Manage My Health – Down Syndrome Style

Manage My Health – Down Syndrome Style

Empowering Families/Whānau Every Step of the Way.
An interactive online session for parents, family members, and advocates. This session will provide you with information about where to find health advice and support services for children and young people with Down Syndrome.

Presenters:

• Anna Tiatia Fa’atoese Latu
Program Director for the Doctor of Medicine program within the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine.
• Heidi Meyer
Speech and Language Therapist, Te Whatu Ora Hutt Valley
• Merryn Robertson
Paediatric Physiotherapist at Hope in Motion Paediatric Therapy (Private practice), with contracts to Habit Health (ACC rehab) and Te Whatu Ora (acute respiratory).
• Rosemary Marks
Developmental Paediatrician (Retired)
• Sara Edwards
Paediatric Physiotherapist at Habit Health

Biographies

Kia ora. Ko Anna Tiatia Fa’atoese Latu toku ingoa (Kāi Tahu). I joined the University of Waikato in April 2024 and currently serve as the Program Director for the Doctor of Medicine program within the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine. Previously holding the role of Associate Dean Māori within the Division of Health, I led the equity curriculum development for innovative clinical programs, including the Master of Pharmacy Practice and Master of Midwifery Practice, alongside dedicated interprofessional teams. My academic leadership and research are anchored in Hauora Māori, workforce development, and a deep-seated commitment to transforming health equity across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Heidi is a Speech-Language Therapist working at the Child Development Service, Hutt Valley. In this role, she is part of a multidisciplinary team working with young people through the developmental assessment process. She also works with tamariki to support safe feeding, eating, and drinking skills. Heidi is especially interested in working collaboratively with whānau and other professionals to provide holistic support for tamariki and rangatahi. Having an older sibling with Down syndrome has given her a valuable personal perspective and strengthened her passion for advocacy.

Merryn is an experienced physiotherapist working across health, education, and private practice to support the physical development of tamariki and rangatahi within their homes, schools, and clinic. She is dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential by integrating engaging fitness activities with evidence-based clinical care. As a passionate advocate for mobility, Merryn focuses on optimizing movement and reducing pain to enhance the overall wellbeing of the children and whānau she serves.

Rosie trained in Paediatrics in Auckland, and in the UK. Since 2020 She has led the Down Syndrome Clinical Guidance workstream working to provide accessible quality information for health professionals working with children and young people with Down Syndrome. The team has also had substantial input into the updating of the information for whānau on the Kidshealth website.

Sara Edwards is a Paediatric Physiotherapist at Habit Health in Dunedin with experience working with young people with Down syndrome. When the opportunity arose to assist with updating the Down Syndrome clinical guidelines, she readily agreed to contribute her expertise. Sara is passionate about the value of physiotherapy for people with Down syndrome and is committed to empowering families and individuals to advocate for physiotherapy support.

Theme: Health
Audience: Parents, professionals and whānau