Mel Dewar

Pilates Instructor

After many years as a passionate Pilates client, Mel has turned her passion to teaching. The benefits that Pilates offers drives her passion — she believes movement is key to a long quality of life. Having clients share the positive changes they are experiencing in their day-to-day life is her happy place!
Outside of teaching, Mel enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends. She has three grandchildren who keep her moving, as well as two active dogs. Other interests include travel, photography and supporting the Warriors!

Claire Irvine

Pilates Instructor

Combined with her first loves of dance and gymnastics, and her studies in physio and physed, Pilates is where Claire is meant to be.
She is fortunate to get to work with all ages and stages of getting, keeping or improving movement. She loves meeting people and enjoys the challenge of coming up with adaptations to let people continue to get stronger and more flexible despite current injuries or limitations.

Florine Djojodiredjo

Senior Musculoskeletal & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment Skill set include:

PGCert Musculoskeletal Management (Otago)
Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Otago
Pelvic Health including maternal birth injuries
Dry Needling
Sports Injuries
Acute musculoskeletal injury diagnosis
Manual therapy
Exercise prescription

Bio:

Flo is a senior musculoskeletal and pelvic health physiotherapist with extensive experience in private practice. She is passionate about helping people recover from injury and return to the activities that matter most to them, whether that’s sport, work, or everyday life.
Flo has a special interest in pain management and pelvic health. She holds a postgraduate qualification in musculoskeletal management and is currently completing further postgraduate study in sports medicine.
As a pelvic health physiotherapist, Flo works with both men and women to assess and treat a wide range of pelvic health conditions, including urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain. She also has a particular passion for supporting women recovering from birth-related injuries, many of which may be covered by ACC.
Alongside her clinical practice, Flo has worked with football and netball teams, including Ole Academy/Western Suburbs and Kāpiti Netball, providing injury management, rehabilitation, and performance support.
Outside the clinic, Flo enjoys hiking, running, going to the gym, and reading.

Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand

Flo is available at our Whitby Clinic

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Faye Crawford

Staff Physiotherapist

Qualifications and Treatment skills include:

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy – Cardiff University
Massage Therapist

Bio:
Faye is an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist with a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Cardiff University. Since graduating, she has gained extensive experience working across a wide range of clinical areas, including musculoskeletal rehabilitation, acute care, neurological recovery, paediatrics, and community health. Her diverse background has provided her with the skills to assess, diagnose, and manage a variety of injuries and conditions, tailoring treatment to suit each individual’s needs and goals.
Faye is passionate about helping people regain movement, strength, and confidence following injury or pain. She takes a patient-centred approach, focusing on treating the individual rather than just the condition. Through collaborative goal-setting, evidence-based practice, and effective communication, she empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery. Her experience in developing rehab classes, delivering in-service training, and leading educational sessions reflects her commitment to continual growth — both for herself, her colleagues, and her patients.
Faye has extensive experience working with the ageing population, helping older adults improve their independence and quality of life. She also provides comprehensive rehabilitation for athletes — whether returning to sport after an injury or striving to reach peak performance. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a long-term condition, bouncing back from an injury, or aiming to take your health to the next level, Faye is here to guide your rehab journey with expertise, energy, and genuine care. Her sessions are not only focused on results but are also engaging, motivating, and tailored to make rehab a positive and enjoyable experience every step of the way.
Outside the clinic, you’ll likely see Faye trail running, climbing, cycling or playing squash with friends. She believes in leading by example and understands the importance of staying active for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Faye is available at our Porirua Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH FAYE

Stacey-Leigh Amsterdam

Senior Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment Skill set include:

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Capetown
Experienced working in specialist orthopaedic rehabilitation, fracture rehab and post joint replacement rehabilitation.
Experienced in managing complex MSK acute and subacute injuries with patient specific return to function/sport.
Experienced in the management of trauma related injuries, conservative and post- operative rehabilitation
Manual therapy
Dry needling
Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Return to work/ functional rehabilitation
Pre-and post-operative management and conditioning
Injury prevention and optimisation
Paediatric MSK and normal development
Dizziness – BPPV, Vertigo, neuritis, vestibular physiotherapy

