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.

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.
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.
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.

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.

Tobi Agbolade – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Tobi Agbolade – Physiotherapist

Tobi is a Nigerian from South Africa. He aspires to develop professional expertise in the physiotherapy field with strong interest in sports, MSK, orthopedics and cardiopulmonary. Has the ability to work in a dynamic environment and is willing to acquire new knowledge. He takes pride in delivering effective treatment to people, educating and prescribing self management exercises that are patient specific to return people back to performing their activities of daily living with outcomes achieved.

Outside work, he enjoys playing and watching football, gym, cooking and spending time outdoors.

Aasma Basharat – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Aasma Basharat – Physiotherapist

Aasma is a dedicated and compassionate Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with over nine years of experience in the field. Her professional journey has equipped her with the skills to successfully treat patients with a wide range of complex orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Holding a master’s degree in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy, she is adept at providing expert care for a diverse array of complex cases, including post-operative orthopaedic patients, those with degenerative conditions, those experiencing chronic pain, and self-referred patients.

Aasma has two young girls, full of energy that otherwise keep her busy when she is not at work.

Benish Shahzadi – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Benish Shahzadi – Physiotherapist

Benish graduated as a physiotherapist in 2017 and completed her Masters in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy in 2020. She has moved to New Zealand in 2023 with her husband and lovely son of 2 years old. She holds various international certifications and has experience in differential diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pains. She has a firm belief in manual therapy and exercise programs to improve functional outcomes and addressing pain. She has a passion for treating various sports related injuries including rugby, netball, hockey, squash and golf. She also enjoys treating the older population taking into consideration lower limb strength, balance and proprioception issues to reduce the risk of falls and prolong independence.  She has a range of clinical experience and believes in the holistic approach in treating her patients.

Outside of work, Benish loves travelling and exploring New Zealand’s beauty.

Isaac Yagobu – Physiotherapist - Physio Direct NZ

Isaac Yagobu – Physiotherapist

Isaac is a motivated and passionate physiotherapist who graduated in India and spent a year working in private practice. Isaac mostly focused on geriatrics and enjoys bringing a smile to his patients at the end of treatment. He then moved to the United Kingdom and completed his Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Medicine. Isaac began his career in UK as a specialist MSK and offender health physiotherapist in prisons, hospitals and primary care networks across London and Kent for the past 1.7 years. Isaac has a particular interest in working with MSK and orthopaedic conditions and always adopts a person centred approach and tailors treatment plans based on the needs of the patients. Outside of work, Isaac enjoy spending time with his lovely wife. Isaac loves an active lifestyle and frequents the gym and the outdoors. Isaac also enjoys watching football and cricket.