Our Story
25 years in. Still driven by what's possible.
Neurological and vestibular rehabilitation on the Hibiscus Coast, built on experience, and a deep belief in what recovery can look like.
Sarah started Hibiscus Neuro Rehab because she could see what dedicated neurological and vestibular rehabilitation could do, and she wanted people on the Hibiscus Coast to have access to it.
"Behind every person who comes through our door is a life that's been affected by a diagnosis, a fall, a dizzy spell that never quite went away."
Every session, every therapist, every programme here exists to meet people at that point, and work with them toward what's possible.
Where we came from
A clinic built by someone who couldn't stop going deeper
Sarah Hopkins founded Hibiscus Neuro Rehab in 2012 after years working in neurological rehabilitation across New Zealand and the UK - including the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square London. She kept going further into this field: vestibular training, postgraduate study at Otago University, and the complex cases that other clinics stepped back from. She came home to the Hibiscus Coast because she could see that people here deserved access to rehabilitation at that level and so she built it.
What started as a single-therapist community service has grown into a close team with more than 30 years of combined experience, supporting hundreds of people across the coast and wider Northland.
Founded 2012
25+ Years in Neuro Rehab
15 Years in Vestibular Care
30+ Years Combined Experience
What makes Us Different
We work exclusively in this field and we lean into the hard cases
We don't split our time across general physiotherapy or sports injuries. Neurological therapis Whangaparaoa and vestibular rehabilitation is all we do - which means the depth of clinical reasoning in every session is different from what you'd find in a general practice.
We look at how you're sleeping, how fatigue is showing up in your day, what activities matter most to you. Your programme is built around what you want to get back to, not a standard template. We offer clinic appointments and home visits across the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas, because for many people, the best rehabilitation happens where they actually live.
And we don't shy away from complexity. People who've been told "there's not much more we can do" , those are exactly the people we want to work with
The People Behind Hibiscus Neuro Rehab
A small team who all chose this field deliberately
Every Neurological therapist Whangaparaoa at HNR is here because they wanted to work in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation, not because it was where they landed. That shows up in how they work, how they think, and how they show up for the people they support.
Sarah Hopkins
Director and Senior Neurological Physiotherapist
Sarah is the Director and Senior Physiotherapist at Hibiscus Neuro Rehab, which she founded in 2012 to provide specialist neurological, balance and vestibular physiotherapy services to people living on the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas.
Sarah graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2004 with a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy). She is a registered physiotherapist and a member of Physiotherapy New Zealand, including the Older Adult and Neurological Special Interest Groups. She has recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy, endorsed in Neurological Rehabilitation, through the University of Otago.
Sarah has extensive clinical experience working in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Her international experience includes roles at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen Square in London and the Wolfson Neurological Rehabilitation Centre. In New Zealand, she has worked across a wide range of services within Waikato and Waitematā District Health Boards, including inpatient rehabilitation, community rehabilitation, orthopaedics, general surgery, and burns and plastics.
Her clinical passion lies in neurological physiotherapy, balance and vestibular rehabilitation. Sarah has completed a vestibular competency-based course and is also a qualified Nordic Walking instructor, using functional, real-world movement approaches to support rehabilitation and confidence with mobility.
Sarah is known for her calm, supportive approach and her focus on helping people regain independence, confidence and quality of life through individually tailored, goal-focused rehabilitation.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Neurological rehabilitation
Balance and vestibular rehabilitation
Concussion and complex presentations
Falls prevention and mobility
Community-based rehabilitation
What Clients Can Expect
Clear explanations and education about their condition
Individualised, evidence-based rehabilitation
A supportive, calm and collaborative approach
Therapy focused on real-life function and goals
Annika Jarrett-Hoare
Senior Neurological Physiotherapist
Annika is a Registered Physiotherapist (Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand), BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy.
Annika has experience across both hospital and community settings, including stroke rehabilitation in the UK and several years working in neurology and neurosurgery at Auckland City Hospital. She has also supported clients in the community through rehabilitation contracts for traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
Annika enjoys supporting people with neurological conditions as they work towards what matters most to them. She brings a calm, encouraging approach and aims to create a space where clients feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to keep moving forward.
Her rehabilitation approach focuses on understanding each person’s goals and breaking these down into meaningful steps. She takes time to analyse movement, track progress, and adapt sessions through problem-solving, helping clients build confidence and work towards greater independence in everyday life.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Neurological rehabilitation
Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord injury
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Functional neurological disorder (FND)
What Clients Can Expect When Working With Annika
A motivating and supportive environment that encourages progress
A friendly, relaxed approach to rehabilitation
Goal-focused sessions tailored to what matters most to you
Additional Training / Interests
Recent course in managing cervical dystonia.
“I enjoy creating a positive and supportive space where people feel encouraged to keep working towards what matters to them.”
