Our Team
We have a wide diversity of friendly, specialty staff who are all highly qualified in their field. We work as a team to bring you a seamless service that allows you to make progress.
Meet our team below and find out more about them.
Kirsten Davie, Director
Dip Phys, Dip MT, MBA (dist.), MPNZ
Kirsten is the principal at Khandallah Physiotherapy Centre having started the business in 1992. She is an experienced practitioner of manipulative therapy, having assisted with the teaching, for over 10 years, on the New Zealand Manipulative Physiotherapists Association post graduate courses. Kirsten is currently president of Physiotherapy New Zealand and has just completed her first term on the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. She is responsible for the strategic management of the business whilst also performing a clinical role within the practice.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy
Ali Wilson, Clinical Director
MSc, BSc, MPNZ
Ali has been qualified for over 12 years, having spent her time in the UK's National Health Service before immigrating to New Zealand and working in private practice. Her most recent experience is with High Performance athletes from a variety of sporting backgrounds. She is a keen self-titled 'multisport athlete' herself, and is most likely to be found running or cycling up a big hill when not in clinic. Ali also works on ACC's Vocational Rehabilitation Services, enabling patient’s return to work after their injury. Her most common treatment approach is a combination of strength and conditioning, exercise prescription, manual therapy and a pragmatic approach to rehabilitation.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy
Liz McDougall, Clinical Director
BSc, BA, MPNZ
Liz qualified as a physiotherapist in 2014 in the UK and, after several years working for the NHS, moved to New Zealand to continue her career in musculoskeletal private practice. Liz has a passion for manual therapy, alongside exercise-based prescription, and also uses her reformer pilates training to assist her clients in their rehab. Liz enjoys being active and getting outside to explore all the local hills and trails.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy and Churton Park Physiotherapy
Georgia Burke
BPhty, MPNZ
Georgia is a graduate of the University of Otago. Originally from Australia she made the move to New Zealand and Wellington in 2015. University sent her to both Dunedin and Hawke’s Bay but she is excited to be back home in Khandallah close to her family.
Her passion for netball and sport from a young age inspired her to become a physiotherapist since she was 12 years old. When not in the clinic she enjoys café hopping around Wellington or adventuring with her dog up the nearest walking tracks.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy and Churton Park Physiotherapy
Kate Lynskey
Dip Phys, MPNZ
Kate has been a qualified physiotherapist for over 20 years. She has worked mainly in private physiotherapy practices both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Her area of expertise is manual therapy, clinical Pilates and exercise prescription. Kate enjoys working with clients to help them gain their full functional potential while empowering them to maintain an active lifestyle.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy
Laura Willson
BPhty, BSc (Human Nutrition) BPhEd, MPNZ
Laura graduated from the University of Otago in 2005 with bachelor degrees in Physiotherapy, Physical Education and Human Nutrition. She has worked in private practice and hospitals within New Zealand and Australia. Laura has a particular interest in musculoskeletal and sports injury rehabilitation and has previously worked with provincial sports teams. Outside work Laura keeps active through swimming, mountain biking and keeping up with her three young children.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy
Leah Holden
BPhty, MPNZ
Leah graduated as a physiotherapist in 2018 from the University of Otago and has since been working at Palmerston North hospital in a variety of clinical areas. As such Leah brings with her a wealth of knowledge across MSK physiotherapy, and multidisciplinary areas.
Leah decided to move home to Wellington to pursue her interests and career in private practice. When not at work Leah enjoys spending her time running, especially the local trails, and feels privileged to have so many hills to climb in her backyard.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy and Churton Park Physiotherapy
Matthew Ford
BPhty, MPNZ
Matthew was born and raised in Wellington; returning here after qualifying as a physiotherapist, and completing a further degree in Exercise Science & Nutrition at Otago University. Matthew has a passion for sport and helping others, which ultimately lead him to becoming a physiotherapist. Matthew has gained experience in various hospital settings throughout London over the past year, and now back in Wellington, is eager to help others with their daily health and sporting goals.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy
Sam Puglia
BPhty, MPNZ
Sam is originally from the United States but has called Wellington his home since 2003. His love for rugby and sports and his interest in the human body led him to become a Physiotherapist, graduating from Otago University.
Sam is a keen hiker and is always up for adventures with friends whether through the bush or along river trails.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy and Churton Park Physiotherapy
Natasha Wong She
BPhty, MPNZ
Tash graduated from the University of Otago in 2017.
Since then, she has been working in musculoskeletal private practice and alongside sports teams. Tash is qualified in dry needling, has expertise in manual therapy, exercise prescription and strength training. She has completed the Certificate of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy and Selective Functional Movement Analysis level 1. Tash is passionate about Pilates, she is STOTT trained in both Matwork and Reformer, and enjoys entwining these Pilates principles into her rehabilitation and exercise therapy. Tash believes rehabilitation is holistic and enjoys working with her patients to help them achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Tash enjoys her own Pilates practice, walking outdoors, baking and cake decorating and is an avid foodie!
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy
Exercise Instructors
Anne Bramley
BPhEd(Hons), Pilates instructor
Since graduating from Otago University with a Bachelor of Physical Education (honours), Anne has worked both as a swimming teacher and commercial caving guide. Exercise is an integral part of Anne's lifestyle and as such she enjoys applying the principles of Pilates for fitness, well-being and relaxation. Anne lives in Khandallah and is enjoying working in her local community. We are very fortunate to have Anne taking Pilates classes for Khandallah Physiotherapy.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy and Churton Park Physiotherapy
Emma Hough
Pilates Instructor and 500hr+ qualified Yoga Teacher
Emma is interested in how Pilates can support daily life with functional movement in a fun way that can test the brain and body's communication and is also challenging. Pilates and yoga weave in and out seamlessly together. There is always space to bring in the breath work to find some mindful movement and underlying calmness in your day.
When not in the studio Emma finds joy in activities hiking, dancing Zouk and Swimming. For slow evenings in, being creative with watercolors and embroidery and trying her hand at ceramics.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy
Judy Chan
Exercise Therapist, Pilates Instructor
We are privileged to have Judy working for us as an exercise therapist. Judy originally trained as a physiotherapist and as such she has excellent skills and experience to run Pilates classes. Judy is passionate about health and fitness and as a Pilates instructor she creates and tailors exercises so they suit the needs of the class participants. Alongside the Pilates classes that Judy is providing in Khandallah, she also takes the Keep Moving exercise classes at Newlands Community Centre.
Based at: Khandallah Physiotherapy
Karen Good
Pilates Instructor
Karen is originally from Ireland but has lived in New Zealand for several years and enjoys New Zealand's relaxed outdoor lifestyle, and being near the sea. Karen is keen on sport and has worked in the sports recruitment business. She has practiced Pilates for over 16 years and enjoys taking classes. Karen has recently transitioned from a full-time professional career in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors to a lifestyle where she can balance her work with more regular exercise and a community focus. We are very fortunate to have Karen taking Pilates classes for the practice.
Based at: Churton Park Physiotherapy