Our Team

Physiotherapists

About Sharyn

Sharyn Wappett graduated from the University of Sydney in 1992 with a Bachelor of Applied Science(Physiotherapy). For the last 25 years she has worked in private practice in the city and then Annandale, where for 13 years, she owned and ran a successful practice. Having moved on from Annandale, Sharyn started Restore Physio, to bring her expertise to the St George and Sutherland Shire.

Sharyn’s expertise is in the management of the side effects of treatment for cancer, in particular, lymphoedema, cancer related fatigue, physical decline, post op scar tissue and cording.  Sharyn combines this with her treatment of pelvic floor issues in both women and men.

Sharyn is a certified lymphoedema therapist, with training also is women’s, men’s health and clinical Pilates. Sharyn has completed the PINC and STEEL cancer rehab training as well as more recently, gained certification in exercise prescription in Prostate Cancer.

In addition to her clinical work, Sharyn is a volunteer for the Australasian Lymphology Association, where she has previously volunteered as the NSW state representative and currently volunteers on the symposium and editorial committeee.

When Sharyn is not at work she enjoys keeping fit, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Sharyn Wappett - Restore Physiotherapy

Sharyn Wappett

Physiotherapist

Certified Lymphoedema Therapist, Certified Cancer Rehabilitation Physio

About Renee

Renee graduated from Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2020. Renee has a strong focus on helping clients achieve their goals and engaging in occupations that are meaningful to them. Since graduating, she has applied her skills in a range of settings from Aged Care to Paediatrics using a strength-based approach.

Renee is a Lymphoedema Therapist who completed her training through Macquarie University. Her strong interest in cancer and lymphoedema care grew through her experience in aged care and during her work abroad in Vanuatu. Renee aims to support her patients throughout their cancer and lymphoedema journey by providing positive and goal centred care.

When Renee is not at work, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her family, friends, and dog. She also enjoys reading a good book or catching a new movie at the cinema.

Renee Karantonis

Occupational Therapist

Certified Lymphoedema Therapist

About Laura

Laura graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) from University of Sydney in 2004. Laura began her Physiotherapy career in the hospital system in Australia and also in the UK, where she enjoyed combining work with travel. Upon returning to Australia, she starting working in private practice as a musculoskeletal and sports Physiotherapist. Laura developed a keen interest in clinical pilates, gaining qualifications through DMA Clinical Pilates. After becoming a mother, Laura trained as a women’s and pelvic health Physiotherapist.

Laura started to follow Pinc and Steel International and their work in the field of cancer rehabilitation. This inspired her to complete the Pinc cancer rehabilitation certification and become a certified lymphoedema therapist through Macquarie University.

Laura has enjoyed developing her skills as a physiotherapist throughout her career and exploring new ways that she can help people through further study. 

At Restore, she combines her training and experience in a variety of areas of Physiotherapy to treat each person as a whole and assist them in their cancer journey.

When not at work, Laura can be found spending time with her husband and two children, typically driving around the Sutherland Shire to different sports and activities. She also enjoys cooking, yoga and walking her dog, Rosie.

Laura Stafford

Laura Stafford

Physiotherapist

Certified Lymphoedema Therapist

Exercise Physiologists

About Maria

Maria completed both her Bachelor of Science (Hons) and her PhD (Pharmacology) at Monash University, her Master of Health Science (Exercise and Sport Science) at the University of Sydney, and her Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Charles Sturt University. She has worked as researcher at The Heart Research Institute and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), in cardiovascular health (atherosclerosis), Type 2 Diabetes and Exercise Metabolism. As a university lecturer, she wrote and taught the course subjects of Exercise Physiology, and Nutrition and Metabolism, both at UNSW and ACU, and contributed to the initial design of the Bachelor of Exercise Physiology degree at UNSW.

As a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Maria is passionate in her role of working with patients in prescribing individualized exercise therapy for a range of chronic conditions and acute injuries. She has an interest in preventing further disease with advanced knowledge of exercise for the improvement of cardiovascular disease and metabolic health. She has also embraced the opportunity to assist in particular, patients with cancer, to manage the side effects of their treatment, and to improve their health, wellbeing and overall quality of life.

