Our Team

Meet our team of Physiotherapists and Admin staff at Physio Direct. Physio Direct has a wide range of experience and expertise with physios from NZ, Australia, South Africa, the United States and the UK.

Amy Cram – Director - Physio Direct NZ

Amy Cram – Director

Amy graduated from AUT in Auckland in 2005 and has worked as a physiotherapist in a variety of hospital and private practice settings throughout Australia and the UK, and has travelled to over 70 countries.
Amy returned home after travelling and has dedicated the past few years setting up a physiotherapy service to smaller rural areas that would otherwise not have this service available. Physio Direct now has clinics in over 12 rural locations in both the North and South Island.
She is dedicated to bringing under serviced communities the services they are entitled to.
Amy’s passion is to help underdeveloped areas and is looking forward to further expanding Physio Direct regionally and internationally to help many more communities who have limited services.

Marelize Ferreira – Physiotherapy Manager - Physio Direct NZ

Marelize Ferreira – Physiotherapy Manager

Marelize recently joined the Physio Direct team from South Africa with her husband and two young girls.

She has worked in various sports practices, orthopedic and musculoskeletal clinics through her career. For the last nine years she has owned a private physiotherapy practice in Pretoria that focused on a multi-disciplinary team approach for patients with chronic pain, arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, work related injuries and sports injuries.

She has a passion for helping people in pain and enjoys educating patients about their amazing bodies and facilitating the healing process.  Hands-on treatment and exercise form the cornerstone of her treatment approach.

When not at work she enjoys running and spending time out-doors with her family.

Alison Huntley  – Administrator Napier - Physio Direct NZ

Alison Huntley – Administrator Napier

Alison has many years of medical reception experience and loves seeing people improve with their physio treatment.  She loves living in the Hawke’s Bay with her family; spending time with family and friends, renovating their property and taking their adopted retired greyhound for walks.

Leigh Burling – Accounts Administrator - Physio Direct NZ

Leigh Burling – Accounts Administrator

Leigh joined the Physio Direct team in April 2018 in an administrative capacity, moving into an Accounts role in early 2019. Originally from Ngongotaha, Leigh now lives in rural Tauranga, fitting work around her young family.

Her background includes administration across a variety of sectors, early childhood education and science.

Outside of work, Leigh enjoys exploring the beautiful beaches and parks around the Bay of Plenty with her family.

Sheryl Rumbal – Administration Manager - Physio Direct NZ

Sheryl Rumbal – Administration Manager

Over the past 20 years, Sheryl has worked in General Practice and then moving into Occupational medicine where she managed a small team and conducted audio screening and drug testing.

Sheryl enjoys working in the health sector and understands how important physiotherapy is in the rehabilitation process, so people can move forward pain-free into their day.

In her personal time, she enjoys walking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, gaining her 200 hour Yoga teaching training in 2020, along with reading and baking and spending time with her family.

Elizabeth Ratcliffe – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Elizabeth Ratcliffe – Physiotherapist

Elizabeth is an experienced physiotherapist with a special interest in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic injuries. She also has a special interest in chronic pain. She is passionate about physiotherapy  ran her own private practice and Pilates studio in South Africa for 14 years. She enjoys group exercise classes and intergrating patients back into society.

Elizabeth enjoys Pilates, tennis and walking.

Matthew Ratcliffe – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Matthew Ratcliffe – Physiotherapist

Matthew is an experienced physiotherapist with a passion for sports injuries, orthopaedics and chronic pain. He enjoys teaching back care classes and educating his patients about their conditions. Matthew has a passion for working with sports teams and challenging himself with new technologies. In his spare time you can find Matthew mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting or out in the general outdoors.

Andrea Collins – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Andrea Collins – Physiotherapist

I have a special interest in women’s health, however, I do enjoy managing a combination of conditions to keep all areas of my interests active. I am a competent, caring and passionate outpatient-based physiotherapist with 13 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in OMT, pelvic health and chronic pain, I am able to communicate, assess and manage my patients holistically.

In my free time, my family and I enjoy hiking, camping and exploring. When I am able to, I love roller skating along the beach and have every aspiration of connecting with a Roller Derby team in New Zealand.

Bridget Lodge – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Bridget Lodge – Physiotherapist

Bridget graduated from the University of Otago in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Bridget values a holistic approach to physiotherapy and creating personalised rehab plans with her clients. Outside of work Bridget leads an active lifestyle and thrives on supporting people to get back to doing what they love too.

Naomi Potgieter – Accounts Manager - Physio Direct NZ

Naomi Potgieter – Accounts Manager

Naomi joined Physio Direct in May 2022 as Financial Manager.

She and her family moved from South-Africa to NZ in 2020 and they are excited to explore the whole country and make this their new home. Finances is what she is good at, but she prefers to start her day by being active in the fresh outdoors. Her hobbies will send her to the mountains either by mountain bike or trail running or hiking with the family. Mountain bike stage races is what excites her most.

Lane Malan – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Lane Malan – Physiotherapist

Lane is originally from South Africa where she worked in a hospital and out-patient setting. With a background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and specialised training in women’s and pelvic health in New Zealand, Lane Malan is a dedicated advocate for women’s wellbeing as well as anyone struggling with pelvic related problems. Her approach is defined by a deep commitment to building trust with patients, addressing sensitive topics with compassion and providing tailored, high-quality care by creating a safe and open environment. Lane empowers her clients to navigate their pelvic health journey with confidence and empowerment.

Outside of work Lane is adventurous and likes outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking and swimming.

