Active Performance is a proud team of highly skilled allied health professionals who have assisted thousands of clients across Northern Australia improve their health since 2013.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (2005)
University of Queensland
Certificate IV in Health Care (Ambulance)
Nick graduated from a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland in 2005. Following his graduation, Nick realised a childhood dream and played in the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos for 9 years. Nick continued to practice physiotherapy around his football commitments and developed his musculoskeletal skills alongside several highly accomplished physiotherapists at the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Reds, and Australian Wallabies teams.
After his playing career, Nick moved to the Northern Territory in 2012 and established Active Performance (AP) and commenced the provision of in-clinic as well as rural and remote outreach allied health services throughout East Arnhem Land. Since then, Nick expanded AP’s services to the mining and heavy industries sectors and extended a second base of operations in Cairns, North Queensland in 2017.
Nick developed a keen interest in Indigenous Health and through extensive consultation with Traditional Owners, created a unique service delivery model “On Country Therapy” which has proven to be highly engaging and successful. Over many years, Nick has gained extensive experience working in most remote communities throughout East Arnhem Land, North Queensland, Cape York, the Gulf and the Torres Strait Islands. Nick’s strengths as a therapist are in Indigenous Health, Musculoskeletal and Neurological rehabilitation, and he adopts a strong exercise therapy approach to his work.
Nick also holds formal post graduate qualifications in Business Management, Training and Assessing, Health and Safety and Ambulance Medic Care.
Nick regularly presents at conferences, universities and healthcare organisations about his working experience and has also partnered with Australian Catholic University (ACU) and University of Queensland (UQ) to offer physiotherapy student placements. Nick currently spends his time living and working between North Queensland and the Northern Territory and runs a non-for-profit organisation Bush Fit Mob, which delivers sport and recreation programs to Indigenous children in 3 schools within the Groote Eylandt archipelago. In his life away from work, Nick enjoys traveling within Australia and abroad and competes in endurance and adventure sports.
Nick graduated from a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland in 2005. Following his graduation, Nick realised a childhood dream and played in the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos for 9 years. Nick continued to practice physiotherapy around his football commitments and developed his musculoskeletal skills alongside several highly accomplished physiotherapists at the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Reds, and Australian Wallabies teams.
After his playing career, Nick moved to the Northern Territory in 2012 and established Active Performance (AP) and commenced the provision of in-clinic as well as rural and remote outreach allied health services throughout East Arnhem Land. Since then, Nick expanded AP’s services to the mining and heavy industries sectors and extended a second base of operations in Cairns, North Queensland in 2017.
Nick developed a keen interest in Indigenous Health and through extensive consultation with Traditional Owners, created a unique service delivery model “On Country Therapy” which has proven to be highly engaging and successful. Over many years, Nick has gained extensive experience working in most remote communities throughout East Arnhem Land, North Queensland, Cape York, the Gulf and the Torres Strait Islands. Nick’s strengths as a therapist are in Indigenous Health, Musculoskeletal and Neurological rehabilitation, and he adopts a strong exercise therapy approach to his work.
Nick also holds formal post graduate qualifications in Business Management, Training and Assessing, Health and Safety and Ambulance Medic Care.
Nick regularly presents at conferences, universities and healthcare organisations about his working experience and has also partnered with Australian Catholic University (ACU) and University of Queensland (UQ) to offer physiotherapy student placements. Nick currently spends his time living and working between North Queensland and the Northern Territory and runs a non-for-profit organisation Bush Fit Mob, which delivers sport and recreation programs to Indigenous children in 3 schools within the Groote Eylandt archipelago. In his life away from work, Nick enjoys traveling within Australia and abroad and competes in endurance and adventure sports.
Jordyn made a career change into the Allied Health Industry as an Administrator after being in Finance for 4 years. Jordyn is a kind natured person who is passionate about being a part of a team that prides themselves on making positive impacts on individuals’ lives. Jordyn has spent the last few years working in a Private Physiotherapy Practice and has been a valued member of the Private Hospital Allied Health Team.
Jordyn relocated to Cairns at the beginning of 2019 from a small country town located 4 hours west of Brisbane. On weekends you will find Jordyn exploring all that Cairns and the Surrounding areas have to offer from the beaches and waterfalls to the local coffee shops and everything in between.
Jordyn made a career change into the Allied Health Industry as an Administrator after being in Finance for 4 years. Jordyn is a kind natured person who is passionate about being a part of a team that prides themselves on making positive impacts on individuals’ lives. Jordyn has spent the last few years working in a Private Physiotherapy Practice and has been a valued member of the Private Hospital Allied Health Team.
