Team Momentum
Canberra’s bracing and support specialists
ABOUT US
Momentum Sports & Rehab’s services began in 2012, offering local support to the nation’s top amputee athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra. From a small suburban garage, we began manufacturing and developing running “blades” for junior and development athletes involved with Athletics Australia’s elite running programs.
Our clinical expertise and care have driven demand beyond the sporting arena, and we’re proud to extend our range of services and treatments to the wider community. We combine only the most effective treatments with the same responsive, efficient and innovative care that our business was founded on.
OUR VALUES
To promote the health and well-being of our community through the improvement of the function and mobility of our clients. To provide client focused services that are multidisciplinary, high quality and efficient and enable clients to achieve their goals of physical and social function.
To improve the health and wellbeing of our community through the delivery of high quality, efficient and progressive health care services.
To provide high quality, client focussed care that is delivered respectfully, efficiently and effectively.
OUR TEAM
Director, Prosthetist and Orthotist
Nigel Freeman
Director, Prosthetist and Orthotist
Nigel Freeman graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics with Honors in 2008. He worked 6 years in clinical prosthetics and orthotics followed by undertaking 18 months of Project Management and service planning in the public health care sector. He developed the Lymphoedema Services Plan for ACT and contributed towards the planning of services at the University of Canberra Hospital prior to its construction.
Nigel started his first sole trader business in 2010. In 2015 Nigel Co-founded Momentum Sports and Rehabilitation Services and then Momentum Health Technologies in 2017. Along with the rest of the team, this has brought about a new approach to allied health services and implemented advanced digital technologies to a range of services.
Nigel’s continued vision is to see an increasing availability of innovative allied health services in more remote locations, including a greater inclusion of Prosthetics and Orthotics in these services.
In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his wife and children. If it fits in, you will see him running, for fitness, and occasionally competing in local triathlons.
Director, Prosthetist and Orthotist
Richard Goward
Director, Prosthetist and Orthotist
Richard grew up in Canberra, and was exposed to the world of sports prosthetics while still a student at school. This sparked an interest that remains to this day. Following completion of his qualifications, Richard returned to Canberra and took up work at The Canberra Hospital. In 2010 he began volunteering his time at the Australian Institute of Sport and worked closely with some of the world’s top amputee sprinters.
In 2012, Richard started Momentum from his home garage to offer local support to Canberra’s amputee runners. Richard now provides prosthetic care for some of Australia’s top paralympic athletes across a range of sports. Other areas of interest include paediatrics, complex orthotics, and prosthetic rehabilitation.
In his spare time, Richard enjoys exploring Canberra’s amazing network of mountain bike trails. Richard is also a member of the AOPA National Education Delivery Council which provides educational materials and events for members of the national association.
Physiotherapy and Neurological Team Lead, Senior Physiotherapist
Anne Freeman
Physiotherapy and Neurological Team Lead, Senior Physiotherapist
Born and raised in Canberra, Anne grew up competing in Athletics and Cross Country running. Through injury, Anne came into contact with the world of physiotherapy. It was during these times that Anne developed an interest in the human body and decided to become a physiotherapist.
Anne graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor in Physiotherapy in 2011. Anne has experience in a range of settings including public health, private, rehabilitation and as a rehabilitation consultant.
Anne’s interest in rehabilitation includes amputee, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Motor Neurone Disease, and anything neurological. Anne also has experience working with microprocessor knees in both prosthetic and orthotic equipment.
Anne has been pivotal in assisting transformational rehabilitation in a number of individuals, leading to outcomes which have been nationally recognised in the media. In late 2020, Anne transitioned into a leadership role leading a small team of neurological physiotherapists. Since then, Anne’s team has grown to include other areas of physiotherapy, neurological occupational therapy and allied health assistants.
In her down time, you might catch Anne going for a run or spending time with her husband and 2 small children.
Senior Physiotherapist
Megan Hall
Senior Physiotherapist
Megan moved to Canberra in 2011 to complete her degree at the University of Canberra. Following her completion, Megan worked within ACT Health as a Physiotherapy Assistant before transitioning over to the role of Physiotherapist.
Megan has a passion for working predominantly in the neurological rehabilitation aspect of physiotherapy and her interests in rehabilitation includes traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Megan also has the capacity to treat clients with musculoskeletal injuries.
Megan has specific qualifications in being able to run programs such as LSVT BIG, GLA:D and MS Get a Head Start Programs. She holds a level 1 Dry Needling qualification and is proficient in needling both the neurological and musculoskeletal populations.
