PHYSIOTHERAPY | DIETETICS | HAND THERAPY (OT) | EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
About Us
NICHOLAS LEITCH
Adult & Paediatric Physiotherapist (BSc, MPT, MAHCP Paediatric Physio)
Nick Leitch is a highly skilled and compassionate physiotherapist with an impressive 14 years of experience in the field. Specialising in both paediatric and adult care, he has dedicated his career to improving the lives of his clients through his expertise and personalised treatment approach.
Nick's passion for helping children led him to complete a Masters of Healthcare Practice in Paediatric Physiotherapy in 2018, further honing his skills in this specialised area. His commitment to excellence is evident in his achievement of being a titled member of the Australian College of Physiotherapists as an APA Paediatric Physiotherapist, a recognition of his exceptional knowledge and proficiency.
Aside from his professional accomplishments, Nick is a devoted family man with three beautiful daughters. Balancing his career and personal life, he finds joy in spending quality time with his loved ones. In his leisure time, he indulges in his hobbies, which include playing the piano, running, and cycling. These activities not only contribute to his physical well-being but also provide him with a creative outlet and a sense of fulfillment.
With a wealth of experience, a strong educational background, and a genuine love for his work, Nick Leitch continues to make a positive impact on the lives of both children and adults, helping them overcome physical challenges and achieve their full potential.
CLAIRE MCSHANE
Senior Physiotherapist
Claire is a senior Physiotherapist at Wonthggi Allied Health Centre who joined the team in October 2024.
With over 10 years of experience in public health, Claire has had the privilege of working across a wide range of settings in regional and rural Australia – from acute and subacute care to outpatient services. This journey has given her a deep appreciation for the role physiotherapy plays across every stage of recovery.
Claire has a strong clinical interest in neurological rehabilitation and loves the challenges and rewards of helping people regain their independence and quality of life. Her approach is built on teamwork, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
Outside of the clinic, you’ll most likely find Claire at the beach—surfing is her go-to for staying active and balanced. Claire is excited to bring her experience and energy to our local community through this private practice
LUCAS NEALE
Hand Therapist (OT)
Lucas is an occupational therapist with specialist training in upper limb rehabilitation. A “hand therapist” is a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who is specialised in the assessment and treatment of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
A hand therapist provides treatment in many ways. These may include custom splinting, exercise prescription, provision of assistive technology, and education around ergonomics and joint positioning.
Lucas’s special interests include wrist injuries, neurological rehabilitation, and handwriting assessments.
Lucas will be consulting with Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre on Fridays; if you would like to book an appointment with him please contact us.
TANITA BOW
Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AES)
Tanita Bow is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a passion for helping patients achieve their health and fitness goals. She holds a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and completed her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at ACU in 2024. Tanita is available in-clinic Monday to Friday, offering in-clinic appointments, hydrotherapy sessions, and home visits.
She has extensive experience working with a wide range of patients across paediatrics, Pilates, sub-acute care, community health, and private practice. Since joining WAHC in 2020, Tanita has contributed as an Allied Health Assistant and as a reception/admin manager, showcasing her dedication and versatility.
Outside of work, Tanita enjoys staying active through running, netball, Pilates, and swimming. She cherishes time spent with her partner Ben, her Golden Retriever Laz (who occasionally visits the WAHC clinic), as well as her friends and family.
E: ahp@wonthaggialliedhealth.com.au
BETH BARRETT
Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AES)
Beth graduated Exercise Physiology at Deakin University in 2021 and since then she has worked in multiple private practice clinics seeing a wide variety of clients. Beth has experience treating clients for musculoskeletal rehabilitation and injury prevention, athletic development, strength and conditioning, neurological and metabolic conditions.
Beth is passionate about assisting clients reach there goals through exercise whether that be in the gym, on the reformer or out on the sporting field. In her spare time Beth enjoys swimming, running and spending time at the beach.
