Hey there, I'm Rachel, founder and owner/operator of Connect Occupational Therapy.

Welcome! If you're here, you probably want to know a little bit more about me.

I started my career as a mental health occupational therapist in Wellington with Pathways, working in a strengths based manner to support people with moderate - severe mental health challenges ("moderate - severe" means people with major depression, schizophrenia, OCD, and bipolar disorder). I loved this job and only left because it was time to start my own family.

After a career break to be a stay-at-home-parent, I started providing parenting education for parents in Aotearoa New Zealand. This has grown to include digital downloads, an online course, and virtual consults. I reach new parents through Instagram, which I've found a lovely way to connect with parents and promote the difference that occupational therapy can make in their lives. 

A watershed moment for me in my career has been learning about polyvagal theory, and training in The Safe and Sound Protocol (The SSP). Polyvagal theory is "the science of feeling safe", and it underpins the way I work with both parents and tamariki (children). I am a proud certified provider of The SSP and deliver it to parents across Aotearoa New Zealand. The SSP can help parents move from fight/flight/freeze modes to being more present and connected with their kids and others around them.    

I have specialised in paediatrics and from 2021-2024 worked 2 days a week in early intervention at The Champion Centre. This service is a registered charity that provides specialist MDT support to children aged 0 - 6 years of age, living in Otautahi Christchurch.

I love combining my unique blend of specialist mental health knowledge into my work supporting children and families.

I currently balance running Connect Occupational Therapy with parenting my own four children, who are aged between 4 and 11 years of age.

If you are seeking individual occupational therapy for your child, I can see them during school hours on Mondays or Tuesdays at Te Ara Sophia in Opawa. Please fill out our intake form or contact me to enquire about spaces available.