Team Members
Derek Timmins, BHSc. (Physiotherapy), Reg. Phys. Acup., MPNZ
Principal Physiotherapist
Acupuncturist
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Derek graduated from his physiotherapy degree at AUT University in 2000. Following his interests in acupuncture he completed a further two years of study to become a Registered Physiotherapy Acupuncturist and is the current President of the Physiotherapy Acupuncture Association of New Zealand. Derek is also a guest lecturer on the Post Graduate Certificate in Western Acupuncture at AUT University.
Derek has worked in Private practices in Hamilton, Sydney and since 2005 in East Auckland, where he is also a Principal Physiotherapist at Pakuranga Physiotherapy and Marina Physio. Derek uses his skills in mobilisation, manipulation, acupuncture and exercise prescription to help clients return to pre-injury health and improve function.
Derek is a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist credentialled by Dr Melissa Davidson (Specialist Physiotherapist). He can treat incontinence and pelvic pain as well as other pelvic health conditions. Derek is a member of NZ Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Group, Continence NZ and the International Continence Society.
Derek is also certified with the Titleist Performance Institute as a Golf Fitness Instructor to help golfers reduce injury risk and improve their swing.
Outside of work, Derek enjoys watersports, spending time with his family and playing guitar and mandolin.
Joanna Cook, Diploma of Physiotherapy, MPNZ
Principal Physiotherapist
Acupuncturist
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Jo graduated from Otago School of Physiotherapy in 1989. She has worked in private practices both within and outside NZ as well as owning her own private practice in Northland.
Jo began working for Pakuranga Physiotherapy in 2000 and is now one of the Principal Physiotherapists there.
With 20 + years of experience, Jo treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions with special interests in acupuncture, chronic pain and dance injuries. She is also a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist specialising in the treatment of incontinence and pelvic pain. She is a member of NZ Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Group, Women’s Health Training Associates (Australia) and Continence NZ.
Outside work hours Jo enjoys spending time with her family, travel, cooking and jogging.
Natalie Taylor , BHSc (Physiotherapy), MPNZ
Physiotherapist
Natalie graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) from Auckland University of Technology. She has had experience in different areas of physiotherapy including working with patients with various musculoskeletal conditions, post-surgery and alongside sports teams. Natalie thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to work with patients from the time of initial diagnosis through rehabilitation to improved health outcomes.
Outside of work, she spends her free time exploring the outdoors, camping and spending time with friends and family
George Knowles, BHSc (Physiotherapy), MPNZ
Physiotherapist
George completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy through AUT. George is passionate about a variety of sports, having worked with the Auckland University Rugby Club U21 team. He has experience in working with post-operative patients as well as working alongside other health professionals. George has a personal interest in strength training and exercise prescription to help patients achieve their goals.
Outside of work, George enjoys spending time at the gym, playing basketball and spending time with friends and family.
Carolyn Steele
Receptionist
Carolyn lives locally in Northpark, having previously lived in Bucklands Beach. She has been a patient of the Pakuranga clinic over many years and now enjoys being on the other side of the desk, providing efficient and friendly service to our patients.
Outside of work Carolyn enjoys all sport, playing tennis and supporting family in their sporting endeavors.
Kerry Sweetman
Receptionist
Kerry is a vibrant, friendly face who welcomes you when you visit Pakuranga Physiotherapy. She has been working with us since 2003 and has been a very helpful and valued employee.
She originally lived in Howick but has recently moved out to a lifestyle block in Bombay where she is designing a garden out of a paddock. Her main interests are interior design, organic gardening, chalk painting of furniture, entertaining, latin american dancing and line dancing.
Naomi Low
Receptionist
Naomi brings over a decade of experience in customer service, with a particular interest in design and fashion. Naomi now enjoys being part of a team working to support the health and wellbeing of our patients in Pakuranga.
Naomi is a local mum with two young children keeping her busy. Naomi’s interests include reading, films, music, design, and outdoor adventures with her family.
Wendy Wood
Receptionist
Wendy brings 40 years of experience in secretarial and customer service. Wendy lives in Beachlands and works in both our Pakuranga practice and the Beachlands practice.
Wendy has 14 grandchildren so someone always needs babysitting on weekends!
Alyssa Timmins
Receptionist
Alyssa lives locally in Pakuranga and occasionally also works at the Marina clinic. Alyssa enjoys getting to know our patients and creating a comfortable environment for them.
Outside of work Alyssa enjoys going for walks with her puppy, playing guitar, and watching films.
Vanessa Gibbs
Receptionist
Vanessa has a background includes a wide variety of administration and customer services roles across the banking, motor industry and other sectors including call center work. I have previously worked in public relations, advertising, marketing management and accounting fields. Working to my strengths means I now prefer Reception work -I love the people contact, using my communication skills and finding solutions.
I currently work a regular shift at our Pakuranga clinic, but I also do some casual cover for our Marina and Beachlands Physio clinics when needed.
I have been living in East Auckland with my partner for over 15 years and we have 3 adult children, one of whom works as a Physio at the Beachlands Physio Clinic.
My interests include health, travel, art, reading and gardening and recently I joined Friends of the Botanical Gardens for access to their Art Group– a great pairing of two of my interests. My love of travel and improving my fitness are both essential for enjoying tramping through the amazing flora and fauna of NZ.