The Family Physio Team
Welcome to Family Physio, where your well-being takes centre stage. Our philosophy revolves around a holistic approach to health, considering every facet of your life to deliver comprehensive care. We delve beyond just physical condition, examining exercise routines, sleep habits, dietary choices, hormonal balance, and the pressures of personal and professional life.
As a combined team, we prioritise open communication and collaboration to develop tailored solutions for our clients, utilising all of our skillsets. With a collective experience of 88 years, we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every session.
In your journey towards wellness, our dedicated Physiotherapists engage in open dialogues with you, exploring potential lifestyle adjustments that could enhance your overall quality of life. We are committed to empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions, supporting your long-term health and vitality.
Our mission is simple: to ensure you and your loved ones can continue participating fully in the activities you cherish, be it sports, family outings, or everyday adventures, for years to come. Join us on this journey towards a healthier, happier you.
NICOLE
Senior Physiotherapist
Nicole serves as the Director of Family Physio and Pregnancy Physio, specialising in spinal and pelvic injuries, and women’s pelvic health. Nicole also speaks Afrikaans, bringing this to the practice.
With over six years of experience as a senior physiotherapist focused on chronic and complex pain management, Nicole is dedicated to empowering her clients to reach their optimal wellness. Her background in exercise coaching and sports provides a unique perspective, allowing her to address the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process.
Nicole believes in treating each individual as a whole person, tailoring comprehensive care to their specific needs and aspirations. Leveraging her extensive expertise in complex injuries, she ensures that every client receives personalised attention aimed at enhancing their strength and vitality.
Beyond her professional work, Nicole is also an accomplished triathlete. After just three years in the sport, she has completed all distances — from sprint and standard triathlons through to Ironman. In 2025, Nicole became the 25–29 age group World Champion in Long Course Triathlon, and has since qualified for the prestigious Ironman World Championships in Kona. She is also set to represent New Zealand at the World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong. Her drive, discipline, and high-level athletic performance directly inform her work as a physiotherapist, especially when supporting athletes and active clients.
Nicole finds daily inspiration in her role as a devoted mother to two daughters, who fuel her passion for excellence in every area of life. In her spare time, she enjoys triathlon, skateboarding, snowboarding, and rock climbing.
With a decade of experience in strength and conditioning coaching, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice, striving to empower each client on their journey to improved health and well-being.
DARKO
Senior Physiotherapist
Darko is a versatile professional specializing in General Musculoskeletal (MSK) concerns and strength and rehabilitation coaching. Fluent in Serbian and Cortina, Darko is not only dedicated to his profession but also serves as a devoted husband to Nicole and a proud father to two beautiful daughters.
With a profound appreciation for the significance of maintaining physical fitness for the well-being of his family, Darko is driven by a passion for assisting others in achieving their fitness aspirations and leading healthier lives.
As an advocate for movement and the transformative power of exercise, Darko views himself not just as a coach but as a supportive partner on your journey towards personal strength and improvement. Drawing from his extensive knowledge and experience, he specializes in transforming weaknesses and injuries into strengths, empowering individuals to excel in their daily activities.
Darko’s caseload predominantly involves addressing injuries to the knees, feet, hips, shoulders, and related concerns. Having undergone multiple ACL and meniscus surgeries himself, and undergone rigorous rehabilitation, Darko intimately understands the challenges and triumphs associated with overcoming physical obstacles.
Outside of the clinic, Darko is actively engaged in various physical activities such as gym workouts, rock climbing, running, surfing, and participating in basketball tournaments.
With six years of experience as a physiotherapist, Darko is committed to providing personalized care and guidance to help individuals reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
KATE
Senior Physiotherapist
Kate is a seasoned professional specialising in General Musculoskeletal (MSK) concerns, with a particular focus on headaches and migraines. Fluent in Korean, Kate brings over a decade of experience to her role at Family Physio, where she serves as a pillar of expertise in various areas crucial for holistic well-being.
Equipped with a post-graduate degree and a genuine passion for the Papamoa Community, Kate is renowned for her ability to identify and address underlying issues, guiding her patients through their most challenging health obstacles.
A significant portion of Kate’s practice revolves around common musculoskeletal issues such as neck pain, shoulder discomfort, headaches, and vertigo. With a tailored approach, she works closely with clients to alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Clients seek out Kate from across the Bay Area due to her unwavering dedication to their recovery. Witnessing the tangible relief and progress her patients experience under her care fuels Kate’s passion for physiotherapy and reinforces her commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.
In addition to her work with musculoskeletal issues, Kate also specialises in managing headaches, migraines, aiding in surgical rehabilitation, and addressing complex pain conditions. Her comprehensive approach ensures that each client receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
With 17 years of experience as a physiotherapist, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice, making her an invaluable asset to the health and well-being of her patients.
EVELYN
Senior Physiotherapist
Evelyn is a Senior Physiotherapist with 10 years’ experience in General Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues and specialises in maternal birth injuries, women’s and men’s pelvic health, and pessary fitting.
