Helping children grow strong and soar
When your child finds daily tasks tricky, whether that’s sitting still, managing big feelings, or holding a pencil, it can be hard to know where to turn. You may have heard terms like ADHD or sensory processing, or perhaps your child’s just not keeping up the way others are. What matters most is finding someone who will really see your child and work with their strengths.
That’s where Mary Holgate from Hidden Wings Occupational Therapy comes in. Mary brings over 25 years of experience, a calm and compassionate approach, and a deep belief that with the right support, children can flourish.
Working with children from birth through to young adulthood, Mary helps kids who are facing a variety of challenges, supporting their movement, learning, attention, sensory needs and daily life skills. Her therapy is gentle, respectful, and focused on giving children practical strategies they can use at home and school.
Who they are
Mary Holgate is a qualified Paediatric Occupational Therapist who trained in South Africa and has called Whangārei home since 1999. She has a Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy, along with post-graduate studies in Sensory Integration and Rhythmic Movement Training.
Mary has worked in both health and education settings, giving her a well-rounded understanding of what children need to grow and succeed. She’s passionate about helping each child feel calm, capable and understood and she brings warmth, care and real-life experience to every family she works with.
The name “Hidden Wings” reflects her philosophy: just like a caterpillar inside a chrysalis, children often work hard behind the scenes as they grow and adapt. With the right support, they can spread their wings and become who they’re meant to be.
What they do
Mary supports children aged 0 to 20 who are navigating:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Learning difficulties
- Sensory challenges
- Emotional and behavioural regulation
- Attention and focus difficulties
- Gross and fine motor delays
- Visual perceptual and memory challenges
- Confidence with everyday skills and routines
Therapy is focused on helping children function at their best, in play, learning, relationships, and life. Whether it’s writing their name, getting dressed without stress, or feeling safe and settled in the classroom, Mary creates a plan that works for your child’s unique needs.
How they help
Mary begins with a full occupational therapy assessment, which can include standardised and observational tools. She looks at the whole picture, how your child moves, processes information, interacts with their environment and learns new skills.
You’ll receive:
- A full assessment using sensory, motor and learning tools
- A written report
- Feedback for you and your child’s teacher (if you’d like)
- Personalised recommendations for home and school
Sensory assessments are also available. These include questionnaires and observations that help identify how your child’s sensory system may be affecting their behaviour and learning.
Once assessment is complete, Mary offers individual therapy sessions in your home. Children feel most relaxed in their own space, and that helps the learning stick. Sessions are 30 or 60 minutes and include:
- Hands-on therapy activities
- A take-home programme
- A parent handover with tips and strategies to try between sessions
Mary is based in Whangārei and includes travel within the area. If you’re further out, she’ll work with you to make a plan that fits.
When to reach out
If your child is finding everyday things harder than they should be, or if you’re seeing signs of sensory overload, emotional outbursts or delays in coordination, Mary can help you make sense of it all. Her support is practical, kind and focused on helping your child grow with confidence.
“If your child needs a little help to feel calm, confident and capable, Mary’s here to walk alongside you.”
