Moana joined Handworks in 2007 on her return from overseas. She began working with Hand surgery patients in 1986 at Middlemore Hospital (where she was also Julie’s and Sarah’s boss!!) She spent ten years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1997 – 2007) during which time she set up a Hand Therapy Unit at the National Guard Hospital, training Saudi physiotherapists in the specialty.
Since her return to NZ she has studied and passed her CHT (US exam) in order to become a NZ Registered Hand Therapist, and is a valued member of the Handworks team, not just for her clinical skills, but also for her pearls of wisdom and wonderful sense of humour. Once she can drag herself away from the dreaded paperwork, Moana enjoys kapa haka, art and design, and dance. She has three grown-up children in France, Japan and soon to be London, so it is no surprise she has a yearning to travel more. 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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Registered Hand Therapist and Occupational Therapist
Danya qualified with a BaOT from Otago in 2002. In 2011, after eight years in London, she joined the Handworks team, bringing with her a wealth of Hand Therapy experience. Danya started working in Hand Therapy in 2004, and since then has been lucky to work in three of the most prestigious NHS hospitals in London (Chelsea & Westminster, Guys & St Thomas’, Great Ormond St Children’s) as well as London’s biggest private hospital group HCA. These opportunities enabled her to develop skills in all major areas of Hand Therapy, including trauma, acquired and congenital conditions. While in the UK she gained the BAHT Level 1 & 2 and passed the American qualification to became a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).
A young family, the outdoors and various arts/crafts take up most of Danya's time outside of work View details »