Tauranga

Adam Betteridge

Tauranga

Adam completed a Master of Health Science through Massey University in 2020, specialising in Sport and Exercise (athletic conditioning). His dissertation was originally set to investigate the effects of tapering for amateur mixed martial arts competitions, however, due to covid-19 lockdowns, he re-focused on other research interests in which he investigated the effects of deadlifting with ammonia (smelling salts) inhalation under mental fatigue.

Following this, Adam was awarded a scholarship to complete his Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the Waikato Institute of Technology, completing this in 2021.

Adam has worked in the fitness industry since 2012 after graduating as a Personal Trainer and has over 12 years’ experience working with a diverse population of clients including high performing athletes and those with chronic conditions such as lower back pain, heart disease, musculoskeletal injuries and neurological disorders. Adam has a special interest in exercise for low back pain and metabolic syndrome.

Adam is a qualified butcher, after completing his apprenticeship in 2004 and has over 15 years’ experience, underpinning the physical demands of heavy, and repetitive work for those looking to re-enter the workforce.

Adam enjoys anything outdoors / water sports and enjoys running, swimming, jiu jitsu and hiking in his spare time.

West Aukland

Ashley Saunders

West Aukland

Ashley supports clients navigating complex cardiovascular, neurological, and cancer-related conditions by focusing on evidence-based movement strategies that restore functional independence and long-term vitality. She is particularly skilled in managing metabolic health and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, drawing on her experience in both coaching and clinical settings to adapt programs for diverse physical abilities. By combining a Master’s-level clinical foundation with a structured, goal-oriented approach, Ashley ensures that every intervention is tailored to meet specific recovery milestones while remaining accessible and sustainable for the client. Known for her encouraging and adaptable communication style, Ashley builds immediate rapport with her patients, ensuring they feel physically capable and mentally empowered as they transition from clinical care to active community participation.

Fun Fact: Ashley recently became a first-time mum, while continuing coaching at BFT and playing netball and squash

Director

Brad Domek

Director - Northern Sydney

As an EP with 16 years of experience in occupational rehabilitation Brad has worked within all major compensable schemes in Australia and New Zealand. Brad has been a Guest Lecturer at ACU, has presented to Insurers and Re-Insurers in both Australia and NZ on topics such as Exercise Physiology in Occupational Rehab, using EP to assist customers with Mental Health, Fatigue and Cancer as well as Exercise Physiology in the Life Insurance Industry. With a clinical background as well as long history working as an Occupational Rehabilitation Provider, he has developed a blend of experience in both the treatment and occupational settings which has now become the foundation of all work provided by the EPs at Specialised Health.

Wellington

Brandon Woolley

Wellington

Brandon completed a Master of Health Science degree at Massey University, Wellington in 2013, in which he investigated the effects of exercise on vascular health in Stroke survivors. Brandon continued to be heavily involved in various research projects and lectured in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Prescription and Sports Nutrition.

Brandon managed a stroke rehabilitation clinic at Massey University and has developed extensive knowledge of neurological disabilities in addition to his work with physically disabled and visually impaired clients.

Brandon is an avid mountain biker and surfer, who can often be found riding the many trails located around the Wellington region, or in the waters of Lyall Bay. He is also always keen to talk about cricket!

NZ Manager

Caitlin Milne

TASMAN-MARLBOROUGH

NZ Manager

Caitlin graduated from Otago University in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Science, majoring in Exercise Physiology with honours. She has extensive experience working with patients with chronic health conditions and illnesses including cancer, mental health and musculoskeletal injuries.

Caitlin is a strong advocate of ‘knowledge is power’, Caitlin goes above and beyond to empower her clients and ensure they have a complete understanding of the what, why and how. She also has an in depth understanding of the role an engaging and integrative health model can have on the long term health outcomes for anyone.

Fun fact: She is a social butterfly who hates silence, 5 seconds of silence to Caitlin feels like 5 hours but she is working on it.

