Bribie Island

Gavin

Physiotherapist/Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Gavin is co-director of the Bribie Island practice. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, In 2006, Gavin entered the hospital system, working across three states over four years (W.A., QLD and VIC). He worked in most areas of the hospital system including  Neurology, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, outpatients, Community Health and Paediatrics. Some specialised areas included Cardiac Rehabilitation, Burns and Plastics, Caridopulmonary Rehabilitation, Diabetes Exercise Groups and Orthopaedic Outpatients. Since 2009 Gavin has been working exclusively in private practice. 

Professionally, since graduation he has been very proactive in addition professional development having attending many courses in specialised areas. These include the spine, shoulder respiratory, clinical Pilates, trigger point dry needling, western acupuncture, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and physiotherapy instrument mobilisation. He has extensive experience and success in dealing with an assortment of long term chronic pain condition, utilising his specialised skills and experience. 

Gavin has advanced training and extensive experience in the following key areas:  trigger point dry needling, western acupuncture , Clinical Pilates and extracorporeal radial shockwave therapy. He has international accreditation in shockwave therapy with ISMST, and has attended four international conferences. 

A Senior rate is applicable for his services.

Garrick

Physiotherapist

Garrick is a New Zealand trained physiotherapist. Graduating from Auckland's University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) with distinction. Originally born in Cape Town, South Africa, Garrick has lived all around the world. Moving from South Africa to England, then back to South Africa, then to New Zealand, and now settling down in QLD. 

Whilst in Auckland, Garrick has worked with some of New Zealand's leading professional sports physiotherapists. This has  exposed him to high level rugby union, where he has been the on field physio for a variety of representative age group teams, and also coached junior-high school level rugby union.

Prior to working for Back in Motion, Garrick worked at a private clinic in New Zealand where he has gained valuable exposure with acute sporting injuries and post surgical rehabilitation of all age groups varying from pediatrics to the elder adult. Garrick is happy to treat anyone of any age, to help improve function and achieve personal goals. He uses different treatment modalities varying from dry needling to manual therapy and joint mobilisations to help improve function and reduce pain. Garrick is a firm believer of exercise, and will also use an evidence based approach when tailoring a custom rehabilitation program for your benefit to regain function and reduce pain. 

Garrick has additoin training in knee rehabiliation (GLA:D) practitioner and with vestibular assessent and rehabiliation. 

In his spare time, Garrick enjoys playing golf, rugby union and working out in the gym. Garrick has played premier level rugby back in New Zealand, and is looking to start back up over here in QLD, so have a chat about the upcoming rugby games! 
Outside of sports, Garrick enjoys 4x4ing, scuba diving and fishing. He's always open to hear about new spots.

Marinel

Physiotherapist

Marinel (preferred name Manel) is a skilled physiotherapist with a passion for helping patients improve their quality of life through rehabilitation. She earned her degree in physical therapy from De La Salle Health Sciences Institute in the Philippines, where she developed her foundation in anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation techniques. Manel honed her skills by working at St. Luke's Medical Center for five years, where she specialized in treating patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Her expertise includes developing individualized treatment plans, incorporating therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and modalities to help patients recover from injuries and manage pain. 

After her work at St. Luke's Medical Center, Manel moved to Australia to further her career as a physiotherapist. She found a new challenge in aged care, where she worked to improve the quality of life of elderly residents.After gaining some valuable experience working in aged care, Manel decided to shift gears and pursue a different path in the physiotherapy field which brought her to Back in Motion. At Back in Motion, Manel applies her extensive knowledge and expertise to help patients suffering from musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. She works closely with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals.

In her free time, Manel enjoys exploring her passion for cooking by preparing delicious Asian dishes. She also loves to travel and has a keen interest in discovering new cultures and cuisines. Manel is an avid snorkeler and enjoys exploring the underwater world in her spare time. She finds the ocean to be a calming and rejuvenating environment and enjoys spending time at the beach whenever possible. One interesting fact about Manel is that her name is a combination of her father and mother's names. Her parents wanted to give her a unique name and so they combined their names to create “Marinel.”

Bruce

Physiotherapist

Bruce qualified as a physiotherapist in 1999, after studying, tutoring, and working in neuroscience at University of Qld for 10 years. 
Prior to this Bruce worked in the advertising industry with several advertising agenices and Mobil Corporation.

