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Our Team

HAND THERAPY EXPERTS – GOLD COAST

Gold Coast Hand Therapy, who are we?

We are a team of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists who are dedicated to treating  treating finger, thumb, hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries and conditions. As Hand Therapy experts on the Gold Coast, we are highly experienced at assessing injuries, fabrication of custom-made thermoplastic splints or orthoses (an alternative to fibre-glass casting), conservative treatments for injuries and conditions, as well as post-surgery and wound care. We work closely with many hand and orthopaedic surgeons, hospitals including Gold Coast Private Hospital and Pindara, as well as a wide network of GPs.

We treat patients that are privately funded or those under WorkCover, DVA, NDIS or other independent insurers.

All our therapists are members of the the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA). An Accredited Hand Therapist has been recognised by the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) after years of clinical experience and further study after university.

Our goal is to restore movement, strength and full functional use of your hands, wrists and elbows.

Therapists

Carla Bingham - BOccThy, Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association)

Director/Occupational Therapist

Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 1989 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and gained full membership as an Accredited Hand Therapist with the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) in 2007. She has had 25 years experience in the 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 is committed to the ongoing development and education of the hand therapy profession and held the position of Education Officer for the AHTA for three years. She served as the Membership Secretary for the Management Committee of the AHTA in 2013/2014. Carla is available for appointments at our Robina and Biggera Waters clinics.

Nick Criticos - MOTPrac, Accredited Hand Therapist (as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association), 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.

Nick regularly presents educational talks to General Practitioners, Surgeons, Physiotherapists and ED Doctors, promoting the hand therapy industry. He enjoys playing many sports and has a special interest in sports related upper limb injuries especially treatment of elite athletes.

Nick is a die-hard St Kilda Football Club fan and he has the added bonus of working at near St Kilda headquarters. This means that occasionally Nick treats his idols at the Saints and helps the players get back on the park as soon as possible. In his spare time Nick enjoys fishing, golf, restaurant dining and spending time with his wife Stephanie and chasing around his 2-year-old daughter Georgia.

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.

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

Tweed Heads and Ballina Clinical Manager/Physiotherapist

Jodie graduated from the University of Sydney in 1992 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy). She has worked in Australia and in the USA in public and private settings and has near 30 years experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, including hand therapy, occupational and functional capacity testing and women’s health physiotherapy including lymphedema management. Jodie has a clinical interest in the specialist management of complex trauma and burns management and seeks to optimise patient outcomes while providing positive engagement in recovery from injury. Jodie is available for appointments at our Ballina and Tweed Heads clinics.

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

AHTA Liaison and Education Manager/Occupational Therapist

Shanna holds a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Queensland, completed in 2007, after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Bond University. After discovering her passion for Hand Therapy, Shanna worked towards and achieved Accreditation as a Hand Therapist through the Australian Hand Therapy Association. With over 10 years of experience in Hand Therapy, Shanna has built a well-rounded career.
Shanna’s professional journey began as an Occupational Therapist in both hospital and community settings before relocating to England to deepen her expertise in Hand Therapy. In 2012, Shanna joined Gold Coast Hand Therapy, where she has continued to excel and grow in her field.
An energetic and enthusiastic member of the team, Shanna currently serves as the Education Manager, regularly facilitating both in-person and online educational opportunities for the team. Her dedication to learning has also led her to contribute as a valued volunteer on the AHTA Professional Practice Committee, where she has been an active member of the Education Sub-Committee for the past 6 years.
Outside of work, Shanna enjoys pursuing creative hobbies, playing with her dogs, and spending quality time with her husband, Kassim, and their three children, aged 10, 9, and 7. The family is often found on the sporting fields, at the beach, or cycling through local parks.
Shanna is available for appointments at our Robina  clinic.
Mikayla Pope

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

Occupational Therapist

Mikayla graduated from the University of South Australia in 2015 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy). After completing her final university placement in hand therapy, she had a keen interest in pursuing a career in this specialty and joined the GC Hand Therapy team in March 2016 shortly after relocating to Queensland.
Since joining the team, Mikayla has been passionate about her ongoing professional development throughout her career and has gained full membership as an Accredited Hand Therapist, as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA).
Mikayla values involving clients in creating personalised treatment and/or splinting plans tailored to their unique needs and goals in the management of acute injuries and chronic conditions.
Mikayla is available for appointments at our Robina clinic.

Tayla Ogilvie - BOccThy (Hons), Accredited Hand Therapist (As Awarded By The Australian Hand Therapy Association)

Occupational Therapist

Tayla joined the GC Hand Therapy team in 2012 as a therapy assistant providing support for therapists with treatment, splinting and administration.  Since commencing with the GCHT team, she graduated from the University of Queensland in 2016 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) and has achieved Accreditation as a Hand Therapist with the AHTA. Tayla has a strong interest in holistic health and aims to provide an encouraging and positive therapy experience, she is available for appointments at our Ballina and Robina clinics.

Vireshni Naidoo - BHSc (Occupational Therapy)

Occupational Therapist

Vireshni 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

Ashleigh graduated from the Australian Catholic University in 2023, with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. Passionate about enhancing functional outcomes and improving the quality of life of individuals with upper extremity conditions, Ashleigh has pursued a career in hand therapy with Gold Coast Hand Therapy, leveraging her comprehensive academic training and hands-on experience to deliver exceptional patient care.
Outside of work, Ashleigh embraces an active and adventurous lifestyle as she enjoys exploring new places and activities. Ash is available for appointments at our Biggera Waters clinic.

Ellice Cook

Occupational Therapist

Ellice joined the GC Hand Therapy team in 2023 as an Allied Health Assistant while she completed her final year studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.  She is passionate about holistic health and rehabilitation, ensuring individuals maintain their ability to do not only the things they need, but also the tasks they enjoy.  Ellice has a background in disability and mental health, as well as creative industries, which she enjoys utilising in her interventions.
Outside of work, Ellice is often exploring the outdoors, reading or has a camera or clay in hand.

Ellice is available for bookings at our Tweed Heads and Ballina clinics.

Lachlan Pappas

Physiotherapist

Lachlan is a Physiotherapist with extensive experience in managing acute and chronic upper limb conditions. Graduating from the University of Newcastle in 2016 with honours research evaluating the evidence of hydrotherapy for arthritis, Lachlan has a keen interest in exercise for the management of chronic arthritis and pain.

When he’s not in the clinic, he’ll be spending time with his family, at the beach or the gym.

Administration

Krysten Basso

Senior Administrator - Ballina

Jade Braune

Senior Administrator - Biggera Waters

Kierra Lundin

Receptionist