Our Team
David Coles – Practitioner of Hand Therapy
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Accredited Hand Therapist AHTA
David graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Queensland (a long time ago) and has specialised in Hand Therapy for more than 20 years. In 2009, he established Active Hand Therapy Gold Coast, which has since become one of the region’s leading centres for hand and upper limb rehabilitation. Most recently, David was recognised nationally as a finalist for Australian Occupational Therapist of the Year and Active Hand Therapy as Adult Excellence in Therapy
David has extensive experience across both Australia and the UK, having worked at the Gold Coast and Logan Hospitals, and in specialised Hand, Burns, and Plastic Surgery clinics in London and Birmingham. He also holds visiting rights at all major private hospitals on the Gold Coast and is an Accredited Hand Therapist, awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association.
Alongside his clinical work, David is passionate about education and mentoring. He is a guest lecturer in Hand Therapy and Splinting at Southern Cross University and Bond University, and teaches Masters of Physiotherapy students at Griffith University. He is also a regular guest speaker at conferences across Australia.
David works closely with elite athletes, including the Gold Coast Suns AFL and Gold Coast Titans NRL teams, and has treated numerous world champions in surfing, athletics, tennis, boxing, and swimming. His clinical interests include sports injuries, acute trauma, and complex wrist injuries.
Outside the clinic, David enjoys surfing, all things sport, and spending time with his wife and their five children.

Health Provider Achievement Award
Coomera - Ashlyn Taylor – 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 has also completed the comprehensive Hand Therapy Accreditation Program and is a Full Member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association. This three year advanced pathway reflects her high level skills and commitment to excellence in the field.
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.
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.ExSci and Master Physiotherapy
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.

Coomera - Scott O'Driscoll – Physiotherapist and Associate Member of Hand Therapy
Masters of Physiotherapy, Associate Member of AHTA
Scott is an experienced Gold Coast physiotherapist who has worked in private practice settings across the region for more than a decade. He has extensive experience collaborating with GPs, orthopaedic surgeons and the wider allied health team, ensuring seamless communication and effective rehabilitation planning for every patient.
Scott has a passion for providing expert care for a wide range of upper and lower limb injuries, including acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions and post-operative rehabilitation. He is particularly passionate about guiding patients through a safe and successful return to work, sport and hobbies.
With a strong hands-on approach, Scott utilises evidence-based treatment options such as soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, dry needling, splinting, sports taping, wound care and tailored exercise rehabilitation programs. His goal is always to deliver personalised, patient-centred care that supports long-term recovery and confidence.
Known for his caring nature, Scott takes the time to get to know each patient and understand what matters most to them. When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll find him mowing his lawn, cooking with his wife or cheering on his beloved Broncos.

Jordan Cleland – Physiotherapist Shoulder
Masters of Physiotherapy, Bach of Sports Science
Having worked in professional football (soccer) in Scotland (UK) for the past 10 years, Jordan made the exciting decision to move with his young family across the world to the Gold Coast.
Prior to his professional career, he completed a Bachelors of Science in Sports Therapy at the University of Teeside (England. UK), with specialisation in musculoskeletal injuries. Jordan then went on to compete a Masters' degree in Physiotherapy. During my time at University, He then worked with various soccer and rugby teams, expanding his skills and knowledge in the treatment and rehabilitation of lower limb injuries. More recently, Jordan was Head of Medical at Partick Thistle Football Club (Glasgow, Scotland) one of my proudest achievements.
Jordan is passionate about using various combinations of manual therapy, education and exercise programming to assist individuals in their journey back to optimal condition. Specifically, he has a strong background in joint mobilisations, sports massage, and kinesio taping.
Jordan uses a patient-centred approach and evidence-based practise to achieve the best possible outcomes while also educating in injury reduction and prevention strategies. He is a firm favourite with his patients!

Northern Gold Coast - Ryan Cook – 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 – Muscoloskeletal 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 - 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.

Southern Gold Coast - Riley Willemse – 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 has over 10 years of experience in Hand Therapy.
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 - Hamish Inch – Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and Practitioner of Hand therapy
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Full Member of AHTA
Hamish is an experienced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with over 8 years of clinical experience treating a wide range of hand, wrist, shoulder, foot, and lower limb injuries. He holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has worked across several leading physiotherapy practices, refining his diagnostic and treatment expertise.
Since joining Active Hand Therapy, Hamish has become a key member of our team, providing both hands-on care and clinical supervision. He also runs our northern shoulder clinics, where he manages complex shoulder injuries and guides patients through tailored rehabilitation programs.
Hamish is known for his methodical, evidence-based treatment plans and his ability to manage complex or multi-site injuries with precision and clarity. He has a particular interest in post-surgical rehabilitation, tendon and ligament injuries, and hand and wrist pain. His broad skillset includes wound care, dry needling, casting, splinting, and trigger point therapy, allowing him to offer comprehensive treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.
Driven by a passion for helping people return to the activities they love, Hamish combines expert clinical reasoning with a supportive, practical approach to recovery. Outside the clinic, he enjoys playing and watching sports and spending time with friends.

Palm Beach - Ashleigh Hunt – Practitioner of Hand Therapy
Masters of Occupational Therapy, Accredited Hand Therapist 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 a full 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 – Practitioner of Hand Therapy
Master of Occupational Therapy, Full Member of AHTA
Sarena graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy and has always had a strong passion for working in hand and upper limb rehabilitation. She first joined Active Hand Therapy as a student on placement and has been an integral part of the team ever since. With her warm personality she is often booked out!
Sarena is skilled in treating fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and a wide range of hand and upper limb injuries. She provides structured, individualised rehabilitation programs, ensuring clear communication and consistent progress toward recovery goals.
She has a particular interest in post-surgical rehabilitation and carpal tunnel treatment, where her methodical and compassionate approach helps patients regain function and confidence.
Sarena is a Full Member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) and continues to expand her clinical knowledge in all areas of hand and upper limb rehabilitation.
Outside the clinic, Sarena enjoys going to the beach, staying active, and spending her weekends bike riding.

Tweed - Chloe Gallagher – Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Associate Member of AHTA
Chloe holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK and brings over 8 years of clinical experience in hospital and outpatient musculoskelettal (MSK) care.
Having worked extensively in the UK’s NHS, Chloe worked alongside orthopaedic consultants, rheumatologists, pain specialists and psychologists— shaping her well-rounded, evidence based, holistic approach to care.
Chloe has a particular passion for all upper and lower limb conditions, including wound care, combining clinical expertise with compassionate care to help patients reach their goals.She has a strong interest in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries, helping patients recover from tendon and ligament injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, fractures, and overuse conditions. She leads our southern shoulder clinics as a specialist in this field.
Her background also includes managing complex lower limb injuries and soft tissue knee conditions, providing her with a deep understanding of the body’s kinetic chain and how upper-limb function relates to whole-body movement.
Chloe is dedicated to a patient-centred approach, helping each person feel supported, confident, and empowered in their recovery.

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, MBA
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 has completed a Masters in Business Administration and is completing another Masters in Neuroscience in her 'spare time'.
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.

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.