NZ Account Manager

Carmyn Barnes

Christchurch + Canterbury

NZ Account Manager

Carmyn supports clients navigating complex cardiac, cancer, and mental health challenges by focusing on a wellness-integrated approach that bridges the gap between clinical rehabilitation and long-term vitality. Drawing on over a decade of international experience, she is particularly skilled in managing orthopaedic conditions and pediatric gross motor development, making her an ideal match for both adult rehabilitation and specialised youth developmental cases. By combining her advanced postgraduate clinical knowledge with a structured, holistic methodology, Carmyn ensures that every program is evidence-based while remaining sensitive to the emotional and physical nuances of chronic disease management. Known for her empathetic and specialised communication, Carmyn provides a steady hand for vulnerable populations, ensuring they feel supported and empowered as they move from intensive treatment toward functional independence.

Fun Fact: Carmyn Studied at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, has not yet acclimatised to NZ weather, and can withstand copious amounts of caffeine.

Administration and Payroll Officer

Cathy Barakat

Administration and Payroll Officer

Cathy has been assisting in the WorkCover rehabilitation industry since 2009 and over the years she has developed a significant level of proficiency in rehabilitation administration. In her previous role, Cathy was the National Admin Manager, managing a large team. Since joining Specialised Health in 2019, Cathy has been able to transfer her knowledge to her team, while also learning and adapting her skills in the life insurance scheme. Cathy is well aware of the needs of all parties within the compensable schemes and has been a valuable asset to our administration team.

Administration Manager

Chloe Green

Administration Manager

Chloe completed a Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Auckland, following an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Sport and Exercise Science.

Her master's research explored the impact of exercise and nutrition on cardiometabolic health, strengthening her understanding of evidence-based strategies to improve long-term health outcomes. Chloe has experience working with a diverse range of clients, including healthy adults, older adults, individuals with severe intellectual and physical disabilities, and people living with complex medical conditions. She has a special interest in older persons' health, particularly in helping them maintain their independence, improve their functional capacity, and enhance their quality of life through safe, individualised exercise.

She is passionate about helping people discover enjoyable ways to be physically active and empowering them to make meaningful, sustainable lifestyle changes. Known for her empathetic and compassionate nature, Chloe values building genuine relationships and takes a client-centred approach, working collaboratively with each individual to understand their goals, build confidence, and create personalised exercise programmes that support lifelong health and wellbeing.

You’ll likely catch Chloe up enjoying the sunrise or down by the beach with a good book.

Administration Manager

Crystal Stavris

Administration Manager

Crystal has been assisting in the rehabilitation industry since 2009 and therefore over the years she has developed a significant level of proficiency in all areas of compensable rehabilitation administration. As a result of working with both worker’s compensation, work conditioning providers and life insurance based rehabilitation providers Crystal has become acutely aware of the needs of all parties within the compensable schemes.

Administration Manager

Isabella Gates

Palmerston North

Isabella completed a Bachelor in Sport and Exercise, and Master's in Health Science. Over the last 6 years, Isabella has worked in different clinics and gyms. She supports individuals managing complex chronic conditions and long-term health challenges, focusing on restoring functional mobility and enhancing daily quality of life. She is particularly skilled in working with clients navigating multi-provider care, chronic fatigue, and post-rehabilitation exercise programming across both clinic and community settings. Utilizing an evidence-based, structured exercise framework that respects goals and referrer timeframes, Isabella provides clear and actionable pathways toward improved physical capacity.

Known for her approachable style and practical communication, she ensures clients feel genuinely supported and confident as they build independence and return to the activities that matter most to them.

In her spare time, Isabella loves spending time with friends and family and enjoys being active in the sun.

Learning and Development

Mae Heard-Pennel

Mae has worked in the health and exercise physiology industry since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences with a postgraduate qualification in Biokinetics from South Africa, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Human Resources.

Her clinical background includes musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic disease management and occupational rehabilitation within compensable schemes. Prior to moving into leadership, Mae spent several years working clinically as an Exercise Physiologist and also ran her own private practice in South Africa.

In her current role, Mae leads clinician onboarding, graduate development, recruitment and professional training across Specialised Health’s growing team. Through her work recruiting, mentoring and training clinicians, Mae has developed extensive insight into the professional behaviours and capabilities that differentiate high-performing Exercise Physiologists in their early careers.

