Therapists
Jill Edwards
PGDip (Ocupational Practice), BHSc(OT),
Registered Hand Therapist, MOTNZ
Jill admits to getting a real buzz out of helping people regain hand function. In her ten years as a hand therapist, she rates some of the most exciting moments as times her input has helped people to be able to change their children’s nappies, tie their shoelaces, get back to knitting or even shake hands. With a degree in Occupational Therapy and a post graduate diploma of Occupational Practice, it’s no surprise that this remains a big focus in her practice.
Jill graduated from AUT in 2000 with a Bachelor of Health Science and prior to moving into hand therapy worked in a variety of roles including community therapy, aged care, return to work programmes and assistive technology.
Outside of work, Jill has two school aged children and in any free time enjoys gardening, running and has recently taught herself to crochet.
Michelle Caspersonn
MHPrac(Rehab), Registered Hand Therapist,
Acupuncturist, MPNZ
Graduating from AUT in 2004 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Michelle spent a fair bit of time along the side-lines of sports fields in her early career, along with treating the wide range of musculoskeletal conditions that small town New Zealand had to offer. Interest in the upper limb was sparked here under guidance of passionate mentors and this was developed further during a Postgraduate Clinical Masters in Rehabilitation.
Eight years working in hand therapy has provided an opportunity to meet and help many people in the bay. She finds the journey extremely rewarding...from assessment of injury, treatment planning and support through to return to optimum function in their usual roles at home, work and in sport/leisure.
With two young children, spare time is at a premium. However, she enjoys swimming, reading and exploring many of the family friendly outdoor spaces/playgrounds the bay has to offer.
Steph Freeman
PGCert (Rehab), Associate Hand Therapist, BPhty, MPNZ
After completing her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Otago University in 2010, Steph has primarily worked in private practice treating a range of musculoskeletal injuries with a hands on approach and exercise rehabilitation focus. Steph has been involved in Pain Management Programs, Return to Work Programs, Women's Health and Pilates. After exploring a range of physiotherapy specialties, Steph has found her true passion in Hand therapy and has completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Rehabilitation.
Steph enjoys supporting her clients from an acute injury through to functional rehabilitation to get them back to what they enjoy most. In her spare time, Steph loves spending time with her family, swimming laps, and the occasional squash game!
