Meet The Team

Meet the Team

jonathon ward

Jonathon Ward BSc (HONS) Phys, MCSP, SRP, Pg Cert Manual Ther, Pg Dip Manip Ther, mSTO, mBMAS – Principal Physiotherapist

After studying at the University of Ulster for his batchelors degree in physiotherapy, Jonathon gained experience in South Africa, USA and the UK. He began his career working in both the national health services of South Africa and the UK were he began specialising in the field of musculoskeletal. Jonathon has since, worked in the private health sector over the last 15 years.

Throughout his career, Jonathon has worked alongside an assortment of sports teams specialising in a variety of sports injury rehabilitation programmes. He also took a core stability class for 2 years which focused on strengthening the back and providing postural correction.

He has completed various post grad musculoskeletal courses, one of the most notable being a Post Cert certificate in Manual Therapy from Glasgow Caledonian. This is part of the MACP which is an elite organization of physiotherapists that ensures the highest standard of excellence in the treatment of muscle, joint and nerve problems. In fact only a very small percentage of Chartered Physiotherapist in the UK hold this qualification. He has completed a Post Graduate Certificate & Diploma in Manipulative Therapy allowing him to specialise in both advanced physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation techniques across the body.

Jonathon takes a keen interest in manipulations, manual therapy, dry needling, electrotherapy, core stability, ergonomics, biomechanics and kinesiology testing. . Throughout the years he has membership with the OCPPP (Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practise), aMACP, STO (Sports Therapy Organisation) ACPOHE (Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health & Ergonomics) and BMAS (Bristish Medical Acupuncture Society). He aims to provide an individualised treatment based on an holistic approach for the optimal results of each patient.

Mark Penn BSc (Hons), HCPC, MCSP. – Senior Physiotherapist.

Mark graduated from Manchester Met University in 2012. He went straight into private practice gaining experience in various busy practices in England before returning home to Northern Ireland in 2017. Mark has built up experience working with a variety of sporting teams from football, rugby. gaelic to the more obscure such as ultimate frisbee. His most notable sporting experience was working within a professional rugby league team.

Since returning to Northern Ireland in 2017, Mark has remained in a position at Active Therapy Clinic. Mark is passionate about treating musculoskeletal problems and regularly continues his professional development with a wide variety of postgraduate physiotherapy musculoskeletal courses. He is currently in the process of completing a post-graduate diploma with the Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine.

Mark has postgraduate training in acupuncture/dry needling, manipulative therapy and is also trained to level 5 in sports massage.

In his spare time Mark enjoys keeping active, ice skating and playing guitar.

Jack Hill

Jack Hill BSc (Hons), HCPC – Physiotherapist

Jack graduated from Liverpool University with BSc (hons) Physiotherapy and returned to Northern Ireland to pursue his career.  He is registered with the HCPC and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Jack has gained hospital experience in Musculoskeletal physio, hand and wrist therapy, intensive care, Major Trauma Centre. During this time Jack has amassed a wealth of skills and experience working with a wide range of patients and conditions.

Jack has played multiple sports throughout his life and from this holds the positions of physiotherapist for Aquinas 1st Senior football team, Banbridge Rugby Senior Squad, and Armagh Milk Cup Team, giving him a great insight into sports injuries, rehabilitation and preparing athletes for sporting events. Jack has qualifications in acute pitch side injuries and major trauma. 

Jack is a caring physiotherapist with a passion to help all his patients back to their best with a keen interest in strength and conditioning, orthopaedic rehab, hands and wrists and high level sports rehab.

Robin holland

Robin Holland BSc(Hons) MCSP HCPC – Physiotherapist

Robin qualified at Oxford Brookes University, receiving a 1st class degree. She started her career working in the NHS, where she completed a full range of clinical rotations, gaining extensive experience in all aspects of clinical physiotherapy. Robin then gained further experience working in private practice, where she has specialised in treating musculoskeletal injuries and pain.

Robin has completed a number of specialist postgraduate training courses, including back and neck pain, work-related pain, posture rehabilitation, myofascial release, joint and soft-tissue release, pre and postnatal care, exercise therapy, sports injuries and hypermobility.

Robin is also a keen runner and has completed post-graduate training in running injuries, biomechanical and kinetic chain analysis, gait training, injury prevention screening and injury prevention training. Robin has experience working with a wide range of runners, from recreational beginners to aspiring pre-professionals. Most notably, Robin has worked with British triathlete competitors. The skills and experience gained from working with runners has allowed Robin to transfer her treatment practices to other sports, including working with cyclists, swimmers, rugby players, golfers, and tennis enthusiasts.

Robin also has experience and specialist training in working with children and adolescents. This includes gross motor skills development, musculoskeletal pain and injuries, sports injuries, and safe athletic training for growing bodies.

