Parent Education

WHO WE ARE...

Learn more about our amazing presenters below.

Robyn Ritchie
Robyn is a grandmother of three children at the school. Their mothers, her daughters also attended the School. She was a founding member of Novalis House / Helios Medical Therapy Centre (now Te Ara Sophia), working as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist.
Robyn's work both at Helios and at the Champion Centre was with children with learning and development challenges as well as with those on the Autism spectrum. Rudolf Steiner's 12 Senses has been the foundation of her work over the past 50 years.
Robyn is now retired and lives in the Lewis Pass where she spends time volunteering in Conservation.

Julie Frew
Julie is an Occupational Therapist with over 18 years of experience working alongside tamariki and their whānau, with a specialist focus on strengths-based, trauma-responsive and neurodiversity-affirming practice. She has completed advanced postgraduate study in Sensory Processing Principles for Diverse Populations, alongside extensive professional development in trauma-informed approaches, including Attachment theory, Psycho-Sensory Interventions for Trauma, Neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory, and training through the Child Trauma Academy.
Julie was mentored by Emma Ratcliff and Robyn Ritchie, at what was then Helios Integrative Medical Centre (now Te Ara Sophia), where she learned to weave together the picture of the 12 senses, anthroposophical understandings and sensory integration therapy.
Going on to work at a world renowned early intervention service alongside Robyn Ritchie and a speech-language therapist as her mentors, Julie's paradigm of working curiously and kindly to understand the child before her, and in partnership with families, was further developed. It was here that she learned the most about the interplay of neurodiversity and developmental trauma, including sensory trauma, from both mentors and the children themselves. Having worked closely with Julie Wylie for many years both at this early intervention service and in the community, musical play has also become an interdisciplinary thread woven into Julie's OT practice. She now has a chapter on Rhythm, Regulation and Relationship published in Julie Wylie's book, Unleashing the Power of Musical Play.
In her current practice Julie focuses on using body-based sensory systems as a foundation for regulation, movement, and learning. She carefully curates environments that invite safe, playful exploration, while attuning moment-by-moment to each child’s nervous system, energy and engagement. This responsive, relational approach supports children to develop trust in their own bodies, build confidence, and find pathways toward nervous system regulation—creating a foundation for learning, behaviour, and everyday participation to unfold.

Sarah Brydon
Sarah Brydon is a vocalist, sacred sounder, music therapist, singer-songwriter and mindfulness yoga instructor from Minnesota, USA and has been living in NZ for the last 8 years. Sarah is new to Christchurch, having moved here with her family from the Wairarapa.
In combination with her 20 years as a professional performer, specialising in Jazz, Blues, Soul and Folk/Americana, she brings a high level of musicianship to her compassionate and heart-centered approach. Her 10 years as a music therapist included working with children, adolescents, families, adults and elderly clients in clinical, and mental health settings where she blended her training in yoga and mindfulness.
Since becoming a mother 6 years ago, Sarah is being called to work more with women, holding sacred sounding circles and spiritually focused gatherings that allow self-explorations through sound.
Passionate and knowledgeable about the healing effects of music, breath and mindfulness, Sarah draws from all her trainings and experiences to educate, heal and inspire her audiences.

Donald Palmer
Donald is a local GP and Anthroposophical doctor with a special interest in holistic health and wellbeing through the lens of Anthroposophy and has a commitment to the special character living through the Waldorf education process. He has also completed the Eurythmy therapy training for doctors, possibilities of which will be shared in his presentation.

Jessie Davidson
Registered Nurse who has anthroposophical nursing training and qualifications.
I grew up in Christchurch and attended the Rudolf Steiner school from the age of 3, completing high school in the Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School
I graduated as a nurse in Auckland and had worked in a variety of clinical settings ranging from neonatal ICU to Palliative care. I love nursing and feel it is a calling for me.
In a search for a more holistic approach to care I found Anthroposophical nursing in 2019 and completed my training at Taruna College. Rediscovering this holistic approach to care after twenty years of mainstream nursing felt like coming home.
I am excited to be working out of Te Ara Sophia and offering these beautiful therapies. I work with organic plant base medicines, offering rhythmical einreibung (light, warm, rhythmic massage) and supportive organ compresses.

Anna Ritchie FRANZGP, Post Grad Dip Child Health/trav Medicine
I am a mother to Emilia who is Class 8 at the Steiner School.
I first qualified as a nurse in 2000, practicing for 10 years in both New Zealand and Australia. Following a calling to do more for patients, I returned to study Medicine with the view to become a General Practitioner (GP) in 2008. Anna has worked as a GP at the New Brighton Medical Centre for the past 8 years. She has an interest in overall health and well being of families as well as in Anthroposophic medicine.

Simone Hamblett
Born in South Germany, studied Eurythmy in The Netherlands/The Hague and moved to NZ in 1995 to join a performance tour with other Eurythmists.
My two children were born soon thereafter and I began soon to teach Eurythmy at the Steiner School.
In the year 2012: Eurythmy Therapy training completed
Have given many talks, workshops ( including on-line) for adults and been guest tutor in other NZ Steiner schools.
This year I completed the Postgraduate training in "Social Eurythmy - Eurythmy in the workplace" in AU.
I am currently teaching 5 classes in our school, work privately with Eurythmy Therapy for adults, children, and people with special needs at Hohepa Homes.
I am keen to share Eurythmy whenever possible because this "new" soul movement art can build bridges!