About

Merryn Robertson graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2004 and a Masters in Physiotherapy in 2009 from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg South Africa.

She has over 20 years’ experience working with children, primarily in the areas of paediatric neurology, respiratory, orthopaedics and bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Merryn has worked in a variety of settings within the health and education sectors in South Africa and New Zealand including the clinic, homes, preschools and schools. She also enjoys volunteer and outreach work, and visited Tonga in 2019 to support children with disabilities in their community.

Merryn is driven to keep learning every day to ensure she stays up to date with international evidence informed practices and uses regular peer reviews and supervision to ensure best practices.

She has participated in a national Down’s syndrome working group to review NZ national guidance documents as well as developing evidence informed allied health interventions for school aged children with Down syndrome.
Merryn enjoys connecting with peers and colleagues globally through the Wired Collective.

Experience

  • New Zealand Registered Physiotherapist (2008 – current)
  • Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand (PNZ)
  • Member of Paediatric Special Interest Group, PNZ (2016 – present)
  • Secretary of Paediatric Special Interest Group (2016 – 2022)
  • Chairperson of Paediatric Special Interest Group, PNZ (2022-2024)
  • Member of New Zealand Bobath Association (NZBA)
  • Tutor Trainer of New Zealand Bobath Association (NZBA)
  • Founding member of The Wired Collective (TWC)

Professional Development

Merryn has completed several professional development courses over the years by leading experts in their fields including Mary Massery, Billi Cusick, Dawn Sandalcidi, Pia Stampe, Elaine Owen and others. She has also enjoyed working in a team under Paediatric Special Interest Group in bringing these experts to New Zealand to run their courses.

A variety of treatment tools including theratogs and task specific electrical stimulation (TASES) is used in her approach and rehabilitation sessions.

Merryn has completed a variety of culturally inclusive courses as well as keeping up to date with first aid and CPR annually.