When not prescribing exercise, Maria loves participating in it herself. Her favourite pastime is riding dirt trails on her mountain bike or bushwalking with her husband and kids.

Maria Matuszek

Exercise Physiologist

Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)

About Ciara

Ciara completed her studies at the University of Wollongong, graduating with a Bachelor of Exercise Science. A familiar face around the clinic, Ciara has been with us since early 2021. Initially heading up our admin team, she has now progressed to a clinical role.

As an Accredited Exercise Scientist, Ciara works closely with our Exercise Physiology team to help design and implement group and individual exercise programs.

Away from the clinic you will find Ciara perfecting her Pilates techniques and spending time with family, friends and most importantly her fur baby.

Ciara Mackenzie

Exercise Scientist

Accredited Exercise Scientist

About Megan

About me:
I have been an Exercise Physiologist for the last 2 years, having previously been a small business owner since 2015. I grew up in a very active & musical household, playing everything from Netball, soccer, tennis, swimming, volleyball, piano and clarinet. Although I never had the same natural physical ability as other kids, I enjoyed the challenge and reward of pushing myself through physical training. It was really the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 15, and a family history of cancer that drew me to studying my Masters in Exercise Physiology at Australian Catholic University.

I love working as an Exercise Physiologist because we have the opportunity to meet such interesting people with complex histories. It is a chance to provide them with autonomy over their own health. I particularly enjoy seeing a client through an evolving journey on their road to recovery, and their confidence that grows with each step.

I believe in a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, and enjoy collaborating on the journey to patient wellness.

My interest areas are in Oncology, Women’s Health, Chronic Pain and people with invisible illnesses (ie. chronic fatigue, endometriosis, hypermobility, EDS), along with patients diagnosed with neurological conditions.

Always Learning:
I have always had a curious mind and enjoy the challenge of keeping my mind and body active. This is what I’ve learnt so far:

  • B. Sport & Exercise Science, WSU
  • M. Exercise and Sport Science, ACU
  • Accredited Exercise Physiologist, full registration with Exercise and Sport Science Australia
  • Cert III & IV in Fitness
  • Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport
  • Core Yoga Instructor
  • Neurological: PD Warrior L2 course
  • Women’s Health:
    • Exercise Physiology in Pregnancy- The Womens Health Collective
    • Postpartum return to exercise- The Womens Health Collective
    • Women’s Coaching Specialist Certification – GGS
  • Mental Health: Mental health first aider – MHFA

Megan McMinn

Exercise Physiologist

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

About Gina

About me:

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Science and a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the Australian Catholic University. I have an interest in exercise oncology and neurorehabilitation particularly interested by the potential for tailored exercise programs to complement cancer treatment, mitigate side effects, and improve overall well-being. I am also really interested using exercise to  contributed to neuroplasticity post trauma, stroke or other neurological injury.

Growing up, I immersed myself in a variety of water sports. such as competitive swimming, water polo and ocean swims.

Prior to becoming an Exercise Physiologist, I have had the privilege of contributing to various sectors. My experience within the NDIS sector, I was exposed to various physical, and psychological disabilities and learnt about the on function and independence. I enjoyed helping my clients with a holistic approach to health and well-being exposing them to as much movement as possible, outdoor activity and other community supports which contributed to a more immersive and fulfilling experience those I looked after.  My interest in Exercise Physiology stemmed from the observing the untapped potential of exercise as a therapeutic intervention and underscores the need for greater awareness and integration of physical activity into various healthcare and wellness approaches.

Georgina Risk

Exercise Physiologist

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Speech Pathologist

About Candice

Candice graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) from the University of Sydney in 2001.  She is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and a member of Speech Pathology Australia (MSPA).

