MEET THE TEAM
The People Behind Mount Physio
At Mount Physio, we're a team of experienced physiotherapists, osteopaths and Pilates instructors who genuinely love what we do. Across our two Mount Maunganui clinics, we bring together hands-on treatment, tailored exercise and a strong focus on education, because we believe understanding your body is just as important as treating it. Our practitioners have trained and worked here in New Zealand and overseas, and between them cover everything from sports injuries and shoulder rehabilitation to pelvic health, clinical Pilates and osteopathy. Whatever brings you through our doors, you'll find a friendly, down-to-earth team who are here to help you get back to doing the things you love.
Chris Butler
Director & Senior Physiotherapist, BHSc (PHYT)
Chris graduated from AUT in 2003 and has been working in the musculoskeletal physiotherapy field since. He has spent time working in New Zealand, Ireland and in the UK.
Chris has completed further training in Acupuncture & Pilates and has found great benefit to his patients' when incorporating these treatment methods. He also has further clinical interest in Running Biomechanical Assessments and Shoulder rehabilitation. Chris believes in a hands-on treatment approach but also feels that education is key to injury management.
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Chris has played rugby most of his life, including semi-professionally in Ireland and England. Now that his playing days are behind him you will see Chris out running around the Mount and surfing any chance he gets. Chris also has interests in Triathlon, skiing/snowboarding, and fishing.
Eboni Ellison
Senior Physiotherapist
Eboni graduated from Auckland University of Technology and has 20 years experience as a Muskuloskeletal Physiotherapist, honing her skills in a range of private practice clinics in both NZ and the UK. Some of which include time working in the Pilates rehabilitation setting.
Eboni completed a post graduate cert in Hand and Upper Limb Therapy and has spent time working in this specialty field also.
More recently whilst juggling life as a busy mother of four, Eboni is pursuing her passion towards the holistic and integrative nature of visceral and neural manipulation through the Barral Institute. Eboni has also trained in such therapies as Craniosacral Therapy at the Upledger Institute and Breathing retraining with the Bradcliff breathing method.
Eboni combines her skills in communication, exercise prescription, specialised manual therapy and therapeutic touch passionately and confidently.
Eboni works part time at our Dee street clinic.
Freya Tobin-Schnittger
Senior Physiotherapist & Pelvic Health Physio
Freya graduated from Physiotherapy at University College Dublin in 2017. After working with rugby and Gaelic football clubs in Ireland, she moved to New Zealand in 2018 and fell in love with her second home. After spending three winters snowboarding in Queenstown, you will now find Freya exploring all the natural beauty the North Island has to offer
Freya draws on a variety of modalities in her physiotherapy practice which are tailored to the needs of the individual. These include exercise prescription, manual therapy, dry needling and an emphasis on education to empower patients on their rehabilitation journey. She believes in a holistic approach to health and is passionate about helping people get back to doing what they love.
In 2021, Freya decided to undertake training in pelvic health physiotherapy. In her role in pelvic health at Tauranga Hospital she has gained invaluable experience treating women and men of all ages with pelvic dysfunction. This includes bladder and bowel issues, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse.
Freya is now offering Pelvic Health physio to our patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays at our Dee Street clinic.
Anya Duyvestyn
Senior Physiotherapist
Anya graduated from the University of Otago in 2015, and after spending the past 8 years living and working in Western Australia, she has returned to her home town of Mount Maunganui, excited to be back supporting the local community.
With a gymnastics background, she has a strong interest in mobility, strength and injury prevention. She is trained in all aspects of Clinical Pilates, including pre- and post-natal care, and enjoys creating tailored treatment plans that fit seamlessly into everyday life.
Anya takes an individualised approach to physiotherapy, and uses a combination of hand on treatment, dry needling, exercise prescription and education to support her patients. She is passionate about helping people feel confident in their bodies, and getting them back to what they love. She also enjoys working on chronic injuries, and working out what the root cause of an issue may be.
As a mum of two young boys, she understands the realities of a busy life, and importance of achievable rehab. Outside of the clinic, you’ll find her out for a run, chasing her kids around the beach, or drinking a coffee in the sun.
Charlene Brown-Tungatoa
Senior Physiotherapist
Charlene will be going on Maternity leave mid August and will hopefully be back with us early in 2027. We will keep you updated…
Charlene graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2018 and has worked in Tauranga and Palmerston North at busy musculoskeletal clinics since. She enjoys treating a variety of general musculoskeletal and sports injuries including runners, triathletes and getting people back to their everyday lives.
Charlene has over 16 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, working as a personal trainer and physio assistant before studying Physiotherapy. She has a passion for exercise and overall health and loves to empower her patients to get the most out of life. Charlene uses her passion for exercise and wellbeing to get people back to the things they love as well as using manual therapy, dry needling and education.
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When she is not in clinic, you’ll find Charlene at the top of the Mount, at the beach or at a local playground with her young daughter. She is excited to join the team at Mount Physio and is looking forward to helping her local community.
Estaban Barra
Senior Osteopath
Esteban brings over a decade of expertise having both a Osteopathy and Physiotherapy degrees specialising in physical rehabilitation. With his extensive background, he is adept at providing comprehensive care and personalised treatment plans to address a wide range of pathologies and promote overall wellness.
Esteban finds great fulfillment in caring for individuals with complex symptoms, where he can apply his extensive knowledge and skills in hands-on therapy. Utilising techniques such as manipulations, joint mobilization, therapeutic exercises, soft and deep tissue massage, as well as cranial and visceral therapy, he aims to restore balance to the body's stress axis, autonomic nervous system, immune system, metabolic functions, and endocrine system.
In addition to hands-on therapy, Esteban employs a multifaceted approach to promote holistic healing/coaching. He devises individualised strategies that may include dietary interventions, supplementation recommendations, tailored physical exercise regimens, and lifestyle modifications such as intermittent living.
