Our Team

David Coles – Occupational Therapist and Practitioner of Hand Therapy

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Accredited Hand Therapist AHTA

David graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from University of Queensland in 1998. He has specialised in Hand Therapy for over 20 years.

He established Active Hand Therapy Gold Coast in 2009. He recently was one of 5 finalists for the Australian Occupational Therapist of the Year. 

He has worked locally at Gold Coast Hospital, Logan Hospital and internationally in specialized Hand, Burns and Plastic Surgery clinics in London and Birmingham. He also has visiting rights for all the major private hospitals on the Gold Coast.

He is an Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association).

David is a Guest Lecturer in Hand Therapy and Splinting for OT students at Southern Cross University and Bond University, as well as for Masters of Physiotherapy students at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. He also presents as a guest speaker at numerous conferences throughout the year.

He works closely with the Gold Coast Suns AFL and Gold Coast Titans NRL teams as well as treating numerous world champions in surfing, track and field, tennis, boxing and swimming.

Fields of interest include sports injuries, acute trauma and complex wrist injuries.

David enjoys his surfing, sports and hanging out with his family of 5 children.

Health Provider Achievement Award

Coomera - Claire Forster – Physiotherapist and Practitioner of Hand Therapy

Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Full Member of AHTA

Claire graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has always known that she wanted to be a Hand Therapist. She has specialised in Hand Therapy since graduating, honing her Phsyiotherapy knowledge to include shoulder and upper limb injuries as her speciality. Originally from Canada,  she has made the Gold Coast her home and has been working at Active Hand Therapy in our Southport and Coomera Clinics for many years. 

Claire has a great mix of both splinting, casting, wound care and physiotherapy skills which allows her to treat any underlying condition that may be stemming from other areas. She is very methodical in her treatment goals and combined with her caring, sensible nature, patients will get a well developed, clear picture of their injury goals. 

Claire has been awarded a Full  Member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association and she has completed a further 3 years of specialist Hand Therapist study.

Claire enjoys playing women's rugby and the enjoying the lovely Gold Coast beaches.

Coomera - Michael Webb – Occupational Therapist and Associate Hand Therapist

Bach Ex Sc Masters of Occupational Therapy Ass Member AHTA

MIchael completed his Bachelor of Exercise Science and Master of Occupational Therapy and always knew he wanted to work in Hand Therapy. 

He has worked previously as a Rehabilitation Coordinator for many years, giving an extensive knowledge in the processes of return to work.

Having experienced his own injuries to his hands, he understands the impact this can have on daily life and how important their function is. With a keen interest in sports, Michael has specialised in sporting injuries of the fingers, hand, wrist or elbow. He also has high level skills in wound care and even enjoys the complex ones!

In his spare time Michael can be found riding mountain bikes, riding horses or spending time with his dogs.

Coomera - Joel Walker – Physiotherapist

Bachelor of Bio med and Doctor of Physiotherapy

Joel has recently joined the Active Hand Therapy team, holding degrees in both Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Doctor of Physiotherapy.

His diverse professional background includes working in both acute hospital and community-based settings, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the complete rehabilitation pathway and valuable patient experience. 

Joel's professional interests encompass a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal issues, with a specific focus on knee and ankle conditions. Additionally, he offers extensive upper limb treatment expertise, covering areas such as wound care, splinting, and the removal of stitches.

Outside of his work in patient care and rehabilitation, Joel enjoys pursuing his personal interests in Ju-Jitsu and surfing.

Southport - Miles Gray – Physiotherapist and Practitioner of Hand Therapy

Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Exercise Science, Accredited Hand Therapist AHTA

Miles graduated with a double degree of Bachelor of Physiotherapy with First Class Honours, and a Bachelor of Exercise Science, and has over 10 years of experience. He has worked in a number of Private Physiotherapy Practices, specialising in hands, shoulders and necks. He also spent time working as the physiotherapist for Gymnastics Tasmania, giving him specific experience in return to high level sport at a national level. Miles joined the Active Hand Therapy team to improve patient outcomes with shoulder conditions and other Physiotherapy concerns.

