Group Chief Executive Officer
Simon is a seasoned senior executive with extensive experience in the healthcare sector internationally across both the public and private sectors, including private equity and not-for-profits. Among many qualifications, he holds a Bachelor of Nursing from La Trobe University (1997 a Master of Health Science from La Trobe University (2008), a Master of Business Administration from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University (2019) and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Simon was also selected to participate in the McKinsey & Company Executive Leadership programme in 2012 as a top ASX100 emerging talent.
Following a successful clinical career, Simon became Director of Medical and Critical Care Services at Cabrini Health Australia before joining Healthscope. He became the CEO of three health services (La Trobe Hospital, North Park Private Hospital and North Eastern Rehabilitation Centre) with 1000 staff. In developing his career opportunities and a desire for public health exposure, Simon became Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer with Northern Health in 2018, running Pathology, Radiology, Pharmacy, Mental Health, Language Services and Aboriginal Health. He has also specialized in growth in private equity-backed companies with a tenure as the Managing Director of iMedX Australia and New Zealand.
His most recent role was as a CEO of McKenzie Aged Care Group, successfully growing and divesting the business in February 2023.
Simon has a very warm, pragmatic and open leadership style. He has had broad experience in driving outcomes and growth within complex stakeholder environments during his twenty-five years in healthcare. He has a significant breadth of medical and commercial experience, which is a perfect fit for Evolution.
Chief Financial Officer
Matthew Clarke brings extensive experience providing strategic financial leadership across a portfolio of businesses with over 20 years of experience in finance and commercial management roles across the services and resources sectors. Returning to New Zealand in 2019 after 15 years spent mostly in the UK and Australia, Matthew has previously held senior finance positions with global quality assurance provider Intertek Group, including Group Treasurer in London and most recently Regional CFO based in Sydney.
Human Resources Manager
General Manager Property & Projects
Chief Executive, Hospitals & Day Surgeries
CEO of Health and Wellbeing
HR Business Partner
Damon joined Evolution in October 2022 as HR Business Partner at Proactive.
He has a proven knowledge across wellbeing, organisational development, recruitment, employment relations and payroll. Since completing a Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) with a double major in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations & Management, Damon has worked with multiple companies across the last 7 years leading and growing the HR function.
Damon is passionate and committed to empowering our people to reach their full potential, finding the best HR practices to lead by example in our industry and to retain our diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and valued.
General Manager Proactive
An experienced General Manager with a strong focus on growing a strong business through exceptionally talented people, Dave joined Proactive in December 2021 as the General Manager set to drive positive change. With over 20 years in management in the energy industry, Dave is a highly experienced General Manager with a focus on driving business and people growth and management, health and safety, key stakeholder engagement and leading a clear strategic direction.
Dave is highly regarded for his strong and compelling vision for a business’s future, developing and executing strategies with clearly defined outcomes, and achieving organisational and operational objectives.
Quality and Risk Manager
Renee has a comprehensive background in healthcare having worked almost 20 years in the industry, joining Proactive in 2018. She is a physiotherapist ‘by trade’ with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and an extensive work history within clinical and quality roles in New Zealand and Australia. Renee holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Quality Systems with technical knowledge and expertise in quality concepts, improvement frameworks, and tools. It is the combination of clinical experience, a passion for healthcare, and quality management skills that drives Renee’s motivation to continuously improve the outcomes and experience for all people that we serve.
General Manager Occupational Health
Dave is originally from Baltimore, Maryland USA, and has been in NZ since 2004. Dave was an advance paramedic for nearly 20 years with the Baltimore Fire Service and served as a trauma flight paramedic for five years.
After coming to NZ, he wanted a change from the chaotic emergency medicine world and chose to join the occupational health field. Dave joined the Proactive Occupational Health team eight years ago in a sales capacity role and then two years later, moved into a sales/health consultant role. After nearly six years, Dave was promoted to the role of General Manager at Proactive for Occupational Health Services.