Before training as a physiotherapist, Robin worked as a professional ballet and contemporary dancer. As such, Robin has specialist skills and knowledge to treat dance injuries. Specialist dance physiotherapy service include injury and pain rehabilitation, injury prevention screening, pre-pointe assessment, technique and performance enhancement training and flexibility training. Robin has experience working with a wide range of dance styles and levels of experience. Most notably, Robin has worked with a number of pre-professional ballet dancers training at the Royal Ballet School in Richmond and Elmhurst Ballet School.

Robin is passionate about bringing the latest scientific evidence and advances into the clinic, so that you can be sure to receive the most up-to-date and effective treatment techniques. As part of this, Robin in keen to share her knowledge with the wider community and has been published in Pointe Magazine and Women’s Running Magazine.

tommy arkinson

Tommy Arkinson – Physiotherapist

Tommy completed his physiotherapy degree at the University of Ulster. He is registered with the HCPC and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Tommy has spent the last 7 years working in both the private and public sectors gaining a vast wealth of knowledge.
For the last 5 years he has specialised in MSK in private practice in Manchester. During this time he has worked on some the UKs top amateur triathletes, cyclists and runners.
Tommy also has a strong interest in sports and worked with a range of rubgy, soccer and gaelic clubs. Strength and conditioning is another one of his passions.

Getting you back to your best is Tommy’s priority.

Ciara Gallagher

Ciara Gallagher – Physiotherapist

Ciara graduated from Ulster University in 2013 and is a member of the Health Professions Council.  Ciara has a special interest in low back pain and  completed a PhD in this area in 2017. Following completion of her studies she  has experience working in the NHS,  the charity sector and the private sector. Ciara also has a keen interest in running and has completed the Belfast Marathon. 

lindsay duhig

Lindsay Duhig – Physiotherapist

Lindsay has recently returned to Northern Ireland after spending the last 8 years working in New Zealand. She has worked within private practice since she graduated from the University of Ulster in 2012 and recently worked within High Performance Sport in both rugby union and league.

Her experience within the sporting environment has led to a keen interest in concussion, vertigo and headache management. Lindsay has worked alongside top New Zealand surgeons for post-operative rehabilitation and has a passion for treating complex injuries. To develop this, she has trained within the ConnectTherapy method, finding the primary driver to a patients injury and working backwards through past injuries, taking a whole system approach. Her patients overall well-being is her priority, ensuring a return to their normal activities as soon as possible.

Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her young family, exploring the outdoors and embracing travel whenever she can.

John Buller – Manual Therapist

Graduating from Queen’s University Belfast (BSc) in Health, Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, he took keen interest in Sports Therapy and rehabilitation completing a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy course. John then took his athletic career to the next level moving abroad to France to compete as an international road cyclist.

Having spent many years, racing at a high level working with many sport therapists in different professions gave him the desire to put his athlete experiences and knowledge into practice to benefit others. It’s a passion of John’s to assist others to recover and excel, sport and non-sport related.

Having spent time at home in Northern Ireland again, John has been working with Banbridge Hockey first XI team and Cycling Ulster. He continued studying a post-graduate degree in Sport Performance, Analytics and Coaching (MSc) at Ulster University while still competing in road cycling at the highest level in Ireland and the UK.

 

 

Emma Morris Registered Dietitian

Emma Morris – Dietitian

Emma is a specialist gastroenterology dietitian with 6 years’ experience working within the NHS in Northern Ireland. She graduated from Ulster University in 2016 with a first-class honours and prizes for best over-all dietetics student and post placement examinations.

She has completed courses in the areas of Irritable Bowel Disease, Low Fodmap Diet, Coeliac Disease, Liver Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer amongst others. She has a special interest in Coeliac disease and has assisted many with their gluten free diets.  

Emma also has an interest in weight management and has worked with many clients in achieving a healthy weight. She recommends healthy, sustainable weight loss which can be achieved with the aid of a personalised dietary plan. This includes weight loss for conditions such as type two diabetes or high cholesterol. Emma can also help clients with healthy weight gain, for example post-surgery or illness, and avoid malnutrition.

Emma, in line with the HCPC and British Dietetic Association, provides factual and evidence based dietary advice and personalised nutritional plans. Her experience of working with both inpatients and outpatients will ensure you receive the best dietary input and aid you in achieving your dietary goals.

Dietary advice is provided for:

  • Coeliac Disease and gluten free diet
  • Diverticular Disease
  • Fatty Liver Disease
  • Weight Loss
  • Weight Gain
  • High cholesterol and hypertension
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Irritable bowel Disease
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • Bloating / flatulence
  • PCOS
simon collins

Simon Collins BSc (hons) podiatry.
Qualified from Queen Margret University in Edinburgh 2013 with bachelors degree. Simon is registered with HCPC and is a member of society of podiatrists.

