The Team

The Team – Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists (3) Orthotist(1)

 

Our Physiotherapy Team

Jane Rossiter – Advanced Physiotherapist

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B. Physiotherapy (Otago 2005)
• Post Grad Cert ACP – Acupuncture (Otago 2009)
• APPI (pilates) Mat, Equipment L 1-3
• L Howell’s Dance Teacher and Practitioner Training L1 and L2 Flexibility Intensive

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

• Hip and Pelvis, Lumbo-pelvic stability (ribs and thoracic too actually)
• Lower limb – Knee, foot, ankles, hamstrings
• Antenatal prehab and recuperation
• Acupuncture – TCM and western
• Dry needling
• Dance injuries and rehab

Clinical Pilates (strength, flexibility,  movement control and dynamic alignment)

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

Playing hockey and running around after three children

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Ross Smith – Advanced Physiotherapist and Clinical Manager

Qualifications:

  • Bsc Physiotherapy – AUT – 2009
  • Anatomy Trains 1 & 2
  • Mulligan lower limb & upper limb
  • Lower limb & running bio-mechanics
  • Advanced Personal Training

Professional Interests:

  • Lower limb overuse injuries
  • Foot and ankle dysfunction
  • Sports injuries
  • Movement analysis
  • Myofascial release

I love helping people get back to the things they love to do.

As a physiotherapist, I really enjoy learning what you want to achieve, figuring out what the problem is, then working together on how to get a successful outcome. I believe physiotherapy can help to fix injuries, prevent new ones and improve performance in your sport or activity. To do that, we need to think about the whole person and not just the injury.

I am from a fitness background and have always been involved in sports – for strength, conditioning and fitness.

I have been lead physio for Team Shetland in a multi-sports event called the Island Games and for the men’s Shetland Football team. I was also appointed as a first contact physio for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

I still play competitive football and badminton and I am really enjoying exploring the running and biking trails around Nelson.

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Eileen Koelble –  Senior Classic Physiotherapist

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Utrecht/Netherlands
• McKenzie Technique – back pain
• Myofascial Release techniques
• K Strapping Techniques

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

• Kinesio Taping
• Triggerpoint Therapy
• Stabilisation Training
• Post-operative rehabilitation
• Myofascial release
• Chronic pain, Postural and Work Injuries

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

I grew up in in the eastern part of Germany and became a physio after finishing school. I have worked in private clinics, in rehabilitation centres and a chronic pain. My experiences are mainly in the orthopaedic field. After travelling twice to New Zealand, we fell in love with this beautiful country. So my husband and I decided this is where we wanted our kids to grow up.

I love to help patients achieve their goals. My experiences over the last 25 years showed me how important it is to not just see the injured body part but the whole person (all aspects and circumstances of life). I am very convinced that a mixture of hands on and off gives the best results for patients. I especially enjoy Work Injuries, K strapping and backs.

My personal interests are gardening, crafts (like sewing), being in the kitchen, sustainability, yoga, tramping

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Daragh Reynolds –  Classic Physiotherapist

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours
  • Dry Needling
  • Level 1 British Triathlon Coach

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

  • Sports rehabilitation
  • Manual therapy
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • Running biomechanics
  • Bone Health

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

Daragh hails from Ireland, graduating from Belfast with a BSc. Physiotherapy degree. He then worked in the NHS in the UK, where he gained a broad range of clinical experience and progressed to a senior physiotherapist position. Having a keen interest in all things outdoors, Daragh headed to New Zealand in 2018, working in a private practice in Queenstown. In 2022, Daragh made the move to Nelson and is enjoying being part of the friendly and active community here.

Daragh has a major interest in sports, especially endurance pursuits. He is a qualified British Triathlon Coach and has worked with many sports teams and professional athletes over the years. He enjoys incorporating these insights into his everyday practice, helping clients return to their full potential and achieve their goals. When not in the clinic, you’ll likely find Daragh out on the trails running and mountain biking or in the ocean training for his next endurance race.

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Will Simpson – Classic Physiotherapist

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Otago – 2013)
• NZMPA Cervical spine Certificate (2014)
• NZMPA Lumbar spine Certificate (2014)
• SSI Divemaster (2017)

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

• Manual Therapy ( joint mobs, biomech. corrections, Soft Tissue/Myofascial release)
• Sports Injury and functional rehab
• Running biomechanics and optimization
• Cervical spine manual therapy and rehab

PERSONAL INTERESTS: 

I was born in the Wairarapa and was heavily involved in track and field and football leading me towards a career in physiotherapy. Studying at the University of Otago, I finished my physiotherapy degree in 2013. I have worked in private musculoskeletal physio practices in Wellington, Auckland and the UK before settling in Nelson in 2022.