Clinical Director
MBBS MSc (SEM) MFMLM MFOM FFSEM(UK) FAFOEM Dr Mike England is Proactive’s Clinical Director. He is a Specialist in Occupational Medicine with over 25 years’ experience in this field, holding Membership of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (UK) and Fellowship of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He also has a wealth of experience and a special interest in Sport and Exercise Medicine, holding a Postgraduate Masters Degree, and Fellowship of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine in UK. He was Clinical Director of Studies for the University of Bath Postgraduate Masters Programme in Sports and Exercise Medicine and subsequently held an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer post, being heavily involved in the School for Health research programmes. He served for 20 years in the British Army, holding a number of senior clinical leadership positions both within the UK Defence health system and on operational deployments overseas, and is one of very few doctors to have been selected for and graduated from the Joint Services Command and Staff College. He was subsequently one of the founding Members of the UK Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management. Just prior to moving to NZ in 2017 he was Lead Physician at a Ministry of Defence Regional Rehabilitation Centre, and Medical Director at the Rugby Football Union where he also worked closely with and advised World Rugby on medical issues. As a result, more recently he has been the Medical Advisor to New Zealand Rugby. He is passionate about the development and delivery of high-quality healthcare, particularly through staff learning and development, clinical quality improvement, and clinical governance. His wife is a GP on the West Coast where they now live, enjoying the lifestyle and remoteness of this beautiful Region.
National Manager
Brin has over 11 years experience working both as a Physiotherapist and as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist in private practise and with a variety of sports teams. Combining this experience and his training with a Master of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Physical Education (Double major in Exercise science and Exercise Prescription) he has expertise connecting a robust care pathway from acute rehabilitation to high performance management.
Brin Started at Proactive as the National manager for Vocational rehabilitation at the beginning of 2019. He continues to work in both a clinical and operational role to supporting the nations injured workers with rehabilitation, wellness and injury prevention.
National Manager Concussion and Community Services – Occupational Therapist
Jantje has over 30 years clinical and leadership experience in variety of public and private health care systems overseas and in NZ.
Jantje is Occupational therapist by trade, qualified in Netherlands and worked in UK, USA, Netherlands, Dutch Antilles and for past 20 years in NZ. She is passionate about working with people and rehabilitation and training staff. She has a strong work ethic and with extensive work experience and exposure to variety in caseloads and work environments from acute, sub-acute and community she provides clinical leadership to team around the different regions in NZ for the community contracts.
National Operations Manager | Proactive Occupational Health
Based at the Hamilton support office, Hayley has been with Proactive Occupational Health for nearly 15 years in a variety of roles within the organisation.
Enjoying the fast paced role and has challenges each day to solve and overcome any issues. Hayley predominantly works alongside the management, business support and clinicians throughout the organisation overseeing the functions.
National Service Manager for Proactive’s Pain Management and Workplace Health Services
An Exercise Physiologist, Richard has worked and trained in New Zealand, the UK and US gaining specialist qualifications in pain management (MSc Edinburgh), occupational rehabilitation, ergonomics and exercise oncology.
Richard has clinical experience gained through twenty years of working with clients who have complex and persistent pain conditions. Areas of special interest for Richard lie in emerging fields of health technology and how they can be applied to health promotion, developing resilience and occupational focused rehabilitation.
Richard’s role encompasses all operational aspects and supporting clinical development of the pain management services including ACC and DHB contracts. Richard is also responsible for the development and growth of Proactive’s Workplace Health services in conjunction with the Proactive Occupational Health team.
Occupational Therapist
Kate has over 30 years of clinical and leadership experience in the private health care systems throughout the United States and has recently returned to New Zealand’s fare shores. Kate is an Occupational Therapist by trade receiving her credentials at the Central Institute of Heretaunga. She is passionate about rehabilitation and facilitating the best possible outcomes for all clients. Kate has a solid aptitude to lead and engage people with a focus on coaching. She brings forth extensive experience in the delivery of care in a variety of settings within a divergent pool of reimbursement structures.
