Our Team

Physiotherapists

Kate Maslen
Kate MaslenDirector / Senior Physiotherapist
Kate is a compassionate physiotherapist who is dedicated to assisting our more mature population. Since 2016, Kate has resided in the Sunshine Coast and worked in aged care in the community. Kate enjoys engaging with seniors, listening to their stories and learning about their unique perspectives on life. One of Kate‘s favourite things is to enable older adults to accomplish things they never thought were attainable, no matter how small- as these achievements can make a difference to their lives. Kate is committed to help people stay as active and mobile as possible during their later years, and she keeps very active herself.

Outside work, Kate enjoys travelling, running, and generally being outdoors. She cherishes spending time with her loved ones.

Anita Collins
Anita CollinsSenior Physiotherapist
Anita has been working as a physiotherapist – and pilates instructor – since the early 2000’s. She graduated from the University of Queensland with a Masters of Physiotherapy Studies and has since worked in Brisbane, Western Australia and overseas, in hospitals and in residential aged care facilities and in the community.
Anita came to physiotherapy and pilates after injuring her back playing sport as a teenager, wanting to learn more about the body, holistic wellness.
Anita has worked with people young and old, fit and injured, motivated and not, cancer survivors, athletes, royalty and the occasional wallaby.
Anita’s interests (mostly) involve healthy living, travel, hiking, plants, food, reading, mountain biking and puzzles.
Mark Aumuller
Mark AumullerSenior Physiotherapist
Senior Physiotherapist
Mark is a Physiotherapist with over 30 years’ experience working in a variety of roles in both Australia and the UK. Mark feels it is a privilege to be invited into people’s homes and helping support them to achieve their goals is what he enjoys most about working in aged care.

Mark recently moved back to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane and enjoys taking advantage of the areas natural beauty. Whether it is bush walking, swimming or exploring the hinterland on his beloved triumph, Mark revels in the active
outdoor lifestyle.

Ebony Burgess-Gallop
Ebony Burgess-GallopSenior Physiotherapist
Ebony completed her Master of Physiotherapy in 2017. With a background of a Bachelor of Exercise Science.

Ebony has clinical experience with the assessment and treatment of clients with a variety of conditions ranging from musculoskeletal injuries, cardiorespiratory conditions, lymphoedema, orthopaedic surgeries and neurological conditions.

Anita’s interests (mostly) involve healthy living, travel, hiking, plants, food, reading, mountain biking and puzzles.

Ashlea De’Cent
Ashlea De’Cent Senior Physiotherapist
Ashlea has been working as a physiotherapist since graduating from Griffith University with a master’s degree in 2017. Ashlea has worked across a variety of areas including in hospitals, community, private practice, disability and rehabilitation. She has completed additional training in Neurological physiotherapy and Chronic Pain.

Ashlea enjoys assisting people to help improve their quality of life. She has a holistic view to health and wellbeing and enjoys working with you as a team to reach your goals!

Ashlea has recently moved back to the Sunshine Coast and is excited about helping the older population in her local community. On her days off Ashlea enjoys sending time at the beach, scuba diving, travelling, hiking, reading a good book and finding yummy new food spots.

Jane Buzolic
Jane BuzolicSenior Physiotherapist
Senior Physiotherapist
Jane is an experienced physiotherapist who is passionate about helping over 65 year olds be independent, active, and achieving their goals. Whether it’s walking, gardening, hobbies, sports, preventing falls, increasing function, or treating pain Jane is your evidence based cheerleader and personal physio. Jane has a wide professional background including hospital, rural and remote, musculoskeletal, women’s health, and community physiotherapy. Her special interest is the Explain Pain Revolution, which provides treatment for people in chronic pain.

Surfing, yoga, surf life saving, gardening, family hiking and camping are some of Jane’s other passions.

Outside work, Kate enjoys travelling, running, and generally being outdoors. She cherishes spending time with her loved ones.

