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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Muhammad Zain (Zain) – Physiotherapist
With over 7 years as the Head Practitioner and Physical Therapist at Shifa International Hospital, I have gained extensive experience in managing complex cases and leading a dedicated team of healthcare professionals. My role involved not only providing high-quality patient care but also developing treatment protocols and enhancing service delivery.
In addition to my hospital experience, I own a private clinic in Pakistan, where I focus on personalized rehabilitation and wellness strategies. This dual experience has enriched my clinical skills and allowed me to stay at the forefront of physiotherapy practices.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy hunting, geocaching, and cooking. Hunting connects me with nature, while geocaching offers fun outdoor exploration. Cooking allows me to experiment with flavours and create nourishing meals. These hobbies enrich my life and enhance my focus and determination, which I bring into my practice to support my patients’ health and recovery.
Jude Obetta – Physiotherapist
Jude has a strong passion for helping patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. He has developed a keen interest in exercise programmes, manual therapy techniques, and education on proper posture and movement techniques. His approach to physiotherapy is centered around empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery and he strives to create a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters growth and independence. When working with clients, he emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and treatment plans to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals.
Nabira Izhar – Physiotherapist
Nabira is a dedicated physiotherapist with over 8 years of experience, specializing in orthopaedic manual therapy. She is passionate about helping patients recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve their physical function through personalised treatment plans and advanced mobilisation techniques. With a strong focus on injury prevention and patient education, Nabira is committed to empowering individuals to lead healthier, pain-free lives. Outside of work, Nabira loves to enjoy traveling and exploring new places
Sham’unu Abdu – Physiotherapist
Sham’unu is a highly motivated and experienced physiotherapist with over 7 years of hands-on clinical practice. His primary focus has been on treating patients with musculoskeletal and neurological injuries to enhance their quality of life. Proven expertise in manual therapy, exercise prescription, rehabilitation planning, and evidence-based practice. He is passionate about continuous learning, research, and professional development, with a strong background in mentoring students and junior physiotherapists Outside of clinical obligations I enjoy spending time outdoors with his family.
Kylie Karakia – Contract Coordinator
Kylie comes from a vast working back ground ranging from the NZDF to beauty therapy, hospitality, private carer and administration work. She enjoys meeting new people and working within a team. Kylie moved with her family to Matamata 11 years ago which they now call home. She likes being active and starts the day with some form of exercise. She enjoys constantly learning about our bodies through fitness, wellness and health and how our bodies are constantly evolving.
Patty Maxfeild – Administrator
Being welcomed into the Physio Direct group is an addition of what I love to do.
From completing my Banking and Finance roles, after 18 years I then branched out into Real Estate Sales. Challenging as it is, it is also very rewarding for all parties involved. This career involves many aspects being sales, being able to communicate well, achieve positive results and always have a Duty of Care to others. The ability to listen and learn to contribute to achieving goals has always been a priority for me.
The administration role is a great contribution to be successful and this I hope to fulfil within the team at Physio Direct.
Mpho Manyelo – Physiotherapist
Mpho (Mm-poor) is from South African where he has worked in a state hospital for 7 years. He is very passionate about sports related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. He is very dedicated to his work, very energetic and always willing to learn to get best results for his patients. Mpho has also worked with a professional soccer team as well as cricket, provincial netball, and hockey teams at various events . He believes that hard work always pays off and there is no better payment than seeing a patient smile again after a successful rehabilitation. His move to New Zealand is highly motivated by his passion for sports injuries and he wants to pursue master’s degree in this area. Outside of work, he is an experience marathon runner, soccer player and loves cycling too.
Fareha Zeb – Physiotherapist
Fareha is a friendly and passionate physiotherapist with over 8 years of experience helping people move better and feel stronger. With a Master’s degree in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, she combines hands-on care, tailored exercise, and education to get her patients back to doing what they love as quickly and safely as possible. Fareha believes that recovery should be empowering, motivating, and focused on restoring confidence in every step of the journey.