After several years in Qld regional hospitals, Bruce worked with highly regarded Brisbane sports and manual physiotherapists (Peter Dornan, Lawrie Townsend, and Robert Thams) to broaden his scope of practise. Bruce also extended his manual therapy skills and integrative approach working with a highly respected osteopathic physician in Pennsylvania, USA. 

More recently, Bruce has continued his interest in an integrative systems approach working at True North Health (Santa Rosa, California), the world’s leading center for medically supervised fasting and nutrition therapy, and more recently human trials into longevity medicine.

Special interests: 

•  an integrative approach to chronic disease, and longevity medicine.This will be of interest to those genuinely desirous to optimally manage degenerative neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, and slow the ageing process. Conservative approach to better brain and spinal cord health
• Impact of hydration, nutrition, movement, posture, and stress patterning on central nervous system oxidative stress, metabolic waste clearance, neuroinflammation, acquired brain injury.  Conservative management of Chiari malformation, connective tissue disorders effecting craniocervical stability, disorders of intracranial CSF dynamics.

Experience:

•  strength/conditioning and injury prevention/management for multiple sports - cycling, running, swimming, triathlon, weightlifting, rowing, all football codes, and netball
• developmental issues from 6 mths to 18y
• falls prevention for those vulnerable
• stroke prevention and rehabilitation
• chronic pain management
• management of diabetes, amputees, respiratory and cardiac diseases
• antenatal and postnatal health education and return to activity
• physiotherapy intervention for pelvic organ prolapse, prostate cancer, incontinence 

Qualifications, skills:

• Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Qld
• CHIP nutrition program facilitator, Loma Linda University
• Nutrition certificate program, Cornell University
• Kaltenborn-Evjenth orthopedic manual therapy
• GEMt Trigger Point Dry Needling (Level 1 and 2), Acupuncture (level 1)

A Senior rate is applicable for his services.

Daniel

Physiotherapist

Daniel graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). He has recently joined Back in Motion Bribie Island at the start of 2022. Daniel was born and raised in Brisbane but has a Taiwanese background and can speak fluent Mandarin and can understand Taiwanese.

Daniel during his clinical placements at university working in various clinical settings such as hospitals including cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, private practice and aged care.  He discovered that he had has a particular interest in musculoskeletal physiotherapy which included treating chronic pain, low back and neck pain. 

Daniel loves to meet and aide patients. He is passionate about cooperating with the patient in all decision making in regards to their treatment. He believes that having strong and effective communication with the patient in conjunction with the most up to date evidence-based treatment will be the most impactful in providing the best patient care and wellbeing. 

Daniel always had an interest in working within a multidisciplinary team, which is why he chose to work at Back in Motion Bribie Island. 

Outside of work Daniel enjoys playing basketball, reading, playing piano, spending time with family and watching the NBA and NFL.

Serge

Physiotherapist

Serge is a Physiotherapist from the Philippines, where he worked for over 3 years prior to moving to Australia. He graduated from Cebu Doctors’ University in the Philippines where he studied and built his skills as a physio. After graduating, he was able to develop those skills from university by working at Sacred Heart Hospital in Cebu, now known as SWUMed. Over those years, he worked with musculoskeletal, neurological, and post-operative patients, aiding them in their rehabilitation journey and achieving their goals. 

After 3 years of working in the Philippines, Serge decided to explore new horizons and moved to Australia. He found his place at Back in Motion, Bribie Island, where he applies his skills and knowledge to aide his patients through creating unique and personalised treatment plans. He also has the opportunity to further develop his skills in manual therapy, rehabilitation exercise prescription, and the use of various modalities to relieve his patients from pain and discomfort. 

Outside of work, Serge enjoys spending his time by spending quality time with family and friends. He enjoys going online and playing a few games as well. He also keeps active by exploring new hiking areas and going out for a run. 

Miriam

Occupational Therapist

Miriam graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) in 2001 and a Master of Occupational Therapy Studies (Thesis in Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation) in 2005 at the University of QLD. Miriam has additional qualifications in Level 1 Hand Therapy.

Miriam worked as a medicolegal Occupational Therapy Aide while a student doing functional capacity, range of motion, and pain assessments; disability funding estimations; therapy and equipment recommendations and witness impact reports.

Upon graduation Miriam has worked in various multidisciplinary teams.Miriam initially worked as a rotational locum for Redcliffe and Caboolture hospitals in rehabilitation, medical, surgical, palliative care, and hand therapy.

