Paediatric Therapy Christchurch
Supporting Christchurch Tamariki and Whānau
Every child develops in their own way. At APM Christchurch, our Tamariki Service provides family-centred therapy and support for infants, children, and young people across Christchurch and Canterbury.
Our therapists work alongside children, parents, caregivers, schools, early learning centres, and community supports to help tamariki participate, learn, grow and thrive in everyday life.
Whether you're seeking support for physical development, communication, sensory processing, emotional wellbeing, learning, or participation in everyday activities, we're here to help explore the right support options for your child and whānau.
Private appointments available in Christchurch and surrounding Canterbury communities.
Why Choose APM Christchurch?
We understand that every child, family, and situation is unique.
Our Christchurch Tamariki Service is designed to provide flexible, practical support that can be tailored to your child's strengths, needs, and goals.
Family-Centred Approach
We work closely with children and their support networks, placing whānau at the centre of planning and decision-making.
Flexible Service Delivery
Support can be provided in our Christchurch clinic, at home, in schools, early learning centres, or within community settings where appropriate.
Individualised Support
Therapy recommendations are based on your child's circumstances, goals, and participation needs.
Collaborative Care
Where appropriate, we work alongside teachers, healthcare providers, support agencies, and other professionals involved in your child's care.
Paediatric Services Available in Christchurch
Our Christchurch Tamariki team provides support across a wide range of developmental, physical, emotional, and learning needs.
Occupational Therapy
Supporting participation in everyday activities, sensory processing, emotional regulation, self-care skills, school readiness, and independence.
Physiotherapy
Supporting movement, coordination, balance, strength, mobility, physical confidence, and participation in sport, play, and everyday activities.
Speech and Language Therapy
Supporting communication, speech, language development, social communication, and feeding where appropriate.
Psychology
Supporting emotional wellbeing, behaviour, resilience, confidence, and practical strategies for children and families.
Developmental Support
Supporting children with developmental delays, learning challenges, sensory needs, and everyday participation goals.
Meet the team
Nicole McNulty
Nicole has worked in rehabilitation since 2013, supporting people with a range of needs.She has a particular interest in concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as promoting independence and supporting mental health. Nicole enjoys helping people build confidence and develop skills for everyday life.Outside of work, Nicole enjoys hiking, cold lake dips, and walking her dog.
Maryanne Jones
Maryanne has experience working across sensory disorders, child and adolescent mental health, school and learning support, and pain management. She has a particular interest in child and adolescent pain management, as well as supporting sensory needs, mental health, and school-based challenges. Outside of work, Maryanne enjoys cooking, baking, reading, music, sports, animals, and Lego.
Shelley Hollis
Shelley has over 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist, helping people move better and feel more confident in everyday life.She has worked across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the USA, with a particular interest in paediatrics and neurological conditions. Shelley has completed additional training in Bobath and Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI).Outside of work, Shelley enjoys family time, dog walks, and cooking.
Kathryn Edmands
Kathryn has worked with paediatric clients across clinic, home, school, and community settings for over 30 years.She is passionate about supporting tamariki and their whānau to develop meaningful skills for everyday participation. Kathryn brings a warm, collaborative approach and tailors interventions to each child's needs.Outside of work, Kathryn enjoys cooking and going to the gym.
Olivia Adam
Olivia is a physiotherapist with experience across paediatrics, musculoskeletal, sports, and rehabilitation physiotherapy.She is passionate about working alongside children and their whānau to achieve meaningful goals that support participation in everyday activities. Olivia has a particular interest in musculoskeletal conditions, post-injury rehabilitation, and neurological management.Outside of work, Olivia enjoys hiking, running, and biking.
Lara Beth
Lara Beth is an occupational therapist originally from North Carolina, USA, and has been living in New Zealand since 2025.She has experience supporting children in paediatric clinics, classrooms, and early intervention settings. Lara Beth takes a child- and whānau-centred approach, using play-based interventions to support development, learning, and confidence.Outside of work, she enjoys nature, ballet, karaoke, and op shopping.
Lynne Weir
Lynne has been a physiotherapist for over 20 years and is passionate about supporting children and their whānau. She has experience working with children with developmental delay, gross motor difficulties, sensory challenges, neurodivergence, concussion, and musculoskeletal conditions. Lynne takes a play-based approach, helping children build confidence, movement skills, and independence through meaningful everyday activities.Outside of work, Lynne enjoys making the most of life in Queenstown. She loves mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and spending time outdoors with her two daughters.
Supporting Christchurch Tamariki and Whānau
Christchurch families access private paediatric therapy for many different reasons.
Some children are building confidence with movement and coordination. Others may need support with communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, learning, or participation in everyday activities.
Our team works with children from across Christchurch, Selwyn, Waimakariri, Rolleston, Rangiora, Lincoln and surrounding Canterbury communities.
We regularly support tamariki in:
- Homes
- Early learning centres
- Primary and secondary schools
- Community settings
- Recreational and sporting environments
By providing support in environments familiar to the child, we aim to make therapy practical, relevant, and meaningful for everyday life.
What to Expect
The first step is an initial consultation.
This appointment allows our therapist to get to know your child, understand your goals, and discuss what support may be appropriate.
The initial consultation may include:
- Discussion with parents or caregivers
- Observation and assessment activities
- Review of existing information or reports
- Discussion of strengths, challenges, and goals
- Recommendations and next steps
Following the consultation, your therapist will discuss suitable support options and work with your family to determine what approach best meets your needs.
Local Christchurch Support
Our Christchurch Tamariki Service supports families seeking private paediatric therapy throughout Canterbury.
Families may contact us when they:
- Have concerns about their child's development
- Are looking for additional therapy support
- Are waiting for publicly funded services
- Want a second opinion
- Need support for a specific goal or challenge
- Require ongoing rehabilitation or developmental support
Self-referrals are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Our Christchurch Tamariki Team
Looking for paediatric therapy in Christchurch?
Our team is here to help you understand your options and find the support that best suits your child's needs.