Jordyn relocated to Cairns at the beginning of 2019 from a small country town located 4 hours west of Brisbane. On weekends you will find Jordyn exploring all that Cairns and the Surrounding areas have to offer from the beaches and waterfalls to the local coffee shops and everything in between.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Canberra (2018)
Tayla graduated from the University of Canberra in 2018 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree. Tayla’s keen interest in sports led her to relocate to Cairns where she commenced her career in private practice. Tayla is experienced in the treatment of complex musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions and sporting injuries. Her experience includes working with many athletes of the National Basketball League and local AFL teams.
Tayla grew up in a small country town in South East Queensland. She is passionate about client centered care and adopts a holistic approach to assist clients in reaching their goals.
Tayla is a keen sportsperson, playing both netball and AFL. She also enjoys getting out in nature for a hike or a trip to a waterfall in her free time.
Tayla graduated from the University of Canberra in 2018 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree. Tayla’s keen interest in sports led her to relocate to Cairns where she commenced her career in private practice. Tayla is experienced in the treatment of complex musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions and sporting injuries. Her experience includes working with many athletes of the National Basketball League and local AFL teams.
Tayla grew up in a small country town in South East Queensland. She is passionate about client centered care and adopts a holistic approach to assist clients in reaching their goals.
Tayla is a keen sportsperson, playing both netball and AFL. She also enjoys getting out in nature for a hike or a trip to a waterfall in her free time.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of South Australia (2020)
Matt graduated from the University of South Australia in 2020.
He has worked with Active Performance since April 2023 after making the
move from South Australia.
Matt previously worked in a private practice on the Yorke
Peninsula where he gained valuable experience dealing with sports injuries
(specifically AFL, basketball, netball and hockey), workplace injuries, dry
needling, Pilates, osteoarthritis, neck pain, headaches, post operative
management, hydrotherapy, and NDIS.
Matt’s
passion for Physiotherapy came from his love for playing AFL where he spent
time playing senior football with the Norwood Football Club in the SANFL. Here
Matt learnt firsthand what is required to manage and rehabilitate from injury.
He has
undertaken further study completing courses in lower limb tendon management,
dry needling, vestibular rehabilitation, reformer pilates, mat pilates,
shoulder rehabilitation, sports physiotherapy level 1 and acute knee injuries.
In 2023 Matt was responsible for injury assessment and triage of the Northern
Pride rugby league senior team.
In his spare time Matt
enjoys camping, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. Matt understands that each
client is an individual and therefore needs a specific plan and treatment to
get them back to doing what they love.
Matt graduated from the University of South Australia in 2020. He has recently moved to Cairns after spending 2 years living on the Yorke peninsula in South Australia, where he began his Physiotherapy career working in a private practice.
Matt has experience in hydrotherapy, sports injury, workplace injury, dry needling, Pilates, home visits and NDIS.
Matt’s passion for Physiotherapy came from his love for playing AFL where he has learnt firsthand what is required to manage and rehabilitate from injury.
He has undertaken further study completing courses in Tendon Management, Pilates, Shoulder Rehabilitation and Knee injuries.
In his spare time Matt enjoys camping, fishing and exploring the outdoors. Matt understands that each client is an individual and therefore needs a specific plan and treatment to get them back to doing what they love.
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Deakin University
Master of Physiotherapy, Swinburne University
Marcus graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science before going onto complete a Master of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University. He developed a passion for physiotherapy and injury management after overcoming multiple cricket injuries during his adolescence. Marcus gets great satisfaction in helping people manage their injuries and loves to help his clients enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
Marcus worked in a busy private practice in Melbourne managing a wide range of sports and musculoskeletal injuries. This included working with state and national level youth athletes through Camberwell Grammer’s Emerging Athlete program. It was here that he developed his diagnostic and manual therapy skills and utilises a combination of exercises therapy and manual therapy to optimise the recovery for patients. He has also spent time with cricket athletes developing strength and conditioning programs and coaching representative cricket teams.
Marcus is an avid cricketer who spent 9 years playing premier cricket in Melbourne. He has represented Victoria in the state second XI team and spent two seasons playing cricket in England. He is currently playing with Carins Rovers cricket club.
In his spare time Marcus loves getting outdoors for some hiking, camping and fishing. He has recently started getting into endurance sports and competed in the Cairns Half Ironman.