With a strong focus on patient education and long-term wellbeing, she empowers individuals to take an active role in their recovery and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Outside of work, Fareha’s lively personality shines through in her love for exploring new experiences and connecting with people
Ernest Anikwe – Physiotherapist
Ernest is a highly skilled Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic Physiotherapist with over 15 years of progressive clinical, academic, and leadership experience across tertiary hospitals, private practice and community care. Before joining Physio Direct, Ernest was the Clinical Director and Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Premier Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic, where he leads clinical operations and delivers advanced first-contact physiotherapy services.
Ernest holds a master’s degree in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy). His numerous certifications in professional development includes but not limited to advanced manual therapy, kinesio-taping, spinal rehabilitation, musculoskeletal disorders, infection control and related areas. Ernest is committed to advancing physiotherapy practice, improving patient outcomes, and promoting evidence-based, person-centred care.
Saeeda Taj – Physiotherapist
Saeeda is a dedicated and experienced Physiotherapist with over 10 years of clinical experience, graduating in 2015 and completing her Master’s degree in Physiotherapy in 2017. She has worked in a variety of hospital and clinical settings, including Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, and Neurology, giving her a well-rounded approach to patient care.
Saeeda’s main area of expertise is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, where she focuses on accurate assessment, personalized treatment plans, and helping patients return to pain-free movement and daily activities. She also served as a teaching and clinical instructor, supporting the education and development of future physiotherapists.
Outside the clinic, she enjoy travelling, cooking, and reading which reflects her warm and balanced approach to life and patient care.
Alex Son – Physiotherapist
Alex is originally from Korea and a graduate of AUT. He focuses on communication with patients and providing individualised care in a comfortable and supportive environment. Alex has a strong interest in pain management and has completed additional massage training, which he integrates into his physiotherapy practice to deliver effective and gentle treatment. Outside of work, Alex enjoys baseball, table tennis, Pilates, and gym training, and he is passionate about helping patients better understand their bodies and actively participate in their recovery.
Maddie Pronovost – Physiotherapist
Maddie is originally from the United States graduating with a Doctor of Physiotherapy. She has worked as a travel physio over the past 4 years in 5 different states across multiple settings including hospital based acute/sub acute care, nursing home, private practice, home health and paediatrics. She has treated people with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, and has a soft spot for treating people with balance and gait deficits. She loves being a physiotherapist because it allows her to work with people of all ages and backgrounds improve their health and wellbeing.
When not in the clinic, she enjoys staying active through hiking, swimming, cycling and running, as well as exploring the culture of the places she lives through food, museums and historical exhibitions.
Alex Prevatt – Physiotherapist
I’m Alex, a physiotherapist from Trinidad and Tobago. I got my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the United States and have experience working with all different types of patients there and in Trinidad in private, home, hospital and gym-based settings. I place a lot of value on caring for my patient as a whole person, and combining this with an evidence-based approach to achieve the best results possible. Outside of work I am an avid reader and fan of games of all types, but also love to explore new places and try new foods wherever I go.
Lehley Mkhomazi – Physiotherapist
Lehley (Leck-lee) is a South African qualified physiotherapist with experience across a range of rehabilitation areas. She has a holistic, patient-centered approach, combining physical and psychological principles to support recovery. She has worked with orthopaedic, neurological, paediatric, musculoskeletal, ICU, and chest patients, providing post-operative care, early mobilisation, and evidence-based treatment. She is passionate about helping patients regain mobility, independence, and confidence, while continuing to grow as a well-rounded clinician and making a meaningful impact in their lives.
Outside of the clinic, Lehley enjoys spending time in nature, reading, photography, and playing chess.
Sven Kirchner – Physiotherapist
Sven is a physiotherapist, biokineticist, and sport scientist dedicated to helping you recover from injury and optimize how your body moves. His approach combines hands-on treatment—including dry needling and manual therapy—with tailored exercise programs to address a wide range of muscle and joint concerns.
He focuses on identifying the root cause of movement restrictions to build a plan that fits your specific lifestyle and goals. Whether you’re looking to return to the sports field or simply want to improve your daily mobility, his priority is providing clear, effective care to help you reach your best physical health.
When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll likely him me out on the local trail running routes or on the hockey turf, so he truly understand the importance of staying active and performing at your peak.