Our Team

Carla Bingham  (Occupational/Hand Therapist)

(Director/Principal)

Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 1989 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and gained her hand therapy accreditation with the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA)  in 2007.  She has had 20 years experience in management of hand and upper limb conditions.  Before establishing Gold Coast Hand Therapy in 2001, Carla was the Assistant Director of Occupational Therapy at the Gold Coast Hospital, managing the hands caseload and was the senior OT of Rehabilitation Services.  Carla guest lectures at Southern Cross University and is committed to the ongoing development of the hand therapy profession.  She is currently the Membership Secretary for the Management Committee of the AHTA.

Taryn Lester  (Physiotherapist)

Taryn graduated from La Trobe University (Melbourne) in 1999 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.  She worked for six years in various acute hospital settings in Melbourne and the United Kingdom before moving to the Gold Coast in 2005.  She has been a dedicated member of GCHT team since February 2006.  Taryn also has training in Western Acupuncture (Dry Needling) which is a beneficial adjunct therapy for the management of soft tissue and over-use injuries of the upper limb.  Taryn is an Associate Member of the AHTA.

Kate Thorn   (Occupational/Hand Therapist)

Kate graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.  She has had experience in hospital, community and private practice settings.  Kate joined the Gold Coast Hand Therapy team in 2007 and is committed to professional development.  She has a keen interest in research and traumatic hand injuries.  Kate is a hand therapist with full membership to the Australian Hand Therapy Association. 

Justine Clarke   (Occupational Therapist)

Justine graduated from the University of Queensland in 2011 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.  She commenced work with Gold Coast Hand Therapy after graduation and has quickly become a valued member of the team.  Justine also completes home and ADL assessments for private and DVA clients.  Justine is currently an associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association and plans to work towards achieving full membership.

Emma Thomsen    (Occupational/Hand Therapist)

Emma graduated from the University of Queensland in 2004 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. Emma has specialised in the field of Hand Therapy since graduation and has experience in hospital and private practice settings. She became a member of the Gold Coast Hand Therapy team in 2006 and has returned after working in Brisbane for two years.  She is a hand therapist with full membership to the Australian Hand Therapy Association. 

Jodie Robertson-Smith (Physiotherapist)

Jodie graduated from the University of Sydney in 1992 with a Bacheor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy).  She has worked in Australia and in the USA in public and private settings.  She has 20 years experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, including occupational and functional capacity testing, womens' health, with a recent special interest in hands.  She has been a guest lecturer and tutor at Griffith University School of Physiotherapy, student supervisor and conducted educational workshops for both community and the medical profession.  Jodie joined the Gold Coast Hand Therapy team for a short period in 2010 and permanently in 2012.  Jodie is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. 

Shanna Mahomed (Occupational Therapist)

Shanna graduated from the University of Queensland in 2007 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy.  Over the past 5 years she has worked in various hospital and community settings and hand therapy clinics in both Australia and England.  Shanna joined the Gold Coast Hand Therapy team in December 2012 and is an associate member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association, working towards full membership.   

Debbie Haworth (Practice Manager)

Janine Waterson (Administration)