Claire is the principal physiotherapist at Avenues Physio-Fitness, and the Clinical Director. Claire has fostered a team culture within Avenues Physio-Fitness of inclusivity, and encourages her team to make decisions with each patient at front of mind. Claire has dual qualifications at Masters level in both musculo-skeletal physiotherapy and advanced sports science. Following her Masters, Claire has a special interest in lower limb biomechanics, focusing on specific return to sport strengthening post lower leg and achilles tendon injury. Claire over-sees our extensive class timetable and has a huge passion for Pilates and Yoga.

Certifications

BPhEd BPhty Manips MHSc (hons) NZRP

ACC Registered

Richard has a Bachelor of Physical Education and post graduate diploma in teaching. He spends his daytime as the Leader of learning of Health & Physical Education at a local secondary school. Richard has been involved with the management of the clinic since it was opened in 2012.  Having been associated with health, fitness and Hauora for numerous years he draws upon this experience to help the decision making and strategic direction of the clinic. His areas of responsibility include general handyman duties, anything involving ICT and rubbish recycling! He has recently completed the level one He Papa Tikanga course through the Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Ed graduated from the University of Brighton in the UK before starting work as a physiotherapist in London, UK. Ed has worked in different settings in the NHS and private setting, primarily working in rehabilitation and post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation. Ed is in the process of finishing his MSc in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, also from the University of Brighton. Ed moved to New Zealand in February 2022 initially working in the rural areas of Taumarunui and Ohakune before moving to Tauranga. Ed has a passion for educating his patients’ on how to manage their symptoms independently and enjoys all things movement related. He has experience working in clinical and gym-based environments where he can tailor exercises towards the individual needs of each patient whether it is returning to sport or help with day-to-day life. Outside of work Ed has tried to adapt to the Kiwi way of life with tramping, skiing and trying to learn surfing!

Joe completed his BSc in Sport and Exercise science with an interest in Exercise Physiology and Strength and Conditioning. Working with student athletes he developed skills in movement screening, laboratory fitness testing, Olympic weightlifting and understanding the demands of different sports. He went on to complete a MSc in Physiotherapy at the University of Brighton, along with Sports Massage and Dry needling certifications. Joe has a wide range of clinical interests including injury prevention, gym-based rehabilitation and clinical assessment and diagnosis. He utilises a mixture of education, hand on treatment and exercise in his care and enjoys working with people from all walks of life. His passion lies in empowering and educating patients to understand their body or their injury. He values listening to the patient’s story and believes the physio and patient should work in partnership to achieve positive outcomes. Outside of clinical practice Joe tailors his own training to focus on overall spiritual and physical health, this includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, mobility training and practices such as cold-water immersion, breathwork and meditation. His sporting interests lie in outdoor adventure pursuits such as surfing, snowboarding, open water swimming and hiking.

BSc Physiotherapy (AUT). Portia completed her physiotherapy degree through Auckland University of Technology and joined Avenues Physio-Fitness in early 2022. Born in Northland, Portia has grown up in a very active sporting community. Exercise and movement have always played a major role in her life, and she loves to bring this as a key principal in her physiotherapy management. Portia enjoys challenging athletes of all abilities to promote optimal, healthy movement quality and strength. Portia has a long list of sporting achievements including as a competitive surfer, triathlete and representative hockey player. Other sporting interests include skateboarding, boxing, hiking and running.

PhD, MA, BHSc (Phy). Sylvia is passionate about the power of movement, how it affects our bodies and minds, and is usually training for a mid or long-distance running event in a beautiful spot. Influenced by her background in psychology, brain science and health research and her experience as an endurance athlete, Sylvia uses psychologically informed approaches to pain, rehabilitation, athletic performance and aging well. This means, rather than looking at an individual problem area, Sylvia appreciates you as a whole person and the people important to you, as well as the pressures affecting you. Getting to know what is important to you enables us together to create and revise plans on the best way of getting or staying well. Sylvia is German-born from the Hessen mountains near Frankfurt. She fell in love with Aotearoa in her 20s and moved here to start her family, which is now based in Mount Maunganui and includes her partner, teenage son and Choc, their dog.

Leslie is one of our delightful receptionists who will greet you on arrival here at Avenues Physio-Fitness. Leslie loves gardening, tennis and being with her gorgeous grandchild.

Martina is our wonderful administration assistant and physiotherapy assistant. Martina is very passionate about teaching, people and physical activity. She loves coaching sports particularly her main passions of field hockey and soccer. Martina came to New Zealand and worked in Aged Care as a Physiotherapist Assistant, co- activities coordinator and diversional therapist. Martina has a degree in Physical Education and Teaching from the National University of Lujan, San Fernando Campus. She has completed a New Zealand Apprenticeship in Community Facilitation Level 4 specializing in diversional therapy and has a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Well-being Social Community Facilitation Level 4. In her free time Martina enjoys playing hockey or soccer, to go for an adventure such as kayaking, hiking, swimming, or visiting new places.

Rose supports us with our marketing, community projects and manages our social media to ensure we can best connect with our community. You may see her on our front reception desk from time to time, offering a friendly face. She is great to talk to if you have any collaboration requests, or any fundraising requests you would like to discuss.

Charlotte is our Physiotherapist in training. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Otago University. During the holidays you will most likely find her at reception or helping out clients in her capacity as a Physio assistant. She is a product of her wonderful Mother and Father and brings a real sense of joy to the clinic. Outside of the clinic you will find her enjoying the outdoors, running, cycling or playing Hockey.