The Team
Find the practitioner that best suits your needs
Kellie has worked as a physiotherapist for over 20 years, gaining extensive experience in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal and sports related conditions. She enjoys helping people of all ages maintain or regain their mobility and stay active in their day to day and sporting activities.
Kellie has experience in treating a variety of sporting injuries in recreational and competitive athletes, with a keen interest in running, netball and hockey injuries.
In addition to providing assessment and management of acute pain and injuries, she has experience in post-operative rehabilitation for patients who have undergone orthopaedic procedures such as shoulder, knee and ankle surgeries.
As an adjunct to manual therapy techniques and exercise prescription, Kellie has completed coursesin dry needling, Kinesiotaping, and Kinetic Link training.
Along with the physical aspect of physiotherapy treatment, Kellie has an interest in how nutrition and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s recovery and wellbeing, and is able to provide advice to help get the best outcome from treatment.
Kellie Pemberton
Masters of Health Science (Sports Physiotherapy)
APA Titled Sports Physiotherapist
Sam Stewart
Doctor of Physiotherapy
Certificate in Advanced Dry Needling
Fluent in Spanish
Born and raised in San Francisco, Sam made his move to Australia to complete his Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne over 10 years ago. His passion for travel has led him around the world working in a variety of physiotherapy settings, including helping professional sports teams and working with professional dancers in London’s West End.
His keen interest in running and swimming has led him to be our expert on lower limb and shoulder injuries. He has had extensive training in diagnosing and rehabilitation of running injuries. His mission for every person he sees is to make sure they feel better than when they first came through the door. Sam uses his knowledge of strength training he gained as a sports physiotherapist and pilates instructor, and incorporates this with the use of manual therapies such as dry needling and taping
Sam is also a qualified Vestibular Physiotherapist and has a keen interest in treating patients that suffer from dizziness and vertigo, such as BPPV.
Sam’s love of surfing and the beach has led him to the Central Coast for good. When not in the clinic or at the beach, you can find Sam at the local bouldering wall or learning to play OzTag.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Drew initially joined Thrive Physio in 2018 and his primary area of focus is the treatment of cervicogenic headaches, a condition that affects many individuals with a debilitating headache originating from the cervical spine.
Drew initially joined Thrive to learn under Peter Farmer's mentorship, where Drew honed his skills in various areas related to the cervical spine, gaining expertise in treating facet joint irritation, sub-occipital headache and tension, as well as addressing contributing factors such as posture. Drew developed a deep understanding of treatment of upper limb neural tension, pain between the shoulder blade and the spine, and dysfunction of the shoulder, all of which often intertwine with cervical spine issues.
Drew's unwavering dedication and commitment to this particular area of physiotherapy have been evident throughout his 13 year career. In fact, Drew has often expressed that if given the choice to treat only one area for the rest of their professional journey, it would unquestionably be the cervical spine.
With a wealth of experience and expertise in various facets of the cervical spine, Drew is well-equipped to provide comprehensive and specialised graduated strengthenig exercise programmes in care of his patients suffering from cervicogenic headache and related postural conditions. Drew's patients can expect a personalized and holistic approach, tailored to their specific needs and guided by the latest treatment and advancements in the field. Through effective treatment techniques and a compassionate demeanor, Drew endeavors to alleviate pain, improve functionality, and enhance the overall quality of life for those seeking relief from cervical spine-related issues.
Benjamin Shaw
Drew Dart
Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours)
Since graduating in 2001 Ben has gained valuable experience working in major Sydney hospitals such as Westmead. He acquired skills in acute orthopaedic rehabilitation, respiratory care, intensive care, casting, hands and musculoskeletal injuries. Ben has worked in large sporting private practices servicing National Rugby League teams amongst many other athletes. Ben led clinical pilates classes for many years both in Sydney and here on the Coast, giving him skilled insight into 'core' muscle control and strength training.
Ben has been with the skilled Thrive team since 2009. Working so closely with Peter Farmer for over 13 years Ben has acquired countless insights into cervicogenic (neck based) headache and the treatment of neck and back pain.
During his time at Thrive, Ben has developed meaningful working relationships with many of the Coast's GP's and specialists. This helps to streamline your pathway to recovery whenever medical input is indicated.
Ben enjoys helping people to move freely again. He uses a highly hands-on approach to help restore your movement and reduce your pain. He is also a big believer in you being able to maintain that improvement through teaching you specific exercises that will work for you.
Ben himself loves to move and can be often found at his local cricket nets or out for a run.
Kamila R
Remedial Massage Therapist
Hi! My name is Kamila, Brazilian by birth and Australian by choice. I arrived in Australia in 2008 as an Overseas Qualified Physiotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist. I have completed several Remedial Massage Therapy Courses in Brazil before completing my Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2006.
In Australia, I have completed my Diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy. In my toolbox you will find advanced manual therapy skills such as myofascial releases, trigger point therapy, cupping, PNF stretching, muscle energy technique, lymphatic drainage, pregnancy massage and more.
During my free time you will find me outdoors with my dog Astro, riding my bike or having a coffee, one of my passions.
Jessica
Pilates Instructor
After working for several years as a dietitian in health care and treating unwell patients, Jess wanted to share her enthusiasm and joy for health and fitness. Jess loves how Pilates can leave you feeling physically and mentally empowered to take on other physical activities or whatever the day brings. It just felt like a natural step to complete a Pilates certificate of reformer and mat work. Through Pilates Jess believes she can engage and motivate others to enjoy movement and find the health benefits for their bodies and mind.
You can expect a fun atmosphere and challenging classes that offer variety. They are designed to leave you feeling connected with your mind and body, giving you the strength to take on the day.
When Jess isn’t instructing or joining in Pilates classes herself, she can be found taking the fur baby Poppy for long walks at the dog beach, catching a wave, or trying out cooking a new recipe.
Helena Brunsdon
Pilates Instructor
Helena holds the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction and is qualified to provide comprehensive Pilates method training in a variety of settings and on all Pilates equipment.
From a young age, Helena has been in awe of what the body is capable of, and she is particularly passionate about functional movement, which means strengthening the body to support us in our everyday tasks, be that at work or play.
Her goal as your Pilates teacher is to help you connect with your body and help you feel stronger, more supple, move more freely, reduce, or prevent aches and pains, and give you strength and a sense of wellbeing and feeling fit for your everyday life.
When Helena is not teaching or practicing Pilates herself, she loves to take her dog on her walks in the forest or on the beach. She loves the ocean, and is currently trying to get the hang of surfing.
Larissa and Alex
Thrive wouldn’t be able to run as smoothly as it does without the help of these legends! Outside of the clinic you’ll find them on the basketball court or camping up north.