Miles has taken his speciality of a 'Hand Physio' to include further knowledge in shoulders and spinal pain. This enables a complete injury picture to be established for complex injuries. This means he has a very hands on approach to his sessions.

Miles is often booked out as his patients love his relaxed, professional approach. 

Miles has been awarded full membership as an Accredited Hand Therapist by the Australian Hand Therapy Association. 

Miles enjoys travelling and photography outside of work. 

Southport - Ryan Cook – Occupational Therapist and Practitioner of Hand Therapy

Master of Occupational Therapy, Accredited Hand Therapist AHTA

Ryan graduated with a Masters of Occupational Therapy from Bond University. Originally from Tasmania, he has made the Gold Coast is home and has been a fixture at Active Hand Therapy for many years. 

Ryan has a very calm, organised manner and enjoys the practical, hands on, treatment approaches that being a Hand Therapist provides. His ability to problem solve and 'think outside the box' helps tailor plans specifically to patients. Ryan is highly skilled at custom-made splints, often taking on our most difficult patients. 

He enjoys treating a variety of injuries but has a particular interest in post-surgical care and sports related injuries. Ryan is often found in surgeons clinics supporting care. 

Ryan has been awarded a Full Member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association. 

Ryan enjoys getting outdoors and engaging with any sports. AFL, basketball, golf, cricket, you name it!

Southport - Ashlyn Taylor – Occupational Therapist and Associate Hand Therapist

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - Associate Member of AHT

Ashlyn has completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Griffith University and joined the Active Hand Therapy team in our northern clinics. Ashlyn grew up on the Gold Coast but has spent most of her early years abroad, returning to complete her studies. 

Ashlyn loves the clinical challenges of Hand Therapy and has a very ordered approach to her treatment. She specialises in post-operative care with her ability to provide wound care, splinting, casts and her thorough rehabilitation plans. 

She enjoys getting to know her patients and tailoring her therapy to get her patients back to meaningful function, focussing on the patients goals. 

On the weekends, you can find Ashlyn up early going for an ocean swim or avidly following the AFL. 

 

Southport - Jordan Siebenhausen – Physiotherapist

Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science Doctor of Physiotherapy

Jordan has joined the team at Active Hand and Physiotherapy to bring his experienced knowldge in lower limb skills to our amazing physiotherapy team. He graduated with a Doctor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Exercise Science and has years of experience in musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Jordan has a special interest in treating upper and lower limb conditions, with experience in both clinic settings and acute sporting environments.

Jordan has a unique ability as a Physiotherapist to not only assess injuries but to splint, cast and manage wounds. Following these initial stages of therapy, Jordan can take patients through their full rehabilitation process with significant experience and a passion for implementing strength and conditioning programs to return patients back to their full potential. 

On the weekends, Jordan enjoys Cricket, AFL and anything outdoors related. 

Southport - Evie O'Reilly – Occupational Therapist and Associate Hand Therapist

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Evie completed her Occupational Therapy degree and immedidately knew she wanted to become a Hand Therapist. She enjoys the ability to improve patients every day lives with hands and upper limbs being such a crucial part of the body. 

She specialises in post-operative care being able to take stitches out, provide wound care advice and treatment and splint and cast. 

Evie has a warm, organised approach with her patients and will often be booked out! 

She enjoys the beach in her spare time. 

Palm Beach - Hamish Inch – Physiotherapist

Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Associate Member of AHTA

Hamish graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has been working in various Physiotherapy practices as an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist. 

He has specialised in foot, lower limb and hand injuries which has opened up a perfect position within Active Hand Therapy and has been practicing and supervising in our southern clinics for a number of years.

As an experienced Physiotherapist, he has high-level skills in the diagnosis of conditions. Often taking on these patients in our clinic that have multiple injuries. He also develops very clear, methodical treatment plans with the end goal of getting you better. Hamish also has a unique specialty in also having wound care, dry needling, casting, trigger point and splinting knowledge which enables him to use every possible avenue for the best outcome. 

 

Hamish enjoys all sports and hanging out with friends. 

