Welcome to
The School OT

Explore our journey and the ways we can help children thrive. From sensory integration to gross and fine motor co-ordination, we're dedicated to providing personalised services to ensure the best outcomes for your child.

We understand the unique needs of each child and are here to support them every step of the way.

Join us in creating a space where every child feels heard and valued. Together, we can make a difference in their lives.

About Abbie

Abbie Graduated AUT University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, majoring in Occupational Therapy.

During her studies she developed a strong interest in paediatric sensory integration, leading her into her career in private practice and working with children experiencing learning, behavioural, and sensory challenges.

Abbie has worked in several key environments since 2009, including delivering holiday programmes at The Wilson Home, Wairau Special School, and Private Practice.

As a mother of two, Abbie knows the challenges of raising children, and given her background, can understand some of the additional challenges some children may present.

Click below to see the qualifications and training that Abbie has gained.


  • Abbie completed her Health Science degree in 2009 at AUT University, majoring in Occupational Therapy.


  • Abbie is qualified to administer The Astronaut Training programme.

    This vestibular program offers a therapeutic approach aimed at optimising sensory integration in children, with a particular focus on refining the vestibular system to enhance balance and spatial awareness.

    Incorporating rotational movement on the Astronaut Board, eye tracking and gaze stabilisation exercises, this comprehensive regimen provides therapeutic benefits by improving sensory processing, fostering improved coordination, and promoting adaptive responses to sensory stimuli in children.

    Abbie travelled to Sydney in 2012 to complete this training programme.


  • Abbie is qualified to administer The Wilbarger Protocol - a sensory integration therapy designed to alleviate sensory defensiveness and enhance regulation in individuals with sensory processing disorders.

    It involves the application of deep pressure and brushing techniques to the body's skin surfaces, followed by joint compressions, aiming to desensitise the sensory system and promote improved sensory modulation.

    Abbie completed this qualification in Sydney in 2010.


  • Abbie travelled to Sydney in 2012 to complete The Therapeutic Listening Training

    This programme is a structured intervention that utilises specially modulated music to target specific sensory processing difficulties and promote regulation in individuals with sensory processing disorders.

    By engaging participants in carefully designed listening exercises, it aims to improve sensory integration, attention, and emotional regulation.


  • Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements that originate in the brainstem and are present in infants from birth. They are crucial for survival and early development, but ideally, they should gradually integrate as the child grows, making way for more sophisticated voluntary movements and higher cognitive functions.

    Retained reflexes can significantly impact children in everyday life by hindering their motor coordination, balance, and ability to focus. Unintegrated reflexes may lead to challenges in tasks such as handwriting, anxiety, emotional regulation and social skills.

    Abbie has trained in both assessment and integration of the 8 primitive reflexes