Our Team

Kate Maslen

Director / Senior Physiotherapist

Kate is a compassionate physiotherapist who is dedicated to assisting our more mature population.  Since 2016, Kate has resided in the Sunshine Coast and worked in aged care in the community.  Kate enjoys engaging with seniors, listening to their stories and learning about their unique perspectives on life. One of Kate‘s favourite things is to enable older adults to accomplish things they never thought were attainable, no matter how small- as these achievements can make a difference to their lives. Kate is committed to help people stay as active and mobile as possible during their later years, and she keeps very active herself. 

Outside work, Kate enjoys travelling, running, and generally being outdoors. She cherishes spending time with her loved ones. 

Jihl Tanner

Administrator

Jihl is Administration Officer, and has worked with Age Care Sector for over 20yrs. Her past jobs include working as a Personal Carer, Community Allied Health Assistant, and Lifestyle Coordinator.

Jihl has always been committed and
passionate in her roles, striving for the best outcomes for all clients and building trusting relationships with them all. Jihl has completed her Diploma in Community Services, Diploma in Management plus required levels in Aged Care. Jihl love’s working for Quality Care Physio along side her Team.

Jihl’s spare time is spent Mountain climbing, enjoying the beach and Gardening.

Nikki Smyth

Allied Health Assistant

Nikki has always had a passion for helping people and this is one of the main reasons for becoming an Allied Health Assistant. She has completed her certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Community rehabilitation) and to compliment this has also completed her Diploma in Health Science (Massage Therapy). 

Since becoming part of the Quality Care Physiotherapy team Nikki enjoys developing a rapport with her clients and being involved in inspiring her clients during their health journey, while working together with our experienced Physiotherapists.

In her spare time, Nikki enjoys staying active, spending time with the family and exploring the local area.

Anita Collins

Senior Physiotherapist 

Anita has been working as a physiotherapist – and pilates instructor – since the early 2000’s. She graduated from the University of Queensland with a Masters of Physiotherapy Studies and has since worked in Brisbane, Western Australia and overseas, in hospitals, private practice, in residential aged care facilities and in the community. She has completed additional training in TMJ (temporomandibular joint or jaw) physiotherapy, pelvic floor and women’s/men’s health, pilates, yoga, dance medicine pilates, among other things.
 
Anita came to physiotherapy and pilates after injuring her back playing sport as a teenager, wanting to learn more about the body, holistic wellness and rehabilitation. Fascinated with getting bodies to move well at any age, she advocates movement for everyone. Anita has worked with people young and old, fit and injured, motivated and not, cancer survivors, athletes, royalty and the occasional wallaby.
 
Anita’s interests (mostly) involve healthy living, travel, hiking, plants, food, reading, mountain biking and puzzles.

Mark Aumuller 

Senior Physiotherapist 

Mark is a Physiotherapist with over 30 years’ experience working in a variety of roles in both Australia and the UK. Mark feels it is a privilege to be invited into people’s homes and helping support them to achieve their goals is what he enjoys most about working in aged care.

Mark recently moved back to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane and enjoys taking advantage of the areas natural beauty. Whether it is bush walking, swimming or exploring the hinterland on his beloved triumph, Mark revels in the active
outdoor lifestyle.

Jane Buzolic

Senior Physiotherapist 

Jane is an experienced physiotherapist who is passionate about helping over 65 year olds be independent, active, and achieving their goals. Whether it’s walking, gardening, hobbies, sports, preventing falls, increasing function, or treating pain Jane is your evidence based cheerleader and personal physio. Jane has a wide professional background including hospital, rural and remote, musculoskeletal, women’s health,  and community physiotherapy. Her special interest is the Explain Pain Revolution, which provides treatment for people in chronic pain.

Surfing, yoga, surf life saving, gardening, family hiking and camping are some of Jane’s other passions. 

