Team Momentum
Canberra’s bracing and support specialists
ABOUT US
Momentum’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
Nigel FreemanDirector, Prosthetist and Orthotist
Nigel Freeman
Director, Prosthetist and Orthotist
Born and raised in Canberra, Nigel was a schoolboy sprinter until injury brought him in contact with the world of physiotherapy. Interested in finding out more, Nigel pursued a work experience placement with a local physiotherapist, and it was here that he discovered prosthetics. Nigel moved to Melbourne to study a Bachelor Degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics at La Trobe University, graduating with honours in 2008.
Nigel returned to Canberra to work at The Canberra Hospital, and began his own bracing company in 2010 to provide postural supports for the medical imaging industry. Nigel’s main areas of interest include sports prosthetics & orthotics, complex orthotics, paediatrics and rehabilitation.
Away from work, you will find Nigel training for triathlons, where he has recently represented Australia at the World Championships.
Nigel is the ACT representative on AOPA’s National Representative Council, the peak body of the Australian Prosthetic and Orthotic industry.
Richard GowardDirector, 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.
Toby ConroySenior Physiotherapist
Toby Conroy
Senior Physiotherapist
Toby aims to ensure his approach to physiotherapy and injury management is functional and holistic. With a strong background in rehabilitation, skill development and an interest in lower limb injuries, along with his experiences as a semi-professional footballer, Toby is passionate about getting people back to their optimal fitness and health.
Prior to gaining his physiotherapy qualifications through the University of Canberra, Toby spent six years as a teacher in Melbourne where he taught primary and secondary school physical education and health.
Toby has provided sports coverage for AFL Canberra competitions, the Canberra Raiders Cup and the John I Dent Cup and has been physiotherapist for the Australian Combined States U20 rugby union team. He also holds qualifications in sports physiotherapy (APA levels 1 and 2), neuromuscular dry needling and a level 1-2 kinesio taping.
Our resident Aussie rules footballer, Toby has played for Sandringham and Frankston in the Victorian Football League, as well as the Queanbeyan Tigers 2012 NEAFL premiership team. Currently, Toby plays with his hometown club of Leeton in the Riverina Football League in country New South Wales.
Anne FreemanPhysiotherapist
Anne Freeman
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.
In 2008 Anne moved to Albury to study a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University. Graduating in 2011, Anne returned to Canberra to work at ACT Health as a physiotherapist. It was here that Anne developed her interest in neurological and amputee rehabilitation. Anne has worked in various rehabilitation settings including inpatient ward rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation, transitional hospital to home rehabilitation and insurance rehabilitation as a rehab provider. Anne’s interest in rehabilitation includes stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, motor neurone disease and many other neurological conditions. Anne is particularly interested in high level neurological and amputee rehabilitation, including the return to running and sport.
In her spare time, Anne enjoys running and cycling around Canberra or heading off to the coast. Her two small children also keep her busy.
Marcus EdwardesPhysiotherapist
Marcus Edwardes
Marcus has a caring and holistic approach to physiotherapy whilst aiming to maximize people’s health, fitness and mobility. He has a keen interest in lower limb and shoulder sporting injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, mental health, and chronic pain. Prior to gaining his Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Canberra, Marcus worked in the public service and was a former competitive tennis player. He is a committed yoga and Pilates instructor and loves the physical and mental health benefits from yoga, surfing, rock climbing, and movement culture.
Megan HallPhysiotherapist
Megan Hall
Physiotherapist
Megan moved to Canberra from Leeton, NSW, in 2012 to study a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Sports Coaching. Once completed, Megan worked with ACT Health as a physiotherapy assistant. In 2017, Megan returned to University of Canberra to complete her Masters in Physiotherapy.
Megan has a passion for neurological physiotherapy, and she gets a lot of satisfaction and pride out of helping people achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Megan loves to run, especially with her fur-baby, Tully, keeping her company.
Adele AndersonOccupational Therapist
Adele Anderson
Occupational Therapist
Adele completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy), Hons, in 2003 from the University of Sydney. Since moving to Canberra, she has worked across a range of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, community mental health, and workplace rehabilitation. Most recently, Adele has enjoyed the challenge of assisting people with a range of disabilities to address barriers in the workplace through provision of modifications and equipment under the Job Access scheme.
Adele enjoys the variety that comes with being an occupational therapist and problem-solving to find strategies to improve the quality of life for her clients. She believes in developing collaborative partnerships, with clients and families leading service providers.
Outside of work, Adele’s three boys and the challenge of a large vegetable garden and orchard on her property keep her busy.
