What is your role at Flinders?
I am a Lecturer in Physiotherapy (Teaching Specialist) based in Renmark in the Riverland region. I teach across the Bachelor of Allied Health degrees, which means I get to work with not only physiotherapy students, but also future occupational therapists and speech pathologists. I enjoy helping students from different disciplines learn and develop the skills they’ll need in their future careers.
Why is it important to bolster the number of locally trained healthcare workers in regional/rural communities?
As a Riverland local who has worked across a range of healthcare settings, I’ve seen first hand the impact that workforce shortages can have on both healthcare professionals and the people who rely on our services. I can’t remember a time when a lack of allied health professionals wasn’t affecting access to care in our community.
That’s why it’s so important to train healthcare professionals locally. Students who study in the regions develop a genuine understanding of the communities they serve, the challenges people face and the strengths that make regional communities so special.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing local students given the opportunity to study close to home, remain connected to their families and communities, and build careers locally where we need them. It gives me great hope that we’re developing a workforce that is not only skilled but invested in the long-term health and wellbeing of our region.
Outside of work I…
I’m a boy mum to Oscar and Ziggy and wife to Jack. Much of our family time revolves around outdoor sports and activities, which I love. I enjoy exercise, especially running, cycling and lifting weights. And in my spare time you’ll usually find me in the garden.
What do you enjoy about working at Flinders?
I love teaching local students as they develop their professional identity and clinical skills within our region. It’s incredibly rewarding to help address the local healthcare workforce shortage and to play a small part in training the next generation of physiotherapists.
Working at Flinders has provided me with opportunities to grow professionally, challenge myself and develop as an educator. I enjoy sharing my experience and passion for physiotherapy, and I hope to inspire my students as they begin their own careers.
I often joke with my students that one day they’ll be part of my rehab team when I inevitably fall off my bike!
Who do you look up to and why?
Too many to name! My parents and grandparents have taught me the importance of hard work, resilience and connection. I’m also inspired by local GP Dr Corina Sims, who has made an incredible contribution to empowering women in our region and beyond through her podcast Opt to Thrive.
More broadly, I admire ambitious women who back themselves, overcome challenges, and inspire others by sharing their passion, knowledge and expertise.
Tell us about your favourite holiday.
Ten years ago, before we had kids, Jack and I spent a year backpacking around Europe and working in London. We visited 22 countries, learnt so much and had some incredible adventures. I loved travelling by train and the anonymity of being away from home.
We ate great food, enjoyed street music and immersed ourselves in different cultures. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that broadened my perspective and created amazing memories.