Ashley obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Auckland. She has gained experience working with a range of conditions, including cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurological, and cancer. Ashley is dedicated to helping individuals improve their physical function and overall quality of life through personalised, evidence-based exercise prescription.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys staying active through sports such as netball and squash and gym workouts (while also coaching at BFT), as well as spending quality time with her family and friends.

Brandon completed a Master of Health Science degree at Massey University, Wellington in 2013, in which he investigated the effects of exercise on vascular health in Stroke survivors. Brandon continued to be heavily involved in various research projects and lectured in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Prescription and Sports Nutrition.

Brandon managed a stroke rehabilitation clinic at Massey University and has developed extensive knowledge of neurological disabilities in addition to his work with physically disabled and visually impaired clients.

Brandon is an avid mountain biker and surfer, who can often be found riding the many trails located around the Wellington region, or in the waters of Lyall Bay. He is also always keen to talk about cricket!

Caitlin graduated from Otago University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Science, majoring in Exercise Physiology with honours. She has extensive experience working with patients with chronic health conditions and illnesses including cancer, mental health and musculoskeletal injuries.

Caitlin is a strong advocate of ‘knowledge is power’, Caitlin goes above and beyond to empower her clients and ensure they have a complete understanding of the what, why and how. She also has an in depth understanding of the role an engaging and integrative health model can have on the long term health outcomes for anyone.

Fun fact: She is a social butterfly who hates silence, 5 seconds of silence to Caitlin feels like 5 hours but she is working on it

Cara has worked in the rehabilitation and physical training industry for the last six years, completing a Master’s in Health Science with Distinction along the way. She has predominantly specialised in musculoskeletal condititions – particularly chronic pain and injuries that have been deemed advanced or “tricky” to solve – and has also worked with a variety of other special populations from cardiovascular conditions through to high level sport performance.

Her passion for helping people with chronic and life changing conditions stems from her own chronic back injury that she sustained from a significant BMX crash thirteen years ago.

While she still enjoys riding bikes, Cara has a newfound love for hiking in the hills with her dogs. She is a social, positive, and active person who loves life and the people around her.

Gary completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Johannesburg in 2008 and his postgraduate studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2010. He founded and led his own private biokinetics practice for eight years, specializing in professional athletes, musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation, neuromuscular rehabilitation, and exercise programs for managing chronic diseases.

Relocating to Hamilton in 2023, Gary completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science with distinction, and has worked for Specialised Health since

Passionate about sports and competition, Gary is dedicated to helping clients enhance their physical abilities and overcome psychological barriers to progress. With an empathetic, warm, and patient approach, he supports clients through key phases of their journey toward achieving their goals.

When not helping clients, he’s probably drinking far too much coffee—it’s his secret to staying energized!

Natalie graduated with an Honours degree in Biokinetics in 2012 from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She worked as an Exercise Physiologist for 10 years in South Africa before immigrating to New Zealand in 2022.

Natalie has a strong background in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and working with special populations, including those with neurological, autoimmune, and metabolic conditions. She is particularly passionate about working with older adults and has seen firsthand how Exercise Physiology can have a significant positive impact on mental health. Natalie focuses on small, sustainable changes that lead to lasting improvements, helping individuals regain their physical well-being and quality of life. Through personalised exercise prescriptions and one-on-one support, she helps clients return to an active lifestyle.

A random fact about Natalie: she’s a mom of two little girls, loves to run, and stay active. In 2017, she completed her longest distance, running the Comrades Marathon (87 km). She also played college tennis on scholarship in Austin, Texas from 2005 to 2009.

In 2014, Sam received an Honours Degree in Physical Activity, Exercise and Health from the University of Wolverhampton, England. Since then, he spent 8 and a half years as a Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Practitioner, firstly working in the British National Health Service, then progressing to General Manager of a Charitable Organization.

Throughout Sam’s career, he has been involved with research into the effect of early intervention of individualised exercise programs on an acute exacerbation of COPD or Pulmonary Fibrosis, and separately into the most effective exercise routines for patients suffering from Post Viral Syndrome (Long Covid). After these experiences, He has become a strong believer that exercise is for all, no matter your barriers to participation or severity of condition.

People would describe Sam as a patient, understanding and empathetic individual who would go out of his way to ensure the best service is provided.

Tessa has been immersed in the health and fitness industry for over a decade and began her career as an Exercise Physiologist after completing her master’s degree in 2017. Her master’s research focused on chronic fatigue syndrome, specifically assessing the physiological response to exercise in this population. This sparked a lasting passion for working with invisible illnesses, where she aims to empower individuals to navigate their unique challenges through tailored approaches.

Tessa’s philosophy is grounded in functional training, prioritising movement that directly enhances a person’s ability to do all the things that make life meaningful—work, family, or recreation. She is also deeply invested in the role of exercise in  preventing chronic disease; assisted by a background in education, she is on an added mission to educate everyone she works with (and anyone who will listen really!).

Fun fact: She’s in the top 0.1% of Eminem listeners worldwide and no matter how hard she tries, he’s always her #1 artist.