Megan’s current working days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Physiotherapist
Dominic Malouf
Physiotherapist
Dom is passionate about sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. He previously played competitive rugby union, rugby league and basketball from a young age. This gives Dom an understanding of the demands and concerns athletes have when recovering from an injury.
Dom previously worked with multiple sports teams including: Gold Coast Suns, Gungahlin Eagles Rugby, Daramalan Rugby, UC Stars Basketball Club and ACT Junior Rugby representative teams. Through these experiences, Dom has developed a special interest in postoperative rehabilitation, shoulder, knee and ankle/foot injuries.
As a part of his interest in providing the best care for people suffering with musculoskeletal injuries, Dom has completed the APA Level One Sports Physiotherapy and Levels One and Two Dry Needling courses. Dom uses the skills and knowledge gained every day to give his clients the best outcome.
On his weekends, Dom enjoys watching all sports, but especially his beloved Raiders, Brumbies and Swans. He also enjoys spending time at the NSW South Coast and fishing with mates.
Physiotherapist
Elliott Dodd
Physiotherapist
Elliott moved from country NSW to Canberra in 2017 to complete his degree at the University of Canberra. Following several sporting injuries growing up, and subsequent physio rehab to get him back on the field, he began to develop a passion for helping other people achieve similar goals.
Elliott now prefers working predominantly with the neurological population and rehab aspect of physiotherapy. Eager to take on anything neurological, his interests include Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Elliott remains quite active and is passionate about lower limb musculoskeletal injuries and continuing his interest in this area. Elliott has recently completed the MS Get a Head Start Program and is always looking to grow his knowledge and experience.
Outside of work, Elliott spends his time in the gym, tearing up the soccer field or cruising through the ‘twisties’ on his motorcycle.
Physiotherapist
Chrisy Richardson
Physiotherapist
Originally hailing from Melbourne, Chrisy holds a Master of Physiotherapy from the University of Canberra. Previous experience working with NDIS participants in the sporting arena, and experiencing sporting injuries of her own led Chrisy to pursue a career in Physiotherapy.
Chrisy is passionate about neurological rehabilitation. She has particular interests in amputee, spinal cord injury, motor neuron disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury rehab; but is eager to take on anything neurological.
Chrisy gained experience as a Physiotherapy Assistant whilst completing her studies. She has previously volunteered with Disabled Wintersport Australia both as a guide for participants and as a trainer for new volunteers. Her interest in Para Snowsports have led her to undertake training to become a Para Snowsports Medical Classifier with Snow Australia.
Outside of work, Chrisy enjoys all things outdoors, whether that be snowboarding, hiking, or mountain biking.
Senior Occupational Therapist
Lauren Rutzou
Senior Occupational Therapist
On the weekends she enjoys exploring parks with her young family and is an avid coffee drinker.
Senior Orthotist Prosthetist
Jasmine Yin
Senior Orthotist Prosthetist
Jasmine is an Orthotist Prosthetist with experience in public and private sectors. She grew an interest in the industry after needing to see an Orthotist as a child and pursued her education at LaTrobe University in Melbourne, graduating with a Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics in 2017 .
She has a strong interest in paediatric orthotic and prosthetic management and is passionate about empowering her clients through education. Her experience further expands to orthotic management of complex adult neurological presentations. Jasmine takes pride in the devices she prescribes and supplies and works closely with individuals, their families and carers to ensure that their needs are heard, accommodated and supported.
Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys staying active and teaching her cats new tricks.
Orthotist Prosthetist
Sarah Ivey
Orthotist Prosthetist
Sarah was born and raised in Wagga before moving to Melbourne to complete a Masters in Prosthetics and Orthotics at La Trobe University, graduating in 2020.
Sarah is passionate for working with both paediatric and adult clients and is extremely motivated to provide care and assist those with various conditions or disabilities in improving their quality of life and wellbeing through the fabrication and fitting of great devices.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys, running and socialising with friends and family.
Orthotist Prosthetist
Rachael O’Connor
Orthotist Prosthetist
Rachael was born and raised on the sunny Gold Coast, QLD and moved to Melbourne, VIC to attend La Trobe University to complete her Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Rachael has since moved to Canberra to continue her passion and career of helping others achieve their goals. She is passionate for working with both paediatrics and adults in extensive prosthetic and orthotic care. Rachael is highly motivated to continue to learn the new advancing technologies to ensure she can provide the best evidence-based patient-centred care to her clients. Rachael loves being able to work with clients and provide assistive devices that enable them to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
In her spare time Rachael enjoys staying fit and active through playing team sports such as touch football, going to the gym and exploring the hiking trails throughout Canberra. Additionally, she also enjoys baking for her friends and family.