Ashlea De’Cent  

Senior Physiotherapist

Ashlea has been working as a physiotherapist since graduating from Griffith University with a master’s degree in 2017. Ashlea has worked across a variety of areas including in hospitals, community, private practice, disability and rehabilitation. She has completed additional training in Neurological physiotherapy and Chronic Pain. 

Ashlea enjoys assisting people to help improve their quality of life. She has a holistic view to health and wellbeing and enjoys working with you as a team to reach your goals! 

Ashlea has recently moved back to the Sunshine Coast and is excited about helping the older population in her local community. On her days off Ashlea enjoys sending time at the beach, scuba diving, travelling, hiking, reading a good book and finding yummy new food spots.  

Ebony Burgess-Gallop

Senior Physiotherapist 

Ebony completed her Master of Physiotherapy in 2017. With a background of a Bachelor of Exercise Science, Ebony is passionate about achieving client’s goals and enhancing their quality of life through movement and exercise. 

Ebony works closely with clients to develop individualised rehabilitation plans that incorporates pain management, falls prevention and functional movements. 

Ebony has clinical experience with the assessment and treatment of clients with a variety of conditions ranging from musculoskeletal injuries, cardiorespiratory conditions, lymphoedema, orthopaedic surgeries and neurological conditions. 

Ebony enjoys spending her time outside of work in nature whether it is exploring the water or land through paddling, scuba diving, hiking or rock climbing (to name a few).

Kara Petersen

Allied Health Assistant

Kara is an allied health assistant who has been working for Quality Care Physiotherapy for just over a year now. Kara believes exercise is medicine and loves working together with our amazing physiotherapists to improve our clients lifestyles and health through movement. She has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science and is currently at uni completing a degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Kara is passionate about really getting to know her clients as it is an important part of being able to create trusting and supportive environments for our clients to thrive. 

Kara has lived here her whole life and has grown up surfing up and down the Sunshine Coast. She enjoys being active, being outdoors and spending time with the ones she loves most!

Brooke McDonnell

Allied Health Assistant

Brooke has studied her certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, specialising in community rehabilitation..  She enjoys helping clients work towards their health goals and is passionate about the importance of movement and exercise at all ages.

She thoroughly enjoys working as part of the team at Quality Care Physiotherapy, and continues to be inspired every day by watching people make progress towards better health and happiness.

In her spare time she enjoys family time, gardening and long walks on the beach or in nature.

Marlise Van Ryssen

Senior Physiotherapist

Marlise is a dedicated physiotherapist with more than 15 years of experience in rehabilitation. She has a caring nature and takes the time to listen attentively to her clients, aiming to understand their goals and needs with precision. Her passion lies in enhancing the quality of life for her clients, and she advocates movement as the key to well-being. Marlise is committed to supporting her clients in achieving and maintaining independent living, guiding them on a path towards optimal wellbeing through personalised care and tailored exercises.

She has a special interest in vestibular rehabilitation, aiding clients in recovering from vertigo and dizziness.

Marlise is a keen cyclist and enjoys the outdoors, especially the beach, with her family and friends in her spare time.

Ed McHugh

Senior Physiotherapist

Ed is a caring and empathetic physio with almost 20 years of experience.
Ed has worked in a variety of physiotherapy areas including aged care, community care and musculoskeletal physiotherapy gaining advanced qualifications in this area with an MSc in 2014. This has equipped Ed with knowledge and expertise for treating a variety of conditions whether with use of manual therapy techniques, acupuncture or exercise therapy.
 
Ed is passionate about working with older residents in the community helping them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life with evidence-based treatment plans. Ed’s down to earth approach and caring manner helps clients feel at ease and fully supported on their rehabilitation journey.
 
Ed has lived on the Sunshine coast for 5 years and enjoys spending time with his family enjoying beach walks and swimming in the ocean, hikes in the nearby hinterland as well as enjoying park runs at Golden Beach and a good barbeque with friends.

Katie Clifford

Physiotherapist

Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the Australian Catholic University in Brisbane in 2016.