Nick KershawPhysiotherapist
Nick Kershaw
Physiotherapist
Nick completed a Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Sydney, majoring in human anatomy and movement sciences. It was here that Nick found his passion for enabling people with injuries and impairments through rehabilitation. He moved to Canberra in 2014 to study physiotherapy at the University of Canberra, and gained experience working as an aged care physiotherapist and private practitioner.
Nick has a strong interest in the body’s nervous system, particularly its functions, dysfunctions and neurological conditions. He is a qualified dry needling physiotherapist, integrating it into interventions to maximise outcomes for clients.
As a clinician, Nick strives to understand abilities and disabilities in all dimensions, and pushes to enhance function and improve quality of life for all of his clients. His holistic person-centred approach to physiotherapy means he seeks to treat the whole person as an individual, understanding that every person is different and that there is no ‘one size fits all’ model.
In his free time, you’ll find Nick exploring Canberra’s great culinary scene with friends, and keeping active at the gym or hiking up mountains. He is an avid apiarist, a keen international traveller, and loves cooking up a feast for friends and family to share in his home.
Jasmine YinOrthotist Prosthetist and Technician
Jasmine Yin
Orthotist Prosthetist and Technician
Jasmine joins the Momentum team as a Orthotist Prosthetist and Technician. She recently moved to Canberra after working as an Orthotist Prosthetist up in sunny Townsville. 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 and graduated with Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics in 2017 . She enjoys seeing clients and assisting them with their ongoing management and assisting them to achieve their goals. She takes pride in the devices she supplies and works closely with individuals to ensure that their needs are accommodated and supported.
Jasmine leads an ecofriendly lifestyle and enjoys staying active through yoga and Pilates.
Jeshi-Samy ShinasiOrthotist Prosthetist
Jeshi-Samy Shinasi
Orthotist Prosthetist
Jeshi was born and raised in the Western suburbs of Melbourne. With a strong passion for sports, he decided to pursue studies in the area of exercise prescription, performance and rehabilitation. Throughout his studies and experience, Jeshi worked closely with local sporting clubs, elite/sub-elite athletes and work place injury rehabilitation providers. This eventually led him to discovering the world of prosthetics and orthotics. He graduated from LaTrobe University with a Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics in 2017. Throughout his studies, Jeshi spent time working in Adelaide and Melbourne, where he was able to gain extensive experience in both acute and chronic orthotic management, dealing with complex neuromuscular conditions as well as pre and post-surgical management. Jeshi also spent time working in Cambodia, assisting with the provision of prosthetic services in a developing world setting. This further reinforced his passion for improving the quality of life for people in the community by means of orthotic and prosthetic provision.
Jeshi enjoys music, sport, training at the gym, running and fishing on his boat.
Vanessa CarydiasOrthotist Prosthetist
Vanessa Carydias
Orthotist Prosthetist
Vanessa joins the team at Momentum as a Prosthetist and Orthotist. Growing up in the bushy outskirts of Melbourne with a passion to work in Allied Health, Vanessa commenced studying towards her Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics and Bachelor of Applied Science straight out of high school. Prior to joining the Momentum team, Vanessa worked clinically in Melbourne as well as Leeds in the United Kingdom. Vanessa’s clinical interests lie in lower limb orthotic and prosthetic management, but her passion for innovative practice drives her to explore all aspects of this clinical specialty.
Outside of work Vanessa enjoys being creative, bushwalking and spending time by the ocean.
Jade PatonMarketing Coordinator
Jade Paton
Office Manager
Jade joined the Momentum team in 2016. Jade has extensive experience in administrative support across the medical and financial industries, and is also qualified in remedial massage therapy. After completing her degree in communication and advertising she is now our marketing guru. Outside of work Jade enjoys the beach, keeping fit, travelling and being a foodie.
Sarah SloanPractice Manager
Sarah Sloan
Practice Manager
Sarah moved from Coolamon NSW to join our team in December 2019, bringing extensive experience in medical administration experience and a huge passion for customer service.
Sarah has a love for travel and adventure and recently worked as a waterski instructor in Canada. Sarah also enjoys playing netball and when she isn’t on the court, you will find her spending quality time with friends and family.
Gracie ThomAdministration
Gracie Thom
Administration
Gracie has a background in personal training, bringing an understanding of client services and support to her administrative role. Gracie has strong family values, and loves spending time at the gym and on the volleyball court.
Zoe SilecAccounts Manager
Zoe Silec
Accounts Manager
Zoe is a qualified bookkeeper and has experience in administration and finance in both Government and private sectors.
Zoe was born in England and moved to Canberra as a young child. She enjoys walking, candlemaking, and spending time with her grandchildren.