OUR TEAM

Kamini Naidoo

Speech Language Therapist /Director

I have been working as a Speech Language Therapist since 1997 and started my career after graduating with a Bachelor of Speech & Hearing therapy in Durban, South Africa. I moved to New Zealand in 1999 and have since worked in a number of settings including hospital, in the Education Sector , contracting to ACC and in private practice.

Cornerstone Therapy was initially started in 2001 to provide me with work-life balance. I am a mum to two school aged children and work full time as a Speech Language Therapist contracting to schools, ACC and private clients.

I believe in constantly up skilling by attending courses and workshops so that I can provide the best possible research driven therapy to my clients and their families.

I am a Makaton regional tutor for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region and have completed the Compton P – ESL certification for accent reduction.

Ezmi Brits

Speech Language Therapist

I am an experienced paediatric speech and language therapist. I graduated with a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy from Massey University seven years ago, and have been a member of the New Zealand Speech Therapy Association since. After working in Auckland for a few years I traveled – mainly around Africa and Europe – and worked as a speech therapist in England from 2016 to end of 2017.

Born in South Africa, I grew up in Auckland (NZ) from the age of 7. I speak Afrikaans fairly fluently. I have no children of my own, but I do have two nephews. I enjoy hiking, drawing, reading, and traveling / exploring when I can.

Nathan Humphrey

Speech Language Therapist

I am a recent SLP, having graduated with my degree in Speech and Language Pathology with Honours from Canterbury in 2022. I was born in Hamilton, but I grew up in Virginia in the United States. I moved back to New Zealand to study in Christchurch, and now I’ve made my way back!

I have ADHD and try to raise awareness and advocate for people with neurodivergence. I also enjoy board games and the card game scene in Hamilton, as well as spending time with friends when I can.

Cassie Welsh

Occupational Therapist

I have graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Otago Polytechnic. I really enjoy using occupations to facilitate opportunities for learning and growth in the kids that I work with. I have a passion for seeing children learn and develop the skills they need to engage in meaningful occupations.

Outside of work, I love being outdoors, at the beach, hiking and running. I also love second-hand shopping and going to cafes.

Erin Oliver

Occupational Therapist

I graduated as an Occupational Therapist from Otago Polytechnic in 2004. Since then I have worked in DHBs across New Zealand as well as working for 3 years in London, taking a break from OT only to have my children. I have experience in the areas of physical rehabilitation, brain injury, workplace injury, and community rehabilitation programmes.

I live in Hamilton with my husband and 3 daughters. I am passionate about the role of Occupational Therapy in school environments and the difference that we can make to a child’s participation in education.

Rachel Vernon Rainey

Occupational Therapist

I have been practicing Occupational Therapy for over 20 years, with experience in the health systems of both New Zealand and England.  I have worked in a variety of settings, of which my preference is that of Physical Health and Ability.  The environments in which I have practiced include hospital/institutional bases, community, education, private practice, and private rehabilitation units and businesses.

I enjoy interaction with people with the focus on “helping others to help themselves”.  I believe we all have a skill and with guidance and support we can build on it.  Outside of my working life I have interests in both indoor and outdoor activities and live in a rural environment in the Matamata-Piako district of Waikato.

Cat Seward

Occupational Therapist

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) from Curtin University Western Australia in 2007. I have worked with children for many years in Mental health and school based Occupational Therapy. I am driven by a passion for enabling meaningful engagement in occupation, and excited to share my knowledge and experience with children and families accessing this service and school.

I currently live in Hamilton with my husband and our five boys. We spend our spare time camping, renovating our home, supporting lots of sports teams and children’s passions, and lots of time with friends and family. We love escaping the city life for a quiet place near the beach.

Anna Colville

Physiotherapist

I  graduated at the Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of health science – majoring in Physiotherapy in 2009. I worked as a rotational Physiotherapist at Waikato Hospital for 2 years before gaining a full time paediatric physiotherapy role, working on Waikato Hospitals inpatient children’s wards, outpatient clinics, neonatal unit and at the Child Development Centre.  I have a passion for working with children,  and started working for Cornerstone Therapy after starting my family in 2016.

Jacqui Peart

Physiotherapist

Working in the health industry for the past 20 years, I continue to enjoy the rewards and challenges that being a physiotherapist offers.

My areas of expertise include brain injury (traumatic and acquired), musculoskeletal therapy, and falls prevention.

I have had the opportunity to practice in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and have spent time volunteering in both Central America and India.

I have three wonderful children and a supportive husband, we are all passionate about travel.

Dr Michelle de Wet

Clinical Psychologist

I am a registered clinical psychologist in private practice who specialises in cognitive assessments and working with families. In the past I have worked in child and adolescent mental health as well as at the Child Development Centre in Hamilton. I graduated in 2008 from the University of Hartford (Connecticut, USA) with a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Child and adolescent psychology. My undergraduate training was in Cape Town, South Africa which is where I grew up.

Shirley Dupont

Administrator

I am a busy mum to two children, and my husband and I own our own business servicing rural clients. I have worked in many varied administrative roles including DHB’s, not-for-profit organisations and the financial sector.

In my down time I love to bake, spend lots of time in the garden and doing DIY projects. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and we spend most of our summers exploring New Zealand with our caravan in tow.

Obi

The Therapy Dog

I am a 3 year old Cavoodle and I love playing with the children in Therapy. My mum has trained me with the help of a trainer and I can now have fun playing and helping all the children that want to play with me.