She has clinical experience in treating neurological, orthopaedic, cardiorespiratory, vestibular, and musculoskeletal conditions and is also a qualified Pilates instructor.

Whilst working at both the Gold Coast University Hospital and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Katie spent several years working in the rehabilitation department, where she developed a special interest in working with neurological conditions, particularly people recovering post-stroke, as well as elderly individuals recovering from orthopaedic injuries post fall.

Katie has undertaken multiple professional development courses to continue broadening her knowledge and is eager to keep abreast of the latest evidence-based practices, to ensure she provides the finest treatment to each one of her patients. Katie uses an array of treatment techniques as well as individualised exercise rehabilitation programs to allow patients to achieve their goals and return to the things they enjoy in life. She strongly believes, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”

Outside of work Katie enjoys spending time outdoors; you will find her running along the beach, horse riding or in the ocean surfing.

Steve Falconer

Senior Physiotherapist 

Steve has been a Physio for almost 40years  – graduating from the Uni of  QLD in 1986 and has had extensive experience in the aged care sector.

Steve had his own private practice from 1991 until a few years ago, when he and his wife decided to move to the Sunny Coast for a sea change. He has very much enjoyed his move to the coast as both he and his wife enjoy an active lifestyle. Steve especially likes cycling, open water swimming and gardening.

Steve really loves keeping his clients as active and as mobile as possible and making a positive impact in their lives.

Brad Heazlewood

Senior Physiotherapist 

After graduating from the University of Queensland with a bachelor of physiotherapy in 2015, Brad has spent his formative years as a physiotherapist working in the private hospital sector on the Sunshine Coast. During this time, Brad developed an interest in working with the ageing population in promoting independence in the face of disabling conditions. Brad enjoys seeing patients in their own home in order to tailor individual programs to their specific needs. He is a firm believer in empowering patients to take control of their own health in order to enhance their quality of life. When Brad is not wearing his physiotherapy hat, he enjoys exercise in the form of surfing, running and tennis.

Sophia Wenzlick

Occupational Therapist

Sophia is a registered Occupational Therapist dedicated to supporting adults in their daily function, well-being, and sense of independence. With a grounded approach, Sophia combines clinical expertise with genuine care to help clients navigate change, rebuild confidence and re-engage in meaningful activities. Her practice is guided by evidence-based interventions, clear communication and respect for each person’s unique goals Outside work, Sophia loves getting out in nature, cooking and has an interest in health and well-being.

Tony Buksh

Allied Health Assistant

Bio coming soon.

C.J. Fluerty

Allied Health Assistant

C.J. joins our team with over 15 years experience in the exercise and rehabilitation industry. In 2008, she graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and has since worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities. Now working in the community, she aims to inspire her clients to keep fit and well in their everyday lives, with whatever challenges they may be facing. C.J. strives to make each and every session with her clients enjoyable and fun. She finds pleasure in getting to know her clients and finding out what ignites their spark. She values connection and trust, and believes they are key ingredients for success. Her clients describe her as friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. Her previous work experience has allowed her to work with a diverse range of clients facing different challenges – orthopaedic conditions, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries and cognitive impairments. In her own time, C.J. is a busy mum to three young children. When not doing something outdoors and active, she is a creative who also enjoys art, music and jigsaw puzzles. C.J. is also a qualified scuba diving instructor who loves going on ocean adventures.

Alison Lingard

Senior Physiotherapist

Alison graduated from the University of Qld over 35 years ago. Alison has worked in private practice and hospitals both in Australia and internationally – including treatment of prisoners whilst handcuffed. After some time Alison found her passion, working in aged care both in a residential care setting and in the community. Alison loves spending time with the elderly and listening to their stories and gaining pieces of wisdom. Alison loves her job and enjoys helping to make people’s lives just a little bit better. When not at work, you might find Alison at the surfclub and doing March Past with the Alex old boys, going stand up paddling, doing yoga or helping with the dogs at the animal refuge. Alison also enjoys spending time with her two beautiful daughters and golden retriever, Bailey.

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