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.

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.

Alice is currently taking some time out to focus on her health. We’ll update our website and social media when she is back on board!

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.

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. 

BOHSc (Physiotherapy), PGCert HSc (Rehabilitation), NZ Registered Hand Therapist

Chris is an experienced hand therapist with a physiotherapy background who graduated from AUT in 2009. As a physiotherapist he ran three clinics and worked with surgeons, specialists and patients of all ages and stages including sportspeople ranging from weekend warriors to world-beaters.

Chris’ work is driven by genuine care for his patient’s wellbeing. He became interested in hand therapy after discovering how much he could improve a person’s quality of life using the extra tools at a hand therapist’s disposal.

From 2017-2022 he worked and mentored staff at an Auckland hand therapy clinic, allowing him to help more than 1200 people with their elbow, wrist and hand concerns. Chris has moved himself, his wife and two young children to Tauranga to be closer to family and is eager to help you with your recovery at Body in Motion Papamoa and Pyes Pa.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, anything outdoors and usually with a child or two in tow.

BHSc (Physiotherapy)

Kirsty graduated from AUT in 2020 after completing placements in various environments, including stroke rehab, musculoskeletal rehab and acute hospital care. During her time studying, Kirsty was a sideline medic for rugby league and women’s football teams. Kirsty spent her first 8 months after graduating working in a private practice in Auckland with a focus on sports physiotherapy and elderly care.

Originally from New Plymouth, Kirsty was a keen netballer and competitive cheerleader, but now loves running and cycling and is excited to do these in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. In her spare time you will catch Kirsty enjoying the beach or spending time with friends and family.

BPhty with Distinction (Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Otago)

Rebecca graduated from the University of Otago in 2020, with placements in the Manawatu and Wairarapa. Throughout her studies, Rebecca was a keen medic for football and rugby teams and has an interest for treating and developing her skills with sports related injury and neurological conditions.
From a farming background in South Taranaki, Rebecca enjoyed competing in cheerleading in her high school years, spending time at the beach and going on mountain walks. Her other interests include catching up with friends for coffee, art and baking.

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.

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), 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.

BOccTher, NzCertPharmacy – Specialist Technician

Arriving in NZ a decade ago, with just a rucksack and a suitcase, Emma has ventured across from the UK to work in the Bay of Plenty, Northland and Waikato regions in various health settings. Now a proud citizen of this beautiful country and a newly qualified Occupational Therapist, Emma is back in the Bay of Plenty and is putting down roots.

As a recipient of the Linda H Wilson, Essence of Occupation Award (2020) and completing her Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy with Distinction (2021) Emma has fully embraced her recent career change.

When not nosing in books you will find her walking our beautiful coastlines, kayaking or camping with her family.

BA Law and Psychology, BA Honours in Psychology, MSocSci in Clinical Psychology

Louis’ career in mental health started in South Africa in 2013 when he first registered as a counsellor. Louis attended further clinical psychology training while he practiced on the side as a counsellor, and he became fully registered as a clinical psychologist in 2017. Louis’ employment history in mental health covers a very broad spectrum, including private practice, and in-and-outpatient mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults.

Professionally, he also worked with the intellectually disabled population, and in the area of neuropsychology within the rehabilitation context of spinal cord, traumatic brain, and cerebrovascular injuries. Addictions, trauma, mood, anxiety, personality, adjustment, psychotic, and neurodevelopmental (e.g., ADHD and autism spectrum) conditions were his main areas of focus over the years.

Generally, psychological therapy is what Louis enjoys the most about his career. Personally, he is a foodie (absolutely love cooking and baking!), crazy about movies, crazy about warm sandy beaches, and he is very invested in his close family relationships and friendships.

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.

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