About us

Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the AHTA), Certified Hand Therapist (USA)

Felicity has over twenty years experience in hand and upper limb rehabilitation. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 1995, she gained her Certified Hand Therapy (CHT) qualification in 2003, before completing a Masters in Public Health in 2007.

Felicity has worked in both the public and private sectors in Australia and the UK. She gained her hand therapy experience at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, St Thomas Hospital, London and Sydney Hospital Hand Unit.

After moving to Newcastle in 2006 Felicity became the director and principal therapist of the Hand Therapy Centre. Felicity has developed a team of like-minded clinicians with a passion for hand therapy. With strong ethical principles and in pursuit of excellence, the Hand Therapy Centre has become a well-respected institution among patients and clinicians alike.

Felicity is a full member of the AHTA and has been involved in teaching their level-one splinting course. She is also involved in teaching undergraduate students at the University of Newcastle.

Clinical interests:
Complex trauma, wrist instabilities, arthritis

Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the AHTA), Certified Hand Therapist (USA)

Melissa is a highly experienced physiotherapist with a specialist focus in hand therapy. She holds dual recognition as an Accredited Hand Therapist (AHTA) and Certified Hand Therapist (HTCC, USA), reflecting her clinical expertise.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Newcastle in 2009, Melissa discovered her passion for hand therapy while working at John Hunter Hospital. This led to a Clinical Fellowship at Sydney Hospital in 2014 and a Master of Science in Hand Therapy in 2019.

Melissa is deeply engaged in the professional community, contributing through teaching, mentorship, and leadership. She helps deliver the hand component of the Level 1 Sports Physiotherapy course for the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and serves in multiple roles with the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA), including as a mentor, course assessor, and member of the AHT Credentialing Council.

Clinical interests:
Management of acute and complex hand injuries, application of evidence-informed therapeutic approaches, and the support and development of emerging hand therapists.

Associate AHTA member

Tim completed his Masters of Physiotherapy in 2008 at The University of Sydney before working across both the public and private sectors in Australia and England. Tim has extensive experience in sports injuries having been involved with teams from local to international levels. His most recent appointments were with the QLD medical team for Touch football State of Origin 2022 and physiotherapist for the NRL referees in 2021. Tim has been involved extensively with local teams including head physiotherapist for Wyong Lakes AFL club and the Central Coast Academy of Sport.

Expanding on his sporting background, Tim has been specialising in hand therapy since 2019. He completed his accreditation process in 2024, gaining full AHTA Membership. He is involved in mentoring and teaching other therapy staff.

Clinical interests:
Return to sport, fracture management, ligament injuries

Associate AHTA member

Lyndall graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2020 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honors). Since then, she has gained diverse experience across various clinical settings. In musculoskeletal private practice, Lyndall has focused on treating conditions such as neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and migraines. Additionally, she has worked in the community, assessing and treating neurological conditions spanning all ages from pediatric to geriatric patients.

Throughout her degree, Lyndall completed several placements that shaped her professional goals. These included orthopedic trauma and elective surgery at John Hunter Hospital, as well as a tenure in the emergency department at Manning Rural Referral Hospital. These experiences reinforced her commitment to helping individuals maintain or regain their ability to participate in daily activities and return to functional living.

Currently, Lyndall is pursuing full accreditation. She has undertaken various hand therapy courses and integrates core physiotherapy principles into upper limb rehabilitation. Her aim is to provide high-quality hand therapy interventions that promote healthy hand function and support her patients’ recovery journey.

Clinical interests:
Trauma, post-operative care, creating splints and casts

Associate AHTA member

Elena graduated from the University of Canberra with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2024. Elena grew in her appreciation for hand therapy after completing a placement in the hands and burns unit at Canberra Hospital. This passion has continued to grow as Elena moves to Newcastle to join our team.

Elena is currently undertaking an early career fellowship in hand therapy through the AHTA Hand Faculty program. She is an associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association. Elena has a passion for occupation-based practice and is highly driven to restore hand function for patients to return to the meaningful activities that fill their lives.

When Elena isn’t in the clinic, she enjoys visiting new cafe’s, playing soccer and weightlifting. Elena especially delights in spending her time in the outdoors whether it’s swimming at the beach or hiking up a mountain, she’s always up for a new challenge!

Clinical interests:
Wound care, custom made splints, trauma