Marcus graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science before going onto complete a Master of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University. He developed a passion for physiotherapy and injury management after overcoming multiple cricket injuries during his adolescence. Marcus gets great satisfaction in helping people manage their injuries and loves to help his clients enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
Marcus worked in a busy private practice in Melbourne managing a wide range of sports and musculoskeletal injuries. This included working with state and national level youth athletes through Camberwell Grammer’s Emerging Athlete program. It was here that he developed his diagnostic and manual therapy skills and utilises a combination of exercises therapy and manual therapy to optimise the recovery for patients. He has also spent time with cricket athletes developing strength and conditioning programs and coaching representative cricket teams.
Marcus is an avid cricketer who spent 9 years playing premier cricket in Melbourne. He has represented Victoria in the state second XI team and spent two seasons playing cricket in England. He is currently playing with Carins Rovers cricket club.
In his spare time Marcus loves getting outdoors for some hiking, camping and fishing. He has recently started getting into endurance sports and competed in the Cairns Half Ironman.
Doctor of Physiotherapy, Bond University
Samir Zarrouki is a Physiotherapist from Canada. He earned his Doctor of Physiotherapy degree from Bond University in Gold Coast. Samir has a background in various clinical environments, including orthopaedic, sports and musculoskeletal settings. His recent experience with Western Force Super Rugby and Ormeau FC highlights his proficiency in sports-related injury management and rehabilitation. With 10 years of experience in strength and conditioning, Samir brings a deep understanding of exercise and athletic performance to his practice.
Outside of work Samir has a passion for combat sports, he holds a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has competed in most martial art disciplines. Samir’s approach is patient-centred, emphasising individualised care plans and collaborative treatment strategies. Committed to helping patients achieve their best physical performance, he combines his knowledge with a passion for physiotherapy to deliver exceptional care.
Samir Zarrouki is a Physiotherapist from Canada. He earned his Doctor of Physiotherapy degree from Bond University in Gold Coast. Samir has a background in various clinical environments, including orthopaedic, sports and musculoskeletal settings. His recent experience with Western Force Super Rugby and Ormeau FC highlights his proficiency in sports-related injury management and rehabilitation. With 10 years of experience in strength and conditioning, Samir brings a deep understanding of exercise and athletic performance to his practice.
Outside of work Samir has a passion for combat sports, he holds a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has competed in most martial art disciplines. Samir’s approach is patient-centred, emphasising individualised care plans and collaborative treatment strategies. Committed to helping patients achieve their best physical performance, he combines his knowledge with a passion for physiotherapy to deliver exceptional care.
Masters Degree, University of Queensland (2018)
Janette is a Senior Occupational Therapist who joined the team in March 2024 and graduated from JCU in 2008. She is also a registered nurse and a continence advisor and has combined these skills to offer holistic healthcare. Janette worked as a remote area nurse for 6 years on Groote Eylandt, was the NT Spinal Injuries Nurse and also a continence advisor for rural areas based out of Townsville.
Janette has over 17 years’ experience working with people who have spinal cord injuries and degenerative neurological disorders both as a nurse and occupational therapist in the hospital, and urban, rural and remote community settings. Janette has extensive experience with prescribing assistive technology solutions especially high-end aids and mobility equipment which is her passion. Janette enjoys developing creative solutions that meet the individual’ needs and offers people the ability to achieve their goals.
Janette enjoys being her family, travelling overseas, bush walking , cooking exotic food, and lead light craft.
Janette is a Senior Occupational Therapist who joined the team in March 2024 and graduated from JCU in 2008. She is also a registered nurse and a continence advisor and has combined these skills to offer holistic healthcare. Janette worked as a remote area nurse for 6 years on Groote Eylandt, was the NT Spinal Injuries Nurse and also a continence advisor for rural areas based out of Townsville.
Janette has over 17 years’ experience working with people who have spinal cord injuries and degenerative neurological disorders both as a nurse and occupational therapist in the hospital, and urban, rural and remote community settings. Janette has extensive experience with prescribing assistive technology solutions especially high-end aids and mobility equipment which is her passion. Janette enjoys developing creative solutions that meet the individual’ needs and offers people the ability to achieve their goals.
Janette enjoys being her family, travelling overseas, bush walking , cooking exotic food, and lead light craft.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (2021)
Australian Catholic University
Grace completed her studies for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree at ACU in 2021. After finishing her studies, Grace spent some time working on a property in Bloomfield before joining the AP team. She is eager to gain experience in her first OT role, and hopes to build strong relationships with her clients and the AP team. Grace is passionate about supporting clients to do what is important to them, as she knows that this will lead to an enriched life.
Grace was born in South Africa and moved to Brisbane as a child. She spent some years in Warwick before returning to Brisbane for her studies, but loved Cairns from the first moment she saw it. She is eager to get to know the area around Cairns better, and is excited to see the sights on offer.
