Meet Our Team

Ashley Currall

M.Phty APAM

Ashley earned a Master of Physiotherapy from the University of Canberra in 2014.

In addition to holding a Master’s degree, Ashley is an Accredited Pilates Clinician (APPI) and Dry Needling Practitioner.

As a former snowboard instructor, Ashley worked closely with athletes and recreational sport enthusiasts who were drawn to the outdoor lifestyle and frequently put the enjoyment of the sport above the needs of their bodies for rest and recovery or rehab! This prompted Ashley to complete her study to help others prevent injury, return to activity after injury or to help continue doing the things they love to do.

Ashley has a strong interest in treating:

• Pre and post operative rehabilitation
• Shoulder and knee and hip injuries
• Headaches
• Osteoarthritis
• Running assessment and overuse injuries

In addition to holding a Master’s degree, Ashley is trained in clinical Pilates (APPI), is a Dry Needling Practitioner, is GLA:D trained and has a background in lymphoedema management.

After moving to Canberra in 2012, Ashley has embraced local outdoor activities including mountain biking, trail running and hiking. She is a keen gardener and happy to accept tips on how not to kill her plants.

Dominique Wood-Ward

B.Phty, BPA (Dance), Adv Dip PA (Dance), APAM, International Association for Dance Medicine and Science Member

Dominique earned a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from the University of Canberra in 2019. She has a strong background in classical ballet and contemporary dance and is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

Dominique is an accredited Pilates Clinician and has completed her STOTT Pilates Level 1 and Level 2 certification and an Intensive Matwork Plus certification. Dominique is passionate about improving strength, flexibility and balance to support sporting and physical activities. She is also passionate about the prevention, management and rehabilitation of dance and gymnastics injuries.

Dominique is GLA:D trained.

Dominique enjoys cycling, dance and getaways to visit friends and family and adores her dog, Zalo.

Dominique has a strong interest in treating:

• Neurological conditions
• BPPV/vertigo/dizziness
• Dance injuries
• Sporting injuries
• Shoulder pain
• Hip pain
• Ankles and foot

Alyce Shearing

M.Phty APAM

Alyce earned a Master of Physiotherapy from the University of Canberra in 2013. Alyce was an elite basketball player and thanks to her experience at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Troy University in the United States, where she was awarded a basketball scholarship, Alyce has a keen interest in sporting injuries, rehabilitation and postural pain.

Alyce has a strong interest in treating:

• Acute sports injuries
• Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation (ACL, total knee
• replacement)
• Knee pain
• Snow sports injuries
• External pelvic assessments
• Pelvic girdle pain

In addition to holding a Master’s degree, Alyce is an Accredited Pilates Clinician (DMA & PIQ), Dry Needling Practitioner.

Alyce loves good food, travel, fitness and playing with her family and dog, Tori.

Ryan Leyland

B.H Sc (Physiotherapy), M.Sports Phty

Ryan earned his Master of Sports Physiotherapy from La Trobe University in 2017.

As a national, state and semi-professional basketball player for over 20 years Ryan understands the demands of elite sport and the need to manage injuries through training and competition loads.  Ryan recently was selected to treat athletes at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and has extensive experience from working with ACT Academy Sport Athletes as well as extensive experience with non-athletes across a variety high pressure of environments and situations.

Over the last 13 years, Ryan has developed extensive experience and kept up to date with the latest research and in future is planning to start an extended scope of practice as well becoming a specialised physiotherapist.

Ryan has a strong interest in treating:

• Sports Injuries
• Complex nerve related injuries
• Bone related injuries involving limb stress fractures
• Simple and complex orthopaedic rehabilitation and conservative and post op rehabilitation.

Ryan’s physiotherapy services implement the latest evidence-based practice with injury prevention for tailored treatments plans, which target specific tissue with graduated reloading and hands on approach to manual therapy, exercise prescription, education and dry needing.

