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!
Ben Timmings
Physiotherapist
About Me
BPhty (Distinction); BSc Sport and Exercise Science
Ben graduated from Otago University with a Bachelors of Science majoring in Sport and Exercise science and went on to complete his Bachelors of Physiotherapy with his final year here in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Born and raised in Dunedin, Ben in typical Kiwi fashion is an avid sports player and keeps active outdoors on hikes, getting out in the sun whenever possible and getting stuck into the gym. More recently, Ben picked up a love for Olympic Weightlifting and honed his training skills during his Bachelor of Science where he worked alongside National athletes while also teaching newer lifters at his local weightlifting gym.
Over the course of his two degrees, Ben worked alongside various people from elite athletes undertaking sport testing, those recovering from injuries, to some aiming to maintain strength and independence into later life. This experience along with being active himself allows him to better understand both the physical and mental demands of an active lifestyle and how much this can differ from person to person. He appreciates how important it is that exercise and rehabilitation is catered to the person and strives to give tailored, personalised care.
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.