In her free time, Grace enjoys fishing, creative writing, reading, travelling, horse riding and spending time with friends and family.
Grace completed her studies for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree at ACU in 2021. After finishing her studies, Grace spent some time working on a property in Bloomfield before joining the AP team. She is eager to gain experience in her first OT role, and hopes to build strong relationships with her clients and the AP team. Grace is passionate about supporting clients to do what is important to them, as she knows that this will lead to an enriched life.
Grace was born in South Africa and moved to Brisbane as a child. She spent some years in Warwick before returning to Brisbane for her studies, but loved Cairns from the first moment she saw it. She is eager to get to know the area around Cairns better, and is excited to see the sights on offer.
In her free time, Grace enjoys fishing, creative writing, reading, travelling, horse riding and spending time with friends and family.
Cert III AHA Mater Brisbane (PTA, Social Work Assistant, Dietitian Assistant)
Diploma Remedial Massage, Demi Intl
Hometown: Cairns QLD Aus
Experience:
TA Ipswich Hospital Rehab ward
OTA Cairns Hospital Rehab ward
PTA Cairns Private Rehab ward
PTA Regis Cairns Day Therapy Centre
AHA Active Performance
Remedial Massage Therapist Active Performance
Strengths: Addressing the human body from multiple allied health modalities and incorporating rehab experience with remedial techniques to reduce pain and increase range for faster recovery times to optimise performance goals.
Weakness: Coffee!
Hobbies: Van life, Hiking/Exploring, Kayaking, Beach days and Reef trips
Hometown: Cairns QLD Aus
Experience:
TA Ipswich Hospital Rehab ward
OTA Cairns Hospital Rehab ward
PTA Cairns Private Rehab ward
PTA Regis Cairns Day Therapy Centre
AHA Active Performance
Remedial Massage Therapist Active Performance
Strengths: Addressing the human body from multiple allied health modalities and incorporating rehab experience with remedial techniques to reduce pain and increase range for faster recovery times to optimise performance goals.
Weakness: Coffee!
Hobbies: Van life, Hiking/Exploring, Kayaking, Beach days and Reef trips
Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science (2017), James Cook University
Diploma of Remedial Massage (2020), Aminya Natural Therapies
Mikaela is an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) and Remedial Massage Therapist. With over 7 year’s experience in the Allied Health Industry, her aspiration to work in the field is largely due to her admiration to help people, including members of her family and friends who often find themselves injured. Mikaela utilises a range of modalities such as strength training, myofascial release techniques, stretching and cardiovascular training to help her clients improve their mobility and ability to carry out everyday activities with ease. Mikaela has a keen eye for exercise technique and is able to progress and regress exercises to meet her client’s needs and is committed to providing individualised care to each client, tailoring all treatments to address client specific concerns and get clients back to doing what they love.
Mikaela is a lover of all things exercise and fitness, participating in a number of sports since a young age, including gymnastics, dance and touch football. In her spare time, Mikaela can be found spending time exploring the tropics.
Mikaela is an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) and Remedial Massage Therapist. With over 7 year’s experience in the Allied Health Industry, her aspiration to work in the field is largely due to her admiration to help people, including members of her family and friends who often find themselves injured. Mikaela utilises a range of modalities such as strength training, myofascial release techniques, stretching and cardiovascular training to help her clients improve their mobility and ability to carry out everyday activities with ease. Mikaela has a keen eye for exercise technique and is able to progress and regress exercises to meet her client’s needs and is committed to providing individualised care to each client, tailoring all treatments to address client specific concerns and get clients back to doing what they love.
Mikaela is a lover of all things exercise and fitness, participating in a number of sports since a young age, including gymnastics, dance and touch football. In her spare time, Mikaela can be found spending time exploring the tropics.
Masters Degree, University of Queensland (2018)
Jess is a certified dietitian and sports nutritionist, having earned her Masters degree from the University of Queensland in 2018. With extensive experience in Brisbane and Far North Queensland, her journey began with a sports dietitian role at the Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Club.
Transitioning to private practice in 2019, Jess thrives on assisting clients with diverse goals, from weight loss to chronic disease management, food intolerances, eating disorders, paediatric nutrition, and much more. In 2021, she grew her expertise in diabetes management, obtaining a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education and subsequently worked part-time at the Cairns Diabetes Centre in 2022.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Jess enjoys hiking, camping, wakeboarding and 4WD adventures.
