Darren Dal Zilio

APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist

Darren graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor in Physiotherapy in 2017 where he began his career at SportsMed NQ. Darren’s passion for sports and physiotherapy started from a young age, having played over 13 years of football (soccer) around his home region; FNQ. Darren’s playing career took a back seat when he started pursuing physiotherapy roles in sport. He has worked with the Northern Fury FC, North Queensland United FC, Football Queensland, MA Olympic FC and the Townsville Fire WNBL. Currently Darren is working with the NRL Officials team. Darren is also completing a Masters of Sports Medicine, the next step to become a title sports physiotherapist.

Darren also holds qualifications as an ASCA strength and conditioning coach and a Level 2 SMA Sports Trainer. Darren is always looking to improve his knowledge and has completed CPD involving dry needling, sports, the shoulder and the spine. He also spends time mentoring our newer physiotherapists and assists with our internal PD structures.

Darren has a keen interest in sports related injuries, acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions and post-operative rehabilitations. His main aim is to decrease time lost due to injury.

Jaimee Mather

Physiotherapist

Jaimee grew up in the Atherton Tablelands, before moving to Townsville in 2018 to study at James Cook University. She finished her studies in 2021 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, after completing placement in Townsville, Cairns, Atherton and Emerald. Jaimee joined SportsMed NQ in 2022 as a new graduate, and has since gained valuable experience and skills while working with the team. Jaimee enjoys running, playing netball, and spends her spare time reading, gardening and exploring new places. Jaimee has a particular interest in hand and wrist rehabilitation, as well as managing ankle and other lower limb conditions. She has also completed her dry needling qualification, a Pilates introductory course, and plans to further her studies in hand therapy, as well as other areas.

Sophie Watson

Physiotherapist

Sophie has been a valued member of our team since 2022. Sophie is a Townsville local and completed her studies at James Cook University. Her passion for musculoskeletal physiotherapy was sparked by her early involvement in club and representative basketball and netball. More recently, Sophie has found a keen interest in CrossFit which has further developed her drive to help people recover from sporting injury and return to optimal function.

Sophie also has experience within the hospital setting in orthopaedics and rehabilitation. Sophie has completed her dry needling certification, and is a qualified clinical Pilates instructor in both Matwork and Reformer Pilates which she teaches at our Core Movement NQ clinic.

Sophie is committed to delivering professional and holistic treatment across the lifespan tailored to your unique needs.
*Available for bookings on Tuesdays

Christopher O’Dempsey

Physiotherapist

Chris graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has a keen interest in treating musculoskeletal, sporting and post-operative injuries. Having grown up in Townsville, Chris played a range of sports including hockey, swimming and rowing, and is an avid rugby league supporter. Chris is also an active member in the Townsville sporting community, having provided coverage for local soccer, netball and AFL, alongside working as a high school rowing coach since 2017.

Devon Pegoraro

Physiotherapist

Devon graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2023, and joined SportsMed NQ. Born and raised in Townsville, her interest in physiotherapy sparked from involvement in representative netball and oztag from a young age. She has also had the opportunity to work alongside a local AFL and Gridiron team, as well as netball and touch carnivals, which has developed her interest particularly in rehabilitation of sports related injuries. In Devon’s spare time, she enjoys keeping active, playing oztag, spending time with family and friends, playing with her dog Laika, and travelling near and far.

Parth Jamb

Physiotherapist

Parth graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has a passion for treating musculoskeletal and sporting injuries. Growing up in Townsville, Parth has played a variety of sports including AFL, touch and cricket. He is currently involved with the Gold Coast Suns Academy as well as the Ignatius Park College First XIII team. Parth has also had the opportunity to provide coverage for local rugby league and rugby union competitions. In Parth’s spar time he enjoys golf, running, fishing as well as travelling.

Lucinda Smith

Physiotherapist

I’m Lucinda, and I have recently started at SportsMed NQ Townsville. I graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and I’m excited to pursue a career in private practice. Originally from Mackay, I moved to Townsville in 2021 to pursue my studies.

My passion for Physiotherapy grew from my experiences as a junior representative basketball player, where I sustained a few injuries and became intrigued by the role physiotherapist play in recovery. I am interested in all areas of Physiotherapy, particularly sporting injuries, women’s health and neurological conditions.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, staying active, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Henry Vella

Physiotherapist

I recently graduated from James Cook University with a particular focus on sports rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, and the management of joint and soft tissue injuries. I am committed to delivering evidence-based, individualised care to support my patients in achieving their health and functional goals.

Nathanael Taviringana

Exercise Physiologist

Nathanael grew up in Mackay and decided to move up to Townsville to study at James Cook University. In 2020, Nathanael graduated with a bachelor of exercise Physiology and joined the team at SportsMed NQ. Nathanael is a strong believer that movement is medicine for ALL ages of life and believes in its importance for physical, mental and social well-being.

Nathanael enjoys working with a wide range of clients with varying conditions, however he has a particular interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, assisting those with sporting injuries, pre and post-operative rehabilitation, chronic conditions and injury prevention. Nathanael is also a pilates and hydrotherapy instructor allowing him to utilise these modalities as part of treatment.

Linda Pinker

Exercise Physiologist

Linda graduated from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane in 2009 and soon after made her home in Townsville, where she has thrived ever since. Originally from New Zealand, she is a fiercely loyal North Queenslander.

A passionate advocate of all things movement related, Linda is an avid runner with a diverse background in various ball sports, both round and oval, big and small. She is dedicated to promoting the numerous benefits of physical activity, and you can often find her running, cycling, or swimming around the beautiful landscapes of Townsville.