Administration Team

Melissa Mills

ADMINISTRATION TEAM

As an experienced Personal Assistant with over 25 years in the legal industry, Melissa has now joined Specialised Health to assist in meeting the needs of clients and has a great understanding of the importance of rehabilitation and recovery. As a result of her exposure in the legal industry in assisting the management of Workers Compensation and Compulsory Third Party files, Melissa is focused on achieving goals and outcomes for all of Specialised Health’s clients.

Wellington

Natasha White

Wellington

Natasha completed a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, majoring in Exercise Prescription, followed by a research-based Master of Health Science in Sport and Exercise at Massey University. During her postgraduate study, she received a Massey University Master’s Research Scholarship and completed research exploring the relationship between falls risk, static balance, and walking performance in older adults. She has a strong interest in research-informed practice and values using current evidence to support safe, individualised exercise prescription.

Alongside her studies, Natasha worked as a strength and conditioning coach and Pilates instructor, gaining experience in exercise programming, rehabilitation, and adapting movement for people with a range of abilities, injuries, health conditions, and personal goals. She enjoys helping people improve their strength, movement, and confidence through exercise tailored to their individual needs.

Outside of work, Natasha enjoys camping, hunting, hiking, spearfishing, strength training, and Pilates. She values a balanced lifestyle and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Christchurch

Rachel Sullivan

Christchurch

Rachel supports clients navigating complex chronic health conditions by focusing on evidence-based movement strategies that rebuild physical capacity and restore quality of life. She is particularly skilled in managing cardiac rehabilitation, cancer recovery, and metabolic health, with a specialized understanding of ME/CFS and pregnancy-related care. By combining her advanced postgraduate training with a structured, empathetic methodology that respects the nuances of fatigue and long-term illness, Rachel ensures every program is carefully paced to meet clinical milestones without compromising the client's energy limits. Known for her relatable and supportive communication style, Rachel leverages her own lived experience with chronic health challenges to build deep trust, ensuring her clients feel truly understood as they grow in confidence and transition toward greater independence.

Fun Fact: Rachel is a dual-accredited cardiac physiologist and exercise physiologist and enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.

Auckland

Ryu Nightingale

Auckland

Ryu completed his Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Auckland, where he gained practical experience working with individuals managing a variety of chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and musculoskeletal injuries. He is passionate about supporting people to improve their health, function, and confidence through personalised, evidence-based exercise programs tailored to their goals and abilities.

Ryu takes a calm, supportive, and client-centred approach, focusing on building long-term habits that empower individuals to return to meaningful activities and enhance their overall quality of life.

Outside of work, Ryu enjoys staying active through touch, basketball, tennis, and gym training. He also values time spent with friends and family and maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Marketing Team

Tessa Nielsen

New Plymouth

Marketing Team

Tessa has been immersed in the health and fitness industry for over a decade and began her career as an Exercise Physiologist after completing her master’s degree in 2017. Her master’s research focused on chronic fatigue syndrome, specifically assessing the physiological response to exercise in this population. This sparked a lasting passion for working with invisible illnesses, where she aims to empower individuals to navigate their unique challenges through tailored approaches.

Tessa’s philosophy is grounded in functional training, prioritising movement that directly enhances a person’s ability to do all the things that make life meaningful—work, family, or recreation. She is also deeply invested in the role of exercise in preventing chronic disease; assisted by a background in education, she is on an added mission to educate everyone she works with (and anyone who will listen really!).

Fun fact: She’s in the top 0.1% of Eminem listeners worldwide and no matter how hard she tries, he’s always her #1 artist.

Marketing Coordinator

Yolanda van Vugt

Marketing Coordinator

Since completing her Master's degree in 2017 (Clinical Exercise Physiology - the University of Auckland), Yolanda has enjoyed working as an EP in a range of settings - private, community health, corporate health, and life insurance. Armed with real-world experience as an EP and enjoyment of content creation, Yolanda enjoys combining the two in the role of marketing coordinator! Yolanda is particularly interested in the psychology of behaviour change and what drives motivation.