Bio:

Stacey started her professional career in 2018 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She worked in state for 6 years where sjhe worked in a tertiary health setting seeing a variety of patients in both an in-patient and out-patient setting. Over the years she has worked closely with specialist doctors and surgeons, specifically in the field of orthopaedic rehabilitation pre and post surgery. After about a year in state, she branched out to gain some private health experience and worked in private practice on a Locum basis for the last 4 years, thereby gaining the best of both worlds.

Working in South Africa, there was always a natural love for community and it has always been a priority to strive for excellent patient care within a system that was so strained. Stacey therefore make it an effort to always learn more and to give the best patient centred treatment while taking on a partnership role with my patients to obtain the best possible return to function.

Outside work, she loves cooking and baking, and time spent exploring. On a good you will find her at the beach lazing the day away. Generally she enjoys time spent with friends and family. Her sport of choice is dancing, she was actually classically trained in ballet and ballroom dancing throughout her primary and high school career, which is actually where her love for physiotherapy started due to my own personal dance injuries.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH STACEY

Carmin Kannemeyer

Senior Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Areas of Expertise/Interest

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of the Western Cape, South Africa in 2015
Advanced dry needling
Manual therapy
Concussion and neck injuries
Pre and post op rehab

Bio:

Carmin graduated from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa in 2015 with a Bachelor’s (Honors) degree in Physiotherapy and has worked in private and public healthcare. She’s had the privilege of treating an array of conditions including orthopaedic, musculoskeletal acute and chronic presentations, chronic pain, sports related injuries, pre- and post-operative care as well as the treatment of concussions.

She has assisted many in returning to sport, work and daily life. Her empathy is used to establish good rapport with her patients to plan an efficient and effective treatment plan catered to her patients and their family’s needs ensuring a more holistic approach. She has advanced dry needing experience as well as years of experience with hands on treatment techniques.

Carmin is also a pelvic health physiotherapist and can cater to those in need of pelvic health assistance. She is passionate about equality for all with a vested interest in the LGBTQ+ community.

Carmin is passionate about helping others and a quote from one of her favourite books sums up her drive, ” that the more I have gone out of my way to help others, the richer my life has become.”

Carmin is available at our Johnsonville Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH CARMIN

Sridar Murugan

Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment Skill set include:

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – AUT
Bachelor of Health Science (Rehabilitation) – Massey University

Bio:

Sridar graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy, following an earlier Bachelor of Health Science in Rehabilitation from Massey University. This strong academic foundation gives him a broad understanding of injury, rehabilitation and the factors that influence recovery. He treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and uses a combination of manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, education and progressive strengthening. Sridar takes a patient-centred approach, working closely with each person to understand their goals and develop a clear, practical treatment plan. Sridar has experience in sports physiotherapy and sideline rugby care, including acute injury assessment, strapping, first aid and return-to-play decision-making. He enjoys helping patients safely return to sport, work and everyday activities.

He is currently further developing his clinical skills through training in Advanced Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy and dry needling. Friendly, motivated and approachable, Sridar is committed to providing evidence-based care and supporting each patient throughout their rehabilitation.

Sridar is available at our Porirua Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH SRIDAR

Kirsty Bidgood

Staff Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Interests

BPhty – Otago University
Dry needling
Sports physiotherapy
Manual therapy

Bio:

Kirsty is an experienced physiotherapist who graduated from the University of Otago in 2023. She enjoys helping people of all ages recover from injury, move with confidence and return to the activities that matter to them.She has experience treating a wide range of acute and persistent musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries, workplace injuries and pre- and post-operative rehabilitation. Kirsty combines hands-on treatment with personalised exercise rehabilitation and clear education, ensuring each patient understands their condition and has a practical plan for recovery.