Occupational Therapist | Community Team Leader
Lauren graduated as an Occupational Therapist in 2002 and joined the team at Proactive in 2012.
Lauren is our Community Team Leader and has extensive experience working across ACC contracts with a special interest in Vocational Rehabilitation.
She is passionate about rehabilitation and improving patients’ wellbeing. In the weekends you will find her walking or biking the bush trails.
Regional Manager Bay of Plenty
Roger has over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience. As the Regional Manager for Bay of Plenty and Tairawhiti, he brings a comprehensive understanding of Allied Health management across the different services and contracts held by Proactive.
Roger is a highly experience Physiotherapist with a Masters in Health Rehabilitation as well as currently working towards a Master of Business Management. He has worked within several elite sporting environments throughout his career in the UK and New Zealand including, Rugby, Football, Cricket and Netball.
Roger is a highly motivated and supportive leader who provides the opportunity for his team to be the best they can be, for the benefit of his team and the clients they work with.
Regional Manager Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland for Physiottherapists and Pain Services
BHSc Physiotherapy and Certified Acupuncturist
Andrew initial graduated as an exercise physiologist in Schwabisch Hall (Germany) in 2001. He worked in a hip and knee replacement unit for 2 years in Stuttgart before returning home to New Zealand. On his return he Studied at the Auckland university of Technologies graduating as a physiotherapist in 2007. Since then, he has worked as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in clinics, schools and the sports flied environments. Part of his role was mentoring of new graduate physiotherapists and looking after the North shore rugby contract.
Up until recently Andrew has always been involved with looking after rugby teams and enjoys the fast past clinical environment.
Andrew has been working with ProActive for 6 years as a regional manager getting involved with training of the team, looking after the clinics and running the pain service. He has had the opportunity to do the catapult management training as well as management and advanced management courses at Auckland University.
Andrew has two children and loves getting out in the water with them and his wife. He loves the outdoors and is always up for a challenge.
Physiotherapist and Regional manager – Otago/Southland
Simon is a Physiotherapist by trade and has gained extensive clinical and leadership experience since graduating from Otago University in 2009. Simon has predominantly worked in private settings, initially focusing on musculoskeletal work, and then progressing his skillset across other aspects of care such as persistent pain management, concussion, vocational rehabilitation and sports. This wider range of clinical expertise, and post-graduate study in rehabilitation, has allowed Simon to develop a holistic approach to providing care. Simon is passionate about supporting his team, to provide the best possible rehabilitation for the people of our region.
Regional Manager -Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough
• PGCert (Rehab) [2014], BPTHY [2012] – Auckland University of Technology • Certificates in Dry Needling, Gait Analysis, McKenzie A & B I have been a physiotherapist for 10 years across three countries and two healthcare systems. I provide managerial support as the regional manager; focused on building and supporting the team to encourage an mindset that puts the patient, their care and the links between their home and work relationships at the forefront of our approach. Additionally, my physiotherapy role within Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough entails applying musculoskeletal physiotherapy, vocational skillsets and knowledge to a wide range of complex conditions in order to provide the highest level of public and private care, tailored to the client’s individual requirements. My personal skills involve acupuncture and dry needling, sports prescription, acute and chronic rehabilitation (including hydrotherapy) and manual techniques (Mckenzie, Mulligans and Manipulations). I also liaise with a range of different medical professionals (surgeons and sports specialists) in a multidisciplinary environment to ensure the quickest return to sport, work or general activities of daily living with specialised treatment plans. I have worked with a wide range of high level sports; rugby, football, dancers, rowers and boxers. In my spare time I enjoy going on outdoor adventures with my fiancée and our dog, snowboarding, basketball and brewing.