Since qualifying Simon has gained lots of experience working in both NHS & private practice. Simon enjoys all aspects of podiatry but have keen interest in bio mechanics (gait analysis), Insoles, nail surgery and diabetes.

Simon gained further qualifications in bio mechanic courses and dry needling/Accupuncture

At active we enjoy providing a friendly pain free service including nail care, callous, ingrown toe nails, sports injuries, foot pain, knee & hip pain etc.

“I enjoy being part of good team with the physio’s and being able to help people of all ages from kids to elderly. When my patients come in with pain and then walk out pain free and tell me there walking.

Sarah Graham

Sarah Graham – Massage Therapist & Personal Trainer

Sarah graduated from the University of Ulster with a BSc (hons) degree in Sport and Exercise science. During her degree she took a special interest in Massage and completed her level 3 in Sports Massage.

Sarah gained valuable experience working in a busy gym as a Massage Therapist where she provided massages to everyone from elite athletes to office workers. She has also trained in Hot Stone Massage and Cupping Massage and can tailor any your massage to suit your individual needs.

Sarah’s passion for exercise and health continued to burn and after  spending many hours in the gym herself, she decided it was time to pursue her personal training qualifications. With the knowledge from her sports and exercise degree, her experience of working in gyms and working closely with athletes in massage, she brings something special to this role. Sarah is dedicated to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals. One on one personal training sessions are available with Sarah in our private on site gym.

Sarah has completed her Pilates Instructor courses and takes all our Pilates Classes and one on one Pilates sessions.

In her spare time she like to Highland Dance and also teaches it!

counsellor Hilary Phillips

Hilary Philips – Counsellor

Hilary is a fully qualified Psychotherapist (Dip Couns MBACP) and registered member with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) She have been involved as a mental health counsellor for several years working both privately and in the voluntary sector.

Hilary works as an integrative counsellor. This means she uses a blended therapeutic method of counselling and adapts to the needs of each client individually.

Hilary says;  “I hope to promote a more positive approach to mental health and wellness.” 

Marnie armstrong

Marnie Armstrong – Counsellor

Marnie is a fully qualified Counsellor (Dip. Couns. MBACP) and is a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).  Marnie uses various therapies from an integrative perspective, always bearing in mind and meeting the needs of her clients. However, first and foremost Marnie likes her clients to feel welcomed and at ease.

Marnie says; “We experience many highs ad lows as we travel through life, with some lows more difficult to navigate than others. If you find you can no longer cope or maybe just need a place where you can be listened to in times of confusion, worry or difficulty, know that my door is always open.

You will always be met with a friendly welcome where a respectful approach will be adapted. We can walk through your issues together where you will be free from judgement in a confidential environment. It takes courage to come to counselling, but know you are not alone.

Elizabeth Aesthetics

Elizabeth McKey – Aesthetics Nurse

Elizabeth, completed her nursing studies at Queens university, Belfast and qualified as a registered nurse. Since then she has worked in both acute inpatient and community settings before taking a managerial post in 2020. Elizabeth also completed an independent nurse prescribing course during this time. Since moving into a managerial position, she found herself missing that patient contact that she had been so passionate about. This gave her the encouragement to pursue an aesthetics course in anti wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. Along with her prescribing course, this has given her the opportunity to have back that direct patient contact that she so greatly missed and pursue her interest in aesthetics. Over the last number of years she has gained significant experience and expertise in the field of non surgical aesthetics.

Ellice Taylor

Ellice Taylor – Clinic Manager

After working in the childcare and education sector both privately and part of the education authority, Ellice made a move into healthcare and administration, working as a personal coordinator for a private health company before joining Active Therapy in 2017 as a receptionist.
After having gained a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the clinic, Ellice is now the Clinic manager and is the point of contact in the clinic for all enquiries from clients. This includes private, health insurance, Pilates and referrals.

Ellice has a passion for Active Therapy Clinic, aiming to always deliver the highest levels of service and professionalism whilst actively prioritising the health of all clients from the beginning to end of treatment.

Sharon Ward – Director

After studying at the University of Strathclyde Business School for her bachelors degree in HRM & Marketing, Sharon gained experience in PricewaterhouseCoopers UK. She began her career working in both the public and private sectors as a HR consultant for 5 years before she joined Active Therapy Clinic as Practice Manager in 2010.

Sharon has since worked alongside a variety of local businesses to provide a multitude of services including delivering health and wellbeing workshops or days, workplace assessments, off site Pilates classes and also strives to achieve and maintain the highest levels of service for patients attending the clinic for treatment whether that be via health insurance, referral or privately, from first point of contact to completion of treatment.

Barbara Robinson – Receptionist

Louise crawford

Louise Patterson – Receptionist

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