Rachael Boyce – Director/Clinical Manager

Rachael has been qualified since 1994 and has a well rounded background in physiotherapy having worked in New Zealand and overseas, having worked with the British Army and various sports teams; and in the last decade specialising in Occupational Health and Vocational work. Rachael has completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine, a Certificate in Spinal Manipulation and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health. She is also a Pilates Instructor, is trained in acupuncture and dry needling and enjoys working with complex conditions.

Rebecca Crawford – Clinical Manager/Senior Physiotherapist

Rebecca is our Clinical Manger and one of our Senior physiotherapists who has been working at Active Health since she graduated in 2013. She is an avid sports person and has worked with several rugby teams. She is currently studing for her Post-graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine and is skilled in treatment and exercise rehabilitation from sports and other musculoskeletal injuries.

Melissa Edwards – Senior Physiotherapist

Melissa is a New Zealand trained physiotherapist, graduating in 2010. She has experience in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal injuries including sports injuries, spinal, work injuries and doing post-operative rehabilitation. Melissa has an excellent patient rapport and is able to communicate well with patients and third parties to work to achieve best results for the patient.  Melissa has skills in dry needling and is our “Pain Champion” having completed regular professional development in this area.

Heather De Gouw – Staff Physiotherapist

Claire Thorby – Senior Physiotherapist

 Claire Started my physiotherapy career at Active Health in 2013.  She then worked in Oamaru for 7 years before returning to 2023. She enjoys working with Resthome residents to maintain mobility and quality of life. She has also completed a post-grad certificate in musculoskeletal management focused on pain management. In her spare time she enjoy’s baking and rowing.

 Brynn Wang – Staff Physiotherapist

Brynn graduated from the University of Otago in 2022 with a Bachelors of Physiotherapy and joined the team recently. Brynn has enjoyed exploring different fields of physiotherapy including biomechanics and sports injury rehab. In her spare time Brynn enjoys going to the gym and the outdoors.

 Feili Zeng – Acupuncturist

Feili studied for 8 years to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Acupuncture and Moxibustion she then gained a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2017. She has worked in TCM in China for many years before moving to New Zealand and starting work at Active Health in Timaru as an acupuncturist in 2023. She is a registered ACNZ member and ACC Provider specializing in Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, Herbs and Scraping (Guasha). She can use TCM theory with Acupuncture and other Chinese techniques to help manage pain, improve women health problems, boost energy, relieve digestive issues and promote sleep. In her spare time Feili enjoys traveling, cooking and table tennis. 

Casey Belworthy – Operations Manager

Casey is our Operations Manager who you will find on the front desk at our Timaru Clinic. Casey comes from a background in hospitality so loves meeting and greeting our customers. Outside of work Casey is passionate about American Jazz Dancing and has had lessons from a young age.

Bronwyn Gridgeman– Office Manager

Bronwyn has recently joined our team and is now our Office Manager and has been working in administration for 20 years in a variety of Office roles, mostly in the health sector.  Outside of work, Bronwyn loves spending time with her family & friends and likes going for walks.

Thaila Higson – Receptionist

Thaila has recently joined our team and is the receptionist at the front desk. Thaila comes from a customer based background, so is always up for a good chat. Outside of work hours, Thaila likes spending time with her friends and family and reading a good book.

Julia Harrington– Pilates Instructor

Julia has recently joined our team as a Pilates Instructor, having obtained a YMCA Level 3 Mat qualification. She enjoys creating challenging and dynamic classes that combine a good mix of stretching and strengthening exercises. Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and her newly adopted kitten-Jiji.