Ryan’s experience with athletes includes in both contact (rugby, rugby sevens, rugby league, gridiron)  and non-contact sports (basketball, hockey, gymnastics, weight lifting and swimming and OZ tag and touch rugby).

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his young family, fishing, running and basketball.

Miles Dyer

Janet Fabbri

BAppSc [Phty], GradDipAppSc [Manip Phty], APAM, Pilates Clinician, APA Accredited Dry Needling Practitioner

Janet founded Higher Function Physio & Pilates in 2013 and brings over 34 years’ experience in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and sports injuries across private, public and Australian Army healthcare. She has applied her craft in Toowoomba, Tamworth, Sydney and Canberra.

She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) degree from the University of Sydney in 1987 and a Postgraduate Diploma of Applied Science (Manipulative Physiotherapy) from the University of Sydney in 1990. She is an Accredited Pilates Clinician (DMA & PIQ) and Dry Needling Practitioner.

Janet has a strong interest in treating:

• Acute and chronic spinal conditions
• Headaches
• BPPV/vertigo/dizziness
• Shoulder pain
• Hip, knee, ankle and foot pain
• TMJ
• Overuse injuries/RSI
• Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation
• Snow fitness/performance

Janet is committed to evidence-based best practices. She is passionate about the importance of education and self-management to maintain long-term results and improve the quality of life of her patients.

Janet is skilled in treating both acute and chronic conditions and helping patients prepare for and recover from surgical procedures. She has brought relief to many patients with long-term and chronic conditions, reducing their pain and improving their quality of life and body function.

A keen skier and mountain biker, she is no stranger to the great outdoors and has great experience treating sports injuries and injuries from everyday life. Janet runs our Snow Fit programs twice per year.

Vivienne Sandrini

Vivienne is an experienced physiotherapist who teaches Clinical Exercises Classes on a casual basis.

Georgia Ferguson

B. Clin Ex Phys (Hons)

Georgia earned a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) from the University of Queensland in 2019.

Georgia has found a passion for Women’s Health whilst working in the private sector in Brisbane. She loves assisting women through all stages of pregnancy and postpartum, helping new mums return to whatever exercise goals they may have! Georgia has a strong gym background and loves helping people of all ages and abilities get the most out of their strength training, or to get started on their exercise journey so that they can be strong for life and continue the activities they enjoy.

Georgia is an Accredited Pilates Clinician.

Georgia has a strong interest in managing the following conditions through exercise prescription:

• Pregnancy conditions (including pelvic pain, lower and/or mid back pain, modifying exercise throughout pregnancy)
• Postnatal conditions (including abdominal separation, pelvic floor dysfunction, lower back and/or pelvic pain)
• Chronic diseases (endometriosis, PCOS, chronic fatigue, long COVID)
• Cancer Rehabilitation (exercise during and post cancer treatments, post-surgical recovery)
• Neurological conditions (including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and stroke rehabilitation)

She is extremely passionate about her role as an Exercise Physiologist and truly believes that exercise is medicine and is the foundation for a healthy and happy life.

Georgia is an avid foodie and is very excited to start exploring Canberra’s coffee and food scene on her weekends. She also enjoys gym and going for hikes with her partner on weekends!

Nicola Pithers

Bachelor of Applied Science (Ex Phys). Masters of Exercise Medicine (Oncology)

Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Nicola strongly believes that Exercise is Medicine. Completing her undergraduate studies at The University of Sydney in 2015, Nicola found a particular passion in working with cancer survivors which took her to complete her Masters in Exercise Medicine (Oncology).

Nicola holds a full studio Pilates certification and has been teaching Pilates for over 11years.

Nicola has a strong interest in managing the following conditions through targeted exercise interventions:

• Cancer Rehabilitation (during and post cancer treatment, fatigue management, post-surgical recovery)
• Pregnancy Conditions (including pelvic pain, lower back pain and exercise modifications)
• Post natal exercise (including management of abdominal separation, pelvic floor dysfunction and return to high intensity exercise)
• Chronic pain and musculoskeletal rehabilitation

Nicola grew up competing in gymnastics having been both a state and Australian representative and is still heavily involved in the gymnastics community. She loves to mix up her exercise routine with some hikes, heavy lifting at the gym, yoga and Pilates classes. She is new to Canberra, moving from Sydney, and is excited to explore the wonderful outdoors that Canberra has to offer!

