Providing you with the best staff for the best care
Physiotherapists
Sarah Colston
Sarah is the owner and Principal Physiotherapist of Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy, after taking over from Charlie Finlay-Jones in 2024. Sarah completed Physiotherapy at Sydney University in 2003. She initially worked in the public hospital system throughout the Hunter, before doing Community-Based rehabilitation in Katherine, NT. She traveled to the UK, and worked in the community and hospitals, before returning to Australia and worked extensively within Aged Care facilities throughout Sydney. In 2012, Sarah joined NAP, bringing with her significant experience in Chronic Pain, Aged Care, Dry Needling and Hydrotherapy. She is a certified Tai Chi and Clinical Pilates instructor, and currently runs our Water Tai Chi, Strength and Balance, and Aquacise classes.
Jason Carswell
Jason gained his degree in Exercise Science from Southern Cross University in 1990 before moving onto Physiotherapy.He graduated from Sydney University(Cumberland College) in 1994 and joined our Practice in 1995, whilst we were based at the Hunter Valley Private Hospital.Jason left us for a few years to travel abroad and then worked up and down the coast of NSW before settling back in Newcastle. We were very happy when he decided to come back to our Practice in 2010. Jason enjoys all aspects of Physiotherapy, but has a special interest in stroke rehabilitation.When he is not working, surfing is his passion and he has travelled extensively both here and overseas chasing the perfect wave.
Chloe McKinnon
Chloe joined NAP in October 2018 as a physiotherapy aide while she completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at the University of Newcastle.
Chloe’s post-graduate qualifications and courses include:
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Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 1 (APA)
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The Complete and Advanced Lumbar Spine (APA)
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Level 1 Lymphoedema Therapist (Macquarie University ALERT Education)
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Vestibular Rehabilitation (Vestibular Courses Australia).
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Level 1 Neurology (APA)
Chloe has a special interest in musculoskeletal conditions and vertigo.
Kaytlyn Shuck
Kaytlyn graduated with a bachelor of physiotherapy from the University of Newcastle in 2009. She originally joined the NAP team back in 2012 before coming back to join the team in 2023.
Kaytlyn’s further studies and post graduate courses have included GLAD,
Clinical pilates, active ageing, hydrotherapy, Pregnancy and post-natal exercise, and dry needling. Kaytlyn's special interest is in managing musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, post op and neurological rehabilitation.
Kaytlyn is currently with us on a part time basis and is chasing after two small children and a very fluffy dog on the days she is not with us.
Amanda Wiblen
Amanda graduated from a Bachelor of Physiotherapy Degree at the University of South Australia in
2004. She began her career in regional South Australia, where she worked across a number of
settings, including outpatients, inpatients and the community. She has worked in numerous areas of
physiotherapy, including musculoskeletal, orthopaedics, domiciliary care and paediatrics.
Amanda is passionate about working with all people, ranging from young babies and older children
to adults. She has a desire to empower all people to achieve their goals.
When Amanda isn’t working, she loves to volunteer in her local community.
Lucia Chambers
Lucia graduated with a Physiotherapy degree from Sydney University in 1995, and is an APA titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist having recently completed her Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. After working for several years at the John Hunter Hospital, she worked for two years in the United Kingdom, and then joined Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy in 2000. She currently works with us on a part-time basis, while teaching part-time into the undergraduate Physiotherapy degree at Newcastle University. Lucia has a special interest in managing musculoskeletal and sports injuries, and chronic pain disorders.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), Honours Class I, University of Sydney, 1995
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Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, LaTrobe University, 2020
Client liaison team
Michelle Brown – Practice Manager
Michelle has been with the Practice right from the start back in 1995 when Charlie had both Merewether Physiotherapy and Shortland Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy. She is our Practice Manager, but also works for herself as a Massage Therapist and occasional teacher at TAFE .
Michelle enjoys the diverse range of personalities that make up the clientele of Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy, however the great working relationship she has with the staff has kept her here for almost the quarter century.
Ruby Targett- Allied Health Assistant
Ruby is a physiotherapy student at the University of Newcastle, having commenced her studies in 2022. When she’s not helping out around the clinic, Ruby spends her time tutoring university students and running group exercise classes for young people with disabilities. She is passionate about all things health-related and hopes to complete further study in the future. If you ever see her around the clinic feel free to stop by and have a chat!
Jess Norgard- Allied Health Assistant
Jess is currently studying physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle, having commenced her studies in 2023. Jess has brought her passion for helping her community into Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy. When she’s not at the clinic, you may see Jess at the beach, gym or out and about with her dog, Ava. Jess is in the practice 2 days a week, welcoming everyone's friendly faces into the clinic.
Shanaya Harris
Administration Officer
At a young age, Shay developed a love for netball, playing for a consistent 7 years! However, a recent ACL reconstruction led to Shay discovering her passion and admiration of the work that Physiotherapist’s do. With this in mind, Shay is now completing her Certificate IV in a Physio focused Allied Health course through TAFE online, with hopes to do the amazing work of a physiotherapist in the future.
Shay is currently with us 3 days a week and loves to hear stories from all the wonderful clientele we welcome here at Newcastle Aquatic Physiotherapy.