Evelyn has a postgraduate diploma in Pelvic Health Physiotherapy from Brazil and a postgraduate diploma in MSK from AUT. With a decade of experience as a pelvic health specialist, she excels in addressing a wide range of conditions and treatments, such as Maternal Birth Injuries, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Bladder and Bowel control issues, Pelvic Pain conditions and Pregnancy-related complaints. She is always prioritising her patients’ comfort and recovery.
Fluent in English and Portuguese, Evelyn ensures seamless communication with her diverse clientele, reflecting her commitment to providing personalised care.
Evelyn’s genuine warmth and infectious energy create a welcoming environment, particularly during challenging moments, putting her patients at ease. In her leisure time, she immerses herself in the world of literature, finding solace and inspiration in fiction and self-awareness books. She also embraces the beauty of New Zealand through exploration and hikes with friends and her partner, nurturing her passion for nature and personal fulfilment. With a perfect blend of professional excellence and personal passion, Evelyn epitomises the essence of a well-rounded healthcare professional, dedicated to both her patients’ well-being and her own growth and fulfilment.
JESSIE
Physiotherapist
Jessie recently graduated in late 2024 and has a strong academic background in sports medicine, having completed an honours research paper on adolescent sports concussions. Jessie is fluent in both Mandarin and the Taiwanese dialect, making her a great fit for our diverse community.
Jessie is passionate about helping people get back to doing what they love most. She combines manual therapy and exercise techniques to create a tailored approach for each patient. Her goal is to ensure that every person she works with feels genuinely cared for and supported during their journey to recovery.
Outside of work, Jessie enjoys staying active with social badminton, nurturing her vegetable garden, and spending quality time with family and friends—whether it’s through board games or cooking together.
AIMEE
Physiotherapist
Aimèe is a passionate physiotherapist with experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, helping people move better, recover well, and feel their best. She has a strong interest in Pilates-based rehabilitation and sports injury management, and brings valuable hands-on experience working as a physiotherapist for rugby, sevens, and football teams.
To support her clinical practice, Aimèe has completed further training in:
- Dry Needling
- Sports Trauma Management
- Physio-led Pilates
Outside the clinic, Aimèe lives an active lifestyle herself. She enjoys running, going to the gym, and practising Pilates, which gives her great insight into movement, performance, and recovery.
SAMANTHA
Practice Manager
Originally from Australia, Sam trained as a remedial therapist before spending 20 years running her own massage business across Spain and the UK. She moved to Papamoa with her Kiwi husband four years ago to be closer to family—and soon became part of the Family Physio whānau as a client!
Introduced to strength training by Nicole (now a bit obsessed), Sam naturally stepped into the role of Practice Manager at the start of the year. She loves supporting our physio team and connecting with our amazing community.
Outside of work, you’ll find her cooking with seasonal produce, reading, swimming laps with her husband, or off on road trips to find beautiful trees.
JEN
Receptionist
Meet Jen – the friendly face at our front desk!
Jen brings over 27 years of experience working in chiropractic practices across the UK and New Zealand, where she’s been an office manager, receptionist, and all-around organiser extraordinaire.
She has a genuine passion for health and natural wellbeing, and loves helping people reach their health goals. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her running her Airbnb, serving up smiles at her gelato business, and enjoying life by the beach.
What Jen loves most about Family Physio? “The people — it feels like a family, with everyone supporting each other. And the patients are just great!”
INDU
Senior Physiotherapist
Indu is a Senior Physiotherapist with a focus on General Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues and specialised training as a PINC & STEEL Cancer Rehab Therapist. Fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, Indu brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her practice, enhanced by her post-graduate degree.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Indu is a proud mother and happily married, adept at balancing her personal life with her unwavering dedication to helping others regain their health and mobility.
At the core of Indu’s approach is client empowerment through education. She is deeply passionate about enhancing her clients’ understanding of their injuries, discussing comprehensive treatment and management plans, and providing personalized exercise regimens for self-management.
In addition to her general practice, Indu has completed specialised training in PINC & Steel Therapy, enabling her to offer tailored care and support to cancer patients. She is committed to helping individuals navigate the unique challenges of their cancer journey with compassion and expertise.
Through her holistic approach and steadfast commitment, Indu endeavours to make a meaningful impact in the lives of her clients, promoting healing, resilience, and overall well-being.
With 12 years of experience as a physiotherapist, Indu continues to demonstrate her dedication to excellence in patient care and rehabilitation.
KOBUS
Business Manager
Introducing Kobus, the Director and Business Manager of Family Physio. Alongside his daughter, Nicole, they proudly own and oversee operations, driven by a shared commitment to serving their community with excellence.
With a keen eye on the horizon, Kobus is always exploring ways to enhance their services and offerings, ensuring Family Physio remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
As a family, Kobus and Nicole treasure the warm embrace of their cosy boutique Physio nestled by the beach. Their love for Papamoa radiates through their work, as they express gratitude for the incredible community they call home.