Marlise Van Ryssen
Marlise Van RyssenSenior Physiotherapist
Marlise is a dedicated physiotherapist with more than 15 years of experience in rehabilitation. She has a caring nature and takes the time to listen attentively to her clients, aiming to understand their goals and needs with precision. Her passion lies in enhancing the quality of life for her clients, and she advocates movement as the key to well-being. Marlise is committed to supporting her clients in achieving and maintaining independent living, guiding them on a path towards optimal wellbeing through personalised care and tailored exercises.

She has a special interest in vestibular rehabilitation, aiding clients in recovering from vertigo and dizziness.

Marlise is a keen cyclist and enjoys the outdoors, especially the beach, with her family and friends in her spare time.

Katie Clifford
Katie CliffordPhysiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the Australian Catholic University in Brisbane in 2016.She has clinical experience in treating neurological, orthopaedic, cardiorespiratory, vestibular, and musculoskeletal conditions and is also a qualified Pilates instructor.
Whilst working at both the Gold Coast University Hospital and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Katie spent several years working in the rehabilitation department, where she developed a special interest in working with neurological conditions, particularly people recovering post-stroke, as well as elderly individuals recovering from orthopaedic injuries post fall.

Outside of work Katie enjoys spending time outdoors; you will find her running along the beach, horse riding or in the ocean surfing.

Alison Lingard
Alison LingardPhysiotherapist
Alison graduated from the University of Qld over 35 years ago. Alison has worked in private practice and hospitals both in Australia and internationally – including treatment of prisoners whilst handcuffed.

After some time Alison found her passion, working in aged care both in a residential care setting and in the community.

Alison loves spending time with the elderly and listening to their stories and gaining pieces of wisdom. Alison loves her job and enjoys helping to make people’s lives just a little bit better.

When not at work, you might find Alison at the surfclub and doing March Past with the Alex old boys, going stand up paddling, doing yoga or helping with the dogs at the animal refuge. Alison also enjoys spending time with her two beautiful daughters and golden retriever, Bailey.

Ed McHugh
Ed McHughSenior Physiotherapist
Ed is a caring and empathetic physio with almost 20 years of experience.

Ed has worked in a variety of physiotherapy areas including aged care, community care and musculoskeletal physiotherapy gaining advanced qualifications in this area with an MSc in 2014.

This has equipped Ed with knowledge and expertise for treating a variety of conditions whether with use of manual therapy techniques, acupuncture or exercise therapy.

Ed has lived on the Sunshine Coast for 5 years and enjoys spending time with his family enjoying beach walks and swimming in the ocean, hikes in the nearby hinterland as well as enjoying park runs at Golden Beach and a good barbeque with friends.

Steve Falconer
Steve FalconerSenior Physiotherapist
Steve has been a Physio for almost 40years – graduating from the Uni of QLD in 1986 and has had extensive experience in the aged care sector.

Steve had his own private practice from 1991 until a few years ago, when he and his wife decided to move to the Sunny Coast for a sea change. He has very much enjoyed his move to the coast as both he and his wife enjoy an active lifestyle. Steve especially likes cycling, open water swimming and gardening.

Steve really loves keeping his clients as active and as mobile as possible and making a positive impact in their lives.

Sarah Deckys
Sarah Deckys Senior Physiotherapist
Sarah is a caring physiotherapist committed to supporting older adults to maintain independence, mobility, and quality of life within their own homes.

After completing a Master of Physiotherapy Studies at the University of Queensland in 2003, Sarah has developed a strong passion for geriatric rehabilitation and community-based care. She has gained extensive experience working with older adults living with chronic conditions, mobility limitations, cognitive changes, balance issues and falls.
Sarah is a Sunshine Coast local who loves to spend time with her family enjoying the outdoors. She loves boating, swimming, beach camping, walking her dog, snow skiing and travel.

Brad Heazlewood
Brad HeazlewoodSenior Physiotherapist
After graduating from the University of Queensland with a bachelor of physiotherapy in 2015, Brad has spent his formative years as a physiotherapist working in the private hospital sector on the Sunshine Coast. During this time, Brad developed an interest in working with the ageing population in promoting independence in the face of disabling conditions.

