Physiotherapist - Christine Ongley
Meet Christine Ongley, a Pysiotherapist based in Lower Hutt.
Her background
Christine works with approximately 50 children and young people aged between five and 21 who have high and very high physical needs. She helps change school environments so children can learn. Mostly this involves modifying property, and providing advice and information to school staff.
Christine's career as a physiotherapist started in hospitals specialising in orthopedic physiotherapy, before moving on to positions in rest homes and a special school. Later, she moved on to work for Specialist Education Services (SES), which merged with the Ministry in 2001.
She has a physiotherapy diploma from Otago University, and is studying towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation.
Her story
As an experienced Physiotherapist, Christine has heaps of great advice for people thinking about a career in the education sector.
Top of the list is to understand that a Physiotherapist’s role is not about “fixing” people. Instead, says Christine, it’s about acknowledging the expertise that comes from a child’s family, teachers and other specialists.
“You’re just one member of a wider team. You need to have confidence in your own knowledge. But you have to move away from being the expert. We’re there to support and to help,” she says.
Wanting to learn and stay up-to-date on the latest research evidence also need to be at the top of the list for prospective Physiotherapists.
“Working in education is ideal for someone with three or four years general experience who wants to look outside the one-on-one treatment model and who loves the idea that they will keep learning,” says Christine.
Looking back, Christine says she’s really happy with the way her career has developed and would definitely recommend education-based physiotherapy to others.
“I feel this job has huge variety. Over the years, I’ve worked hard, made a little difference and that’s what it’s all about.”
The rewards and challenges
Christine reckons the job’s flexible hours are a big plus. So, too, is the teamwork that’s central to everything physiotherapists at the Ministry do.
“I’m part of a great team. We get on really well. We share and co-work really well and when someone new joins us, we nurture them well.”
Her future aspirations
Christine is keen to continue doing what she does locally, as well as take whatever opportunities come her way to improve services at a national level.
Want to talk to someone like Christine about a career as an Physiotherapists? Give us a call on 0800 622 222 or send us an email special.education@minedu.govt.nz [no spam].