Jellie Park Team

Jellie Park team

Active Health Christchurch

Meet the team at Jellie Park

Helping you to be the best you can be

Kirsten Evans

Physiotherapist

About Me

BSc Anatomy, BPhty (Credit), PGCert Sports Physiotherapy, Certified Mulligan Practitioner

Kirsten graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Anatomy before pursuing her Bachelor of Physiotherapy, completed in 2017. Subsequently she has completed her Post Graduate certificate in Sports Physiotherapy and is a certified Mulligan practitioner.

Kirsten is a senior musculoskeletal physiotherapist and has extensive experience in pre/post op physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, sports injuries, concussion headaches and TMJ. She has worked across a variety of sporting codes and has a keen interest in returning individuals to their sport after injury and limiting the risk of reinjury once they return. As a keen Kareteka herself, Kirsten has a special interest in martial arts injuries and when not at work you will find her in the Dojo where she has trained for the last decade or out mountain biking around Canterbury.

Sofia Scharunovych

Physiotherapist

About Me

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) – USA

Sofia graduated from Texas Woman’s University (United States) with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She went on to complete a Sports Residency at Texas Children’s Hospital where she became specialized in assessing and treating sport-related injuries in the adolescent population. She is a United Staes board-certified sports clinical specialist.

Sofia has worked with numerous adolescent athletes and is highly involved with returning them to their sport, along with performing venue and training room coverage for athletic events. She also has experience working with a broad range of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions across all age ranges.

Her treatment approach focuses on an individualized plan utilizing specific exercise selection, manual therapy, and incorporating her patient’s goals into their rehabilitation. Sofia is a former competitive gymnast and has conducted research surrounding injury prevention in this athletic population.

Outside of work Sofia enjoys running, hiking, and rock climbing.

Jo Dowle

Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

About Me

BHSc(Physio), PostGradAppTheo

Jo is an experienced physiotherapist who began her career in New Zealand working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, developing strong manual therapy skills. She then volunteered at a hospital in Nepal for two years working in spinal cord rehabilitation, including bowel and bladder complications. After having two children while working in musculoskeletal practice treating pregnant and postnatal women, Jo became frustrated at the lack of help for women with post-birth complications or those wanting a directed return to sport and exercise.

This led Jo to develop a special interest in pelvic floor physiotherapy. She has completed extensive advanced training in pelvic health for women and children through numerous continuing education courses, often internationally, including pessary fitting and management for pelvic organ prolapse. Most recently, Jo has undergone advanced training in male and paediatric pelvic health physiotherapy, now offering comprehensive care for men, women, and children (aged 3 and up for bowel issues, 5 and up for urinary issues).

Jo’s passion lies in empowering her clients – whatever their age – with the knowledge and tools they need to live confidently and comfortably. She has particular experience with post-natal return to fitness and sports, pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence, post-operative gynaecological care, complex bowel issues, pelvic pain, and childhood wetting or soiling. Jo uses a friendly, practical approach with children, including videos and resources to explain causes and work with families on effective management strategies.

Jo lives with her husband and two children and can be found trying to keep up with her family in the hills tramping, biking, kayaking, skiing, or rogaining. She is also actively involved in her local Christian church and works out of both the Manchester Street and Jellie Park clinics.

Make an appointment today

Find a time that suits you and book an appointment online using our booking system. If you are not sure who to see, give us a call and we can help find the best clinician for you.

Taiora QEII Team

Taiora QEII Team

Taiora QEII Recreation and Sport Centre team

Active Health Christchurch

Meet the team at Taiora QEII Recreation and Sports Centre

Helping you to be the best you can be

Angela Mackie

Physiotherapist

About Me

BPhty PGDip SportsMed (credit), PGCertAcu (NZ)

Angela is a New Zealand Physiotherapist with 25 years experience and has post-graduate qualifications in both Sports Medicine and Acupuncture. She frequently attends conferences and courses to enhance her skills and knowledge

Angela enjoys the challenge of managing all musculoskeletal injuries. She has a keen interest in lower limb biomechanics + pelvic stability.  Following a thorough assessment to understand your specific condition, she uses a combination of manual therapy, acupuncture, breathing re-education and exercises to aid recovery and help you return to the things that are important to you.

Angela has been privileged to work with a huge range of sports teams and individuals including netball, hockey and ice skating to the highest of levels. But by far the sport she’s spent the greatest time on the side-line is rugby – working with both men’s and women’s teams, including seven campaigns the with Canterbury Women’s 15s and 7s teams.

In her spare time, she enjoys running and has completed 20 half marathons, using these as an opportunity to travel and explore the country.

Ash Turner

Physiotherapist

About Me

BPhty

Ash graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has since completed both a dry needling course and ICIR Level 2 (Immediate Care in Rugby) certification. After finishing her placement in Christchurch, she decided to stay in the city and now works with Active Health, having ventured north from her Southland roots.

