FAQ

WHO WE ARE

Joel van Doorn graduated in 2003 from Auckland University of technology and has since returned there to complete a post graduate certificate in Chinese Acupuncture and Women’s Health Acupuncture.

He travelled to China in 2008 to observe and learn how acupuncture is used there to treat many conditions in their hospitals.

He has been the head physiotherapist for multiple high level sporting code teams and is currently the Physiotherapist for the Tairua Senior rugby Team. He is an experienced hands on practitioner with extensive knowledge around sports and work injuries.

He enjoys acting, surfing, golf, hiking and staying fit through various fitness endeavours.

Terri Evanson graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2016. She then worked in Auckland for a private practice alongside an experienced team for nearly two years. She has completed PNZ dry needling certificate and various other manual handling and sports based courses. She is passionate about exercise based rehabilitation and taking a holistic approach to returning patients to full function.

Terri is PINC and STEEL certified which allows her to support clients living with cancer or after cancer treatments to cope with side effects and have a better quality of life.

Terri completed her post graduate certificate at Auckland University of Technology which focussed on breathing mechanisms and management; and in persistent and chronic pain assessment/management and treatment.

Recently Terri graduated from the PINC course run by PINC & STEEL international, which allows her to support clients living with cancer or after cancer treatments to cope with side effects and have a better quality of life.

Terri has worked within the sporting environment since the beginning of her Physiotherapy career. She has worked with Northcote rugby club, North Harbour Maori and North Harbour Junior Woman’s teams whilst living in Auckland. And the Mercury Bay Rugby Club and Thames Valley Heartland teams throughout her time in Whitianga. She was also involved with the Masters Games, assisting with the football teams.

Terri grew up on a lifestyle block near Whitianga. Outside of work she enjoys an active lifestyle, running, yoga and playing sports.

Grace Smith has a strong belief that everyone can reach their full physical potential and it is her passion to help her patients to get there.

She graduated from Auckland’s University of Technology in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy. She has worked in private practice as both a musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapist, and has also studied dry needling. She has extensive experience working with sports teams amongst multiple codes including rugby, netball, basketball and crossfit.

She has expertise in many areas of practice including Elderly falls risk/mobility assessments and strength and balance programmes, adult and child neurological conditions eg cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and spinal cord injuries.

Outside of work Grace enjoys running, yoga, swimming, mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking and is a past national level motocross rider. She has a strong passion for health and well-being.

Charlotte Porter graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy. She has previously worked in private practice as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in Auckland. She has experience with acute neurological rehabilitation for stroke and traumatic brain injuries, and physiotherapy pre and post organ transplant.

Charlotte is passionate about exercise rehabilitation and enjoys working with patients of all ages to develop a treatment plan that aligns with their goals.

In 2021 Charlotte studied a Diploma in Paramedic Science. She is a volunteer with St John Ambulance.

Outside of work, Charlotte has represented NZ internationally in sailing. She has previously worked for one of the local sailing charter boats in Whitianga. She enjoys being outdoors including diving and surfing.

Ayesha Sadiq is a seasoned Physiotherapist with a degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Lahore, Pakistan. She did her Masters in Public Health (MPH) from Yeditepe University Istanbul, Turkey. Her journey in physiotherapy has been shaped by diverse experiences, including impactful roles in both Pakistan and the Maldives.

She honed her skills working with a diverse range of patients, addressing various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. This gave her a deep understanding of the unique healthcare needs of local communites. Her international exposure has enriched her approach to physiotherapy, allowing her to blend cultural sensitivity with evidence-based practices. In addition to her clinical expertise, she is proud to be contributing to her field with two notable publications. As part of her commitment to the academic community, she currently serves as a reviewer for The Healer Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences. This role allows her to contribute to the peer-review process, ensuring the integrity and quality of research in her field.

Beyond her dedication to physiotherapy, you might catch her immersed in the pages of a captivating book. She mostly find solace in the soulful tunes of folk music and sometimes indulges herself in the meditative art of sketching.

Lauren Bromley PG Cert. HSC Rehabiliation BOccTher

At Physio First Whitianga we are extremely fortunate to partner with Lauren Bromley local specialist Hand Therapist at Coastal Hand Therapy Whitianga – to provide this new specialist service to the community.
Please feel free to give Lauren a call on 027 317 6926 to book an appointment or alternatively visit her website.

Born and raised in Thames, the Coromandel Peninsula is where I call home. After leaving the area for study and career advancement, I have returned and am very fortunate to now call Whitianga home.

After graduating in 2017, I followed my chosen career path specialising in Hand Therapy. I completed a postgraduate certificate in rehabilitation specific to hand and upper limb rehabilitation and pain management. Since 2017 I have gained clinical experience working at the Christchurch Public Hospital and private Hand Therapy Clinic’s in Hamilton and Cambridge.

I’m very excited to be able to provide a specialist Hand Therapy Service to Whitianaga and wider Coromandel Peninsula community. I’m very passionate about helping clients regain full pain free function.

Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors, on the water fishing and diving with my partner. Having previously completed in many of the Peninsula's adventure races as a young female, I still hold a passion for Outdoor Adventure Racing and would like to continue it now I live back on the Coromandel Peninsula.

WORK WITH US

Play and work in paradise.
Private practice position available in Whitianga which is located in the stunning Coromandel Peninsula.

Part or full time. You decide.
Contact Joel on 021587262 or info@physiofirstwhitianga.co.nz