Regional Manager (Central); Occupational Therapist
Sheena has been based in Palmerston North for her career as an Occupational Therapist after graduating with a Diploma in Occupational Therapy in 1982. She has worked in a wide variety of settings including mental health; hospital rehabilitation services; rest home consultancy; information consultancy and professional advisor roles with Enable NZ; and in the private sector delivering ACC rehabilitation contracts (Training for Independence; Social Rehabilitation; Serious Injury; Pain Management Service; Concussion Service; and Vocational Rehabilitation). Sheena joined Proactive as a Team Leader in 2013 and has been an integral part of the growth of the teams across the Central region as she has moved into the role of Assistant Regional Manager and her current role as Regional Manager. She is passionate about leading and supporting team members to be effective in their roles as they deliver quality services
Physiotherapist & Team Lead – Tauranga
Caryn kickstarted her career in 1994, graduating from the University of KwaZulu Natal, SA, with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Caryn furthered her studies by completing a postgraduate in Orthopedic Manipulative Therapy and multiple post-grad courses giving her academic and practical experience in a range of techniques. Caryn has worked all over the world including the USA, UK and South Africa before moving to New Zealand in 2021.
Specialist Interests: – Dry Needling & Acupuncture – Temporomandibular Joint (Jaw and Facial) Injuries and rehabilitation – Headaches – Back and Neck Injuries
Physiotherapist with special interest in Chronic Pain Management
I obtained my BSC. Physiotherapy degree from the University of Cape Town in 2006 and soon after moved to a rural region working in the mining sector in a Head of Department role for 6 years before opening a Physiotherapy and Pilates practice. In 2017 I relocated to New Zealand and joined Proactive as a Team Leader for our Taradale clinic in Hawke’s Bay and soon became involved in chronic pain management. This has led to completing my post-graduate certificate in pain management through Otago University and taking on the lead provider and co-ordinator role of the Hawke’s Bay Te Whatu Ora Chronic Pain Service and ACC Pain Management Services. I am passionate about this work and am committed to growing my knowledge and clinical expertise in this field as well as continuing to grow and lead the wonderful Taradale team.
Physiotherapist
Pip loves pain! This is where she thrives. With over 40 years of experience providing Physiotherapy in a multitude of settings, Pip has refined her skills to tackle the most challenging diagnoses. Graduating from Otago in the 70’s, she has worked and travelled extensively. Returning to New Zealand wearing many different hats in the health care, including training post graduate physios in manual techniques. Always up for a new adventure, Pip headed down to Ashburton/Timaru with the same enthusiasm she had in the 70’s. Pip loves what she does every day. From concussion to work assessments to all aspects of pain-Pip does it all!
Vocational Specialist
Linda is new to the West Coast, having only lived there for 12 years. Linda trained at the Central Institute of Heretaunga and has held a variety of roles in many different settings. She has been leading the West Coast team for 12 years with a strong focus on Neurological diagnoses and has been heavily involved in all aspects of vocational rehabilitation. She equates her deep knowledge and understanding as a vocational specialist, to her years working alongside her farming husband and an all too keen sense of the high physical demands placed on the workforce in rural locations.
Physiotherapist & Team Lead – Rotorua
Kim is a physiotherapist who joined Proactive in early 2022. She graduated from AUT University in 2014 with a BHSc (Physiotherapy) and has since become a McKenzie credentialed clinician and trained in pelvic health. Kim has a special interest in managing persistent pain, osteoarthritis, and maternal health. Kim previously worked at Rotorua hospital where she was involved in a number of roles including team lead of outpatient physiotherapy and quality and service development initiatives. Kim strives for excellence in all areas of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Occupational Health Regional Team Leader – Wellington/Tasman
Occupational Health Nurse. Registered Nurse, Dip. Postgraduate Occupational Health Science
I have been a New Zealand Registered Nurse with > 22 years’ experience working in Occupational Health.
In 2003, I completed a post graduate Diploma in Occupational Health Sciences. I have extensive knowledge in a variety of high-risk industries including chemical manufacturing, meat processing industry, emergency services, viticulture, aquaculture and food processing, in addition to working in the corporate world delivering health promotion and vaccination programs. In 2022, I completed the Respirator Fit Test training and am a competent Quantitative Fit Tester.