Candice is a highly experienced Speech Pathologist, having worked in the field of head and neck surgery, oncology and voice for 22 years.  She brings a wealth of experience in treating patients with cancer and has gained her experience at various tertiary hospitals in Australia, where she led and developed many new services to optimise cancer care.  Candice offers speech pathology assessment and treatment for adults with communication, voice, swallowing or upper airway disorders.Candice is passionate about the essential role Speech Pathology plays in achieving the best results for functional and quality of life outcomes associated with your cancer care treatment.  She is very focused on holistic and collaborative patient care and will work closely with you and your treating team to help you achieve your goals.

When Candice is not at work, she can be found spending time with her Husband and 2 young boys.  Candice enjoys keeping fit at the gym or pilates, walking her dog, catching up with friends and family and watching live music.

Candice Baxter

Speech Pathologist

B.App.Sci (Speech Pathology), CPSP

Dietitian

About Katherine

Originally from the UK, Katherine is a dietitian with over 17 years’ experience, having worked in many areas of speciality including, radiotherapy, oncology, gastroenterology, and renal medicine. 

Katherine graduated from Nottingham University in the UK in 2002 with a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition. Katherine then worked as an assistant researcher for the biomedical sciences department of Nottingham University. 

In 2005 Katherine completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics from Glasgow Caledonian University and started working for the NHS in a rotational post at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. In 2008 whilst working as a senior dietitian Katherine achieved a Masters in Dietetics and shortly afterwards moved to Australia. 

Since moving to Australia Katherine has worked in both community and hospital settings, working mainly in the areas of oncology, gastroenterology and community dietetics, with a particular interest in nutrition support, enteral feeding, post-surgical diets and digestive health.

Katherine is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) and a full member of the Dietitian’s Association of Australia.

Katherine Collings

Dietition

BSc(Hons)Nutrition, MSc Dietetics, APD

Counsellors

About Lesley

Lesley is a counsellor, group and retreat facilitator with 10yrs experience working with cancer patients, with a special interest in breast cancer.

She offers an empathetic, supportive confidential and safe environment from an integrative, person-centred approach to help you with, adjusting to a diagnosis, anxiety and stress of treatment, fear of recurrence, impact on relationships, body image and intimacy, living with loss and grief and life after cancer.

Lesley understands that we cannot always control what happens to us, but we can learn to control how we respond by developing self-awareness and empowerment to assist you through life’s challenges and transitions.

Lesley Kidson

Counsellor

Massage Therapy

About Wen

Wen-Hui Wang is a certified remedial, oncology and lymphoedema massage therapist. Wen is also a certified Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist and utilizes all these skills to treat her patients. Wen has particular interest in helping patients manage the side effects of cancer treatment, including fatigue, digestive issues, peripheral neuropathy by restoring a mind/body equilibrium.

 When she is not working or studying, Wen enjoys spending time with her family and reading.

Wen-Hui Wang

Massage Therapist

Mindfullness

About Berni

I have been practicing meditation for many years, combining reiki and energy exercises.  I truly believe that keeping your energy body vibrant keeps your physical body vibrant.  When our energies are scrambled we can’t think straight and we tire easily.  During guided meditation we use exercises (for body and mind) that help restore balance, enabling us to lock in positive thoughts and feelings.

 Guided Meditation

When you are meditating alone it’s easy to become distracted and you may find it difficult to focus. Through guided meditation I am with you every step of the way, taking you through each visualisation so all you need to do is just be and breathe.  I use words and images to take you on a journey, moving your attention away from worry, stress and pain and help you find your own inner strength.  

When we are deeply relaxed, the body and mind are refreshed and revitalised. This brings many benefits to our physical, mental and spiritual well-being that are both immediate and long lasting.

Immediate results – your breathing is deeper, you feel lighter, refreshed and your mind is clear.  20 minutes of meditation = 4hrs of sleep!

Long term benefits – improved concentration & memory, lower blood pressure & cholesterol, better sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, faster healing, stronger immune response.

Guided meditation is a wonderful way to de-stress, remove negative emotions and worries.  Be part of a peaceful, positive and uplifting experience, revitalising your mind, body and soul.

Berni Allen

Meditation Coach

Admin

Nicolette Barden

Admin Support

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