I have worked with sports teams including Auckland Netball winning national silver medals in 2017 & 2019. As an athlete I competed at national level for 7 years which has helped me develop a specialization in running biomechanics.

I enjoy working with all types of people to help them achieve their goals and have a focus on patient education and biomechanical optimization.

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Nicole Van Vledder – Classic Physiotherapist

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • BSc Physiotherapy (1994, University of Stellenbosch)
  • Masters Clinical Physiotherapy (2015, University of Stellenbosch)
  • Dry Needling

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

  • Osteoporosis rehabilitation and strengthening
  • Return to running post injury
  • Neck, shoulder, lower back
  • Hip, knee and ankle injuries
  • Hands on treatment and exercise guidance and prescription

PERSONAL INTERESTS: 

I love to walk alongside clients to guide and support you after injury back to your personal goals.

Whether your goal is to be able to do your housework and garden again or get back to your competitive sport, I count it as a privilege to walk that path with you.

I am able to support you in the way  you would prefer, be that more intensively working together or directing you more with a progressed program that you are able to work on yourself.

I have worked in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Dubai. I moved to Nelson in 2016 with my family.

I am grateful to live in beautiful Nelson with my hubby and young adult son.

In my free time, you find me on the trails tramping, running or biking, or on the couch reading!

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Arielle Mackie – Physiotherapist – NEW GRAD

QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor of Science Physiotherapy – Otago 2024

•  PILATES training (In Process)

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

•  Sports Related Injuries

•  Strength and Conditioning

•  Functional Rehabilitation

•  Post Surgical Care and rehabilitation

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

Born in Blenheim, I moved to Nelson to start my physiotherapy career after graduating from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2024. I have a love for the Tasman area and the opportunity it brings to spend time in the sunshine and outdoors. I enjoy walking, paddleboarding and dancing, I am also a big animal lover!

As a newly graduated physiotherapist I will work with you to help get you back to what you love doing. I love connecting with and helping people. I am passionate about physical activity the many benefits it can have to an individual’s life and wellbeing. My background in Ballet sparked my interest in sports rehabilitation and has lead me towards being trained in teaching Clinical Pilates.  

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Hazel Davidsen – Classic Physiotherapist

QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor in Physiotherapy
• Bachelor in Science majoring in Human
Nutrition

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS
• Sports-related injuries
• ACL rehabilitation
• Post-surgical
• Acute injury management
• Manual therapy

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

Born and bred in Nelson, I carried out my study at Otago University where I completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Human Nutrition and then a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, graduating in 2018 I returned home to Nelson. I have since worked in private practice around the region and gained experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, pre/post surgical and biomechanical assessment. My work with both club and representative rugby teams over the last 4 years sparked my interest in sports-related rehabilitation and acute injury management. I enjoy working with people to achieve their goals and keep them moving!

Living in Nelson I spend my spare time with friends and family enjoying the outdoors with particular interest in anything on the water and in the sunshine!

Tamsin du Preez – Classic Physiotherapist

Kia ora! My name is Tammy and I am a physiotherapist from Cape Town, South Africa. I graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2014 and completed my Community Service at Tygerberg Hospital – the second largest hospital in South Africa. In 2016, I moved to the countryside town of Piketberg (130km outside of Cape Town) where I opened my private clinic. Here, I developed my love for musculoskeletal and sports injury management.

My husband and I decided to move to New Zealand’s North Island in 2021, where I soon joined the TBI Health Masterton team, before moving to the South Island and transferring to their Nelson branch. Working at TBI Health has been invaluable to my development as a clinician, as well as familiarising myself with the New Zealand health care system. However, after three years in corporate healthcare, I decided to return to a more intimate rehab setting and joined the team at Sports Therapy Nelson.

Outside of work, I enjoy mountainbiking, reading, and having a backyard braai (BBQ) with family and friends.

