Personalised care and specialised rehabilitation empowering you towards optimal health and mobility.
Sarah
Colston
Principal Physiotherapist
Sarah is the owner and Principal Physiotherapist of Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy, after taking over from Charlie Finlay-Jones in 2024. Sarah completed Physiotherapy at Sydney University in 2003. She initially worked in the public hospital system throughout the Hunter, before doing Community-Based rehabilitation in Katherine, NT. She travelled to the UK, and worked in the community and hospitals, before returning to Australia and worked extensively within Aged Care facilities throughout Sydney. In 2012, Sarah joined NAP, bringing with her significant experience in Chronic Pain, Aged Care, Dry Needling and Hydrotherapy. She is a certified Tai Chi and Clinical Pilates instructor, and currently runs our Water Tai Chi, Strength and Balance, and Aquacise classes.
Kaytlyn
Shuck
Physiotherapist
Kaytlyn graduated with a bachelor of physiotherapy from the University of Newcastle in 2009. She originally joined the NAP team back in 2012 before coming back to join the team in 2023. Kaytlyn’s further studies and post graduate courses have included GLAD, Clinical pilates, active ageing, hydrotherapy, Pregnancy and post-natal exercise, and dry needling. Kaytlyn's special interest is in managing musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, post op and neurological rehabilitation. Kaytlyn is currently with us on a part time basis and is chasing after two small children and a very fluffy dog on the days she is not with us.
Thankom "Renu" Mathew
Physiotherapist
Thankom joined our team in June 2024. Thankom has been a dedicated Physiotherapist with over 17 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy from The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University India and a Doctorate from Arcadia University Pennsylvania USA Thankom has worked with renowned hospitals across various countries. Her travel and experience have equipped her with a unique perspective on diverse cultures, enhancing her ability to provide personalized, high-quality care. Languages: English, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and few other languages. Thankom is also currently learning AUSLAN.
Ruby
Targett
Allied Health Assistant
Ruby is a physiotherapy student at the University of Newcastle, having commenced her studies in 2022. When she’s not helping around the clinic, Ruby spends her time tutoring university students and running group exercise classes for young people with disabilities. She is passionate about everything health-related and hopes to complete further study in the future. If you ever see her around the clinic, feel free to stop by and have a chat!
Karen
Van Eldik
Client Liaison Officer
Karen comes to our practice from a dental background where she has worked as a Dental Hygienist for the last 24 years. She is actively involved in the fitness industry where she works as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. When not meeting and greeting clients at the practice Karen has a love of anything fitness and hanging with her pet greyhound Gina.
Chloe
McKinnon
Physiotherapist
Chloe joined NAP in October 2018 as a physiotherapy aide while she completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. Chloe’s post-graduate qualifications and courses include: •Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 1 (APA) •The Complete and Advanced Lumbar Spine (APA) •Level 1 Lymphoedema Therapist (Macquarie University ALERT Education) •Vestibular Rehabilitation (Vestibular Courses Australia). •Level 1 Neurology (APA) Chloe has a special interest in musculoskeletal conditions and vertigo.
Amanda
Wiblen
Physiotherapist
Amanda graduated from a Bachelor of Physiotherapy Degree at the University of South Australia in 2004. She began her career in regional South Australia, where she worked across several settings, including outpatients, inpatients and the community. She has worked in numerous areas of physiotherapy, including musculoskeletal, orthopaedics, domiciliary care and paediatrics. Amanda is passionate about working with all people, ranging from young babies and older children to adults. She has a desire to empower all people to achieve their goals. When Amanda isn’t working, she loves to volunteer in her local community.
Gabrielle
Williams​
Practice Manager
Gabby joined our team, recently, from an office management, dental and aged care background. She has a strong focus on client care, streamlined processes and fostering strong team relationships. Â When Gabby isn't working she enjoys spending time her family and friends, swimming in the salt water and curling up with a good book.
Natalie
Menck
Client Liaison Officer
Natalie is currently working at Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy 2 days a week having previously worked at Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy in 2022 and 2023. She is enjoying being back and seeing all the familiar faces and getting to know the new clients. When she’s not working Natalie will be out and about with friends and family and sometimes with her 3 dogs.
Wendi
Proudfoot
Client Liaison Officer
Having lived and worked in 5 different countries in her life, Wendi brings many years of understanding and professionalism, kindness and compassion to her role as Client Liaison Office. Wendi will go above and beyond to help you have a wonderful, healing experience with us. Wendi has 3 children and 5 grandchildren, and loves to stay active and healthy by walking, swimming, kayaking, gardening, hiking and horse riding. She has a Herbal Medicine Diploma, and grows her own herbs to make herbal products. Wendi and her husband live on Lake Macquarie, and love to camp regularly and go out in their little boat.
Jason
Carswell
Physiotherapist
Jason gained his degree in Exercise Science from Southern Cross University in 1990 before moving onto Physiotherapy. He graduated from Sydney University (Cumberland College) in 1994 and joined our Practice in 1995, whilst we were based at the Hunter Valley Private Hospital. Jason left us for a few years to travel abroad and then worked up and down the coast of NSW before settling back in Newcastle. We were very happy when he decided to come back to our Practice in 2010. Jason enjoys all aspects of Physiotherapy but has a special interest in stroke rehabilitation. When he is not working, surfing is his passion and he has travelled extensively both here and overseas chasing the perfect wave.
Rosemary
Antonuccio
Physiotherapist
Rosemary graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney in 1992 and holds a Certificate in Hydrotherapy from La Trobe University (1994). She has worked at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, John Hunter Hospital, and in residential aged care. With experience in chronic pain management, mobility retraining, Parkinson's, balance and falls prevention, and osteoarthritis (with GL:AD qualifications), Rosemary is passionate about hydrotherapy and brings a comprehensive approach to patient care.
Jessica
Norgard
AHA/Client Liason Officer
Jess is currently studying physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle, having commenced her studies in 2023. Jess has brought her passion for helping her community into Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy. When she’s not at the clinic, you may see Jess at the beach, gym or out and about with her dog, Ava. Jess is in the practice 2 days a week, welcoming everyone's friendly faces into the clinic.
Nicholas
Sonntag
Client Liaison Officer
Nic is currently studying physiotherapy at UON. After working odd jobs out of high school it took him a couple years before committing to hit the books long-term. Nic grew up swimming competitively and enjoys taking the time to swing his arms and kick his legs in pools around Newcastle. He is a big food lover and will happily he'll eat any goodies you pass his way when you enter NAP's front door. Nic looks forward to saying hello and having a yarn and welcoming you to the Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy family.
Deirdre
Clark
Client Liaison Officer
Deirdre has been attending Hydrotherapy sessions and Aqua Fitness classes at NAP since 2019. In 2023, she finished a 21 year career with a local engineering company.  In 2024, she joined the team and loves interacting with all the lovely people that come through the door at NAP.