Ash practices general physiotherapy but has a particular passion for sports rehabilitation and helping those in physically demanding jobs return to their everyday activities. Growing up on a family farm in Moss burn, she was surrounded by people whose work pushed their bodies to the limit. That background gave her a deep appreciation for physical resilience and a strong understanding of how to support recovery when injuries occur.

Her interest in physiotherapy is driven by a love of helping people, a fascination with the human body, and a lifelong enthusiasm for movement and exercise. For Ash, it’s the perfect blend of personal passions and professional purpose – every day offers a new challenge, the chance to make a difference, and an opportunity to keep learning.

Ash has over five years’ experience in rugby physiotherapy, currently supporting the Belfast Division 1 team and previously working with the St Thomas First XV. Her dual background in farming and sports gives her insight into the physical demands of both lifestyles, and she draws on her own sporting experiences to help clients return to activity with confidence.

A keen athlete herself, Ash grew up playing netball, rugby, and athletics, fostering a love for the outdoors and active living that continues to shape her approach to physiotherapy. In her spare time, she enjoys playing netball, going for runs, hitting the gym, and spending summer days enjoying water sports with family and friends. She also loves early morning walks, good coffee, and cheering on the rugby.

If Ash could have any superpower, it would be teleportation – or the ability to be in two places at once. With her family and partner still based in Southland, she’d love to get the best of both worlds by splitting her time between her Southland roots and her awesome Chch clients. Being able to instantly connect with loved ones and explore the world all at once would be, in her words, “the dream.”

Make an appointment today

Find a time that suits you and book an appointment online using our booking system. If you are not sure who to see, give us a call and we can help find the best clinician for you.

New Brighton Health Care Team

New Brighton Health Care Team

New Brighton Healthcare team

Active Health Christchurch

Meet the team at New Brighton Health Care

Helping you to be the best you can be

Julia Oppert

Podiatrist

About Me

BHSc (Pod)

Juls qualified as a podiatrist in 2017 and relocated from the North Island to Christchurch to join the Active Health team. Her clinical interests include ACC-related and overuse injuries, paediatrics, and general podiatric care. She enjoys the variety that podiatry offers and the opportunity to work with people of all ages, creating tailored treatment plans to suit each individual’s needs and goals.

With a background in competitive sport, having represented Waikato in both waterpolo and netball, Juls has developed a strong appreciation for the physical demands placed on the body and a particular interest in injury prevention and rehabilitation. This sporting background gives her keen insight into lower limb biomechanics and sports-related injuries.

Juls chose a career in podiatry because she’s passionate about helping people of all ages stay active, healthy, and pain-free. Being able to support someone’s mobility and overall wellbeing is incredibly rewarding, and it’s what she loves most about her work.

Juls is based at Active Health’s Eastern Hub in New Brighton as well as the main clinic on Manchester Street, bringing her enthusiasm and expertise to both locations.

Outside the clinic, Juls keeps active through running and Pilates, and enjoys spending time at the beach, travelling, and discovering new cafés and restaurants. If she had to eat one meal for the rest of her life, it would hands down be sushi – fresh, delicious, and satisfying!

Vy Nguyen

Podiatrist

About Me

BHSc (Pod)

Vy has a background in General Medicine and completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) in New Zealand in 2022. His passion lies in improving foot health and helping individuals maintain their mobility and activity levels. He has participated in many multidisciplinary programs to provide a holistic approach to patients with sports injuries or chronic foot conditions, such as diabetes. He received a scholarship from Arthritis New Zealand to conduct and successfully publish his first research about provision of podiatry services to people living with arthritis in 2022.

Outside of work, Vy is an adventurer who has achieved advanced scuba open water diving certification and can dive up to 40 meters deep in the ocean. He also conquered Everest Base Camp (5364m) in 2018.

Jessica Machado da Cruz

Podiatrist

About Me

BHSc (Pod)

Jessica gained her Bachelor of Health Science in Podiatry from Auckland University of Technology and moved to Christchurch to join the Active Health team. She enjoys all aspects of podiatry including general nail and skin care, diabetic foot care, biomechanical and sports-related injuries, and ingrown toenail surgeries. Jessica tailors her treatment approach to each individual and enjoys helping a wide range of people – from everyday foot care needs to more complex musculoskeletal concerns.

Prior to becoming a podiatrist, Jessica worked at a custom orthotic manufacturing company, giving her a strong understanding of the orthotic fabrication process that has been invaluable in designing orthotics that are both comfortable and effective for her patients.

Jessica has always been drawn to healthcare and wanted a career where she could make a real difference. Podiatry stood out because it’s hands-on, specialised, and impactful – helping people walk pain-free and manage chronic conditions. She finds it rewarding knowing she can improve mobility, prevent complications, and enhance quality of life.