Qualifications:

  • BSc. in Physiotherapy (2014)
  • Assessment of the Lumbar Spine using the CBI Method
  • McKenzie Part A: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of the Lumbar Spine
  • The Lower Limb Tendon Course by Professor Jill Cook
  • The Adult Hip by Glen Robbins & Benoy Mathews
  • Dry Needling Level 1
  • APPI Matwork Level 1

Personal Interests:

Management of shoulder, lumbar spine and hip pain and pathology, Functional rehabilitation, Patient education, Trigger point dry needling

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Kristie Hughes – Classic Physiotherapist

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, Canine Rehabilitation Institute, 2018
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine with Distinction, University of Otago, 2007
  • Certified Pilates Rehabilitation Practitioner, Polestar Pilates International, 2005
  • Registered Physiotherapy Acupuncturist, PAANZ, 2003
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Credit, University of Otago, 2000

I grew up in Kurow, North Otago and studied Physiotherapy at the University of Otago graduating in 2000. After a year working in a private practice in Southland I moved to Wanaka where I worked in private practice for 11 years, owning my own clinic for 7 of those years.

During my time in Wanaka I became a provider for High Performance Sport New Zealand and treated International and New Zealand snow sport athletes. This also enabled me to travel to Europe and the USA as a physiotherapist for The New Zealand University Winter Games team and the New Zealand Ski and Snowboard team respectively. Along with treating these athletes and weekend warriors of the local ski fields I really enjoyed working with New Zealand’s Paralympic snow sport athletes, and developing sports specific Pilates based training programs for these athletes.

I then moved to Dunedin and had the privilege of continuing to work in private practice with a variety of clients including national-level athletes and Paralympic athletes, mostly in the field of athletics. Within this role I spent a lot of time using core retraining principals in combination with real time ultrasound imaging to implement rehabilitation protocols for people with persistent low back pain.

In 2015 I moved to Nelson and have been working at Sports Therapy on and off since then, taking some time away to raise my son and gain further physiotherapy qualifications in animal rehabilitation.

I enjoy treating a variety of patients and helping them return to their desired activity whether it be hobbies, leisure activities or high-level competitive sport. In my years of work as a physiotherapist with both humans and animals I know not one-size fits all, so I aim to provide individualised treatment and rehabilitation plans with the goal of getting patients back to or even above their previous level of function.

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Kelly Mabbett – Senior Classic Physiotherapist

(On Maternity Leave until February)

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Health Science Physiotherapy
  • Dry needling foundation course
  • Certified Mulligan Practitioner
  • Bradcliff Breathing Practitioner

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS

  • Spinal and lower limb injuries
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • Manual Therapy
  • Sports injuries, particularly endurance athletes
  • Injury prevention

I studied BHSc Physiotherapy at Auckland University of Technology, graduating in 2012. Following this I worked in Christchruch before spending 2 years travelling and working as a physiotherapist in various UK hospitals. This gave me a deep understanding of the musckuloskeletal system and how to effectively treat a wide range of conditions and help patients to return to their optimal health and wellness. On returning to New Zealand, I fell in love with Nelson and the lifestyle and have been here since.

In my spare time you will often find me in the great outdoors running, kayaking and biking and looking after my young daughter.

Laura Pensado – Pilates Instructor, Massage Therapist, Health and Fitness Trainer

(Group Classes & 1:1 Tuition)

Kia Ora! I am Laura, I am a passionate Pilates instructor, massage therapist and fitness trainer. While completing my studies, I immersed myself in the world of weightlifting and CrossFit competition for 4 years. Inspired by my need of exploration and my love for movement, I embarked on a journey of travel where I worked extensively in alternative body therapies and explored various movement practices in Australia, Canada and South America.

My interest in body awareness, breath work, and movement has led me to practice silks, Pilates and acrobatics. My true passion lies in supporting people in their healing processes. I believe in a holistic approach to health, where we not only manage physical symptoms but also address emotional and spiritual well-being. Outside of work you will find me in the oceans … swimming or surfing, or exploring beautiful Whakatū.

Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree in Physiotherapy – SPAIN (not currently registered as a physiotherapist in New Zealand)
MAT Pilates Instructor – SPAIN
Postgrad Osteopathic Manual and Visceral Therapy – SPAIN
Postgrad Cert Acupuncture – ARGENTINA
Advance Dry Needling Cert – SPAIN
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

Professional Interests:
Manual Therapy
TMJ, cervical and head disorders
Functional Movement Training, Pilates and Strengthening
Sports Injuries (Dance/Acrobatics/Gym/Climbing/Surfing/Weightlifting)
Holistic Approach

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OUR MASSAGE THERAPISTS – Both our Massage Therapists are very skilled at Sports & Remedial Massages. In addition, their special interests have been highlighted below.

