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 an Associate Paediatric Physiotherapist at Children's Physio Dorset.
Bea graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Bournemouth University and has completed Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Level A training, allowing her to incorporate DMI principles into her clinical practice. She is also continuing her postgraduate development through a part-time Master's degree at Bournemouth University, with a focus on promoting physical activity in individuals with learning disabilities.
Bea has always had a passion for working with children and, long before qualifying as a physiotherapist, gained valuable experience supporting children of all ages and abilities. Working with children with additional needs confirmed that paediatric physiotherapy was the career she wanted to pursue.
Many families will already recognise Bea from supporting Maggie during hydrotherapy sessions, intensive therapy programmes and specialist clinic appointments. During this time she has developed a natural ability to build rapport with children, creating therapy sessions that are engaging, motivating and fun while remaining focused on achieving meaningful goals.
As an Associate Physiotherapist, Bea works closely alongside Maggie, receiving regular mentoring, clinical supervision and continuing professional development. This collaborative approach allows children and families to benefit from consistent, evidence-based care while ensuring Bea continues to develop her specialist paediatric physiotherapy skills.
Bea has a particular interest in helping children improve their strength, balance, coordination and confidence through enjoyable, play-based therapy. She believes that children achieve their best when therapy feels fun, motivating and tailored to their individual interests.
Outside of the clinic, Bea enjoys expanding her ever-growing library of songs, games and creative therapy ideas to help make each session as engaging as possible.
Qualifications & Professional Development
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy – Bournemouth University
- HCPC Registered Physiotherapist
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) Member
- Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP) Member
- Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Level A
- Introduction to Hydrotherapy
- Currently undertaking an MSc at Bournemouth University, researching physical activity in individuals with learning disabilities
- Registered to complete GERTI Spinal Stimulation Level 1
- Registered to complete TASES – Pelvis
