REBECCA DAVEY – CEO
Rebecca is the master behind the madness! Having worked for Arthritis ACT since 2014 as the CEO, she is the team’s ‘Go to person’ in terms of designing and initiating programs along with doing all the background nitty gritty stuff. Bec also assists many of our NDIS participants in navigating the services they need.
Rebecca has a background in nursing as well as having worked with various other foundations.
JACQUI COULDRICK – Physiotherapist
Jacqui Couldrick is an experienced physiotherapist who has spent the last 20 years working predominantly with sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions in both private practice and with the Australian Defence Force. Jacqui has been working with Arthritis ACT since 2015 both consulting clients individually and delivering programs for those with arthritis. She completed a Masters of Public Health at the University of Sydney in 2018 and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Canberra investigating the outcomes following knee osteoarthritis programs such as GLA:D®.
Jacqui’s special area of interest is the management of osteoarthritis and the delivering of evidence based non-surgical interventions consisting of education/self-management, exercise and weight loss. Jacqui runs our GLA:D® and PEAK (Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis) programs and was the first provider in Canberra to deliver the GLA:D®
EMIL TERBIO – Physiotherapist
Emil has come to Arthritis ACT highly recommended by clients he has worked with previously. With experience in the hospital system and private practice, Emil has interests in neurology, chronic pain and sports injury management and prevention. Emil has trained in concussion, vestibular and dizziness management. Emil is soccer fan and assists local clubs in his spare time on weekends.
HOLLY HAZLEWOOD – Exercise Physiologist
Holly Hazlewood (pronouns she/her) has experience working with clients covering oncology, obesity management, metabolic diseases, cardiac issues, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and injury management, chronic fatigue and more. Working from both our Pearce and Bruce locations, Holly is ready to help you improve your quality of life.
Holly is also a proud member of Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community and is passionate about All In, an exercise program funded by Arthritis ACT, which caters for all queer people so they may feel safe, respected and included.
Holly’s previous career was as a sports journalist, where she worked for 13 years in Australia and in the United Kingdom, and has spent the last four seasons covering the Canberra Raiders for NRL.com and enjoys following rugby league, basketball, cricket and many other sports.
SOPHIE BULLOCK – Exercise Physiologist
Sophie is an Exercise Physiologist with post-graduate qualifications in hydrotherapy, making her unique in Canberra. She graduated from University of Canberra (2017) and continued to investigate the effects of hydrotherapy, falls risk and lower limb osteoarthritis through completing her Honours Degree (2018).
Full of enthusiasm, Sophie is a non-sports centred Exercise Physiologist, meaning she does not have an intensive sports background herself, so she understands those who struggle with engaging in exercise due to a lack of participation in organised sport. Sophie works with a range of clients in our hydrotherapy program, in our gyms and through home visits.
When she’s not working, Sophie loves getting outdoors with her 4WD and leading her Scout group on many outdoor adventures.
BLAKE DEAN NOWLAN – Exercise Physiologist
Blake is an Exercise Physiologist with a passion for exercise and getting people moving. A Graduate of the University of Canberra in 2019 in Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation he came to Arthritis ACT after being a star student on his placement. His enthusiasm and knowledge was a hit with the members. He thinks that through education and exercise he can empower people to manage their chronic conditions and therefore their life.
A mad keen Manchester United supporter he never misses a game. When he is not watching Man U play on the television he can be found working out at the gym or teaching himself how to cook and play the guitar. If you have any favourite recipes feel free to share them with him.
JARROD PHILLIPS – Exercise Physiologist
Jarrod is an accredited exercise physiologist who graduated from University of Canberra in 2024. Jarrod has a passion for wanting to help those in need and aims to provide the best possible treatment and advice to each and every one of his clients.
SARAH SOLANO – Exercise Physiologist
Sarah believes exercise is the best medicine. Sarah is an accredited exercise physiologist with a Degree in Exercise Physiology and rehabilitation. Previously Sarah was a swim teacher, personal trainer and allied health assistant in the hydrotherapy field.
NATASHA PERRY – Exercise Scientist
Tash fell in love with exercise and the benefits it brings to people’s lives when she completed her Certificate IV in Personal training 2015, she knew there was so much more she wanted to learn so decided to continue her studies at University of Canberra completing her Sport and Exercise Science Degree. Tash started with Arthritis ACT in 2019 completing her research internship during her final year of her Sport and Exercise Science degree. Tash has now stayed on and is working alongside our Exercise Physiologist in our group classes and exercise programs while also assisting in the administration area of Arthritis Canberra.
Tash loves spending her weekend with her family & friends, being active outside from running to hiking and spending time trying out new recipes.
ROHIT BATRA – Occupational Therapist
Rohit is our part- time occupational therapist, who is able to provide face to face consultations in one of the Arthritis ACT offices or in client’s homes. Rohit completed his Bachelors of OT from New Zealand. He offers interventions for a range of health conditions. Rohit has particular interest in the management of chronic conditions and assisting clients to stay safe and well at home. He has an in-depth knowledge of home modification processes and prescription of adaptive equipment/ adaptive technology to enable meaningful occupation.
Rohit is happily married with two very energetic boys who always keep him on his feet. He enjoys spending time with his family and watching sport. Rohit also enjoys travelling, exercising, cooking and watching movies in his spare time.
LINDA SPURRIER – Registered Nurse
Linda is our part-time support services coordinator.
Kiwi born and bred moved to Australia to work as an RN a long long time ago…Spent 15yrs working as an emergency nurse and 8 years as a general practice nurse in Canberra.
Passionate about supporting younger consumers to self manage their health and being a consumer advocate for people living with any form of arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.
Linda enjoys spending time with her sons, travelling to New Zealand, gardening and exercising as life’s too short to sit still.
ROBYN HARRIS – ME/CFS, FM and Long Covid Support Worker
Robyn is our part time support worker for people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Long COVID and any condition where Post-exertional Malaise is a symptom. She is passionate about supporting people to live their best life.
Robyn worked in science centres (like Questacon) around the world and then acquired ME/CFS in her late 20s while doing a PhD in biochemistry. She discovered how helpful pacing was to her wellbeing doing an email based pacing course and, with several colleagues from the ACT ME/CFS society, transformed this into a course that has become our online Zoom self-help course.
Robyn also found yoga incredibly helpful and has been a Dru Yoga and Meditation teacher for over 20 years, expanding into teaching parent/baby, kids and teen yoga, plus yoga for trauma.
Robyn enjoys chilling in the backyard with her dogs and chooks, doing (and not doing) as much as possible out in nature, cycling and recycling – her latest project is melting and transforming polyethylene bottle tops into bowls and pot plant holders. She would love to grow an indigenous food garden.
ADMINISTRATION and RECEPTION STAFF
GRACE HARRIS, LINDY HEDGECOE, AMY COOPER, RACHEL HATHERLY,
LEANE WATT & RONJA SCHUBERT