Anna Nicholson
Senior Occupational Therapist
Anna is a Registered Occupational Therapist with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy), along with a Certificate in Small Business Management.
She has worked in a large Auckland hospital across acute neurology and neurosurgery, and has since supported both adults and children in the community through ACC contracts.
Anna enjoys occupational therapy because it allows her to support people to regain independence and confidence in everyday life. She finds it meaningful to work alongside clients as they rebuild skills and return to activities that matter to them.
She takes the time to understand each person’s goals, values, and daily challenges, creating a supportive environment where clients feel heard and respected.
Anna’s approach to rehabilitation is collaborative and practical. She works with clients to set realistic goals, adapt tasks where needed, and celebrate progress along the way - always tailoring therapy to suit the individual.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Traumatic brain injury
Daily living adaptations
Wheelchair and seating management
What Clients Can Expect
A focus on what matters most to you in your daily life
Clear communication and shared decision-making
A flexible approach that adapts to your needs
Encouragement and support as you work towards your goals
Kim Fowler
Senior Occupational Therapist
Kim is an Occupational Therapist at Hibiscus Neuro Rehab with extensive experience in neurological rehabilitation. She is passionate about supporting people to improve their independence, function and quality of life following neurological injury or illness.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) from Auckland University of Technology and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists. She has worked in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom and brings over 20 years of experience delivering occupational therapy services across public, ACC and private settings. Kim has also previously co-directed a neurological private practice for over a decade.
Kim has a strong clinical interest in concussion, traumatic brain injury, stroke and complex neurological conditions. She is particularly skilled in cognitive rehabilitation and enjoys working with individuals to develop practical strategies that support everyday function and meaningful goals.
Kim takes a client-centred, values-driven and holistic approach to rehabilitation. She believes that there is always potential for change and improvement, and works closely with clients to ensure therapy is relevant, achievable and focused on what matters most to them.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Concussion
Traumatic brain injury
Cognitive rehabilitation
Stroke
Neurological rehabilitation
What Clients Can Expect
To be listened to and understood
Practical strategies that are meaningful and relevant
A collaborative and goal-focused approach
Support to build independence and confidence
Stacey Martin
Therapy Assistant
Stacey is a Therapy Assistant at Hibiscus Neuro Rehab, supporting clients with neurological conditions to engage in meaningful rehabilitation and build confidence in their everyday lives. She has a strong focus on helping individuals who need additional support to complete their exercise programmes and stay consistent with their recovery.
Stacey has a background in nursing, bringing a compassionate, practical and wellrounded approach to her work. She has been part of the Hibiscus Neuro Rehab team for over two years and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of neurological and complex conditions. She enjoys working closely with individuals to help them feel capable, supported and motivated throughout their rehabilitation.
Stacey is passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable and encouraged to take steps forward. She values building strong relationships and ensuring therapy is both engaging and achievable, helping clients recognise their progress over time.
Outside of the clinic, Stacey is an active athlete and plays football in the Women’s Lotto NRFL First Team for Eastern Suburbs AFC, which reflects her strong interest in movement, fitness and staying active.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Neurological rehabilitation support
Exercise programme facilitation
Functional mobility and strength
Building confidence with movement
What Clients Can Expect
A supportive and encouraging environment
Practical guidance to complete exercise programmes
A positive and motivating approach
Therapy that focuses on building confidence and progress over time
Madison Blackburn
Neurological Physiotherapist
Madison is a New Zealand Registered Physiotherapist (Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand) with a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis.
She has over three years of experience working in neurological rehabilitation, supporting people with conditions such as stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, amputations, and other neurological disorders. Madison is passionate about helping people improve mobility, confidence, and independence in a way that feels meaningful in their everyday life.
Madison enjoys helping people better understand how their nervous system works, and how the body can adapt, recover, and relearn through movement.
She takes a collaborative, client-centred approach, working alongside each person to focus on what matters most to them and their goals. Her rehabilitation style is thoughtful and open-minded, with a strong focus on consistent practice and building skills over time.
Madison places emphasis on the quality and precision of movement, while supporting clients to develop confidence, awareness, and independence throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Areas of Interest
Neurological rehabilitation
Balance and vestibular conditions
Falls prevention
What Clients Can Expect
A collaborative and supportive approach tailored to your individual goals
A focus on building confidence, understanding, and long-term independence
Thoughtful, precise guidance with an emphasis on steady, meaningful progress
“I am passionate about supporting clients to develop sustainable strategies for independently managing their condition.”
Sadhana Ravichandran
Physiotherapist
Sadhana is a registered Physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. She completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours at the University of Otago in 2020 and is currently completing her Masters of Physiotherapy.
