Nick Criticos - Bachelor of Health Science, Master of Occupational Therapy Practice, Accredited Hand Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist

Director/Occupational Therapist

Nick graduated from Latrobe University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences before completing a Master’s in Occupational Therapy Practice. Nick quickly knew that Hand Therapy was the right career path for him and was determined to get involved in private practice. Since graduating, Nick has gained full membership as an Accredited Hand Therapist, as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) and is also a certified hand therapist.

A regular presenter promoting the hand therapy industry in educational talks to General Practitioners, Surgeons, Physiotherapists and ED Doctors. A die-hard St Kilda Football Club fan, Nick has had the pleasure of treating his idols at the Saints, helping get the players get back on the field as soon as possible. 

Working with athletes from a multitude of sporting codes (whether it be AFL/AFLW, rugby, basketball, etc.), Nick has developed an unwavering passion for elite sport, coupled with his extensive experience working at all Shoulder to Hand Alliance Hand Therapy clinics. Nick enjoys both playing sport and treating any sports upper limb related injuries. 

In his spare time Nick enjoys fishing, golf, restaurant dining and spending time with his wife Stephanie and chasing around his 2 young daughters – A hands on dad!

Nick’s goal as a clinician is to work on the processes so patients can access quality and timely care & supporting patients to a successful outcome. Elite athlete or not, if you have an upper limb condition that requires treatment, Nick is keen to help.

You can book an appointment with Nick at our Gold Coast Hand Therapy Biggera Waters clinic.

Taryn Lester - BPhyTh, Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association)

Robina Clinical Manager/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 is a keen triathlete and enjoys helping clients return to sport after injury. She 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 a Full Member of the AHTA and works at our Robina clinic.

Jodie Robertson - BAppSc (Physiotherapy), GradDip Burns and Trauma Rehabilitation

Lead Therapist | Physiotherapist

Jodie Robertson graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy.

Jodie has completed further study with a Graduate Diploma in Burns and Trauma Rehabilitation at the University Of Notre Dame.

Jodie has 30+ years experience managing musculoskeletal injuries with a focus on the Upper limb in the last 15 years. She has trained in the management of lymphedema in addition to burns management and uses these multi-disciplinary skills to provide evidence based and compassionate care to her patients .

She is skilled in dry needling for Upper limb conditions in addition to effective therapeutic strategies including custom splinting. Jodie has travelled to India on several occasions on charity missions assisting disadvantaged and isolated people following upper limb surgery.

Jodie strives to help patients achieve the best possible outcome with a collaborative approach, ensuring positive engagement in recovery from injury.

Outside of work you’ll find her at the beach walking her dog and spending time enjoying live music all over the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast.

You can book an appointment with Jodie at Gold Coast Hand Therapy Tweed Heads.

Shanna Mahomed - MOT, Accredited Hand Therapist (As Awarded By The Australian Hand Therapy Association)

AHTA Liaison and Education Manager/Occupational Therapist

Mikayla Pope - BAppSc (Occupational Therapy), Accredited Hand Therapist (As Awarded By The Australian Hand Therapy Association)

Occupational Therapist

Vireshni Naidoo - BHSc (Occupational Therapy)

Occupational Therapist

Vireshni Naidoo graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy in 2002.  She has worked in a range of rehabilitation settings, and following her passion for hand therapy she completed a post graduate certificate in rehabilitation in 2015. Vireshni worked in private hand therapy clinics in New Zealand before moving to Australia in 2022, and joining the GCHT team.

Outside of work Vireshni enjoys travelling, yoga and spending time at the beach. Vireshni is available for appointments at our Biggera Waters clinic.

Ashleigh Magee - BOccThy

Occupational Therapist

Lachlan Pappas - Bachelors in Physiotherapy (Honours), Bachelor of Economics

Physiotherapist

Lachlan Pappas graduated from the university of Newcastle with a Bachelors in Physiotherapy (Honours).

During University Lachlan studied a variety of health-related fields including human anatomy and nutritional sciences. Lachlan also has clinical experience working in Musculoskeletal physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.

Lachlan developed a passion for hand therapy during his time managing work related hand injuries. He believes this passion grew from his interest in the anatomy of the upper limb and seeing the direct impact that hand therapy can have on someone’s life.

Lachlan strives to help patients return to their pre-injury level, whether that be work, sport or anything that is important to them. Lachlan particularly enjoys staying up to date with the latest in hand therapy research and developing tailored rehabilitation programs for his patients.

Outside of work you’ll find Lachlan at the Gym.

You can book an appointment with Lachlan at Gold Coast Hand Therapy – Ballina

Saraya McKenzie - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Certificate IV in Fitness

Occupational Therapist

Saraya McKenzie graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Southern Cross University. She discovered her passion for hand therapy through her love of sports and arts and crafts, which sparked a strong interest in helping people regain their functional abilities through creative and active approaches.

Outside of work, Saraya enjoys spending time at the beach, going for a run, or hitting the gym to stay active and unwind.

Saraya is excited to be part of the Gold Coast Hand Therapy team and looks forward to supporting clients on their rehabilitation journey.

Saraya is available for appointments at Gold Coast Hand Therapy Biggera Waters and Robina clinics.

Aiden Karsten - Bachelor of Exercise Science, Master of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapist

Aiden Karsten graduated with a Bachelor of Exercise Science degree before completing a Master of Physiotherapy at Griffith University on the Gold Coast.

