her working career in multi-cultural South Auckland, completed further studies in the UK, volunteered in the Solomon Islands and is now enjoying the rural community life of the South Waikato.

Professionally, Lara has been privileged to work with people from all age groups (2 years and over), in a variety of settings including preschools, schools, homes, workplaces and the wider community. Currently Lara is relishing the challenges and achievements that come with being part of the Body In Motion whanau.

Out of work, Lara is busy keeping up with her two boys and fabulous husband. Nga Mihi, Lara.

Hons BSc (Occupational Therapy)

Claire is an NZ registered Occupational Therapist with over 10 years’ experience and is passionate about the rights and wellbeing of people living with the community. UK born with New Zealand residency since 2008, Claire has worked in a multi-disciplinary setting, in both the Public and the Private health sector treating a wide range of health conditions in both physical and mental health settings.

Claire is passionate about providing therapy to enable her clients to strive and engage in their meaningful occupation. A positive and lateral thinker, able to find solutions that work for all stake holders. Claire presents herself as a confident problem solver who develops and demonstrates clinical and professional reasoning. Claire is our sole occupational therapist in the Rotorua region and is an extremely passionate clinician and with a wealth of knowledge.

Oustide of work, Claire enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring Aotearoa.

Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) – BHSc (Occ. Ther.) Bachelor of Sport and Leisure Studies – BSpLS New Zealand Registered Occupational Therapist – NZROT Member of New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists – MNZAOT

Kim qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2010 having previously studied Sport and Leisure Studies at Waikato University. She started her career working in brain injury rehabilitation before heading overseas to travel. Kim has recently returned to New Zealand after 8 years working in the United Kingdom in a range of community and inpatient roles. Kim is passionate about working within Community Rehabilitation and working with clients to achieve their goals and to optimise participation and performance in a person’s everyday life.

Outside of work Kim likes to keep active, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and as is looking forward exploring more of beautiful Aotearoa.

Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing

Amanda has been working as a Registered Nurse for several years. She has clinical experience in oncology/haematology, bone marrow transplant, endoscopy and of late as a Home Based Support Service Coordinator. Amanda also has experience with service improvement through her role as a Cancer Coordinator. She has a strong interest in the well-being of the older person and is committed to valuing them as individuals and helping them live their best lives.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys bush walking, swimming, music, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Susan has a background in Organisational Psychology (Victoria and Massey Universities, NZ) and worked for 25 years in various Human Resource roles throughout NZ before leaving the Corporate world to focus on a family business. 

Susan is a keen (but not necessarily fast!) runner and has completed a number of International and NZ Marathons and half-marathons.  To balance her running and help with the inevitable injuries, Susan began practicing Reformer Pilates in 2014 to improve core stability and running technique.  Susan has now completed STOTT Reformer Pilates training so she can actively engage and encourage others to develop and achieve through Pilates.

Susan is passionate about Pilates, particularly on adapting exercises to provide challenge and strength for everyone irrespective of individual levels of fitness and condition.  In her experience the benefits of regular movement and muscular strength extend into an overall sense of wellbeing which continues to grow with focus and practice.

Originally from Brazil, Luana graduated Bachelor of Physical Education in 2010. With her experience in P.T working at a few gyms as fitness instructor, she decided to upgrade her skills doing a MAT PILATES course in 2013 to improve her P.T techniques like stretching and core exercises. With that approach, she just fell in love with the pilates principles and method.
In New Zealand since 2011 she has become a mum and officially started to call NZ home.

Recently, she added a REFORM pilates training to her qualifications and is really enjoying all the diversity that this reformer machine can provide for her clients. In her classes, she loves dynamic exercises combining good stretching, static movements, postural and core primordial working the body as a whole. For her, discipline and focus are the keys to reach goals and live your life at it’s best!

Having recently relocated to Mt Maunganui, Shelley brings with her 10 years of Mat Pilates and Yoga teaching experience. Shelley completed her Pilates training with STOTT and her Yoga training with the Ashram Yoga 200hr Teaching Program. Since then she has specialised in pregnancy and post-natal clients and classes, and has more recently added STOTT Barre Training to her qualifications. Shelley’s classes are light and fun with lots of variety as she likes to add in the best of both Pilates and Yoga (and a bit of Barre too!) to keep her clients on their toes. She is passionate about working with her clients to help them achieve their goals, whether it be to help with injuries or limitations, or to increase strength and flexibility

B Design (Vis Com), Grad Dip Arts (Psych), PG Dip Science (Health Psych), MSc (Hons), PG Dip (Health Psych)

Juliette trained as a Health Psychologist as the University of Auckland and has worked predominantly in rehabilitation. Juliette has expertise in pain management, neurological rehabilitation, and general rehabilitation. She likes to work with a strengths-based approach to psychology which acknowledges that everyone has skills which serve them and focuses on growing resilience.

Outside of work Juliette competes in Powerlifting and enjoys spending time getting out in nature.

Ian Cuplan:

Ian is both a Pilates and Fitness trainer. He completed his Core Foundation and Optimal Mobility Pilates course in 2012 at Studio Pilates in South Africa. His training emcompasses many different methods of Pilates including STOTT, Power, and the New York discipline, where his knowledge and experience in each of these can facilitate his individualised approach when programming for clients. In fitness, Ian is grounded in TRX suspension training & functional fitness and incorporates elements of these disciplines into his classes. He loves the mechanics of our anatomy makeup and feels privileged to help others reach beyond their training goals whether it be post injury returning to wellness or athletic conditioning.