Linda has a particular focus on Parkinson’s Disease, leading PD Warrior classes at our clinic on Bayswater Road. She also offers individualised sessions and home visits, ensuring personalised support for her clients. In addition, Linda instructs pregnancy hydrotherapy, high-intensity hydrotherapy classes, and our unique hydrolates class—Pilates in the pool—making her a versatile and committed health professional in the community.

Sarah Bell

Exercise Physiologist

Sarah has over 25 years experience in the exercise rehabilitation industry. She founded Dynamic Rehabilitation in 2000 and held various roles including occupational injury management and exercise facilitation for the Mater Hospital’s DVA PTSD program and Stage II cardiac rehabilitation in Townsville. Sarah also attained her QLD teacher registration and worked in a supply role for various primary schools in the local region.

Since 2013, Sarah has been part of the SportsMed NQ physiotherapy team, specialising in clinical exercise physiology for chronic disease and injury rehabilitation. In 2016, she established Sportsmed NQ’s MoveWell program for breast cancer. Her areas of special interest and further training include osteoporosis, falls prevention, exercise oncology, Parkinson’s disease, hydrotherapy, clinical pilates and health and wellbeing coaching.

Degrees:
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Science) RMIT (1995)
• Graduate Diploma Education (Middle years) QUT (2008).

Lia Johnson

Exercise Physiologist

Lia completed her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology here in Townsville at James Cook University, and became a member of the SportsMed NQ team in August 2024. Lia is passionate about aging strongly to maintain function, create strong bones, and healthy muscles as we age, as well as falls prevention. Lia is a firm believer in the use of exercise as medicine and in the application of exercise for physical and mental health and social interaction. Lia is currently completing training in PD Warrior an exercises program for slowing progression and management of Parkinson’s Disease.

Debora (Debbie) Lewis

Remedial Message Therapist

Debbie delivers treatments for remedial, deep tissue, relaxation, pregnancy, sports massage, TMJ dysfunction, hot stones and Indian head massage.

Debbie is an experienced massage therapist and holds a Diploma of Remedial Massage and is health fund registered and a member of the Association of Massage Therapists. Debbie specialises in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction and headaches. TMJ dysfunction may include jaw pain, clicking, clenching of the jaw, neck and shoulder pain to mention a few. Debbie’s massage treatments are designed to help reduce pain and discomfort whilst improving movement. Hot stone massage is also offered to allow heat to radiate to deeper muscle tissue and Indian head massage incorporates hot stones, a scalp massage and finishes with a face massage. This stimulates circulation and may assist any sinus sufferers.

In Debbie’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and travelling both overseas and in Australia.

Mark Thurlow

Message Therapist

Hi, I’m Mark, I have been a Remedial Massage therapist for over ten years.

I have always had a keen interest in keeping people mobile and active, starting from a young age, due to my father having Polio as an infant. The hot towel and massage therapy administered to my father meant his muscles were kept from deteriorating, resulting in only partial loss of movement in one arm. Having also worked in aged care, and support work, I see the importance of keeping mobile, to give independence and purpose in life.

The first course I completed was in Swedish Massage in 1995, which I enjoyed sharing with friends and family. I then went on to complete a diploma in Remedial Massage in 2013.

I welcome the opportunity to assist people through many forms of massage including sports, deep tissue, trigger point, and relaxation, to achieve optimum movement and mobility. My services complement physiotherapy and exercise physiology treatment for a multidisciplinary approach. I also encourage self-maintenance with stretching, yoga, reformer Pilates, and exercise.

Gardening and Reformer Pilates take up most of my free time, I also enjoy having regular massages, to treat my lower back pain, stemming from my labour of love in the garden. I look forward to assisting you in achieving your goals for health and wellbeing

Sheena Smith

Practice Manager

With over 20 years of experience in business administration, I thrive on creating efficient and effective practices that drive success. My professional journey has been guided by a commitment to “taking the time to make time,” ensuring that every moment spent in the workplace contributes to meaningful outcomes.
Outside of work, I enjoy watching WWE wrestling and cherish quality time with my family, adding a touch of fun and balance to my busy life. I believe in the importance of blending professionalism with personal passions, making me both a dedicated manager and an engaged community member.

Kristen

Receptionist

Since 2013, Kristen has been part of the SportsMed NQ team, bringing passion and experience to her role. She is always striving to support and inspire the best in others. Outside the office, Kristen loves spending quality time with family and friends, whether its camping or immersing herself in nature.

Jasmine

Receptionist

Jasmine is passionate about fitness and creativity. She thrives on the energy from CrossFit workouts and enjoys competing for the thrill of it. When Jasmine is not in the gym, you can find her embracing her artistic side during girls’ craft days. Jasmine is also an avid reader and proud member of the SportsMed NQ book club, where she dives into new stories and shares thoughts with fellow book lovers. Balancing strength, creativity, and a love for literature keeps her life exciting and fulfilling.

Jessie

Receptionist

Jesse started her journey with SportsMedNQ in January 2024 while pursuing Speech Pathology studies at James Cook University. She loves engaging in conversations with patients and colleagues. When Jesse is not at her desk, she enjoys running, traveling, and baking, along with spending quality time with her family.

Phoebe

Receptionist

Phoebe is a medical student who has a passion for fitness, books and a good chat. As a founding member of the SportsMed Book club, when she is not immersing herself in their latest book sensation, you will find her hitting the CrossFit gym.