Occupational Health Regional Team Leader – Waikato/BOP
Occupational Health Nurse. Registered Nurse, Dip. Comprehensive Nursing, Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing.
I believe Occupational Health is vital in Primary Health Care. Keeping people safe and healthy within their workplace and safely home to their families at the end of the workday is in everyone’s best interests. I am passionate in working with our clients to deliver best-practice health care that is tailored to meet their needs.
I have been a registered nurse for many years and have experience in mental and woman’s health, working in the community and empowering people to fulfil their own health outcomes. Along with my husband I have also owned and run successful businesses.
Occupational Health Regional Team Leader – Canterbury/Southland
Occupational Health Nurse. Registered Nurse, Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences.
I graduated from Christchurch Polytechnic in the year 2000 with a Bachelor of Nursing degree. In 2001, I completed a post graduate certificate in Health Sciences. I have worked within various settings including inpatient wards, community, practice nursing, mental health, addiction, education, and leadership positions. Most recently, I led a covid 19 vaccination team delivering vaccinations to the Canterbury community in a variety of settings.
My nursing philosophy is based on the partnership model, working together to support the client to achieve their ultimate health goals and working within health and safety guidelines. Key attributes include strong communication skills, respectful, flexible, passionate for my work and an ongoing desire to continue to learn.
Occupational Health Regional Team Leader – Auckland/Northland
Occupational Health Nurse. Registered Nurse, Postgraduate Diploma Occupational Health and Safety.
I work as an Occupational Health Nurse for Proactive Occupational Health, where I’ve been employed for the past 15 years. I come from Taranaki where my background was in the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical industry for 18 years. I am a Registered Nurse and I trained in the Hospital Based Training program at Taranaki Base Hospital. I later completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health at Massey University in Palmerston North and gained a Certificate of Adult Teaching. I’m also a certified Vaccinator renewing certification every 2 years and a Resuscitation Council certified 1st Aid Instructor recertifying annually.
I live in Pukekohe and previously carried out work ranging from Taupo to Warkworth. Another aspect of work I really enjoy is supporting people with the setup of their work areas and looking at any Pain and Discomfort they may be experiencing. In my new role as the Regional Team Leader, I now look after Auckland and Northland regions. With the routine but never boring Occupational health work, I am also now the Clinical Lead for one of our large National clients.
There is a pastoral care and support aspect to my role where I will support people who maybe experiencing personal issues around health and family, and when required referring and liaising with other health professionals.
Physiotherapist Southeast Team Leader for Vocational Services, Auckland
Vib has worked as a Physiotherapist for almost 20 years, starting in a community hospital and then working in private practice covering a full spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation. His passion for sports physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation led him to become the Lead Physiotherapist for various First Class and Premier Sports Teams. His highest achievements being the Lead Physiotherapist for the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the Pakistan National Cricket Team.
Vib graduated in 2004 as a Physiotherapist with Honours and completed his post graduate certification in Orthopaedic Manipulation.
Vib has been with Proactive for 5 years and was initially the Team Leader responsible for establishing the Ellerslie Clinic. Vib has since found his true calling in his career and has transitioned to being a Vocational & Community Physiotherapist and is now the Southeast Team Leader for Vocational Services. Vib works across all the ACC contracts and services, but his focus is on vocational rehabilitation and functional capacity evaluations. His strong skills of communicating and collaborating help to learn employers’ expectations of employees and to connect with workplace activities which brings reassurance to all parties when working in a vocational rehabilitation environment.
Vib is originally from South Africa and relocated to New Zealand in 2017 with his wife, daughter and 2 rescue fur babies, Halo a Border Collie Cross who was born blind, and Nala a Yorkie Cross who thinks she is a rottweiler. Vib has settled into life in New Zealand and his family has grown over the years, he is a hands-on dad to 3 amazing kids, two girls aged 7 and 2 and a 4-year-old little boy.
