Meet The Team
Maggie Dawson PGDip Paediatrics BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy MCSP HCPC
Maggie founded Children’s Physio Dorset to provide specialist physiotherapy for babies, children and young people across Dorset.
Since qualifying from King’s College London in 2008, Maggie has worked exclusively within paediatrics across the NHS, private practice and international settings. She has over 18 years of experience treating children with developmental, neurological, orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
Her career has included charitable work in Tanzania and Malaysia, four years working in Australia, and working as the sole paediatric physiotherapist for the Cayman Islands, covering services across all three islands.
In 2014, Maggie completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy at University College London and has continued to invest extensively in advanced postgraduate training.
Maggie has a specialist interest in babies, developmental delay, neurological conditions, complex movement presentations and bespoke intensive therapy programmes. She combines advanced clinical reasoning with specialist techniques including Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), spinal stimulation, TASES, NMES and the NeuroSuit.
Maggie is the first physiotherapist in England to complete DMI Intermediate A training and is currently the only physiotherapist in England and Wales outside of NAPA Centre to have completed this level of DMI training.
Maggie is also an experienced Expert Witness, holding the Bond Solon Civil Expert Certificate, and regularly prepares medico-legal reports for solicitors, local authorities and the courts.
Her approach is evidence-based, family-centred and goal-driven, helping every child work towards their best possible outcomes.
Maggie’s Specialist Training & Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy – King’s College London
- Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy – University College London
- Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) – Intermediate A
- Spinal Stimulation – Gerti Motavelli Level 2B
- TASES Functional Electrical Stimulation – Level 2, Mirav Newman
- NeuroSuit Provider
- Bond Solon Civil Expert Certificate
- Second Skin Certified Assessor
- DM Orthotics Certified Assessor
- Turtle Braces Provider
- Elaine Owen Advanced Orthotic Prescription & Management
- Allied Acupuncture Accreditation
- Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) & Outcome Measures
- NDT/Bobath Aquatic Physiotherapy
- Additional postgraduate training in cerebral palsy, orthopaedics, neurological rehabilitation, movement disorders, chronic pain and paediatric rehabilitation
Holly “Bea” Whitehead BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Known to most families as Bea, Holly Whitehead is a qualified physiotherapist who has joined Children’s Physio Dorset as an Associate Paediatric Physiotherapist.
Bea graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Bournemouth University and is now studying part-time for a Master’s degree at Bournemouth University, specialising in the use of Virtual Reality within rehabilitation.
Bea has always been passionate about working with children and has spent many years supporting children of all ages and abilities. Many families will already know Bea from supporting Maggie during hydrotherapy sessions, intensive therapy programmes and selected clinic appointments.
She enjoys creating fun, engaging therapy sessions that help children achieve their goals while making therapy an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
As an Associate Physiotherapist, Bea works closely alongside Maggie, receiving regular mentoring, supervision and clinical support while continuing to develop her specialist paediatric physiotherapy skills through postgraduate education and clinical practice.
Bea’s Training & Professional Development
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy – Bournemouth University
- MSc part-time study – Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation, Bournemouth University
- Introduction to Hydrotherapy
- Registered for DMI Level A training
- Registered for Spinal Stimulation Level 1 training with Gerti Motavelli