During University Aiden studied a variety of health-related fields including human anatomy and nutritional sciences. He also has clinical experience working in private practice treating musculoskeletal and neurological injuries and conditions.

Aiden developed a passion for hand therapy during his previous role as an outpatient physiotherapist in a public hospital in South Australia. He believes this passion grew from his interest in the anatomy of the upper limb and seeing the direct impact that hand therapy can have on someone’s life.

Aiden strives to help patients return to their pre-injury level, whether that be work, sport or anything that is important to them. Aiden particularly enjoys staying up to date with the latest in hand therapy research and developing tailored rehabilitation programs for his patients.

Outside of work you’ll find Aiden in the gym, swimming in the ocean or planning a woodworking project. Luckily for Gold Coast Hand Therapy, Aiden has ticked off his goal of travelling a full lap around Australia whilst working as a physiotherapist. Aiden now dedicates his time to Gold Coast Hand Therapy supporting people to overcome their upper limb injuries.

You can book an appointment with Aiden at our Ballina and Tweed Heads Clinics.

Alison Banks - BHSc (OT) – Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapist

Alison Banks graduated from Southern Cross University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy before completing clinical placements across rural health, aged care, acute rehabilitation, and community settings, supporting clients regain independence and function in their every day lives.

During University Alison studied a variety of health-related fields including human anatomy, physiology, musculoskeletal and kinesiology. She also has clinical experience working in hospital and community health settings, specifically orthopaedic, cardiac and stroke related areas.

Alison developed a passion for hand therapy during her final clinical placement at university. She believes this passion grew from her interest in the anatomy of the upper limb and seeing the direct impact that hand therapy can have on someone’s life.

Alison strives to help patients return to their pre-injury level, whether that be work, sport or anything that is important to them. Alison particularly enjoys staying up to date with the latest in hand therapy research and developing tailored rehabilitation programs for her patients.

Outside of work, you’ll find Alison spending time with her two young daughters, enjoying the outdoors, or keeping active at the gym. A proud Northern Rivers local, Alison loves the community spirit of regional practice and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. She now dedicates her time to Action Rehab, helping people overcome their upper limb injuries and regain independence.

Alison is available for appointments at our Ballina clinic.

Alex Duncan - Bachelor’s of Occupational Therapy (Honours),

Occupational Therapist

Alex Duncan completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Federation University Australia before undertaking clinical placements across a range of settings, including rural health, acute rehabilitation, and community based services, supporting clients to regain independence and function in their everyday lives.

During university, Alexander studied a variety of health related disciplines including human anatomy, Mental Health, Stroke and many more. He also gained clinical experience working with clients across upper limb and musculoskeletal presentations, developing a strong foundation in functional, occupation-focused rehabilitation.

Alexander developed a passion for hand therapy during his final clinical placement at university. He believes this passion grew from his interest in the anatomy of the upper limb and seeing the direct and meaningful impact that hand therapy can have on a person’s ability to engage in daily activities.

Alexander strives to support clients to return to their preinjury level of function, whether that be work, sport, or other activities that are important to them. He particularly enjoys staying up to date with current hand therapy research and using this knowledge to develop tailored, evidence-based rehabilitation programs.

Outside of work, you’ll find Alexander on the golf course, swimming in the ocean, or playing pickleball. He now dedicates his time to Gold Coast Hand Therapy, supporting people to overcome upper limb injuries and regain independence through goal-directed hand therapy.

You can book an appointment with Alex at our GC Hand Therapy Ballina clinic.

Laura Carter - Bachelor Occupational Therapist (Class I Honours) Accredited Hand Therapist (AHT) as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association Hand and Upper Limb Imaging (micro-credential)

QLD Business Operations Manager | Occupational Therapist | Accredited Hand Therapist

Laura Carter is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist and Accredited Hand Therapist (AHT) with advanced expertise in Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation at Gold Coast Hand Therapy. She holds Class I Honours from the University of Queensland and is recognised by the Australian Hand Therapy Association for her specialist skills in this field.

Laura has dedicated her career to helping people recover from injury, surgery, and upper limb conditions that impact their daily function and quality of life. Her clinical experience includes managing a broad spectrum of presentations – from acute trauma and post-operative care to chronic and degenerative conditions, fractures, soft tissue injuries, workplace accidents and upper limb disabilities.

Laura has worked extensively with people of all ages and abilities, including children, older adults, individuals living with disability and professional athletes. Regardless of background or ability, Laura is passionate about tailoring rehabilitation to suit the individual, with a strong focus on restoring meaningful movement and independence.

Her practice is grounded in evidence-based care, delivered with empathy and a collaborative approach. Laura believes that great rehabilitation combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of each person’s goals, challenges, and lifestyle. She has worked closely with many of Brisbane’s leading Hand and Upper Limb Specialists, Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgeons, GPs, and allied health teams to deliver outstanding patient outcomes.

In addition to her clinical work, Laura is committed to advancing the profession. She mentors emerging therapists within the Gold Coast Hand Therapy team and has serves as a mentor for the Australian Hand Therapy Association, supporting the next generation of hand therapy professionals.

Outside the clinic, Laura enjoys making the most of Queensland’s outdoors – whether it’s camping, visiting local markets, or dancing to a great country tune. She also values quality time with friends and family and brings that same sense of connection to her work with clients.

Dedicated to mentoring our team, Laura is not currently available for appointments.