E: ahp@wonthaggialliedhealth.com.au
EVLINE FRANCO
Accredited Practicing Dietitian
Evline is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who graduated with a Master of Dietetic Practice from Australian Catholic University. She specialises in chronic disease management, heart disease, weight management, and general healthy eating.
Evline is passionate about translating the science of nutrition into practical, everyday strategies that empower her clients—whether it's managing a medical condition, navigating food intolerances, or building a healthier relationship with food.
Outside of work, Evline enjoys exercising and spending time with her family and friends.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 5672 1487
KASEY HERRINGTON
Allied Health Assistance | Administration
Introducing Kasey. Kasey has worked here at WAHC since early 2023 in various roles. Currently, Kasey is our Allied Health Assistant. Kasey is currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science at ACU.
Kasey leads active ageing classes, hydrotherapy sessions and provides personalised care to one-on-one clients. Driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact on individuals' well-being, Kasey is committed to building a rewarding career in the field of allied health and helping clients reach their health goals.
Outside of work, Kasey loves staying active and spending quality time with friends and family.
Sophie Whiteside
Massage Therapist
Sophie is dedicated to helping you move with confidence. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) from RMIT, equipping her with a thorough understanding of how the body functions and heals. Sophie integrates this knowledge into her massage therapy practices. To further enhance recovery and holistic wellbeing, Sophie provides dry needling, cupping, and therapeutic massage, laying the foundation for more advanced manual therapies.
Outside of work Sophie enjoys snorkelling along coastal reefs, chocolate treats, and planning her next adventure.
Sophie is available in clinic on various days to work around a changing studying schedule. Book online to see her available appointments or call the clinic today.
E: ahp@wonthaggialliedhealth.com.au
CANDICE LEITCH
Director | Registered Nurse (RN)
Candice is Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre's Director. Candice is a Registered Nurse with experience in Aged and Community Care. Candice has experience in managing aged care facilities, assisting aged care facilities Australia wide with preparing for accreditation, assisting with funding maximisation for aged care facilities Australia wide and recently providing 1:1 support to clients in the community with complex care needs. She won HESTAs “Emerging Leader award for 2015” for the aged care industry awards. Candice is passionate about education and training, ensuring all team members here at WAHC are given every opportunity to upskill. Education, professional development, self-reflection and personal growth are important in ensuring our team are providing the best care to their clients.
Candice is responsible for managing supports for a range of WAHC clients, young and old. Candice also works as a Nurse with NDIS participants. She also provides clinical support to Aged Care Facility assisting them with ensuring compliance against the Aged Care Standards. Candice is passionate about palliative care and aged care.
In her spare time Candice enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick and three daughters. She also is a little athlete, enjoying running, swimming and Pilates.
KAILA WINTERS
Admin Team
Kaila is one of our fabulous reception team members. Kaila is an important member of our admin team. Kaila is your first point of contact at Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre. She keeps things running smoothly both at the front desk and behind the scenes and has previously worked in roles such as Dispensary Technician and Allied Health Assistant.
In her spare time, Kaila can usually be found curled up with a good book, or playing her favourite video games with her cats by her side.
You'll find Kaila on the reception desk Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
KATE LEITCH
Admin Team
Kate currently works part time on Reception and has been a familiar face for many long term clients for over 7 years in this role. Kate has also filled a Support Worker role at other times. As part of the family she has a versatile ability to apply herself to everything from helping visitors to the clinic feel welcome and comfortable to cleaning duties and mowing the clinic lawns.
When she is not in the clinic Kate fulfills a role as full-time Carer for her husband and is mum to 3 lively boys and the family dog Chaplin. Her interests are varied but she's an animal lover through and through and a country girl at heart. It is her passion to help people and assists her neighbours in taking care of their properties, particularly in seaside Cape Paterson.
You'll find her happiest with her family, working on a craft project or cuddling a horse and spending time with her dog. Life is better having a laugh and being someone's sunshine!