Allied Health Assistant
Zoe Kneebone
Allied Health Assistant
Zoe was born and raised in Melbourne. She moved to Canberra to pursue a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra. Zoe has found working with clients as an allied health assistant incredibly rewarding and is passionate about assisting clients to improve their mobility and general wellbeing. Outside of work she enjoys playing netball, having coffee with friends and supporting her beloved Carlton footy club.
Allied Health Assistant
Csenge Keszei
Allied Health Assistant
Csenge is a student at the University of Canberra studying her Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Her role as an Allied Health Assistant, has allowed her to learn from and explore many unique situations. Csenge is focused on helping people mobilise and reach their goals.
She enjoys staying active by going on bike rides, to the gym and participating in boxing sessions. In her free time, you can find her buried in a book with a bubble tea by one of Canberra’s lakes.
Allied Health Assistant
Harvey Hazlehurst
Allied Health Assistant
Harvey was born and raised in Canberra. He has completed his Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance at the Canberra Institute of Technology, after realising that he wanted to make a career out of helping people achieve their rehabilitation and fitness goals. To further this, he has also decided to undertake a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra, commencing at the start of 2024, which he is very excited about.
When not working, Harvey loves going for walks with his 4-year-old groodle called Steve, weightlifting, and having lunch with his grandma at various cafes.
Allied Health Assistant & In Motion Footwear Fitting Assistant
Kate Starkis
Allied Health Assistant & In Motion Footwear Fitting Assistant
Kate was born and raised in Canberra. She started her career as a Registered Nurse in Sydney before moving overseas to Thailand and Taiwan, where she worked for 15 years. Kate has worked on many Community Development projects, which include; installing water filtration systems and bathrooms in remote villages, rebuilding homes after the 2004 tsunami and implementing a scholarship program which allowed disadvantaged children to finish high school and access further education. Kate has always had a passion for helping people get the best access to health care.
Following her return to Australia, Kate worked in a pedorthic clinic helping people with difficult-to-fit feet, find the right orthopaedic shoes. Currently, Kate is helping to set up our newly opened In Motion Footwear fitting service, whilst also finding time to assist clients with their physical therapy programs.
Kate is a mum/step mum to 5 kids, ranging in ages 4-24 years old. She is also a newbie cattle farmer and chook lover.
Practice Manager
Alison Connors
Practice Manager
Alison grew up on the Mid North Coast of NSW and after completing her apprenticeship as a Chef, travelled and worked across Australia, the U.S. and Canada in hospitality, sales and management roles before finally settling in Canberra in 2013.
Ali has spent the past 8 years working in early childhood education, nurturing children aged 6 weeks to school age. Outside of work Ali enjoys spending her time with her family, cooking, gardening, creating macrame art, walking and skiing.
Ali has joined our team in the new role of Practice Manager. She will work to improve our processes and service provision approach so that we continue to provide the best care possible.
Executive Assistant
Brianna Simmons
Executive Assistant
Brianna was born and raised in Canberra, with small stints of residency in Sydney and Melbourne in between. Brianna has completed her Certificate IV in Administration and enjoys furthering her experience through administrative positions.
Brianna joined Momentum in 2021 as a trainee, working as the main receptionist. Early 2022, Brianna became the Physiotherapy Clinical Coordinator and continues to grow.
Out of work, she enjoys catching up with friends and being with family.
Administrator
Rosie Wayland
Administrator
Born and raised on the Central Coast of NSW, Rosie moved to Canberra in August 2022. She has completed a Bachelor of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences at Macquarie University and has worked in various roles in the allied health sector. She enjoys spending time with her friends, cooking and bushwalking. In her spare time, she is looking forward to exploring all Canberra has to offer.
Administrator
Hannah Whiting
Administrator
Hannah was born and raised on the NSW south coast and moved to the USA for 2 years after completing year 12. Following this she resided to Canberra in 2016 where she followed her passion for Women’s Health, working as the administrative team leader in the maternity and gynaecology sector of the Canberra Hospital. After this she worked as a legal secretary and started studying her Bachelor of Nursing.
In her spare time, Hannah enjoys playing footy, going to the beach and spending time with her family and friends.