Ana initially trained in Brazil, completing her qualifications in Occupational Therapy in 2008. She went on to work in a number of multi-disciplinary clinics in South America, focusing on adult and paediatric rehabilitation, as well as neuro-paediatrics. She also completed housing assessments and spent time in schools, hospitals and rest homes.
She relocated to Aotearoa in 2016, securing her first job in mobility solutions (specialising in wheelchair seating). It was here that her passion for occupational therapy was born, alongside a deep understanding of the New Zealand health system and ACC.
These days, Ana’s time is spent helping wheelchair therapists understand our range of equipment, working with them and their clients to achieve the best seating positions possible. She’s also a crucial bridge between the end user and New Zealand’s various health services, performing seating and lying assessments, and even providing guidance on funding applications.
Ana loves seeing the difference the right equipment can make in a client’s life – how achieving the best position can improve breathing, enhance comfort, and increase both independence and participation.
She’s a creative thinker who enjoys brainstorming solutions with therapists. Her client-centric approach is based on the belief that the client and their whanāu are the real experts, and that any treatment strategies should be guided by their personal experiences, insights, and goals.