Palm Beach - Ashleigh Hunt – Occupational Therapist and Associate Hand Therapist

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Associate Member of the AHTA

Ashleigh is born and bread on the Gold Coast and after finishing her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of Queensland she has specialised in Hand Therapy ever since.

She has played numerous sports and has a passion for treating sporting injuries and facilitating client-centred treatment plans to assist with return to sport and daily life.  Ashleigh is often our first call therapist for casting fractures.

Ashliegh also has a keen Interest in carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, post operative wound care and splinting.

Ashleigh is an Associate Member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association and has attended many courses specialising in Hand Therapy over the years. She has developed a strong clinical experience in the magement of carpal tunnel and osteoarthritis. Using different modalities to improve patients lives and keep them Active. 

Ashleigh is often found supporting our surgeons or in our southern clinics. 

Ashleigh likes playing basketball, netball and Oztag in her spare time. 

 

Tweed - Riley Willemse – Occupational Therapist and Practitioner of Hand Therapy

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Accredited Hand Therapist

Riley graduated from Southern Cross University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. He joined the Active Hand Therapy team following an outstanding placement in 2015. Riley has specialised in hand therapy ever since and is working towards becoming internationally recognised with a Certified Hand Therapist exam in November.

Riley is extremely passionate about helping patients fulfil their rehab goals. In his spare time he works as an Occupational Therapist Carer helping people improve their quality of life through various rehabilitation programs. He has also recently completed his advanced tendon management course and his advanced trauma course.

He is an Accredited Hand Therapist as Awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association which has taken 3 years of extra study, courses and exams to complete. 

Riley has an interest in fracture management. He has specialist skills in wrist fractures and finger fractures, including his ability to remove and apply casts. Over the last few years he has been working on improving research into surfing wrist injuries presenting his work at the Australian Hand Therapy Conference. 

Riley will often be found treating in our Palm Beach Clinic. 

Riley enjoys all sports and has competed in AFL and cricket at a senior level since a young age. He is sure to be out surfing in his spare time.

Tweed - Sarena Sidhu – Occupational Therapist and Associate Hand Therapist

Master of Occupational Therapy, Associate Member of AHTA

Sarena graduated with a Masters of Occupational Therapy and has always had a passion to go into the hand therapy field. She sort out a placement with Active Hand Therapy and has been working with the team ever since. 

Sarena is skilled in treating fractures, carpal tunnel and hand and upper limb injuries.Her sessions are tailored for each patient with great communication and structured programs to get the best outcomes. 

She enjoys treating a variety of injuries bus has a particular interest in post-surgical care and carpal tunnel treatment. 

Sarena is currently an Associate Member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association, and is working towards gaining full accreditation.

Sarena enjoys going to the beach, being active and bike riding on the weekend. 

Gym Rehab for Sore Arms – Exercise Physiologist

We have experienced muscoloskeletal Exercise Physiologists as part of our team. Our EPs work across various gyms on the Gold Coast and we have private gyms in our clinics. All our EPs have further interest in hand and shoulder injuries and specialise in the upper limb. Our team are passionate about health and fitness. Combined with their down to earth attitude, this makes exercise programs for patients that enable real outcomes and improvements in strength and health. 

Debra Morris – Practice Manager

Debra joined the Active Hand Therapy team from the banking sector. She has used her excellent customer service skills and eye for detail to improve patient experiences and ensure timely service. 

She strives for a professional but personal manner and is always available for concerns, questions or feedback. 

Deb enjoys early morning runs and the occasional night out!

 

Dee Coles – General Manager

BPharm

Dee is a practicing pharmacist that has managed small and large health care businesses. She has worked in the private and public health sector specialising in clinical and business auditing. Clinically she has an interest in pain management and medication safety, making her a perfect fit for Active Hand Therapy. Dee is currently studying her Masters in Business Administration.

Dee is passionate about reducing our environmental impact and according to her five kids, loves making school lunches.

Career Opportunities

Active Hand and Upper Limb Therapy is often looking for experienced Hand Therapists and Administration staff. If you have experience in these fields and would like to join our fantastic team, please forward your CV and covering letter.

Email your application