Meet our welcoming Early Years Physio team
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Jacqui Sharp
SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST / DIRECTOR
Qualification: BAppSc (Phty)
AHPRA Registered
Australian Physiotherapy Association Member
Jacqui graduated in 1991 and has extensive paediatric experience working with babies and children with developmental delays and disabilities. She has worked in many community and hospital paediatric settings in Australia and the UK. Over her years on the Gold Coast, she has collaboratively worked and communicated with many other health professionals and services for her clients’ benefit. She also enjoys clinical education and training of graduate physiotherapists.
Jacqui regularly attends courses and reads extensively to keep up to date with physiotherapy knowledge, ensuring she provides the most effective evidence-based practice intervention for her clients. She has a special interest in Movement and Gait Analysis, Hypermobility, Early Intervention and viewing her clients from a Developmental perspective. Jacqui is experienced in the assessment and prescription of Assistive Technology.
Jacqui is passionate about seeing your little one in a holistic way and working with their personality and interests. She likes exploring what motivates your child in order to achieve their goals! Jacqui finds problem-solving a challenge and is dedicated to helping the families she takes on. Raising three boys, Jacqui has humour, energy and patience, and knows the importance of strategies being realistic to align with busy family schedules. Jacqui enjoys vinyasa yoga, jazz music, yummy food, and taking her kelpie to the beach.
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Dominic Gunther
SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST / DIRECTOR
Qualification: Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), B.ExSc
AHPRA Registered
Australian Physiotherapy Association MemberSince graduating in April 2011, Dominic has worked in both public and private sectors where she established her skills and knowledge in the area of paediatrics. She has extensive experience in working with infants and children in a wide range of conditions.
Dominic has a special interest in babies and children with complex neurological impairments such as Cerebral Palsy, helping them to reach their full potential of physical function. She has experience in the prescription of Assistive Technologies for all daily living needs.
Dominic’s ongoing professional development has included travelling to the US with Jacqui to train in orthotic and serial casting management, as well as extensive training in lower limb alignments and biomechanical assessments.
Dominic has also shared her expertise in educational roles at Bond University (clinical educator and PBL facilitator) and GGC Volunteers Vietnam (Lead educator for Bond University physiotherapy students).
Passionate about working with children, Dominic is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date evidence-based practice intervention for her clients and enjoys working closely with families to empower them and maximize their potential.
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Alana Gardini
SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Qualification: BAppSc (Phty)
AHPRA Registered
Australian Physiotherapy Association MemberAlana graduated in 2005 from The University of SA and in the following years, has developed a love for providing physiotherapy to children of all abilities. She specialises in infant neuro-motor development and has worked with children with disabilities for her entire career.
She particularly enjoys working with children with Cerebral Palsy, having gained expertise in this specialist field through a wide range of post-graduate training and more than 15 years of experience in specialist disability services, tertiary hospitals and private practices.
She is trained in Neuro-Developmental Therapy (NDT), orthotic provision, gait assessment, equipment prescription and hydrotherapy (her favourite form of therapy!).
Alana wholeheartedly believes that ‘play’ is the key to helping a child discover their body and to learn how to move with confidence. She has a soft spot for toddlers, and being Mum to two little boys herself she has a huge passion for supporting new parents.
With that passion as her driving force, she created My Strong Little Body: A Physiotherapist’s Guide To Nurturing Your Baby’s Development
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Jenny Eskelinen
SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Qualification: Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), B.ExSc
AHPRA Registered
Australian Physiotherapy Association MemberJenny has over 12 years’ of experience working as a paediatric physiotherapist in a variety of roles including early intervention, education, sporting/community settings and private practice. Over this period Jenny has worked with babies, children and youth of all abilities and a wide range of developmental, neurological, physical, medical and orthopaedic conditions.
