Meet the Team
We are here to provide the best possible care we can. We have bought together a team of experienced and caring clinicians and practitioners to help you on your journey to wellness
Anna Thompson
Director
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Kia Ora - I'm Anna, a proud born and bred Southlander and a super passionate Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. I get asked a lot about what made me want to be a pelvic floor physio, to be honest I think it is my calling. All paths lead me to where I am now and I wouldn't have it any otherway. I am passionate about helping you rid yourself of pelvic floor dysfunction so you can get on with living your best life. I love educating people about their pelvic health and empowering them to help themselves. I honestly enjoy all areas of pelvic health, but I'm especially passionate about bowel health and sexual dysfunction. With nearly 20 years experience in pelvic floor physiotherapy, some call me a pelvic floor wizard, and I am confident I'll be able to get on top of whatever is holding your back.
Kate Owen
Counsellor
Hi, I'm Kate, a qualified and experienced counsellor. I aim to provide people with self compassion tools that they can utilise to find a more settled and kinder relationship with themselves, while navigating times of challenge and change. I have over 10 years experience working alongside people of all ages adjusting to life after change and loss. My career has been varied, and has including working for CanTeen, being a school counsellor, tutoring at the University or Cantebury and working for Hospice Southland. I have found the skills that I have learnt as a counsellor have been hugely beneficial with helping me adjust to parenthood during the pandemic. My hope is to share this knowledge with others. I also have a passion for education and the theory and principals behind different counselling techniques and approaches. I am a provisional member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) and work in accordance with the NZAC Code of Ethics.
Amber de Geest
Massage Therapist
Hi I’m Amber, I’m a Mum of three and live with my partner in Invercargill. I am a qualified massage therapist of 9 years now with many years of experience. My career started off by becoming a qualified beauty therapist and gaining top practical student in my class. I thoroughly enjoyed the massage, especially pregnant women, component of my role. I love how massage helps both physically and mentally. It can help relieve muscle tension making it an invaluable tool for stress relief. And it supports the body’s natural healing process by enhancing circulation. Also most importantly beyond massages physical effects, I love how the nurturing touch of massage has psychological effects like reducing anxiety, promoting better sleep and mood enhancement. When I was pregnant massage helped ease discomfort associated with pregnancy related changes. It can also help promote a sense of calm and connection during this transformative time. As a massage therapist I find fulfilment in directly impacting people's lives by offering relief from pain, stress, and tension. I create a soothing and supportive environment, fostering relaxation and wellbeing for my clients
Maia Paterson
(In)Fertility Coach
Hi - I'm Maia: mum of three, wife, dog lover, (In)fertility Coach, Registered Midwife, and Certified Health Coach. My career started as a midwife working both in a hospital setting and as a LMC, supporting women and their families on their journey to parenthood. During this time I also taught antenatal classes and facilitated multi-disciplinary professional development activities to enhance safe practice and maternal & child well-being. In 2020 I decided to shift my career slightly and became a PREKURE certified health coach. Since then I have helped numerous women wanting to conceive to improve their chances of getting pregnant, by implementing lifestyle modifications. I am big on self-advocacy, doing the right thing for yourself, and getting the answers you want. My mission is to empower women to be in control of their fertility, break the taboo around women's health, and carve the future for the next generation. I look forward to meeting you in person soon!
Tammy Colvin
Front of House
Hi I’m Tammy I joined the HDS team in April ’23 after 23 years at the hospital working with physiotherapy. During that time I developed an interest in women’s health and enjoyed my time working with Anna so when the opportunity arose to join this amazing team it was a no brainer! I really enjoy meeting and interacting with our clients and the baby cuddles I get are a great bonus. I’m always up for a chat in the waiting room and I am more than happy to watch bubs during your appointment. When I am not at work I am home on our lifestyle block hanging out with my Grandkids and our very spoilt animals.
Kaitlin De Geest
Pre- & Postnatal Personal Trainer
Hi I'm Kaitlin, I want to help you evolve into this next phase of life by helping you understand the way your body is going to or has changed. I've been a Certified Personal Trainer for 7 years and am also a Certified Pre and Postnatal Coach. I started my journey in Christchurch and then moved down to Invercargill, back to family. After my sisters became pregnant, I wanted to help them stay active throughout their pregnancies and into the postnatal period. My passion for helping people through their childbearing years continues to grow, I enjoy helping people to love their bodies while growing little ones. Being supported to exercise safely and embracing the new ways your body moves and feels can help build a new found confidence in yourself. I'll help you learn and understand the importance and benefits of maintaining and regaining your body's everyday strength to handle motherhood like a pro.
Tayla Ryland
Pilates Instructor
Hi I'm Tayla - My partner and I decided that it was time to leave sunny Perth and return back home to the deep south to be close to family as we have an almost two year old sassy girl. I fell in love with Pilates whilst pregnant in 2021 and decided to become an instructor whilst on maternity leave to help others move their body in a comfortable way. Not only is Pilates good for the body but it’s good for the soul too. My classes will be a beautiful mix, focusing on full body balance, control and challenge. Talya is a Level 4 reformer and matwork Pilates instructor with pregnancy and post-partum pilates training.
Meg Katsura
Yoga Instructor
Namaste, I'm Megumi (Meg) I am originally from Japan. I am a yogini, surfer and graphic designer. I completed my 500 hours of training in NZ and India. I started my yoga journey in 2012 for mental health practice. Since then I have visited many teachers in Japan, Indonesia, India and Australia to expand my experience of different types of yoga, pranayama and meditation. Knowing the beautiful traditional practices guided me to stay with Ashtanga.
Nona McDonald
Physiotherapist I Pilates Instructor
Hi I'm Nona, mum to 2 young boys, physiotherapist and pilates instructor. I'm teaching Mums & Bubs Pilates at Health Down South. I enjoy working with the postpartum population, as a mum myself I appreciate how important exercise is and how challenging it can be to find the time to fit it in. Being able to bring your babies and child with you to my pilates classes can make fitting in exercise more achieveable.
Kate Watkinson
Yoga Instructor
Hi, I'm Kate and I believe it is our birth right to not merely survive but thrive. I am an International Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) trained Yoga instructor with over 20 years experience. I take a holistic approach to Yoga that respects the ancient teachings and wisdom. I am always hungry to learn, evolve and deepen, and continue to read, listen, immerse and train in practices that enrich mine and ours lives.