Kim Collard
M.Ost, B.AppSc. - Registered Osteopath and Director of Restore Osteopathy.
Osteopathy first sparked Kim’s interest over 20 years ago, following the birth of her eldest child. Both she and her daughter benefited greatly from having osteopathic treatment. From that experience, she was inspired to pursue a career in osteopathy, and in particular to support new mothers and babies. For Kim, osteopathy has the perfect balance between a firm scientific grounding and a respect for the less tangible aspects that contribute to the health, happiness and wellness of an individual. She loves the challenge of putting together all of these aspects to work out an individual approach for each patient.
Training at Unitec in Auckland, Kim earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Biology) and a Master of Osteopathy. She received several awards for academic excellence and achievement, and graduated with honors in 2009. Kim’s Masters research explored the effects of cranial osteopathy on the nervous system. Since graduating, the majority of her professional training has focused on obstetrics and pediatrics, as well as both cranial and biodynamic cranial osteopathy. She has also been involved with the organisation of many osteopathic courses covering musculo-skeletal and visceral osteopathy. Committed to helping young families, Kim volunteers regularly at the Osteopathic Children’s Foundation in Hamilton, working with a team of osteopaths to provide treatment to the children who need it most.
Kim enjoys working with people of all ages and stages, however the main focus of her practice is mothers, babies and children. She fees very privileged to work with new families at such a special and crucial time of their lives, and loves being involved at each step; from treating the mother during pregnancy, the new baby, then the child as they grow and develop. Kim whole-heartedly believes that osteopathic treatment through these various stages sets the individual up for lifelong health and well-being.
Kim lives with her family at the edge of the beautiful Waitakere ranges on the Manukau harbour. Much of her time is spent between parenting and her work. She also enjoys walking in the bush, being at the beach, and paddle-boarding - sometimes with her dog Betty along for the ride. Kim's love of plants and gardening has grown over the past few years. In addition to the vegetable patch, her garden has expanded to include many flowers. Alongside this, Kim has been learning about Rongoa Maori and other traditional practices utilising and caring for therapeutic plants. Using this knowledge, she incorporates her homegrown botanicals in a range of handmade organic balms to support skin, muscle and nervous system health.
Kim practices from both the West Auckland and Central Auckland clinics. She is registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand and is an ACC accredited treatment provider.