Senior Physiotherapist and Team Leader – Northwest Clinic Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland
Tom has extensive experience in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy in public and private settings, as well as the British military, professional and amateur sport. He graduated in 2009 and completed further post graduate study in musculoskeletal physiotherapy 2017. His career highlights include working with the Royal Air Force Snowboard Team and with Norwich City Football Club.
Tom is from the UK originally and moved out to NZ and joined ProActive in January 2018. Tom enjoys leading our West Auckland team and is responsible for the operation of our clinic, educating and mentoring the clinical team, and ensuring that our clinic serves its local community by ensuring our clients receive the highest levels of care and user experience.
Tom still works clinically and gets great satisfaction in helping people to overcome their injuries and back into things they enjoy doing!
Tom enjoys being active and keeping himself fit. He is a keen surfer and will regularly squeeze in a pre or post work surf. He also loves to snowboard and enjoys taking off to go hiking around the mountains.
Senior Physiotherapist and Team Leader – Albany Clinic Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland
David joined Proactive in 2019 and has extensive experience in musculoskeletal, vestibular and chronic pain physiotherapy. He graduated from the University of Brighton in 2011 and completed his musculoskeletal post graduate certificate in 2016. He prides himself on his broad and diverse knowledge completing courses in Dry Needling, Vestibular assessment and treatment including Concussion and Graded Motor Imagery to assist in treating chronic regional pain syndrome. David also has experience working in elite level sport at Brentford Football Club in England and works closely with local Orthopaedic Surgeons to assist with post-operative care on the North Shore.
David moved to NZ from the UK in 2014 and has worked across both private and public settings in both UK and NZ. David is passionate about leading the Albany clinic in its operations, building a friendly team environment and sharing his knowledge through teaching and coaching the clinical team.
David sets a high value in assisting his clients to a correct diagnosis to ensure the correct care pathway is followed to ensure great, efficient outcomes.
David became a Dad in 2021 and balances quality family time with tennis, gym workouts and hiking.
Physiotherapist and Team Leader – Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland
Ashira graduated in 1989 from the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons). After gaining her initial experience in the public sector, she went on to manage her own practice at a private clinic for over 25 years. She has vast experience with cardio-respiratory conditions, orthopaedic surgery, acute neurological, multi-trauma and sport related injuries. Her many years of work experience allowed her to gain an excellent insight into the whole process from diagnosis to rehabilitation. This is clear in every single treatment. Her commitment and perseverance to ensuring that all her patients understand their pain or injury are able to heal and sustain their wellness.
She uses a combination of manual therapy and dry needling to complement exercise in treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. She is a qualified Women’s Health Physiotherapist treating conditions that include incontinence
She leads a very active lifestyle and has competed regularly in the Comrades and the Two Oceans Ultra Marathons in South Africa. She has summited Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Taranaki and completed the Tongariro Crossing.
Her passion for the outdoors and her family reflects in her dedication to her patients.
Phsyiotherapist & Team Leader – Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland
Hi, I am Hawabibi from Durban, South Africa. I qualified as a physiotherapist in 2011 from the University of KwaZulu Natal. Since then, I have worked in the Public Sector gaining valuable experience in musculo-skeletal, orthopaedics, medical, surgical, neurology and paediatric fields. July 2021 was start of a new chapter for me in New Zealand. I lead a dynamic team at the Ellerslie clinic in Auckland for Proactive Rehab. My team is committed to work together to help you on your journey to improved health and wellbeing. I am a Harry Potter and FRIENDS fan and in my spare time, you will find me reading, spending time with friends and family or trying to grow some green fingers
Physiotherapist Clinical Lead for Physiotherapy Services – Bay of Plenty & Tairawhiti
Ollie graduated Brunel university London with first class honours in 2016. he initially spent time working in both the NHS and private settings in the UK before moving to New Zealand in early 2019. ollie has worked in a variety of sporting settings and has a specialist interest in sporting and lower limb injuries. he is currently lead physio for the WaiBop Magic netball team and BOP cricket team and studying towards his masters in musculoskeletal physio.
