Coomera - Ashlyn Taylor – Occupational Therapist and Practitioner of Hand Therapy

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - Accredited Hand Therapist AHTA

Ashlyn completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Griffith University and is an integral part of the Active Hand Therapy team in our northern clinics. Although she grew up on the Gold Coast, she spent much of her early life abroad before returning home to complete her studies.

Ashlyn is passionate about the clinical challenges of hand therapy and takes a structured, detail-oriented approach to treatment. She has a particular focus on post-operative rehabilitation, offering expertise in wound care, custom splinting, casting, and tailored rehabilitation programs that support patients through every stage of recovery.

She values building strong relationships with her patients and takes pride in creating therapy plans that are aligned with each person’s goals and meaningful activities, helping them return to everyday function with confidence.

Ashlyn has also completed the three-year Hand Therapy Accreditation program through the Australian Hand Therapy Association, reflecting her advanced skills and commitment to excellence in the field.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Ashlyn starting the day with an ocean swim or enthusiastically following the AFL.

 

Coomera - Madison Donovan – Occupational Therapist and Associate Hand Therapist

Master of Occupational Therapy, Associate Member of AHTA

Madison holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and has always been passionate about a career in hand therapy. She first joined Active Hand Therapy as a student on placement many years ago and quickly became a favourite among patients for her friendly manner and dedication to care.

Madison is known for going the extra mile, particularly when it comes to creating custom splints and casts that support recovery and comfort. She has a special interest in treating fractures, post-operative cases, and a wide range of hand and upper limb injuries.

Her approach is highly individualised, with each session tailored to suit the specific needs of the patient and their goals for recovery.

Outside of the clinic, Madison loves spending time at the beach and relaxing with her friends and family.

Coomera - Ashlee Inch – Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

B.Physio

Ashlee is a highly experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist on the Gold Coast, with over 10 years in private practice. Throughout her career she’s worked alongside professional athletes, surgeons, and orthopaedic teams, helping patients recover from injury and get back to the things they love.

She has a particular passion for lower limb and shoulder injuries and is skilled in post-operative rehabilitation. Ashlee tailors her treatment plans to suit each individual, combining techniques like dry needling, sports taping, wound care, and targeted exercise programs to support recovery from both new injuries and long-term conditions.

Known for her caring nature and down-to-earth approach, Ashlee is committed to guiding her patients through every stage of their rehab — from easing pain to restoring strength and confidence.

When she’s not in the clinic, Ashlee loves spending time with her husband and daughter and enjoying an active, family-focused lifestyle.

 

Northern Gold Coast - 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 graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Bond University. Originally from Tasmania, he has made the Gold Coast his home and has been part of the Active Hand Therapy team for many years.

Ryan is known for his calm, organised approach and enjoys the practical, hands-on nature of hand therapy. He has a talent for problem-solving and thinking outside the box, which allows him to create tailored rehabilitation plans for even the most complex cases. Highly skilled in custom splinting, Ryan often takes on challenging cases and is trusted for his expertise.

He has a particular interest in post-surgical rehabilitation and sports-related injuries, and can often be found working closely in surgeons’ clinics to support patient care. Ryan is also a Full Member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association, recognising his advanced skills and commitment to the profession.

Beyond the clinic, Ryan is passionate about sport and loves getting outdoors. Whether it’s AFL, basketball, golf, or cricket, he’s always up for a game — making him not just one of our most experienced hand therapists, but also one of our most active!

Southport - Joel Walker – Physiotherapist

Bachelor of Bio med and Doctor of Physiotherapy

Joel holds degrees in Biomedical Science and a Doctor of Physiotherapy, giving him a strong foundation in both medical science and hands-on rehabilitation. His career has spanned acute hospital care and community-based settings, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the rehabilitation journey from start to finish.

He has a broad interest in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, with a particular focus on knee and ankle conditions. Joel also brings strong expertise in upper limb treatment, including wound care, splinting, and stitch removal, ensuring patients receive seamless care across all stages of their recovery. He is often seen visiting our in-patients at local hospitals, supporting their rehabilitation from the very beginning of their recovery.

Known for his well-rounded clinical skills and approachable style, Joel is dedicated to tailoring treatment plans that support each patient’s goals and long-term outcomes.

Outside the clinic, Joel enjoys training in Jiu-Jitsu and catching waves on the Gold Coast surf.

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. 

Southport - Casey Smith – Physiotherapist and Associate Member of Hand Therapy

B.Physio, Associate Member of AHTA

Casey is a dedicated physiotherapist on the Gold Coast who has recently completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy. She is passionate about helping patients get back to the activities they love and takes a patient-centred, down-to-earth approach to care.

With a strong interest in hand therapy and upper limb rehabilitation, Casey especially enjoys supporting patients through post-surgical recovery. She focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and function, tailoring each treatment plan to suit individual goals and lifestyles.

Patients appreciate Casey’s friendly nature, supportive attitude, and genuine commitment to achieving positive outcomes in a welcoming clinic environment.

When she’s not in the clinic, Casey loves being outdoors and spending quality time with friends and family.

Southern Gold Coast - 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.

Palm Beach - Lilliana Byrne – Occupational Therapist

Master of Occupational Therapy, Associate Member of AHTA

Lilliana completed her Occupational Therapy degree at Griffith University and is passionate about supporting clients to return to the meaningful activities that matter most to them. She has a particular interest in upper limb rehabilitation, with skills in post-operative care, wound management, and custom splinting.

Lilliana also enjoys helping clients manage conditions such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, providing tailored therapy plans that improve function, reduce pain, and support long-term independence.

Known for her supportive and patient-focused approach, Lilliana works closely with each client to set meaningful goals and create a positive rehabilitation experience.

Outside the clinic, Lilliana loves exploring new cafés and relaxing at the beach.

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 - 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.

Daniel Poke – Lower Limb Specialist

Lead Physiotherapist

Dan is a specialist lead physiotherapist that has been working in MSK for over 10 years. He has a wealth of knowledge in private clinics working alongside surgeons and experienced teams for most of his career. 

Dan has a high level of knowledge in upper limb, shoulder, necks and a specialist knowledge in lower limb, hips, knees and feet. He is incredibly popular with his patients with a friendly, professional manner and clear pathways to progress injuries. 

Outside of work, Dan enjoys hiking and hanging out with his kids.