Our Team 2
Cecile de Groot
Doctor
I have been a family doctor at Riverslea for over 30 years – and continue to enjoy supporting our patients.
My special interests are in general medical care, skin and contraceptive surgery, and mental health.
Outside of general practice I love time in the outdoors with family and friends.
Geoff Butcher
Doctor
I am from England and moved to New Zealand after retiring from the NHS in 2013. I trained a physician but decided to go into General Practice. I still worked in an NHS hospital in gastroenterology as an endoscopist for over 25 years. I also have an interest in sports medicine and was team doctor to a professional ice hockey club for 13 years (Sheffield Steelers).
I have interests in Diabetes management and general medical care.
I enjoy fishing, kayaking and photography.
Rosanna Senior
Nurse Practitioner
I grew up in Levin. I trained as a registered nurse in Palmerston North and have worked in hospitals in NZ, England and Australia. I began working in General Practice in Foxton and have loved it ever since. I became a Nurse Prescriber while working in Rotorua and then a few years later in 2024, I became a Nurse Practitioner.
I have been enjoying the staff and patients of Riverslea Medical Centre since I started here in September 2024. I enjoy the variety of people and conditions that come with General Practice. I have strong experience in diabetes management but enjoy learning about and helping manage all chronic conditions.
In my spare time I love walking my 2 small dogs on the beach (love Ohope!), sometimes listening to an audio book. I also love camping, kayaking and all things outdoors.
Robyn
Nurse
I have been a nurse at Riverslea Medical for the past 35 years with some additional time spent in Whakatane Emergency Department as well.
I was born and raised in Edgecumbe on a dairy farm and trained at Rotorua hospital. I am married with 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren.
Outside of work I enjoy the outdoor life which includes cycling, gardening, walking and travel.
Toni
Nurse
Ko Mataatua toku waka
Ko Putauaki toku maunga
Ko Rangitaiki toku awa
Ko Ngati Awa toku iwi
Ko Puawairua toku marae
Ko Ngati Hikakino toku hapu
No Te Teko ahau, Ko Toni
Kia ora, I am married to John, with three grown children. I did my registered nurse training at Waiariki Polytechnic, Rotorua. I have nursed in Australia – including in primary health care, aboriginal health, breast screening, and hospital based. Riverslea Medical Centre has been my place of work part time since 2008, and Whakatane Hospital.
Dee
Nurse
I am married to Craig, we have two children that attend Edgecumbe Primary.
I was born and raised in Opotiki, with a rural upbringing. Completed my registered nurse training in 2003 at Waiariki Polytechnic, Rotorua. Since qualified I have worked at Whakatane Hospital and Riverslea Medical Centre.
In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with family and horseriding.
Lauren
Nurse
Hi, I am Lauren. Married with three children, I grew up in Whakatane and moved back here 4 years ago to raise my family in the country.
I have been working at Riverslea Medical for one year now. Majority of my nursing career I spent working as a Well Child Nurse (Plunket) in Whakatane and Rotorua.
Kirsty
Nurse
A recent arrival at Riverslea from Palmerston North, I was born in Whakatane and lived in Edgecumbe until the age of 5 when my parents moved to the Manawatu.
My husband and I have moved back to the Bay of Plenty now that our youngest has gone to university for the better weather and friendly people!
I have worked in Palmerston North and Wellington hospitals in a wide range of areas but mostly as a Theatre Nurse and Anaesthetic Technician. I come to Riverslea from my most recent job working as a Practice Nurse at Linton Military Camp for the Defence Force.
Tracey
Practice Manager
Born and raised in Edgecumbe, I am proud to call this town my home.
I am married to my husband of 20+ years, and we have 3 beautiful children that stole my heart from the day they were born. I have done a wide range of jobs, but they have all centred around management, customer service and community involvement.
My journey with Riverslea Medical started in January 2022 and it has been wonderful to work in an environment where our priority is patient, whanau and community wellbeing.
Catherine
Practice Manager
Kia Ora, my name is Catherine. I was born and raised in Te Teko and attended Te Teko Primary School and Edgecumbe College.
I am married to Vinnie and have a 2 children, Nikki & Jacob. Edgecumbe is my home.
I have been employed at Riverslea Medical Centre since Feb 2017 in Reception and then moved in to the Practice Manager role. I thoroughly enjoy working at Riverslea Medical Centre. We have a great little team and our service and dedication to our patients is always our top priority.
Donna
Clinical Assistant
Born and raised in Edgecumbe on a dairy farm with five siblings. Went to Massey University and completed a Dip Hort in nursery management.
I am married to Ian. We spent 25 years sharemilking and raising our three children. In the last 11 years I have worked in cafes and a little farm work. Enjoying a change to working in administration at Riverslea Medical Centre since 2019.
Life is busy with six grandchildren and a big garden.
Sue
Admin
I was born in Cambridge and moved to Whakatane in 1956. I completed my education in Whakatane and then moved to Rotorua where I met my husband. We have three children and seven grandchildren.
I have worked in the health sector for many years and have been working at Riverslea Medical Centre since January 2009.
Awhi
Receptionist
Kia ora, my name is Awhi. I was born in Auckland but raised in Whakatane.
I enjoy many sports including Netball, Volleyball and Softball but my passion is freediving, and I love everything about the ocean.
I was employed at the beginning of 2022 and have enjoyed my time with the Riverslea Medical Centre team and being in a position that makes our community our top priority.
Keila
Receptionist
I was born and raised in the far North, Hokianga. I moved to Bay of Plenty in 2015 and started working at Riverslea Medical in September 2022.