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Jo Van Rensburg – Massage Therapist (Mon & Fri) –

LYMPH and MOBIDERM Specialty Treatments

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5)
  • New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage (Level 6)
  • Hands On MLD Course Level 1 and 2
  • BSc(Hons) Sport and Exercise Science. University of Wales, Institute Cardiff.
  • Member of Massage Association N.ZAustralian Diploma in remedial and relaxation Massage (Level 6) – focus on deep tissue, therapeutic sport treatments

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

  • Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Specialty Treatments using MOBIDERM for the care and treatment of Chronic inflammation
  • Lymphoedema, Lipedema, Cellulitis, Chronic swelling from injuries/arthritis
  • Deep tissues, Sports Injuries, Muscle Sprains/Strains
  • post-surgery swelling, post mastectomy edema, sinusitis, tinnitus, chronic fatigue, endometriosis, tension headaches and migraines
  • stress reduction

PERSONAL INTERESTS: 

Jo graduated in 2021 with excellence in a Diploma of Remedial Massage therapy. Her passion for massage stems from her love of running, having been a competitive runner for over 35 years, currently competing in both track and cross country events at a national level in the masters grade. Personal experience has reinforced the importance of regular massage for both rehabilitation after injuries and regular maintenance, in order to perform at the highest level.


Jo has also coached athletics for the past 9 years, becoming an accredited coach for athletics N.Z, looking after the children’s and junior section for her old club. Whilst she has a love for working with athlete’s, the benefits of receiving massage to correct muscle imbalances and relieve pain is something all people can benefit from. Along with providing remedial treatments, Jo also specializes in Manual lymphatic Drainage, providing relief from many everyday ailments.


Outside of the clinic Jo loves escaping to the countryside for camping weekends with her hubby, as well as her regular runs. Both are looking forward to exploring the delights of Nelson after relocating here this year.

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Tonya Ball – Massage Therapist (Wed, Thur, Fri) –

HOT STONE – INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE – RELAXATION

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Sports Massage
  • Holistic Treatments
  • Certified YOGA teacher

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

  • Sports/deep tissue
  • Relaxation
  • Reflexology
  • Indian Head Massage
  • Stress relief
  • Pregnancy Massage
  • Hot Stones
  • Myofascial

PERSONAL INTERESTS: 

Tonya is a qualified Sports Masseuse, Holistic therapist and Yoga Teacher. She has been working in the wellness industry for 25 years including time on National Geographic ships and resorts.

In her spare time Tonya enjoys the outdoors – paddle boarding, biking, walking, yoga and spending quality times with friends.

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Orthotist:

Robin Mead – Booking at Sports Therapy as needed

MOTION ORTHOTICS

QUALIFICATIONS
• Orthotist MNZOPA

PROFESSIONAL LINKS
• Cell: 027 322 8464
• email: info@motionorthotics.co.nz
• website: www.motionorthotics.co.nz 

Motion Orthotics are passionate about helping clients improve their quality of life by providing the brace or support that works best for you & your lifestyle. This includes neck and back supports, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle supports, compression garments, right down to custom insoles & footwear modification and manufacture.

Motion Orthotics has the backing of well established suppliers & manufacturing centres in New Zealand and overseas.

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The Administration Team

Candace Donovan

Owner Operator/Practice Manager/ Physiotherapist Mentor and Advanced Physiotherapist

Candace is responsible for the overall running of the practice and thoroughly enjoys working alongside her wonderful team of Physiotherapists, staff and patients.  She has worked as a Physiotherapist in high end Sports Physiotherapy for 23 years having worked as lead physio for the Tasman Mako (Rugby), Giants (Basketball) and Suburbs (soccer).

Originally from Canada, Candace stays busy with her family when not in the clinic by working on their Beef farm or at their upmarket B&B.

Candace loves spending time with her family, working with her dogs on the farm, as well as mountain biking, running and travelling in her spare time.

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Jemima Jones

LEAD ADMINISTRATOR

New to the Sports Therapy team in May 2024, Jemima is a new face at the Front Desk.

Originally from the UK, but definitely a local now, having lived in NZ for 20 years, Jemima loves exploring the outdoors by tramping and camping around the Top of the South.

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Deb Mahan

Front Desk – Reception

Hi there!

New to the Team late December 2021 and relatively new to Nelson, I’m Deb.

As a Kiwi most of life has been in NZ working a variety of careers, however a passion for the sea lead me to a 10 year stint as chef/first mate on smaller luxury charter yachts in the Mediterranean but predominantly the Caribbean. From the Caribbean I moved to land – choosing Nelson.

My passion is still sailing or cruising but I also enjoy movies and books; cooking and wine; family; involvement with people of different cultures.

Qualifications are diverse but include life skills and experiences.

I’ll be at the front desk to greet you.

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