Rachael Burke
Rachael purchased Central Lakes Physio and Pilates in May 2022. Originally from Queenstown, Rachael is loving having “one foot back in the south island”
Rachael trained at Auckland University of Technology, graduating in 1994. She headed to Wellington to work at Hutt Hospital and then on to private practice and continues to reside in Wellington where she has been operating her own Physio and pilates business for the past 10 years.
Rachael has a post-graduate qualification in Manipulative Physiotherapy and has completed some post graduate papers in Sports Medicine through Otago University. She is a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist certified under Dr Melissa Davidson – Specialist Physiotherapist. She has completed training in both Mulligan and McKenzie physiotherapy.
She is a Clinical Pilates instructor and master trainer running regular teacher training courses both in Wellington and at Central Lakes.
Rachael loves the outdoors and is looking forward to hitting the slopes in winter and the walking tracks in summer. Rachael has a lot of family in Otago region and is looking forward to re-connecting with both family and friends.
Denise Lloyd
Denise came from Ireland to join the Central Lakes Team in 2021. She graduated from The Robert Gordon University, Scotland in 2008. After graduating she worked in Scotland for 1 year in the NHS and decided to travel, stopping in Wellington. A one year trip quickly turned into 3 years! From there she went to work in Australia, London, Ireland and has now landed in beautiful Wanaka with her kiwi husband and 3 children.
She has completed additional training in manual therapy, Pilates and Dry Needling and runs some of the Pilates classes at Central Lakes Physio. She enjoys treating spinal and sports related injuries.
She loves getting out in the outdoors, swimming in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.
Vicky Hill
Vicky has a Masters in Physiotherapy endorsed in Acupuncture. She conducts Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation, is a Lymphoedema Therapist, runs studio and mat Pilates classes and has a special interest in chronic pain.
Sara Lister
Paula Shortall
Graduating from Otago University in 1995, Paula has been based in Wanaka since 2000 and has been working with the Central Lakes team since 2018.
If you need any eggs or honey, Paula’s your girl!
Rachel Bridgewater
Rachel is an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist graduating in 2005. She has experience in both private practice and inpatient & outpatient orthopaedics. Originally from the Coromandel, she has been in Wanaka since 2019. As well as working in NZ she has also worked overseas, in Oxford in the UK and Hong Kong. Her main professional interest is in acute sports injuries. This developed as Rachel is a keen mountain and ultra-runner herself. She has even been know to enter the odd 100 mile race! In addition, she represented NZ in the sport of rowing.
Alison Caughey
Alison hails from the Highlands, another Scot to join the CLP team. She relocated from Derbyshire, UK where she worked for 10 years in 2 private practices; one a sports injuries clinic and the other a clinic run alongside a GP practice. Alison has previously worked in Christchurch on two separate occasions, the first being at Christchurch Public Hospital and the second in private practice.
She is an experienced musculoskeletal therapist trained in Myofascial Fascial Release, Mackenzie techniques, dry needling and is currently continuing her training as a JEMS movement practitioner. She has a special interest in shoulder injuries, complex musculoskeletal injuries and the older patient. She is not only hands-on using her manual therapy techniques, but is passionate about giving great exercises to suit the individual she is treating.
Alison was a National Talent and level 2 Archery Great Britain coach when she lived in the UK and worked with athletes from grassroots to elite and international level.
Having traveled and lived in various countries bringing up her 2 boys, Alison is now settled in Wanaka with her Kiwi husband, Andy and enjoys walking, biking, golf, skiing and cooking and is now involved in Pet Therapy with her Flat Coat Retriever, Tana.
Jana Dodds
Originally from Hamburg (Germany) Jana has been lucky enough to live in beautiful New Zealand for the past six years. Her husband Tony Dodds, is from Hawea Flat and they are excited to finally be moving back to Hawea and close to the mountains.
Jana grew up on a lifestyle block in an outdoors and sports loving family. Training as a physiotherapist after school was an easy decision as it allowed her to pass on her passion for an active lifestyle while helping others to stay and be active.
Jana enjoys helping patients of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their sporting goals and stay active and well.She has a particular interest in lower limb biomechanics.
When not working, you will find Jana trail running with her dog, mountain biking or volunteering for Land Search and Rescue.
Leigh-Anne Joyce
Leigh-Anne, a 2013 graduate of the University of Otago, holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation with a keen interest in back pain, post-operative rehabilitation, and return-to-work strategies. For the past five years, she has resided in Tauranga, where she worked and managed a musculoskeletal clinic. Beyond her professional pursuits, Leigh-Anne is an avid athlete, participating in Half Ironman triathlons, long-distance running, and mountain biking. Notably, in 2023, she embarked on a solo bikepacking journey from Cape Reinga to Bluff. During the winter months, you’ll find her hitting the slopes, either skiing or snowboarding
Allison Aspinall
Allison has over 20 years experience as a physiotherapist. She specialises in acupuncture, occupational health and breathing disorders. She is also a credentialed Mechanical Diagnosis Therapist
Steph Lowen
Our smiley Office Manager Steph moved to Wanaka in 2018 from the small coastal town of Oamaru. Central Lakes Physio welcomed her to the practise late 2021.
In her spare time you’ll find her defending on the Netball court or enjoying the outdoor and social experiences Wanaka has to offer.
Karen Guglietta
Karen joined our amazing reception team in 2020. She also runs her own jewellery import business and has 2 grown up children and one grandchild