Barbara Vente – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Barbara Vente – Physiotherapist

Barbara’s passion is to empower people with skills and knowledge to manage their unique conditions. She is originally from Namibia and qualified in South Africa.

She worked in rural South Africa and private practice in Namibia. This has given her varied experience in treating musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, cardiac and pulmonary conditions. She has developed a love for treating children and adults with neurological disorders.

When not working, Barbara enjoys spending time in nature and being active. Her enthusiasm for the movement she has shared by giving Pilates classes.

Emily Walford – Administrator - Physio Direct NZ

Emily Walford – Administrator

Emily is starting her administrator career with Physio Direct. She is passionate about helping others and gaining more skills and experience for her future.
Emily enjoys working within a team and helping patients/clients improve with their physio treatment.
She has a positive and bubbly attitude, she’s ready to learn and gain more skills.
In her spare time she likes to spend time with friends and family.
Aisha Raffee – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Aisha Raffee – Physiotherapist

Aisha is a passionate physiotherapist, with experience in working in disadvantaged communities. She is from South Africa, and is eager to work with people and improve their health and wellbeing. Aisha enjoys working within the multidisciplinary team and aims to provide patients with the best care available and to continually learn and develop her clinical skills.
Outside of work, she loves spending time knitting, in the outdoors, and in the water.
Ibraheem Rafay- Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Ibraheem Rafay- Physiotherapist

Ibraheem is a dedicated physiotherapist with experiences in both private settings and community-based initiatives. Originally from Pakistan but nurtured in the vibrant atmosphere of the United Arab Emirates. With a focus on post-operative and musculoskeletal injuries, he had the privilege of leading a community physio team, where patient education has been a priority of my approach. He value’s open communication and personalized treatments, ensuring the best care from individual to individual. He believes that everyday is a learning opportunity.
He is a very sporty person having a FEVER for cricket, can talk about it for endless hours. He loves to travel a lot in free time and do volunteer work.
Aneeka Davids – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Aneeka Davids – Physiotherapist

Aneeka is a physiotherapist that moved to New Zealand in June 2022. She graduated from the University of Cape Town and is originally from South Africa. She previously worked in the hospital and outpatient setting. Aneeka values building good relationships with her patients and also assisting them with confidence and reintegration back into society following injury. It has been a great passion of hers to work, travel and help people along the way.   In her free time, Aneeka enjoys spending time with family and friends and doing outdoor activities.

Olayemi Eseyin – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Olayemi Eseyin – Physiotherapist

A seasoned physiotherapist with eight years of working experience, Olayemi has successfully rehabilitated diverse patients, restoring mobility and enhancing their quality of life. He specialises in musculoskeletal disorders and has a track record of designing tailored treatment plans that have led to a significant reduction in pain and improved functionality. His commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous learning ensures that he stays at the forefront of the field which helps to fuel his passion for helping individuals achieve their physical potential.

Outside of my professional life, he is an avid family person. He loves to spend time with his beautiful wife and two little girls. He also loves to read in order to keep up with the current trends.

Muhammad Saqeef (Saqeef) – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Muhammad Saqeef (Saqeef) – Physiotherapist

Saqeef, an accomplished physiotherapist originally from Pakistan, possesses extensive expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, showcasing a dedicated and compassionate approach to patient care. With a rich background in helping individuals recover from various musculoskeletal issues, Saqeef brings valuable skills to his practice. He excels in effective communication with patients, ensuring a holistic understanding of their needs and concerns. Saqeef’s personalized treatment approach reflects not only his clinical proficiency but also his ability to tailor therapeutic interventions to the unique requirements of each individual. Beyond his professional pursuits, Saqeef is an avid traveler and explorer, expressing a keen interest in experiencing diverse cultures and environments. Whether it’s watching cricket or soccer, he finds joy in recreational activities that complement his active lifestyle. Inspired by a commitment to bringing essential physiotherapy services to underserved communities, Saqeef channels his passion and expertise to contribute positively to areas in need, striving to enhance healthcare accessibility and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those he serves.

Arslan Rafiq – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Arslan Rafiq – Physiotherapist

Arslan fully embodies empathy, compassion and a genuine willingness to lend a helping hand with gratitude. He is a highly skilled and dedicated physiotherapist with a passion for helping individuals improve their physical well-being. He recently joined the clinic and has been serving veterans for past 5 years in his home country of Pakistan. With a comprehensive knowledge of sports injuries, extensive experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and firm commitment to personalized care, patients can expect outstanding results and an exceptional level of support throughout their journey to recovery.

Blessed Vhudzjena – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Blessed Vhudzjena – Physiotherapist

Blessed is a physiotherapist passionate about advocacy for people living with disability. Studying physiotherapy changed the way he relates to the world in terms of health and well-being. He is motivated to make a difference in and around his community using his knowledge and skills to enable pain free movement and activities. He is also open-minded and always willing to learn from clients and colleagues. He has a particular interest in research and MSK physiotherapy. Outside of his clinical obligations he enjoys taking walks, hiking and traveling.

Henry Hallatt – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Henry Hallatt – Physiotherapist

Apart from being a sport fanatic Henry loves working with people and being a part of their journey to health. Henry is a passionate physiotherapist who believes in the power of hard work and consistency to ensure desirable results. Henry has 5 years experience in both a hospital and private practice setting where he has learned how to manage patients with different needs, from musculoskeletal conditions to cardiopulmonary and post surgical rehabilitation.

Henry loves cooking but not as much as eating good food. He enjoys the outdoors especially going for a run. Henry can also wind down with a book featuring a hobbit or two.