Terry - Service Manager

Kia ora koutou katoa,

It is a total privilege to support people as they journey through the challenges of brain injury. I am passionate about growing a quality rehabilitation service that is evidence-based and cutting edge. I am particularly interested in the theory and practice of community-based rehabilitation in the Aotearoa, New Zealand context.

My personal interests include learning Te Reo Māori, genealogical research, anything to do with ICT, permaculture, reading, counselling and photography. I also enjoy tramping, day-walks, swimming in the sea and beach life.

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei

Chris - Rehabilitation Coordinator (Physiotherapist)

Kia ora

I am a New Zealand registered Physiotherapist with a background and interest in neuro-rehabilitation. I am also active in the work of international Tai Chi for Health Institute as an instructor and Master Trainer.
Within the creative aspect of my life I am an artist with particular interest in movement, texture and light, illustration and three dimensional work.
At the centre my health professional field blends with personal interests. This blend brings a lot of enjoyment to my role at Strive Rehabilitation.

Paul - Woodwork Coordinator

Kia ora, my name is Paul. I was born and raised in Palmy, but deep down I am a Ngāpuhi boy - from my Mum’s side, she’s from Dargaville.

After finishing school, I tried a few different jobs, then became a builder for 8 years, then when work got scarce I went to Polytec and studied IT (computers). I taught computing for 25 years, mostly as a lecturer at UCOL – 5 years of which were teaching at Youth Justice.

I’m married with 4 adult kids, enjoy being part of my church, listening to and playing music, watching and playing sport, and spending as much of my spare time as  possible mountain biking.

In the last few years I have been travelling around, overseas and NZ in a motorhome with my wife, seeing and experiencing some fabulous places. We’re back now, and enjoying Palmy life, and my new job working at Strive Rehabilitation with wonderful people, and creating new things with wood. Plus learning to play new games – with the view to one day beating you guys at Strive.

Lou - Rehabilitation Coordinator (Clinical, RN)

Having worked as a Registered Nurse in the UK & NZ, I have always been drawn towards rehabilitation, especially neurology.

To be part of others’ experiences and journeys is a privilege; which I am happy and grateful to share in.

I believe in the saying “Live for the moment’, and I try to make good of everything life can throw at you!! Most people who know me will understand that I like to make people smile and feel happy – a very important aspect of feeling good and we should all do more!

Everyone is uniquely individual, and the need to consider providing a holistic, unifying service is an exciting challenge to me. Fortunately, we have a great team here that can do that ...

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no-one alive who is youer than you!" (Dr Seuss)

Teresa - Programme Coordinator

Prior to me coming to Strive Rehabilitation I spent 8 years with Mid Central Health, the last 5 years of that in Star 3 Rehabilitation Unit.  Working primarily with clients under 65 years of age who have been affected by either a stroke or a head injury.  I am always up for a challenge and the clients that attend the Centre certainly provide this for me.  Working alongside the "great" staff and clients at the Centre certainly gives me job satisfaction.

   “Life is about falling – Living is about getting back-up”

Katie - Rehabilitation Coordinator

Kia Ora! I’m Katie, it’s a pleasure to be working at Strive with such incredible people. I come from Mash Trust where I previously worked as an EGL support worker, working with adults with high needs disabilities. I have also studied and worked in Mental Health settings as well as many years working on dairy farms. I came to Strive to challenge myself and to find a great working environment. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of people who have faced many challenges.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and working alongside a great team.

Angela - Rehabilitation Coach

It is an honour and privilege to be part of the Strive Rehabilitation family. My background is in caregiving, education, sports coaching and coordinating. I previously worked in high school education as a Teacher Aide for 7 years. I have a passion for working with people who have differing abilities. Outside of work I enjoy coaching and coordinating gymnastics and canoe polo, crochet, reading and cross stitch. I look forward to combining all of my skills and hobbies together in my role here.

Norma - Office Manager

Ko Kahuranaki te maunga

Ko Waipawa te awa
Ko Rangitane raua ko Ngati Kahungunu nga iwi
Ko Parakiore te hapu
Ko Tepairu te marae
Ko Norma Moran toku ingoa

Hi I’m Norma. I moved to Palmerston North from Marton last year. I have been an office administrator for the last 18 years and before that I worked in garden centres and nurseries for 13 years. I am very happy to join the diversely talented team here at Strive Rehabilitation Manawatu, in this lovely garden setting.

Terry - Tai Chi Master

Terry Richardson, was born in Scotland and moved to New Zealand in 1965. He was teaching Te Reo at Whanganui High School when he sustained a serious head injury after falling through a sky light. In 1996 he was introduced to Tai Chi & Qi Gong. Terry says Tai Chi has helped him to regain much of his short-term memory, and keeps him relaxed and calm.

Since 2007, every Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon you will find Terry here at the Centre taking Tai Chi classes' which are very beneficial to the clients and staff. " I'm a great believer in kindness, gentleness, compassion and joy. To do all those things you need courage."