Jessica is based at both the main clinic on Manchester Street and the New Brighton clinic, bringing her expertise to multiple locations.

Born in the Netherlands with a Portuguese dad and South African mum, Jessica spent most of her childhood living in Doha, Qatar, before moving to New Zealand to study. Having grown up all over the world – including time in Dubai, Qatar, and Europe – she brings a global perspective to her practice.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys going for runs on the beach and baking for her family and friends. If she could only eat one meal for the rest of her life, it would be a protein yoghurt bowl with fresh fruit and granola – because it feels like dessert but it’s healthy!

Ash Turner

Physiotherapist

About Me

BPhty

Ash graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has since completed both a dry needling course and ICIR Level 2 (Immediate Care in Rugby) certification. After finishing her placement in Christchurch, she decided to stay in the city and now works with Active Health, having ventured north from her Southland roots.

Ash practices general physiotherapy but has a particular passion for sports rehabilitation and helping those in physically demanding jobs return to their everyday activities. Growing up on a family farm in Moss burn, she was surrounded by people whose work pushed their bodies to the limit. That background gave her a deep appreciation for physical resilience and a strong understanding of how to support recovery when injuries occur.

Her interest in physiotherapy is driven by a love of helping people, a fascination with the human body, and a lifelong enthusiasm for movement and exercise. For Ash, it’s the perfect blend of personal passions and professional purpose – every day offers a new challenge, the chance to make a difference, and an opportunity to keep learning.

Ash has over five years’ experience in rugby physiotherapy, currently supporting the Belfast Division 1 team and previously working with the St Thomas First XV. Her dual background in farming and sports gives her insight into the physical demands of both lifestyles, and she draws on her own sporting experiences to help clients return to activity with confidence.

A keen athlete herself, Ash grew up playing netball, rugby, and athletics, fostering a love for the outdoors and active living that continues to shape her approach to physiotherapy. In her spare time, she enjoys playing netball, going for runs, hitting the gym, and spending summer days enjoying water sports with family and friends. She also loves early morning walks, good coffee, and cheering on the rugby.

If Ash could have any superpower, it would be teleportation – or the ability to be in two places at once. With her family and partner still based in Southland, she’d love to get the best of both worlds by splitting her time between her Southland roots and her awesome Chch clients. Being able to instantly connect with loved ones and explore the world all at once would be, in her words, “the dream.”

Bernice Lau

Physiotherapist

About Me

MScPT

Bernice graduated from the University of Toronto (Canada) with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. She began her career in Toronto, working across a broad range of settings including private practice and rehabilitation hospitals. She has treated a variety of patient populations, including those recovering from neurological injuries/conditions and various musculoskeletal and sports injuries.
Her treatment approach focuses on using tailored exercise programming, along with a combination of manual therapy and modalities such as dry needling. Her aim is to provide a holistic model of care, and to empower patients in playing an active role in their recovery. Outside of work, Bernice enjoys spending time in the outdoors – hiking, rock climbing and snowboarding, travelling, and exploring the food scene wherever she goes.

Ashley Briscoe

Pelvic Health / Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist

About Me

BHSc, BPhTh (Credit), Cert Pain Mgmt, DipHlthSc, CEAP Cert, APPI Matwork L1, APPI Pre/Postnatal Pilates, Pinc & Steel Cert

Ashley has a strong background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and has developed a passion for pelvic health and pain management. She studied at Otago University before heading to Auckland for better weather, where she started working in pelvic health. After a few years up north, she returned home to Christchurch.

Ashley has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Continence Management and Pain and is currently working towards her Master’s in Pain Management. She loves helping both men and women regain confidence, improve their quality of life, and return to the activities that they enjoy!

Ashley specializes in back and hip issues, postpartum recovery, bladder and bowel incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain, and she can fit pessaries for prolapse and stress incontinence. She also works in cancer rehabilitation, supporting people with fatigue, mobility, and scar tissue management.

When she’s not working or studying, Ashley enjoys reading and spending time with her dogs.

Judy Forward

Reception

About Me

Judy works part time between our New Brighton and Manchester Street clinics.

She attends her Aqua Fit classes most days and love to tandem bike ride with her husband and travel in their caravan.

Deb Woodfield

Reception

About Me

Deb is one of our lovely receptionists, working across both our New Brighton and Manchester Street clinics. A long-time East Christchurch local, she now enjoys the coastal lifestyle in Waimairi Beach, where she loves spending time outdoors gardening or walking the nearby tracks. She also enjoys reading, music, and has recently taken up watercolour painting.

Deb previously worked with us from 2005 to 2013, and we’re absolutely thrilled to have her back on the team!

Make an appointment today

Find a time that suits you and book an appointment online using our booking system. If you are not sure who to see, give us a call and we can help find the best clinician for you.