Over her time working with children, Jenny has also shared her expertise in educational roles at Bond University (clinical educator and guest lecturer), Griffith University (guest lecturer), Indonesia (DFAT program, Australian Volunteers for International Development) and Solomon Islands (Lead educator for Bond University physiotherapy students).
Jenny is passionate about continually improving her skills through professional development, in order to provide the best quality of care and advice to all families. Her interests include mobility equipment prescription, gait analysis, orthotic prescription, aquatic therapy, pain management, and using functional electrical stimulation and biofeedback to improve functional outcomes.
Jenny is a committed, kind and caring therapist who always gives her everything for all her clients and families.
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Ryan Dietzman
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Qualification: Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), B.Sci
AHPRA Registered
Australian Physiotherapy Association MemberMeet Ryan, a passionate paediatric physiotherapist with a heartwarming dedication to improving the lives of young patients. He has a background in elite gymnastics, competing all over the United States as well as in Melbourne, AUS and Puerto Rico. As a former gymnastics coach, Ryan understands the significance of physical activity and the joy of movement for children. With this experience, he brings a unique perspective to the clinic, incorporating creative and engaging exercises to make sessions enjoyable for the patients.
Ryan graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Exercise and Wellness in 2019 and from Bond University with a Doctor of Physiotherapy in 2023. During his studies at Bond, Ryan had the privilege of working alongside the physiotherapists at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in the oncology and palliative care setting. He also has experience being mentored by physiotherapists at a clinic in Arizona which specialized in providing services for children with developmental disabilities. Ryan has a special interest in working with children with neurological disorders, hypermobility and oncology.
When not in the clinic, Ryan enjoys spending time with family and friends, out in the surf, dancing, hiking, training in the gym and making his flatmates try new healthy recipes he finds on Pinterest. He believes in holistic wellbeing and endeavour to lead by example in his own life.
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Matisse Herdegen
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Qualification: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons)
AHPRA Registered
Australian Physiotherapy Association Member
Matisse has a passion for helping children move, play and reach their full potential. Graduating with First Class Honours from Griffith University in 2023, Matisse has been dedicated to working in paediatric physiotherapy. She loves being part of a child’s journey as they grow, learn new skills and develop confidence in their own abilities.
Before becoming a physiotherapist, Matisse spent three years as a swimming instructor, working with children from 2 months old through to 13 years of age. This early experience in the water fostered a deep love for hydrotherapy – one of her favourite ways to support mobility, strength and confidence.
Matisse has also completed additional training in Level 1 Paediatrics with the APA, along with specialist education in gait analysis and orthotic prescription, enabling her to provide thorough assessment and tailored interventions.
With a compassionate, family-centred approach, Matisse recognises the importance of supporting both the child and their family as a whole. She collaborates closely with caregivers to create fun, individualised therapy plans that empower children and nurture progress every step of the way.
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Catherine Bridges
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Qualification: Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
Certified Reformer and Mat Pilates
Completing her Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance in 2020, Catherine is dedicated to supporting our Physiotherapists, helping children gain the most from their sessions, and making sure everyone has fun and a big smile along the way.
Catherine loves to organise and enjoys managing the administration duties for Early Years Physiotherapy. Ready with a smile, Catherine is looking forward to meeting our families, being involved with their therapy and helping with inquiries.
Catherine has always been passionate to about helping people with their health and well-being. Since starting her own family, she has developed a special interest in helping children conquer their hurdles and enjoy the everyday. When not at work, Catherine enjoys exploring rock pools with her children and relaxing by the beautiful creeks of the Gold Coast.
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Harmony Irons
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION
Harmony is the backbone of Early Years Physiotherapy. With experience in administration and customer service, Harmony is ready to welcome you to our clinic and assist with any queries you may have.
When Harmony is not at work, she’s kept on her toes running around her two daughters to every sport they can possibly fit in. And when the sun’s out, you’ll find her enjoying our gorgeous local beaches.
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Maddisen Ratten
ADMINISTRATION