Regional Team Leader – Palmerston North/Horowhenua/Wairarapa/Whanganui/Napier
Occupational Health Nurse BN. I have been a Registered Nurse for 32 years, an Occupational Health Nurse for 18.5 years of that time. While being an Occupational Health Nurse I have work with a variety of industries from manufacturing, food production, call centres and Crown Health Enterprises. I enjoy Occupational Health as it focuses on health prevention, promotion, and health education, instead on health reaction. I am passionate about assisting people and helping them to work towards their health goals. Prior to working in Occ Health I worked in a hospital setting working in Infectious Disease and Surgical wards and in Nurse Education.
Regional Team Leader – Occupational Therapist
Mathew graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Zimbabwe. His previous work experience includes Neuro and physical rehab in Zimbabwe and Eswatini from 2011 to 2016. Mathew joined Proactive in 2016. He obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Health Science from AUT in 2018. Mathew is an ACC-credentialed housing assessor, a vocational rehab OT, a social rehab OT and works in concussion rehab. His specialty areas are housing modifications and vocational rehab. • Personal interests: Running and Gardening
Physiotherapist / Team Leader – Cromwell and Wanaka
Scott has a wealth of experience in sport injuries, concussion management and return to work rehabilitation gained since graduating the University of Otago in 2012. Scott has also developed areas of special interest in treating neck conditions, post-surgical rehabilitation, and occupational health & wellbeing. Scott has completed further training in dry needling and is studying post graduate physiotherapy at Auckland University of Technology. Scott enjoys the outdoor lifestyle of the southern lakes region through active pursuits of hiking, mountain biking, ultimate frisbee and disc golf.
Physiotherapist and team leader – Dunedin
Melissa earned her Doctorate in Physiotherapy from Samuel Merritt University, in the United States, in 2007. She practiced in the United States in the orthopaedic outpatient realm for 14 years, before taking her career to New Zealand. She has worked in a variety of settings from private sports clinics to hospital affiliated outpatient clinics, treating clients from professional athletes to children and the elderly. Outside of work she loves to travel and partake in outdoor activities including everything from mountain climbing, long distance running, biking, paddleboarding and going on long tramps with her family.
Team Leader – Tauriko Clinic
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, 2010), Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy trained (2015), APPI (level 3 trained-2013) Trisha joined Proactive in 2022 and has extensive experience amongst various musculoskeletal, pre and post operative conditions and rehabilitation. She has grown over her 13 years post-graduate in both clinical and leadership skills as a Physiotherapist. With this experience Trisha is a Team Leader at our Tauriko Clinic balancing in-clinic clients and working with ACC contracts to ensure that clients are well informed and supported during their recovery from injury and non-injury conditions. Trisha has a passion for mentoring, cultivating teamwork and driving a culture to support clients navigate the health system to support them regaining their best quality of life.
Senior Physiotherapist / Team Leader
Leonie is a senior physiotherapist specialising in musculoskeletal/manual therapy, sports physiotherapy, dry needling, vestibular rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation including manual handling training and persistent pain management. Leonie is passionate about supporting people and give them tools to reach their full potential and to live a fulfilling life. She has extensive experience in the management of top athletes and the more complex clients with persistent pain. She uses initially the Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Muscle Imbalance assessment tools and extends this as indicated
Leonie has over 25 years of experience working as clinical director/senior physiotherapist and providing clinical leadership, supervision, and mentoring allied health professionals.. She trained as physiotherapist and sports physiotherapist in the Netherlands, worked 4 years in Germany and came to New Zealand to live her dream. She held the contract as the local approved provider for High Performance Sport New Zealand for 15 years with a special interest in rowing, tennis, gymnastics and basketball.
She completed her post-graduate training in Manual Therapy at Auckland University, the Occupational health training at Dunedin university and became an Accredited McKenzie Therapist in 1999 In her time off, Leonie likes to be active; cycling, running and swimming, work in the garden and go on hikes and cycle holidays with her husband Rene.