Miriam moved to Rockhampton to take up a position in the private hospital system in adult/Geriatric rehabilitation including Orthopaedics (including amputations); Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation; Neurological (including Stroke, Brain Tumours, Parkinson’s Disease, and MS); and general reconditioning (including Multi-system Atrophy). Due to other staff circumstances Miriam concurrently provided an upper limb outpatient service (joint replacements, reconditioning, stroke, etc..); Hand Therapy services (joint replacement, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, scar management, pain and desensitisation, de Quervain’s, Trigger Finger/Dupuytren’s Contracture, etc..) and also serviced general medical, surgical, and day therapy. Miriam routinely did home assessments for modifications, and equipment prescriptions including wheelchairs. During this time Miriam co-wrote the rehabilitation scope of practice; assisted with submission to the hospital accreditation board; was a workplace trainee supervisor for Allied Health Assistants; wrote funding grant submissions; and trained and supervised staff, students, and volunteers.

In 2010 Miriam moved to government rehabilitation services in metro Brisbane and travelled to regional areas performing workplace/ergonomic assessments, developing return to work/suitable duties programs; undertaking pre-employment assessments for the coal industry and railway; delivering manual handling, ergonomics, and happiness in the workplace training.

In 2011 Miriam moved departments and performed Job Capacity and Employment Services assessments, assessing functional capacity, disability, work capacity, and recommending interventions to address return to work barriers. In addition to this Miriamundertook Team Leader and Assistant Director roles; delivered management/leadership training nationally; and provided recommendations for service delivery COVID-19 risk mitigation.

Miriam has joined the Back in Motion team to develop and grow an Occupational Therapy service and pursue her interest in Hand therapy and Paediatrics. Miriam has personal experience of tube feeding/weaning, oral aversion, non-epileptic seizures, Cerebral Palsy, sensory seeking/avoidance, and visual inattention/neglect.

Miriam is an innovator and will work with clients to problem solve all manner of barriers to help each person reach their potential.

In her downtime Miriam enjoys the beach, the odd bush walk, and getting creative with various hand crafts.

John

Osteopath

John is the newest member to our Clinician team.  John’s early background was in Engineering, Martial Arts training, and studying Traditional Chinese Medicine.

John moved to the UK for 4 years to study Osteopathy at the British School of Osteopathy in London. Once he graduated, John worked in Melbourne then Albury Wodonga, where he was known as the only Osteopath between Melbourne and Canberra, a thriving Osteopathic and Chinese Medicine clinic for 30 years, finally retiring in 2022 to live on Bribie Island. Dissatisfied in retirement, John has returned to do some part time work to help members in the community deal with chronic pain, injury and disease.

John has taught Clinical biomechanics and human movement. He was also a supervisor of Osteopathic Clinical Practise at RMIT and VUT Universities and mentored many graduates within clinic at Albury.

His practise Interests are utilizing 40 years’ experience, in body mechanics, movement, and mobility in all ages, dealing with acute and chronic musculosketal problems.

Carl

Podiatrist

Carl was originally born in Chicoutimi, Quebec to a French Canadian father and an English mother. Coming from a military family background he moved around a lot as a kid and lived in 3 different countries by the time he was 10 years old. This brought about a love for exploring new places and cultures.

Growing up loving sports led him to wanting to have a career in a sports based profession as well as looking for a job in aiding others.

This brought podiatry to his attention, with a particular interest in how the foot functions during sports and walking.

The University of Salford in Manchester had the most up to date technologies in gait analysis so that’s where his future lied. This also allowed him to work closely with the two soccer teams in the city MUFC and MCFC. 

After completing his degree he moved to London to work in the national health system to gain some experience and then went into private practise.

Before he got too settled in his life he strove for a new adventure which brought him here at Back in Motion, Australia.

He chose Back in Motion due to its client centred approach to treatments as well as having the opportunity to work within a multi-disciplinary team along with Physiotherapist’s and exercises physiologists.

He is particularly passionate about patient care and wellbeing, which makes for a very thorough treatment as well as been a friendly face you can confide in, as long as you don’t mind the accent.

Outside of the work place he enjoys playing soccer in the Brisbane league, as well as climbing a couple times a week. You may spot him exploring the local area bush walking, diving into rock pools or attempting to surf.