Brad enjoys seeing patients in their own home in order to tailor individual programs to their specific needs. He is a firm believer in empowering patients to take control of their own health in order to enhance their quality of life.

When Brad is not wearing his physiotherapy hat, he enjoys exercise in the form of surfing, running and tennis.

Exercise Physiologist

Kara Petersen
Kara PetersenExercise Physiologist
Kara began as an Allied Health Assistant and is now a fully qualified and registered Exercise Physiologist. Kara believes exercise is medicine and loves working together with our amazing team to improve our clients lifestyles and health through movement. She has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science as well as Clinical Exercise Physiology. Kara is passionate about really getting to know her clients as it is an important part of being able to create trusting and supportive environments for our clients to thrive.

Kara has lived here her whole life and has grown up surfing up and down the Sunshine Coast. She enjoys being active, being outdoors and spending time with the ones she loves most!

Occupational Therapist

Sophia Wenzlick
Sophia WenzlickOccupational Therapist
Sophia is a registered Occupational Therapist dedicated to supporting adults in their daily function, well-being, and sense of independence.

With a grounded approach, Sophia combines clinical expertise with genuine care to help clients navigate change, rebuild confidence and re-engage in meaningful activities. Her practice is guided by evidence-based interventions, clear communication and respect for each person’s unique goals.

Outside work, Sophia loves getting out in nature, cooking and has an interest in health and well-being.

Allied Health Assistants

Nikki Smyth
Nikki SmythAllied Health Assistant
Nikki has always had a passion for helping people and this is one of the main reasons for becoming an Allied Health Assistant. She has completed her certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Community rehabilitation) and to compliment this has also completed her Diploma in Health Science (Massage Therapy).

Since becoming part of the Quality Care Physiotherapy team Nikki enjoys developing a rapport with her clients and being involved in inspiring her clients during their health journey, while working together with our experienced Physiotherapists.

In her spare time, Nikki enjoys staying active, spending time with the family and exploring the local area.

Brooke McDonnell
Brooke McDonnellAllied Health Assistant
Allied Health Assistant
Brooke has studied her certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, specialising in community rehabilitation.. She enjoys helping clients work towards their health goals and is passionate about the importance of movement and exercise at all ages.

She thoroughly enjoys working as part of the team at Quality Care Physiotherapy, and continues to be inspired every day by watching people make progress towards better health and happiness.

In her spare time she enjoys family time, gardening and long walks on the beach or in nature.

C.J. Fluerty
C.J. FluertyAllied Health Assistant
C.J. joins our team with over 15 years experience in the exercise and rehabilitation industry. In 2008, she graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and has since worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities. Now working in the community, she aims to inspire her clients to keep fit and well in their everyday lives, with whatever challenges they may be facing.

C.J. strives to make each and every session with her clients enjoyable and fun. She finds pleasure in getting to know her clients and finding out what ignites their spark. She values connection and trust, and believes they are key ingredients for success. Her clients describe her as friendly, knowledgeable and supportive.

Her previous work experience has allowed her to work with a diverse range of clients facing different challenges – orthopaedic conditions, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries and cognitive impairments.

In her own time, C.J. is a busy mum to three young children. When not doing something outdoors and active, she is a creative who also enjoys art, music and jigsaw puzzles. C.J. is also a qualified scuba diving instructor who loves going on ocean adventures.

Tony Buksh
Tony BukshAllied Health Assistant
Tony has always had a passion for helping people improve their health and quality of life, which led him to become an Allied Health Assistant. He holds a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Community Rehabilitation) and has over 25 years of experience as a Personal Trainer.

Tony enjoys supporting clients through their rehabilitation journey, helping them improve mobility, strength, and confidence while working alongside experienced Physiotherapists and Allied Health Professionals.

Outside of work, he enjoys mountain scrambling, trekking, indoor climbing, live music, fitness, meditation, and healthy cooking — reflecting his belief in movement, balance, and personal growth.