Marian Simmonds graduated from Otago School of Physiotherapy over 25 years ago and has worked extensively in musculoskeletal physiotherapy over this time, in New Zealand and the UK. She gained a Post Graduate Diploma in manipulative physiotherapist in 1999 and went on to complete her Masters in Health Science in 2004. Her Thesis looked into the neurophysiological mechanisms behind a common physiotherapy technique (neck manipulation). She has also worked as a researcher at the Physiotherapy School in Auckland. Since having her family, she changed direction and embarked on her Hand Therapy training in 2017. In her spare time Marian loves spending time with her family and in the great outdoors. View details »
Jackie joined the Handworks team in 2023. She graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Health Science- Physiotherapy and has gone on to complete her Post Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation (Hand and Upper Limb Therapy), whilst also working towards her full registration as a Hand Therapist. Prior to joining Handworks, she worked as a Physiotherapist in a range of different environments including musculoskeletal private practice, rest homes, and community neurological rehabilitation. She has also spent time working in special education units, seeing children with a range of complex conditions including Autism, Down Syndrome, brain injuries and learning difficulties. . Outside of work she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, going to the gym and sewing. View details »
Registered Hand Therapist and Occupational Therapist
Lauren joined the Handworks team in 2020 went on to qualify as a hand therapist in 2021. Prior to this she worked at Middlemore Hospital working her way to becoming a Senior Occupational Therapist within the Burns, Plastics and Paediatrics team. She developed extensive knowledge in managing hand burns, scar assessment and scar management. Lauren has completed a postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation at the University of Otago. She is a highly competent hand therapist who can also communicate in Mandarin.
In her spare time, Lauren is a busy mum who also enjoys oil painting and spending time with her family and friends.
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