Natania

Podiatrist

Natania is new to Back In Motion Bribie Island. 

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa to Portuguese emigrant parents, Natania grew up in a culturally rich and diverse environment. Growing up, she was a keen cross-country runner and flamenco dancer. This combined with South Africa’s good weather and barefoot walking; she often found herself observing the human foot and all its diverse functionalities. 

This lead a strong interest and eventual study in Podiatry at The University of Johannesburg in Doornfontein – the only institute to offering Podiatry in Southern Africa. During her time of study, Natania was placed at various hospital and rural clinics, she quickly learnt how to provide podiatric care to a variety of patients on a tight budget and began to have exposure to the diabetic foot and its complications. In her final year thesis was paediatric based as she enjoy working with children.

After qualifying, she started her own private practice in a multidisciplinary clinic at The Rifle Range Medical Centre. Natania also worked several years for The Rand Aid Association and The Methodist Homes Association, allowing me to gain experience with the geriatric foot. During these 16 years of practice, she developed a great interest in paediatrics, the diabetic foot and wound management. Natania became a member of The Centre for Diabetes Education, The Wound Healing Association and The South African Sports Medical Association.

In 2020 her family and I decided to emigrate to Australia for its beautiful weather and beaches. She was immediately drawn to Back in Motion with it’s holistic approach to treating the human body. Natania looks forward to broadening her skills at Back In Motion and providing patients with healthy, happy feet.

My

Podiatrist

My is new to Back In Motion Bribiei Island. She grew up in Vietnam but now calls Australia home. 

She completed her bachelor’s degree in podiatry at the Queensland University of Technology back in 2021.

My enjoy's all aspects of podiatry practice including geriatric foot care, musculoskeletal and sport injuries, pediatric foot issues and high-risk foot management.She has a particularly interested in diabetes, chronic conditions and musculoskeletal injuries.

I love to meet and help patients to achieve their goals. She is excied about  working in multi-disciplinary team at Back In Motion as this will enable her to provide the best patient-centered care and holistic approach for her clients. .

In her spare time, she enjoy spending time with family, reading books, swimming, bicycling, playing badminton and running.

Zachary

Cardiac Sonographer

Zac is a cardiac sonographer who has completed a Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound from Queensland University of Technology (QUT). With experience working at a busy private hospital performing scans pre and post heart surgeries, Zac understands the key information doctors require and how to best analyse this during a scan.

Zac has worked at a number of imaging and cardiac clinics across Brisbane and rural Queensland. He hopes to build a reputation for the experience he provides for patients and referring doctors. Zac continues to work closely with a number of reputable cardiologists who specialise in different areas of cardiology to ensure his skills and knowledge are up to date.

Zac will bulk bill your echocardiogram, Once you have a referral for an echocardiogram, kindly contact the Elite Echo on (07) 3180 3837 to schedule an appointment.

To find out more information, please visit https://eliteecho.com.au/

Jacinta

MYO Therapy/ Remedial Massage

Jacinta is a degree qualified Clinical Myotherapist with experience as a training inremedial massage therapy also. As a clinical Myotherapist, appart from as variety of soft tissue/massage techniques she is also able to perform Dry Needling and Joint mobilisations. WIth regards to her Remdial Massage therapy skills she is also able to help with lymphoedema clearance and also has addtional training in Swiss Relaxation Massage,  Jacinta has also worked as a lifeguard, swim instructor and as a teacher aid for children with disabilities. This has given her a unique perspective on holistic health. This has driven Jacinta to continue to learn to ensure her clients receive the best possible care. Her passion to help people has lead to the amazing opportunity to work alongside other Allied Health professionals at Back In Motion. Outside of work she enjoys swimming in the ocean, spending time with family and watching the footy.

Jonie

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Jonie graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement Studies in 2011. Her passion is exercise and mindfulness strategies for weight control along with Clinical Exercise for injury rehabilitation/prevention. Jonie loves motivating her clients to become the very best version of themselves and helping them reach their health and fitness goals. Jonie has 2 young children and can assist pregnant and postpartum women with safe exercise strategies. Jonie’s interests include running, yoga, surfing and spending time with her family.

Lachlan

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Lachlan graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2021. During his time at university, Lachlan had the role of an intern rehabilitation coach, where he helped to run strength and conditioning sessions with professional rugby league players for return to play. He was also exposed to a broad range of clinical cases whilst at university, including neurological, musculoskeletal, and metabolic conditions, which has left him with many areas of interest.