Jess is a certified dietitian and sports nutritionist, having earned her Masters degree from the University of Queensland in 2018. With extensive experience in Brisbane and Far North Queensland, her journey began with a sports dietitian role at the Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Club.
Transitioning to private practice in 2019, Jess thrives on assisting clients with diverse goals, from weight loss to chronic disease management, food intolerances, eating disorders, paediatric nutrition, and much more. In 2021, she grew her expertise in diabetes management, obtaining a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education and subsequently worked part-time at the Cairns Diabetes Centre in 2022.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Jess enjoys hiking, camping, wakeboarding and 4WD adventures.
Graduate Entry Masters of Speech Pathology – University of Queensland (2008)
Craig graduated in 2008 with a Graduate Entry Masters of Speech Pathology from the University of Queensland. He has worked in both adult and paediatric settings and has training in play, autism and problem feeding.
He has over 15 years experience combined in both an acute hospital and community paediatrics and brings a wealth of experience to the team. Craig currently works in a part time capacity at present combined with his public hospital work.
Craig has a passion for developing social communication and interactions at home and in the community for both adults and children. He is keen to help others maximise their communication through body language, gesture verbal expression and use of both low and high technology. Craig also has a keen interest in dysphagia (swallowing problems) and can help others improve their quality of life with eating and drinking.
Craig is originally from a small rural town in North Queensland and is aware of the challenges for health care and equity in rural and remote settings.
When Craig isn’t at work he is spending time with his young family and enjoying what Cairns and the Hinterlands have to offer.
Craig graduated in 2008 with a Graduate Entry Masters of Speech Pathology from the University of Queensland. He has worked in both adult and paediatric settings and has training in play, autism and problem feeding.
He has over 15 years experience combined in both an acute hospital and community paediatrics and brings a wealth of experience to the team. Craig currently works in a part time capacity at present combined with his public hospital work.
Craig has a passion for developing social communication and interactions at home and in the community for both adults and children. He is keen to help others maximise their communication through body language, gesture verbal expression and use of both low and high technology. Craig also has a keen interest in dysphagia (swallowing problems) and can help others improve their quality of life with eating and drinking.
Craig is originally from a small rural town in North Queensland and is aware of the challenges for health care and equity in rural and remote settings.
When Craig isn’t at work he is spending time with his young family and enjoying what Cairns and the Hinterlands have to offer.
Bachelor of Sports Exercise Science – Central Queensland University
Katrina started working in the health and fitness industry in 2013 as a qualified Personal trainer and Massage therapist, providing these services throughout the Brisbane area.
In 2017 Katrina relocated to Cairns continuing her work in within the fitness industry, developing an interest in clinical care Katrina decided to tackle full time study again and enrolled into university studying Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science at CQU.
Katrina Joined the AP team in April 2023 as an Administrator to gain valuable knowledge of the NDIS network with the ability to apply her fitness knowledge within an Allied Health role as well.
During her spare time Katrina enjoys playing netball and getting outdoors as much as possible with her family.
Katrina started working in the health and fitness industry in 2013 as a qualified Personal trainer and Massage therapist, providing these services throughout the Brisbane area.
In 2017 Katrina relocated to Cairns continuing her work in within the fitness industry, developing an interest in clinical care Katrina decided to tackle full time study again and enrolled into university studying Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science at CQU.
Katrina Joined the AP team in April 2023 as an Administrator to gain valuable knowledge of the NDIS network with the ability to apply her fitness knowledge within an Allied Health role as well.
During her spare time Katrina enjoys playing netball and getting outdoors as much as possible with her family.
James Cook University
Born and raised in Cairns, Simone is a dedicated customer service professional with deep local roots and a genuine passion for helping others. Simone’s extensive experience in customer service is complemented by her intimate knowledge of the Cairns community, making her an invaluable asset to any team.
At Active Performance, she brings not only her expertise but also a warm, vibrant energy and a personal touch that enhances every customer interaction.
Simone enjoys the simple things in life, often found enjoying the water, whether at the beach or a waterfall. Her love for the beach and deep affection for dogs highlight her commitment to a fun, balanced, and activelifestyle.
Born and raised in Cairns, Simone is a dedicated customer service professional with deep local roots and a genuine passion for helping others. Simone’s extensive experience in customer service is complemented by her intimate knowledge of the Cairns community, making her an invaluable asset to any team.
At Active Performance, she brings not only her expertise but also a warm, vibrant energy and a personal touch that enhances every customer interaction.
Simone enjoys the simple things in life, often found enjoying the water, whether at the beach or a waterfall. Her love for the beach and deep affection for dogs highlight her commitment to a fun, balanced, and activelifestyle.