PHYSIOTHERAPY | EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY | OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY | HAND THERAPY | FCA |
Meet Our Incredible TEAM
NICHOLAS LEITCH
SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
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.
Nick provides quality care that makes a significant difference to his clients' well-being. 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 hobbies like playing the piano, running, and cycling. These activities contribute to his physical well-being while offering him 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, including those seeking a paediatric physiotherapist on the Bass Coast, helping them overcome physical challenges and achieve their full potential.
CLAIRE MCSHANE
Senior Physiotherapist
Claire is a senior Physiotherapist at Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre, part of the Gippsland Physiotherapy Group, 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 vital role physiotherapy, including services like those at Wonthaggi Allied Health Care, plays across every stage of recovery.
Claire has a strong clinical interest in neurological rehabilitation and loves the challenges of helping people regain their independence and quality of life. Her approach is rooted in 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 way to stay active and balanced. Claire is excited to bring her experience and energy to our local community through this private practice on the Bass Coast.
LUCAS NEALE
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
B.OccTher (Hons.), Monash University
Lucas is a dedicated occupational therapist with advanced training in hand and upper limb rehabilitation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from Monash University in 2021 and began his career at a busy hand therapy clinic on the Mornington Peninsula, where he developed strong clinical expertise in treating conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
While hand therapy remains his primary area of knowledge, Lucas works with clients across all areas of Occupational Therapy. He provides functional capacity assessments, equipment prescription, minor home modifications, and paediatric support, including a focus on the needs of clients referred to Wonthaggi Allied Health Care. His special interests include wrist injuries, neurological rehabilitation, and handwriting assessments.
Lucas consults at Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, offering home visits on other days by appointment. For those seeking specialized support from Lucas on the Bass Coast and Surrounds to book an appointment with Lucas, please contact our team.
EMMA GERVASI
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
B.OccTher Monash University
Welcome to the team Emma. Emma has recently come onboard with the team here at WAHC. Emma is an Occupational Therapist who is experienced in the OT field.
Emma enjoys having students and providing supervision to other OT's.
In Emmas spare time, she loves spending time with her family, getting crafty, enjoys good food and listening to music.
Emma is available for in-clinic and home/school visit appointments Monday through Friday.
BETH BARRETT
Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AES)
Beth graduated in Exercise Physiology from Deakin University in 2021. Since then, she has been part of several private practice clinics, including the Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre, working with a diverse array of clients. Beth has gained valuable experience in treating conditions related to musculoskeletal rehabilitation, injury prevention, athletic development, strength and conditioning, as well as managing neurological and metabolic conditions.
Passionate about helping clients achieve their fitness goals through exercise—whether in the gym, on the reformer, or out on the sporting field—Beth is dedicated to her work. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, running, and spending time at the beach.
HONEY MONARES
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Introducing Honey to the Wonthaggi Allied Health team! Honey is a Physiotherapist with over 5 years of experience in both private and public hospital settings in the Philippines. Her extensive background includes inpatient and outpatient care, acute and post-surgical rehabilitation, as well as community-based physiotherapy services. She has a strong interest in neurological rehabilitation, particularly working with patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. She also enjoys treating chronic low back pain using a hands-on, client-centred approach that combines manual therapy and exercise-based rehabilitation tailored to each individual’s goals.
Known for her warm and supportive nature, Honey is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, heard, and empowered throughout their recovery journey.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, photography, and watching anime. Honey is excited to bring her experience and compassionate care to the local community through Wonthaggi Allied Health Care's private practice.
CANDICE LEITCH
Director | Registered Nurse (RN)
Candice is the Director of Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre, also known as part of the Gippsland physiotherapy group in Wonthaggi. As a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Aged and Community Care, Candice has effectively managed aged care facilities across Australia. She assists these facilities with preparations for accreditation and funding maximisation, ensuring optimal support for the aged care sector. Recently, she has been providing one-on-one support to clients with complex care needs in the community. In recognition of her efforts, Candice received HESTA’s Emerging Leader Award for 2015 during the aged care industry awards. Her passion for education and training drives her commitment to ensuring that all team members at WAHC are provided with opportunities to upskill. Education, professional development, self-reflection, and personal growth are vital for providing the highest quality of care to clients.
Candice manages supports for a diverse range of WAHC clients, both young and old. In addition to her role at WAHC, she works with NDIS participants as a Nurse. She also delivers clinical support to aged care facilities, ensuring compliance with the Aged Care Standards. Candice has a special interest in palliative care and aged care.
In her spare time, Candice enjoys quality moments with her husband, Nick, and their three daughters. She is also an active athlete, enjoying running, swimming, and Pilates.
KAILA WINTERS
Admin Team
Kaila is one of our fabulous reception team members at Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre. As a vital part of our admin team, Kaila serves as your first point of contact at Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre. She ensures everything runs smoothly at the front desk and behind the scenes, drawing from her previous experience as a Dispensary Technician and Allied Health Assistant.
In her spare time, you can usually find Kaila 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 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, ready to assist you with all your needs including connections to services like Wonthaggi Allied Health Care and paediatric physiotherapy for those on the Bass Coast.
KATE LEITCH
Admin Team
Admin Team Kate currently works part time on reception at Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre 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 Wonthaggi Allied Health Care 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 a full-time carer for her husband and is the mum to three 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 she even 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!
AMBER FERGUSON
Booking Link for all SERVICES
Physiotherapy, Hand Therapy, Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy, Functional Ex. Groups, Pilates and so much MORE