She has experience working across both urban and rural hospitals in acute medical and inpatient rehabilitation settings, as well as in community and outpatient care. Sadhana has also worked in private practice, supporting people with musculoskeletal injuries, chronic conditions, vestibular disorders, and neurological conditions. She has experience leading strength, balance, and mobility classes to help people move with greater confidence.
Sadhana enjoys neurological rehabilitation because she values supporting people to rebuild independence and confidence in everyday life. She brings a practical, hands-on approach shaped by her experience across hospital, community, and private practice settings.
She takes the time to understand what matters most to each person and works alongside them to create a clear, achievable plan. Her approach is grounded in thorough assessment and regular review, so progress is closely monitored and therapy stays focused and relevant.
Sadhana works step by step, adjusting the level of challenge over time to suit each individual and support steady, meaningful progress.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Concussion rehabilitation
Vestibular conditions
Neurological rehabilitation
Older adults’ functional rehabilitation
Musculoskeletal conditions and injuries
What Clients Can Expect
Feeling listened to and understood
Support through the ups and downs of rehabilitation
A clear plan focused on your goals
Help recognising and building on progress along the way
“I enjoy helping people get back to what they love doing.”
Sonya Bolek
Administration Suppport
Sonya is an Administration Assistant at Hibiscus Neuro Rehab and plays a key role in supporting clients from their very first interaction with the clinic. She is often the first point of contact and is committed to ensuring every client feels welcomed, informed and well supported.
With a strong background in administration and client care, Sonya manages bookings, coordinates appointments and assists with client enquiries. She understands that navigating rehabilitation services can sometimes feel overwhelming, and takes pride in creating a smooth, organised and stress-free experience for each person.
Sonya values connection and clear communication, helping clients feel confident and cared for throughout their journey with Hibiscus Neuro Rehab. She works closely with the clinical team to ensure everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes so clients can focus on their rehabilitation.
Outside of the clinic, Sonya brings a strong interest in wellbeing and personal growth. She is also a Soul Coach and Celebrant, supporting people to navigate life with greater balance and authenticity.
Areas of Focus
Client support and first point of contact
Appointment coordination and diary management
Creating a smooth and organised client experience
Supporting communication between clients and clinicians
What Clients Can Expect
A warm, welcoming and supportive first interaction
Clear communication and guidance with bookings
A calm and organised experience
Feeling well supported from start to finish
Michelle Felstead
Administration Support
Michelle brings more than 20 years of experience working in the healthcare sector and is often one of the first friendly faces people connect with at Hibiscus Neuro Rehab. She understands that navigating health challenges can feel overwhelming, and she is passionate about making every client feel welcome, supported, and heard from their very first interaction with the clinic.
Having been a carer for a parent following a stroke, as well as experiencing her own concussion journey, Michelle understands firsthand how important compassionate support can be. She enjoys working directly with people and helping them feel comfortable, informed, and confident as they move through their rehabilitation journey. Her warm, approachable nature and genuine care for others help create a positive experience for clients and their families.
Areas of Interest
Neurological rehabilitation
Stroke recovery support
Concussion rehabilitation
Vestibular and balance conditions
Client and family support throughout rehabilitation journeys
What Clients Can Expect When Working With Michelle
A warm and friendly approach
Someone who listens and takes the time to understand your needs
Clear, reliable support and communication
A welcoming experience from your first contact with the clinic
"I believe in being authentic, trustworthy, reliable, and bringing a little fun to every day."
What We Believe
Progress is possible
We've seen too much to believe otherwise, even when recovery looks different from what someone expected
Your goals are our goals
What matters to you, getting back to the garden, driving, keeping up with your grandchildren, that's what we're working toward.
Honesty first
We'll tell you what we see and what we think is worth trying - not what you want to hear.
Rehab belongs in your life
We give you tools to keep progressing between appointments and feel more in control every day.
Book a FREE Discovery Call
Not sure where to start? Book in a FREE 15 minute phone call with a member of our team so we can guide you in the right direction.
How we can help during this call?
Learn more about your situation and needs
Answer your initial questions
Explain how Hibiscus Neuro Rehab may be able to help
Guide you to the most appropriate therapist or service
You might be wondering
Can you actually help with my situation?
I’ve just received a diagnosis - what do I do next?
I know I need support, but I’m not sure where to start.
If that sounds like you, this call is a great place to begin.
Do you need a Doctor's referral?
No to see us, but for accessing ACC funded concussion services a GP referral is required as we might need to clarify this.
Do you do home visits?
Yes we do home visits covering the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas. Please get in touch so we can help.
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Hibiscus Neuro Rehab Whangaparoa and surrounding areas are here to support you from day one. We’re here for your next step, no matter how small.
Ph: 09 424 3254
Proudly providing Neuro Rehab in Whangaparoa, with home visits available across the Hibiscuss Coast and surrounding areas.
