HomeOur Team
As a certified Hand Therapist, each Handworks therapist is highly qualified and a specialist in their field - Hand Therapy, hand occupational therapy, hand rehabilitation, and hand physiotherapy.
Hand Therapists:
Sarah Waldin - Clinic Director & Registered Hand Therapist
Sarah qualified as a physiotherapist in 1994 and developed a special interest in Hand Therapy whilst working at Middlemore Hospital.
In partnership with Julie Rouse, Sarah established Handworks in 1997, the first clinic being based in the Cornwall Medical Centre, Royal Oak.
Sarah divides her time between a clinical caseload, practice administration, and looking after a young family of 3.
Sarah is past President of NZAHT and is still involved with the Education sub-committee. She lectures on the post graduate HAUL paper at AUT.
Outside of work Sarah enjoys running and skiing.
Julie Rouse - Clinic Director & Registered Hand Therapist
Julie qualified as a physiotherapist in the UK in 1981, moving to NZ in 1986. She pursued a special interest in Hand Therapy whilst working at Middlemore, and was Section Manager for Hand Therapy (1990-96) before leaving to have a family.
In partnership with Sarah Waldin, Julie set up Handworks in 1997, recognising a need for a specialist Hand Therapy service in central Auckland; and completed her PGd in Hand Therapy in 1998.
Julie is actively involved in NZAHT, chairing the ACC committee and supervising Associate members. She lectures on the post graduate HAUL paper and has done presentations regarding Hand Therapy, both locally and nationally. She has a specific interest in Wrist instabilities and Sports Injuries.
Julie divides her time between a clinical caseload at Great South Road and Adidas Sports Medicine, practice management and her busy teenage family.
Moana Cameron - Registered Hand Therapist
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 and Sarah’s Boss !!) She spent 10 years in Riyadh (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 RHT, 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 3 grown up children in France, Japan and soon to be London, so it is no surprise she has a yen to travel more.
Brenda Clow - Registered Hand Therapist
Brenda joined Handworks in 2001, returning from overseas where she had started to develop an interest in treating Hand Injuries whilst working in Burns and plastics.
An experienced Hand therapist, and valued member of our team, Brenda has taken time out to start a family and is now the mother of three delightful children.
Brenda works 2 full days in the clinic and is known for her superb efficiency and time management, along with a wide range of clinical skills. She enjoys treating all conditions and has a special interest in splinting, education and burns. She is involved with the NZAHT as regional representative for Auckland.
Susan Fromm - Registered Hand Therapist
Susan has been with Handworks since 2007, after returning to NZ from overseas, where she gained considerable experience as a Physiotherapist in a variety of cultures.
Since her return, Susan has completed the Hand and Upper limb paper at AUT and become a RHT. She is currently completing her Masters in Health Practice with papers on Acupuncture.
Susan is a valued member of the team, bringing together her musculoskeletal and hospital based experience, with specialist skills in dry needling and trigger point therapy, and Hand Therapy.
Outside of work Susan enjoys scuba diving, swimming, cycling and travel - when she can escape!
Belinda Gerdis - Associate Hand Therapist
Belinda completed her 3 year Bachelor of Medicine in Cape Town, South Africa in 1992, before immigrating to New Zealand, where she qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1996 at AUT.
2009 was a busy year for Belinda as she completed the HAUL paper and her post graduate Cert. in Health Science. Since then she has spent the last 5 years working in spinal rehabilitation, with special interest in the management of the tetraplegic Hand, before joining us in 2011.
Family, handcrafts, body boarding and walking her dog take up most of Belinda's spare time.
Nikki Healy - Associate Hand Therapist
Nikki completed her BHSc (Physiotherapy) at AUT in 2003. She developed an interest in the management of hand and upper limb conditions while working as a rotational Physio at Middlemore Hospital, and has spent the last 4 years working in Hand Therapy clinic in London.
Nikki recently moved back to New Zealand with her husband and joined the Handworks team in February 2011.
Nikki has completed the post graduate Hand and Upper Limb paper at AUT and is working towards RHT status. Her clinical interest includes trauma, wrist injuries and burns.
Outside of work Nikki enjoys travel, keeping fit and spending time with family and friends.
Emma Hedges - Registered Hand Therapist
Emma graduated as an Occupational Therapist in 2003. While working in Paediatrics Emma developed an interest in conditions of the Hands, which was further strengthened with work in Vocational Rehabilitation.
In 2006 the UK beckoned with the obligatory “OE”. Upon returning Emma has completed her Post Graduate Certificate, joined Handworks in 2011, and gained full Registration as a Hand Therapist.
Away from Handworks, Emma loves to spend time with her son, and indulging in her passion for photography, cooking/baking and keeping fit.
Yan Shan Lu - Registered Hand Therapist
Yan Shan joined Hand works in 2008, having worked previously as Senior Hand Therapist at the Manukau Superclinic Hand Therapy Unit.
Yan Shan trained in China as a medical Doctor, before coming to NZ where she completed her physiotherapy training, going on to work at Middlemore hospital. It was here she gained an interest in Hand Therapy that she has pursued ever since.
Yan Shan achieved her RHT status in 2007, then joined Handworks where she is a valued member of the team, always prepared to go the extra mile for her patients and colleagues.
Yan Shan practices Chinese and Western Acupuncture and has a special interest in multi trauma and complex pain problems. She is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin and has two school age children.
Danya Rawlinson - Registered Hand Therapist
Danya qualified with a BAOT in 2002 from Otago. After 8 years in London she is heading home, bringing with her a wealth of Hand Therapy experience.
Danya started in the Hand Therapy field in 2004, and since then has been lucky to work in 3 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 have enabled her to develop skills in all major areas of Hand Therapy, including Trauma, and acquired and congenital conditions. While in the UK she gained the BAHT Level 1&2 , CHT plus completing numerous courses.
Danya tells us she is an avid traveler, enjoys numerous outdoor sports and has hobbies such as jewelry making.
Angela Toemen - Registered Hand Therapist
Following completion in 1999 of her Physiotherapy Degree in Dunedin, Angela began her “OE” working for St Andrews Centre for Burns and Plastic. While there she developed an interest in Hands, starting her study towards (BAHT) British Hand Therapy Qualifications.
2004 saw Angela at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital London gaining more experience in Trauma, Surgical plastics and Ortho rehab.
Guys and St Thomas beckoned in 2008 where Angela became the Clinical Lead for Physiotherapy in Hands, as well as having time to publish articles on Metacarpal fractures, and research articles on wrist strength.
In 2011 with the “OE” over Angela joined Handworks.
Spare time is spent with family, running and enjoying our Auckland sunshine.
Ann Searle - Locum Hand Therapist
Ann is a respected Hand Therapy colleague who regularly helps us out as Locum.
Ann first became interested in hands whilst employed as a new grad at Middlemore, and went on to work in a private practice on the North Shore for 10 years, with a large Hand caseload...
Ann is a talented lady with PGDs in Hand Therapy and Manual therapy, a registered Acupuncturist, and also with a degree in Zoology & Botany!
When not locuming in Hand Therapy, Ann volunteers at the Zoo in conservation medicine, runs her business in Nutrition and wellbeing, as well as spending time with her family. Much travelled, she is always looking for new places to visit.