Following university, Lachlan worked in private practice, with experience in the veteran and NDIS fields. During this time, Lachlan further expanded his interest in exercise prescription for neurological cases and metabolic conditions (such as diabetes), and musculoskeletal rehabilitation for both the elderly and people looking to return to sport. Lachlan is also passionate about applying the most current evidence to his practice and enjoys working closely alongside individuals throughout their health and rehabilitation journey via a goal-oriented approach. Lachlan is also a member of Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

Outside of work, Lachlan volunteers as a head sports trainer for the local senior rugby league team. He also enjoys going to the gym and keeping active in any way he can, along with watching games (or at least catching the highlights) of the many sports teams that he follows. He also considers himself an opportunistic snowboarder – if you take him somewhere snowy you can always find him on the slopes. Lachlan grew up around the Bribie Island area, having completed all his schooling on the island – so he may be a familiar face to some at the Bribie clinic.

Samara

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Samara was born and raised in the busy city of Hong Kong where, she completed her high school education before moving to Australia for her tertiary studies. She now lives locally on Bribie Island. 

She graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science in 2016. Samara is a member of Exercise & Sports Science Australia. Through multiple clinical, hospital and gym based practicum; focusing in Musculoskeletal, Cardiopulmonary/Sleep and Neuromuscular rehabilitation, Samara has been able to build a growing interest in each. 

Samara takes pride in tailoring her exercise prescription towards each clients’ individual goals, whilst motivating them to be the best versions of themselves. She continues to stay up to date with current research, to ensure her treatment is evidence based and gets results. Some specialised areas include Cardiac Rehabilitation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Diabetes Education and Exercise, and Clinical Exercise. 

Having competed in high level sports, her interests include field hockey, rugby, and soccer (essentially any sport under the sun!). She also enjoys playing the piano and guitar in her free time. 

Samara now spends most of her time at our Mudjimba clinic, but you might see her from time to time at our Bribie Island practice.

Stefanie

Accredited Exercise Physiology

Stefanie studied Exercise Physiology at the University of Sunshine Coast before graduating in 2021.

Working in private practice Stefanie delivers clinical exercise programs for those with chronic medical conditions, injuries, and disabilities as well as lifestyle programs for healthy individuals. Since graduating she has obtained additional professional development training and certification in functional assessments, spirometry and clinical pilates.

Stefanie is passionate about helping people to live their best life and is an advocate for exercise to improve an individual’s health and mindset.

When Stefanie is not at work you can find her spending time with her daughter, training in the gym or out on the water fishing. Stefanie has one daughter who dances competitively and has a keen interest in functional training and Pilates based exercise for dancers. 

Dr Pat Donnelly

Consultant Physician

Dr Pat Donnelly is a consulting physician in Nuclear Medicine and supports the Bribie Island team in the analysis of client DEXA scans.

Pat graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1981, was qualified in General Paediatrics in 1989 and worked in rural NSW for many years. Patrick returned to Sydney and completed training in General Nuclear Medicine at Prince of Wales and Bankstown Hospitals in 2004.

He has completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology and is ALS certified. Patrick has gained significant experience in all areas of Nuclear Medicine in Private Practice and has a strong interest in Nuclear Cardiology, Bone SPECT/CT and Paediatric Nuclear Medicine.

Nicole

Practice Manager

Originally from from Woollongong, we are please to have Nicole with us as she has lots previous experience in the administration and front line services. 

Tracey

Support Team

Tracey has previous experience in the allied health space and administration. 

Rebekah

Remedial Massage

Rebekah is an inegral part of our reception team. 

Tanya

Support Team

Tanya is an integral part of our recpetion team, 

Nadine

Support Team

Nadine is the most recent addition to our growing team. She has a wealth of experience. 

Brianna

Support Team

Brianna is the newest member of our team and has been a resident of Bribie Island for 15 years. She attended Bribie Island High School and was awarded the Caltex All Rounder award for her Academic achievements. 

Brianna previously served as an Area Manager at Bribie Island McDonald's for 5 years. Brianna is attending QUT where she is balancing her studies in secondary teaching and working at Back in Motion as a receptionist. She's dedicated to making connections—whether it's welcoming you in the clinic or fostering engagement on our Facebook Page.