Kirsty has a strong interest in sports physiotherapy and has worked as a rugby sports medic and club physiotherapist. This has given her valuable experience in injury assessment, strapping, concussion management, return-to-play rehabilitation and injury prevention. She has also supported athletes at community sporting events and worked collaboratively with strength and conditioning professionals. Kirsty has completed foundation training in dry needling and continues to develop her expertise through ongoing professional education, including functional movement screening and the management of sporting and lower-limb injuries.

Friendly, positive and approachable, Kirsty takes the time to understand each person’s goals and tailors treatment to their individual needs.

Available at…

Porirua Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH KIRSTY

Marama Mitchell

Senior Physiotherapist

Bio:

Kia ora, Ko Marama tōku ingoa, Ko Ngati Kahungunu tōku iwi, Ko Tawa ahau.

Marama graduated from AUT in 2011 and has since built a strong career in the private physiotherapy sector in Wellington. With a focus on ongoing professional development, they have completed the NZMPA Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (COMT) and the NZMPA Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept.

With a background in competitive gymnastics and dance, Marama enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries across various age groups. They combine manual therapy, massage, and exercise rehabilitation to provide effective treatment. Passionate about the role exercise plays in overall health and well-being, Marama is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and empowering them with the tools to achieve their goals.

In her free time, Marama enjoys waka ama, yoga, and pickleball. She is also an avid fan of rugby league, cheering for the NZ Warriors!

Available at…

- Whitby Physiotherapy Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH MARAMA

Jane Mugglestone

Senior Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment Skill set include:

Extensive experience in musculoskeletal diagnosis, assessment and rehabilitation
Acupuncture
Manual Therapy
McKenzie Method
Return to work rehabilitation
Pain Management
Exercise prescription

Bio:
Jane is very experienced physiotherapist who trained in the UK before coming out to NZ to settle with her husband. She has been the mainstay of Whitby physiotherapy clinic for over 20 years now.
Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand

Jane is available at our Whitby Physiotherapy Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH JANE

Jan Henderson

Administrator

Bio:

Jan has worked as a Physiotherapy receptionist and administrator since August 2003. She loves working with people and enjoying the interaction with the patients.

Lorenzo Gai

Senior Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment Skill set include:

MSc Strength & Conditioning – St Mary’s University (UK) (in progress)
Master in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation – University of Genova (Italy)
BSc Physiotherapy – University of Piemonte Orientale (Italy)
Musculoskeletal assessment and diagnosis
Sports injury management (acute & chronic)
Post-surgical and post-traumatic rehabilitation
Return-to-play planning and load management
Concussion assessment and management
Strength & conditioning integration into rehabilitation
Individualised exercise prescription
Manual therapy techniques

Bio:
Lorenzo is an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist with a strong background in elite and professional sport across Europe and New Zealand. He was previously working as a Senior Physiotherapist in Auckland and completing his MSc in Strength & Conditioning, he combines high-level clinical reasoning with performance-focused rehabilitation.
He has worked extensively within rugby environments, including national and professional teams, where he has led injury prevention strategies, managed complex injuries, and delivered return-to-play programmes in high-performance settings. His experience also extends to working with elite athletes across football and winter sports.
Lorenzo takes a personalised, evidence-based approach to care, combining hands-on treatment with tailored rehabilitation programmes that reflect the specific demands of each individual—whether returning to daily activity or competing at a high level. He is known for his clear communication, collaborative approach with coaches and support staff, and ability to adapt treatment plans in dynamic environments.
Passionate about movement, performance, and long-term health, Lorenzo aims to not only resolve injury but help clients build resilience and perform at their best.

