Our team

Rebecca Walker M. Ost., PhD (Paediatrics)

"Osteopathy provides a holistic treatment approach that is personalised to suit each individual's requirement for health and wellbeing. I feel privileged to work as an osteopath and be a part of this unique healing process."

Dr Rebecca Walker is a qualified osteopath and medical researcher. She has authored articles on glue ear, vitamin D, immune systems and the microbiome in children during her doctoral research. She also researched the effects of osteopathy on occupational overuse injuries in computer users.

With her love of osteopathy and passion for evidence-based research she loves the challenges that present to her practice and being able to provide a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Rebecca has trained internationally both in Australia and the United States, and has studied with Jim Jealous and completed all 9 phases in the Biodynamic approach to Osteopathy.

Other interests include osteoarthritis, brain injuries/concussion, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances and general mental health. With her in-depth knowledge of nutritional medicine, exercise, microbiology, and the immune system she finds a interdisciplinary approach is best suited to many complex pain disorders.

Kate Leighton B.Sc. (Hons) Ost.

Kate graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in London in 1998. She began her osteopathic career in Cornwall, England including some time working as part of the medical team for the ASP World Surfing Tour (WCT) in the UK and France. Emigrating to NZ in 2000 Kate has worked in osteopathic clinics in Rotorua and Auckland.

Post graduate study in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, including all 9 phases in the biodynamic approach to treatment, has led to a special interest in treating fertility, pregnancy, babies and children. However, Kate loves the challenges the broad range of osteopathic patients bring her way.

Kate lives in Piha with her husband and two children. She enjoys getting out for walks in the bush, as well as surfing whenever she can.

Fartuma Mursal M. Ost.

Fartuma completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology and a Master of Osteopathy degree in Auckland, New Zealand. After finishing her master's studies, Fartuma went on to complete further postgraduate courses in paediatrics and cranial osteopathy. She was drawn to osteopathy for its principles and emphasis on natural healing, believing in the body’s innate ability to restore balance and health when given the right conditions and interventions.

Fartuma has a particular interest in women’s health and children. She uses a variety of techniques including joint mobilisation, manipulation, stretching, and soft tissue massage techniques to relieve pain and restore the health of her patients. Fartuma is dedicated to treating each patient as an individual to achieve lasting results.

Outside of the clinic, she enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends.

Maria de Roo B. App. Sc (Ost), B. Ost. Sc.

Maria graduated from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, in 1997. Originally from New Zealand, she returned to Auckland after graduating and, together with her husband Matt, established Health Within Osteopathy in Westmere. For 12 years, Maria built a caring family practice, treating patients of all ages from newborns to the elderly.

Maria believes the body has an inherent capacity for self-healing. However, life’s stresses, strains, and trauma (including birth trauma) can disrupt this natural ability, leading to pain, dysfunction, and disease. Her goal is to restore optimal health for each individual using the biodynamic approach to osteopathy.

This gentle yet powerful approach supports not only physical injuries, but also hormonal conditions such as menstrual issues and infertility, autonomic and nervous system imbalances including anxiety and mood disorders, as well as digestive issues, migraines, and more.

With nearly 30 years of clinical experience and comprehensive training in the Biodynamic approach to Osteopathy under Drs. James Jealous, Robyn Seamer, and Manuela da Rin, Maria offers treatments that are safe, gentle, and highly effective. She is deeply passionate about creating a supportive space in which the body can reconnect with its own capacity for health and healing.