KARA THOMAS
Owner/Physiotherapist
Kara is a seasoned physiotherapist who has worked in the Waikato and King Country for the last 17 years in both private practice and high-performance sport.
7 years ago, Kara decided to move to the country to live a quiet life, settling in Ōtorohanga. She realised the rural community had a big need for quality physiotherapy services and has since grown the team to have clinics in Ōtorohanga, Te Awamutu and now Cambridge.
For Kara, being a physio is all about the ability to help and empower people to get on top of their injuries and improve their health and wellness. Being able to provide a space for people in their community so they don’t have to leave town for quality care, being a part of their journey she finds really rewarding.
Kara loves spending time in her garden and kitchen. She has recently finished her house renovations and is enjoying time in her new space. In the winter you can find her running the side-line of sports fields and loves being in the community and talking to be people on the side lines (Maybe not so keen on this in the wet weather!)
EMMA MCDERMOTT
Clinical Lead Physiotherapist
Emma is a skilled physiotherapist with experience in both the UK and New Zealand. Her background is general physiotherapy with a focus on rural communities. She has 12 years’ experience in the DHB, recently bringing this knowledge base to Focused Physiotherapy for a new learning opportunity within the private sector.
Emma recently completed a Master of Professional Practice at Wintec with her research project focussing on recruitment and retention of physiotherapists in Rural New Zealand. Emmas love for rural New Zealand and providing care to vulnerable populations is one of her key values, with equity being a focus.
Professional development, mentorship, and training for the physiotherapy staff is a main component of Emmas role. She aims to support physiotherapists to provide high quality physiotherapy services to the population of patients seen by Focused.
When not at work Emma enjoys the outdoors and scenery of the Waikato, she tries to complete regular Pilates and Yoga. She is also the secretary for Tirau Volunteer Fire Brigade.
MELISSA PAGE
Senior Physiotherapist
Originally from the Waikato, Melissa grew up in Hamilton and studied at AUT in Auckland graduating with Bachelor of Health Science, Physiotherapy. Melissa has a general interest in neurological conditions and older persons rehab, however she treats all conditions.
Melissa is furthering her training in manual therapy as well as increasing her Neurological knowledge in conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. She also works with our concussion and vestibular patients.
Outside of work Melissa loves to be surrounded by friends and family, getting out and about, particularly to the beach, with a love of being out on the boat fishing. Otherwise you will find her in the kitchen cooking up a storm.
EMMA GRIFFITHS
Occupational Therapist
Emma works within the ACC contract work team at Focused Group to assist and support clients with returning to their pre-injury level of function. Emma has previously worked in Vocational Rehabilitation and Community Occupational Therapy and has gained Enable accreditation for wheelchairs and seating, and housing modifications. Emma has a special interest in rehabilitation, complex equipment needs, working with older adults and in palliative care.
Research is important to Emma and she is currently a research assistant for a joint project between Otago Polytechnic and the Waikato District Health Board investigating occupational therapy research priorities in the Waikato.
BRYNN GALE
Physiotherapist
Brynn grew up on a farm in South Africa, she studied at the University of the Western Cape and qualified as a physiotherapist in 2019.
She has experience with general physiotherapy rotations within a public hospital in South Africa and then moved on to Musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. Paediatric, orthopaedics and amputees is a special interest for her.
In South Africa Brynn enjoyed horse riding and photography, she loves animals and enjoys spending time at the beach.
KATE PAULSEN
Physiotherapist
Kate grew up rurally and has a love for rural healthcare. She completed her Physiotherapy qualification at AUT completing a BSc Health Science (Physiotherapy) in 2021.
She came to Focused as a new graduate and has spent time working in the clinic, in the school and rest homes and enjoys sports related physiotherapy.
Kate is developing a special interest in sport and paediatric sports, enjoying working with teenage athletes. She has also completed some training in cancer rehab and is beginning to focus on this.
Kates love for surfing finds her at the beach with her family as often as she can. She is our squash superstar and also enjoys running.
Te Reo is important to Kate; she has learnt some Karakia and is trying to expand her language ability.
SOFIA QUINTON
Physiotherapist
Sofia studied in Otago and finished her studies in 2022. She started working at Focused Physiotherapy at the beginning of 2023. She is increasing her knowledge and skills and is developing an interest in Paediatrics, acute rehabilitation, and orthopaedics.
Sofia feels she is a very hands-on learner and is keen to increase her knowledge in pain management, neurological rehab and holistic rehab.
You can often find Sofia at the gym, or the beach and she enjoys most outdoor activities. Sofias extended family live in Hamilton, so she often spends time with them. She is also learning Mandarin!!!
JORDAN RALPH
Physiotherapist
Jordan studied in Otago completing his Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2022.
Jordan is new to Focused and new to physiotherapy. He has a keen interest in Sports and Paediatrics. He is keen to learn more about cervical and concussion and one day acupuncture.
A keen sportsman, Jordan surfs and snowboards, he enjoys watching rugby and basketball. He lives in Hamilton and enjoys family time with his 5 nephews!
RENEL NAIDOO
Physiotherapist
Renel is originally from South Africa and identifies with a South African Indian culture. She has lived in the South Waikato for 18years and recently moved to Hamilton. She describes herself as being a “foodie”. Renel enjoys the outdoors and being creative.
She is a recent new graduate, completing her BSc Physiotherapy in Otago in 2022. She has also completed a BSc in Anatomy. Due to Renel being new to physiotherapy she is keen to learn but has a particular interest in acute injuries, general and neuro rehab. She would like to learn more about “hand on” physiotherapy including manual therapies.
LIBBY MCCONNELL
Physiotherapist
Libby studied in Otago, completing her BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy in 2021. Her previous experience was hospital based completing rotations including community, medical and outpatients.
Libby enjoys working in a range of clinical settings and has a passion for sports. She is keen to develop her foundational skills in physiotherapy across a range of clinical presentations and areas.
Originally from Hamilton, Libby has returned home after working in Wellington. She enjoys spending time with family, getting outdoors to tramp or mountain bike and plays the guitar.
GAYANGEE ABEYSINGHEGE
Physiotherapist
Gayangee studied at the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Sri Lanka completing her studies in 2017. She had 6 years of general hospital experience in Sri Lanka before coming to New Zealand. Her areas of special interest previously were stroke, musculoskeletal and respiratory physiotherapy.
Gayangee is settling in to life in New Zealand and working in Otorohanga, she is keen to keep learning new things.
Family is important to Gayangee and she enjoys spending time with them. She speaks English and Sinhala.
MADI FLEMING
Receptionist in Cambridge
Madi is a new addition to the team at Focused starting work in Cambridge in July 2022. She enjoys working on reception and loves building relationships with the patients she meets and greets.
Originally from the Bay of Plenty, Madi moved to Cambridge as a teenager. Friends and family are important to her, as is spending time with her cat. You will often find Madi enjoying herself at the beach.