fbpx

Our Team

Mark Burnett

Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy), Certified STEEL Rehabilitation Physiotherapist, Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Science (Acupuncture), Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Science (Rehabilitation), Certified Mulligan Practitioner.

Mark graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2012, and then later completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Acupuncture. To further enhance his physiotherapy skills, he also became a fully certified Mulligan Practitioner and then completed another Postgraduate Certificate, this time in Rehabilitation.

Mark has an interest in all forms of musculoskeletal injury, and employs the use of soft tissue techniques, mobilisation, acupuncture and exercise prescription in his treatment approach.

Mark moved from Auckland to Kerikeri in late 2021 with his wife, Bonita – who you’ll occasionally see on reception – and their two boys, and they are enjoying exploring their new town. In his spare time, Mark enjoys sailing, golf, fishing, tramping, reading and mucking about with his boys.

 

Amal Shakeel

Bachelor of Health Science Hons. (Physiotherapy), MPhil (Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy), Certified Women’s Health Therapist, Schroth Therapist for Scoliosis

Amal graduated from the University of Health Sciences in Pakistan in 2013, completed her masters (MPhil in Physiotherapy) in 2016, and then a Women’s Health certificate in 2021. 

As an experienced physiotherapist, Amal’s areas of interest are MSK rehab, spinal rehab and Schroth-based scoliosis treatment. 

Amal also has a particular interest in women’s pelvic health and in treating issues such as pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, post-partum return to exercise, and management of incontinence and pelvic pain. She’s currently also upskilling on therapeutic ultrasound for the treatment of blocked ducts and mastitis in breastfeeding.

Amal’s approach to pain and injury management is holistic, and she employs a range of techniques in her treatment plans that include soft tissue techniques, mobilisation, Pilates therapy and exercise prescription.

Amal moved to New Zealand from Pakistan with her husband, Ali, in 2022, and joined our team in early 2024 from Christchurch. In her spare time, Amal likes to do scientific writing and to date has 6 national (Pakistan) and 1 international publications, and has written a digital book which was published on Amazon kdp. Both Amal and Ali are very much looking forward to exploring all the Northland region has to offer.   

Rebecca Davison

BHSc (Physiotherapy), Post Grad Certificate in Older Adult Health & Wellness, Post Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation, Certified BradCliff™ Practitioner (Breathing Specialist), Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Provider, McKenzie credentialed therapist, BSc (Biochemistry and Physiology)

An experienced physiotherapist, Rebecca has been practicing since 2000 and is passionate about caring for her clients and navigating their needs. 

Her musculoskeletal skills cover the whole body for acute injuries and overuse situations, rehabilitation (with a Post-Grad), plus a special interest in Older Adult Health, which she explored by completing a Post Graduate Certificate for that in 2022.

Specifically, Rebecca can offer her clients breathing assessments and treatments, Cancer rehabilitation, McKenzie Method Assessment & Therapy, and Myofascial Release Therapy. Rebecca is also a GLA:D qualified physiotherapist. 

Rebecca moved to Kerikeri with her whanau back in 2017 after stints in Whakatane and Whangarei. In her spare time, you’ll find Rebecca & her 3 amazing daughters exploring the great outdoors – especially when it involves running, hiking, biking & paddling around the beautiful Bay of Islands and Far North. 

Adara Wood

Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Post Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation, Post Graduate Certificate in Acupuncture, GLA:D NZ Certified Practitioner

Adara graduated from Otago University in 2016. Since moving here in 2017, she is enjoying the easy, active lifestyle that Kerikeri offers.

Adara is passionate about working with arthritis clients through the GLA:D exercise program.

Having also completed her Post Graduate Certificate in Acupuncture, she has found it to be a useful component in healing all types of injuries as well as providing relief for chronic pain.

Adara leads some of our Pilates mat classes and also welcomes massage and personal training appointments.

 

Thirona Naicker

Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) UCT, NZMPA Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, Watson Headache Approach.

Thirona qualified back in South Africa in 2008 and has since then worked in both South Africa and Auckland.

Skilled in both manual therapy and rehabilitation, Thirona’s passion for people and physiotherapy finds her focused on providing treatments that empower her clients and assist in restoring them to optimal health.

Thirona has also developed a keen interest in treating headaches and has become skilled in using the Watson Headache Approach to support her clients.

Thirona is a new mom and has very recently moved to Kerikeri with her partner. She enjoys travel and hiking, and is an avid squash player! 

Aima Zahid

Doctor of Physical Therapy (Pakistan), MS – Sports Physical Therapy.

Aima graduated in 2018 from the University of Sargodha, Pakistan and then completed a Masters of Science in Sports Physical Therapy in 2022. 

During that time, she had a paper accepted for publication on chronic ankle instability at an international conference in Pakistan, and completed some additional evidence-based classes in rehabilitation and exercise prescription.

Aima’s been working in Pakistan as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist for the last few years and is particularly well versed in dealing with sports injuries and musculoskeletal problems in the elderly, and developing patient-centered, goal-based therapy plans. We were thrilled to be able to welcome Aima to the Bodyworks team in October 2023. Aima is finding her new adventure very exciting and is eager to visit the many stunning locations around New Zealand.

 

bodyworks physiotherapy aima zahid

Lisa Goodhart

Stability Plus – Auckland (Body Control UK) Mat Pilates Intermediate, Stability Plus – Foam Roller CPD, Stability Plus – Magic Circle CPD, STOTT Pilates – Athletic Conditioning on the Mat CPD, Equestrian Pilates (USA – online), Equipilates (UK), Equipilates Swiss Ball CPD (online), Equipilates Training The Whole Balance System CPD (Vision/Vestibular/Proprioception), Biomechanics Education- Biomechanics Trainer (UK), Neurokinetic Therapist Level 1 (Aus), Franklin Method Educator Level 1. 
Currently studying: Active IQ Level 3 Personal Trainer & Equestrian Personal Trainer.  Stress Resilience Coach & AMN Corrective Exercise Specialist. 

Lisa is our Pilates Instructor Extraordinaire! She found her passion for movement a little later in life and now empowers others to experience movement as medicine! Her motivation behind exploring Pilates started with daily achy shoulders, back and hips – but now, not only is Lisa pain-free, but other benefits have included improved emotional self-awareness and mental health, plus improved performance and confidence in her equestrian sport and teaching.

Lisa moved to Kerikeri from Muriwai in late 2021 with her hubby and fur-babies… her only regret now being that they didn’t do it sooner! When Lisa isn’t working with equestrians or delivering classes for Bodyworks, you’ll find her with her head in further study, enjoying her horse, walking her dogs, trying to fit some social paddle-boarding in, and welcoming guests to their holiday cottage.

Jill Freeman

Certified Instructor of Tai Chi for Arthritis and for Falls Prevention.  Teacher of the Alexander Technique. 

The newest member of our growing team, Jill is our fabulous Tai Chi instructor. Jill has always been a teacher – both inside and outside the school system – and thrives on helping people learn how to make their lives more comfortable and fulfilling.

Her Tai Chi journey began as a student in the UK in the 1990s.  In New Zealand, she trained as an instructor of Tai Chi for Arthritis in 2005 and taught for the ACC Falls Prevention Programme.  She went on to teach Tai Chi classes on behalf of Te Tai Tokerau PHO and Age Concern Kaitaia, as well as teaching independent classes.  Over the years, she has qualified to teach Tai Chi for Osteoporosis, Diabetes, Rehabilitation, Memory and Energy.  She also teaches the Sun73 form. 

When not working, Jill enjoys classical music, cycling and vegetable gardening.