Eiland Kenyon

Bachelor Ex Phys Rehab

Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Eiland is a strong believer that movement is key. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Canberra in 2021 and has spent the last few years working within neurological rehabilitation and chronic disease management.
Eiland is committed to implementing evidence-based practices to address the unique health and fitness needs of every individual she encounters, striving to empower individuals to unlock their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

Eiland has a strong interest in managing the following conditions through targeted exercise interventions:

• Neurological rehabilitation (including stroke rehabilitation, traumatic brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy)
• Chronic diseases (chronic fatigue and long COVID)
• Chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions
• Women’s health (exercise throughout pregnancy, pelvic floor conditions, health and hormones)

Outside of Exercise Physiology, Eiland has played with the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) since 2016, starting with the Melbourne Ice and moving across to the Sydney Sirens after moving back home. She was also selected to represent Australia with the National Women’s Ice Hockey Team in 2020, where the girl’s won gold at the IIHF World Championships for division 2B, and 2023. Eiland is currently training to be selected for the national team again in 2025.

Lucy Hannah

Lucy has a Bachelor of Human Movement (2000) and trained masseuse through Sports Medicine Australia (2001) and has been working in the industry for over 20years.

Massages offered:

• Deep Tissue sports: Combining Deep tissue and trigger point therapy for deep manipulation of muscles and connective tissue. Often clients call this ‘Good Pain’ when working through various knots or trigger points. With slow deep strokes, focused trigger point and stimulating chopping.
• Rejuvenating: Soft tissue manipulation for general aches and pains to be relieved. Slow strokes and manipulation of the muscles to relieve the tensions of the everyday, letting you walk out feeling taller and lighter.
• Relaxation: Gentle massage therapy with slow relieving strokes of the full body: Right from the head, fingers to the toes.

60 min appointments: This allows for time to get through most major parts of the body. It often surprises clients that they don’t realise other tensions they are carrying when they tend to be focused on one area in particular.

Services are not claimable by HICAPS: No provider number given as not trained through formal massage institution: Covered privately under Guild Insurance.

Lucy is, self proclaimed, in the Health industry ‘for life’. Having a healthy life, family with husband and two children. She enjoys mountain biking, trail running, and a good dose of nature.

Whilst professionally helping people on their wellness journey, living by the slogan “We only have one body so let’s Rock it!”

Come in and have a massage with Luce-the-masseuse!

Kit Tong

Kit has a Diploma in Remedial Massage (2013), an Advanced Diploma in Health Science (Soft Tissue Therapy) as well as  dry needling and clinical cupping.

Kit has experience in treating clients with chronic health conditions such as cancer, MS, Parkinson’s Disease and more.

Kit is an accredited Lymphatic Therapist and a member of the Australasian Lymphology Association.

Lymphatic Therapy Services:

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Bandaging
• Compression garment fitting
• Decongestion exercises
• Scar management

Massages offered:

• Remedial: Gentle, medium or firm pressure to relieve pain, tensions, stiffness and knots.
• Relaxation: Gentle massage therapy with slow relieving strokes of the full body. This massage will leave you feeling light, relaxed and pampered.
• Lymphatic Drainage: Gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. Can be beneficial for those with lymphoedema, cancer, fibromyalgia.
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint): Seeks to alleviate tension, and pain in the facial area and around the jaw. Treatment is on your face and jaw/TMJ area and may extend to under the cheekbones, over the sinuses, and the temple/hairline area. Can involve Intraoral (wearing gloves).

60 min appointments.

Services are claimable from HICAPS .

Izzy Fabbri

Alyssa Penny

Dianna Ley

Hayley Thomas

Alec Coulston

Zoe Twible