Lorenzo is available at our Porirua Physiotherapy Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH LORENZO

Chris Desmond

Lead Post Grad & Vocational Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Training:

BPhty Physiotherapy – University of Otago
PGCertRehab – University of Otago
MMgmt – Massey University

Bio:

18 years of physiotherapy experience across the public and private health sectors in New Zealand. Working with patients from beginning of life through to end of life. Worked with high level sports teams and have been physiotherapist on international sporting tours. 9 years of experience delivering workplace health and wellbeing services through a variety of industries. Experience leading pain management programs and escalated care programs. Mentoring and developing physiotherapy students and physiotherapists in clinical skills and human skills. Host of the wellbeing and resilience podcast “Uncomfortable is OK”

Eshara Gunawardana

Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment Skill set include:

MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy Practice — Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka

Bio:
Eshara began her career as a physiotherapist in 2020 in Sri Lanka, working in a government hospital where she gained a strong clinical foundation managing both inpatients and outpatients. Alongside this, she also worked in the private sector, which strengthened her patient-centered approach and allowed her to deliver individualised rehabilitation.
She later moved to the UK to pursue higher studies and then worked as a rotational physiotherapist within the NHS, completing rotations in pelvic health and geriatrics.
After moving to New Zealand, Eshara started her career in the private sector, working in both clinic-based and community settings, managing clients across clinics, aged-care, and community environments.
Having built more than five years of clinical experience, she has grown both professionally and personally, developing the skills, confidence, and compassion to support her clients. She takes genuine pride in guiding them to reach their rehabilitation goals, regain independence, and become the best version of themselves in their recovery journey.

Eshara is available at our Whitby Clinic & Porirua Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ESHARA

Leo Zhang

Staff Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment Skill set include:

BPhty – Otago University
Dry needling
Sports physiotherapy
Manual therapy

Bio:
Leo graduated from the University of Otago and has experience working in private practice, treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. He has a particular interest in helping clients recover from gym-related injuries and return to training safely and confidently. Leo is currently undertaking postgraduate study in advanced assessment and manipulative therapy and is working towards his Orthopaedic Manual Therapy certification.

Outside of the clinic, Leo enjoys staying active and can often be found training at his local gym.

Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand

Leo is available at our Porirua Physiotherapy Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH LEO

Nicole Frisby

Lead & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Training:

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Otago

Credentialed by Dr Melissa Davidson Pelvic Health Training

Bio:

Nicole is pelvic health physiotherapist and a lead musculoskeletal physiotherapist. She graduated from Otago University in 2009 and has since worked in private practices in Australia and New Zealand. She moved to Porirua in 2022 with her husband and 2 children.

Nicole has attended many training courses in pelvic health since 2016 but her interest and understanding grew even more when she became a mum herself. Nicole is passionate about helping women and men regain control of their pelvic health. She has seen the devastating impact that pelvic conditions can have on a person’s quality of life. Her passion comes from seeing how simple strategies and knowledge can have life-changing effects.

Nicole also enjoys mixing up her caseload with challenging musculoskeletal problems.

Nicole is able to help woman who have sustained a maternal birth injury.

See her profile on the Pelvic Health Directory of NZ:

https://www.pelvichealthdirectory.co.nz/wellington/porirua/pelvic-health-professional/nicole-frisby

Outside of work Nicole enjoys mountain biking, swimming and bush walks.

Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand

Available at…

Porirua Central Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH NICOLE FRISBY

Roger Pambala

Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Treatment skills include

Post Grad Diploma in Health Science – The University of Otago.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy – The University of Otago.
Acute musculoskeletal injury diagnosis
Sports injuries
Manual therapy
Dry Needling
Exercise prescription
Biomechanical correction and postural correction

Bio

Roger is a highly experienced physiotherapist and University of Otago graduate who has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences. He has extensive expertise in assessing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, with a particular interest in sports injuries and rehabilitation. Roger has also provided physiotherapy support across both local and high-level rugby environments.

As a senior member of the North City Physiotherapy team, Roger supports and mentors junior physiotherapists, helping to promote excellent clinical reasoning and consistently high standards of patient care.

Outside work Roger enjoys going to the gym, exploring the great outdoors, social sports whenever he gets a chance, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Available at:

PORIRUA AND TAWA CLINICS

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ROGER PAMBALA

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