Meet the team
at SAVVY

We are a community!

SAVVY is headed up by experienced clinicians with a passion or making a positive impact on the ives of their clients. 

We offer a personal approach to maximise outcomes. At SAVVY, our focus is to ensure movement is accessible to all. We really get to know you, we find out what is important to you, and how we can best support you to achieve your goals.

Leadership team

Joanne Buchan

Clinical Director

Angela Saville

Health and Wellness Director

Clinical Team

Jo Carroll

Physiotherapist

Kayla Hay

Senior Physiotherapist

Tegan Lloyd

Physiotherapist

Rosemary Reglar

Physiotherapist

Matthew Reynolds

Physiotherapist

Taryn Ruiz

Physiotherapist

Mark Hoyle

Physiotherapist

Katrina Mott

Physiotherapist

Liam Storey

Osteopath

Isaac Collins

Exercise Physiologist

Sophie Dahl

Exercise Physiologist

Amy Callaghan

Speech Pathologist

Margaret Berrigan

Occupational Therapist

Janaya Gurtner

Occupational Therapist

Garath Frame

Podiatrist

Dean McGregor

Podiatrist

Nyree Saxby

Allied Health Assistant

Cooper Walker-O'Loughlan

Allied Health Assistant

Joden Wilson

Allied Health Assistant

Recreation Team

Jade Burke

Movement Therapist

Felicity Carolan

Movement Therapist

Bridie Cutifani

Movement Therapist

Karen Egan

Movement Therapist

Kurt Freeme

Movement Therapist

James Graham

Movement Therapist

Olivia Hicks

Movement Therapist

Mark McCarthy

Movement Therapist

Nikki McCarthy Hicks

Movement Therapist

Kristopher Pambid

Movement Therapist

Brendon Santalab

Movement Therapist

Eden Smith

Movement Therapist

Grace Smith

Movement Therapist

Andrea Strand

Movement Therapist

James Tunbridge

Programming Manager,
Movement Therapist

Katie Walsh

Movement Therapist

Harriet Cox

Children's Champion

Maddison Delaney

Children's Champion

Raegan Page

Children's Champion

Administration

Suzanne Bowling

Practice Manager

Iman De Santis

Membership and Events Manager

Leanne Miranda

Membership and Patient Coordinator (NDIS)

Mitch Nielsen

Head of Operations

Sara Smith

Office Administrator

Joanne Buchan

Clinical Director

Joanne Buchan has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) and has over 20 years’ clinical experience, working with a range of clients in clinic environments, hospitals and aged care facilities. She is passionate about rehabilitation and restoration generally, and has a special interest in musculoskeletal conditions. 

Jo is particularly passionate about working with older people and people living with disabilities. Jo enjoys finding practical solutions that enable all people to access excellent allied healthcare.

Angela Saville

Health and Wellness Director

Angela, has a Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education) and has worked within the education and fitness industry for over 20 years. 

Angela is responsible for improving the health and wellness of staff, clients and the wider community through strategic leadership and the implementation of innovative programs that make a positive difference in people’s lives. Angela’s passion for movement and community has created a unique team culture at SAVVY that inspires people to live actively and access all opportunities afforded to them. She advocates for the power of movement and the role it plays in changing lives for the better.

Kayla Hay

Senior Physiotherapist

Kayla Hay is a Senior Physiotherapist at SAVVY with a special interest in neurological and disability rehabilitation. 

Born and bred in the country town of Gundagai, Kayla moved to Wollongong in 2013 to start her physiotherapy journey and hasn’t left the beach side since. Kayla has been working within the disability sector for 10 years, where she spent 5 of those years providing care support to clients with complex disabilities whilst studying at university. 

Kayla has worked across multiple hospital, age care and community settings as a physiotherapist and has expert experience treating clients with Parkinson’s Disease, spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions including motor Neuron disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

Tegan Lloyd

Physiotherapist

Tegan is a Wandi Wandian – Wodi Wodi – Cadigal woman, from Nowra. Having gained a wealth of experience across a variety of sectors, including retail and investment banking, Tegan became a qualified Physiotherapist in 2015.

Tegan is dedicated to equity in healthcare and strives to provide an empathic approach in all that she does. Her interests include Indigenous/Koori health, women’s health, functional exercise, patient education and mental health.

After working with NSW Health in numerous roles, Tegan has gone on to work with a number of clinics in Sydney and the South Coast, as well working in private practice. She currently works at Waminda Women’s Health, joining the SAVVY Community in January 2023.

Outside of her work as a SAVVY Physiotherapist, Tegan has a wide range of interests such as live music, travel, architecture, and spending time with her family, friends, dogs, and her community.

Matthew Reynolds

Physiotherapist

Matthew has been working as a Physiotherapist since 2019, after completing a Masters of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science). In that time he has taken the opportunity to work in a variety of settings: from local hospitals and aged care to sporting teams at both representative and community level. In addition, Matthew has completed courses in shoulder rehabilitation, dementia and Parkinson’s disease. 

He enjoys working at SAVVY for the ability to work within a skilled team of friendly, supportive health professionals who are passionate about helping people. Mattew has found his experience with clients to be rewarding and has enjoyed learning about the different ways physiotherapy can help individuals improve their health and rehabilitation outcomes.   

When he’s not helping clients at SAVVY, Matthew enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping and following his beloved Newcastle United in the English Premier League.

Taryn Ruiz

Physiotherapist

Taryn is a Physiotherapist who loves the flexibility of working at SAVVY – one day is never the same as the next!

After graduating with a Master of Physiotherapy in 2013, she spent one year working at St George Hospital before moving to Broken Hill Hospital for two years, working in the acute medical and rehabilitation wards. Family and the beach called her back to home where she worked in the inpatient rehabilitation setting at Port Kembla Hospital for five years. While she has worked across multiple health settings, from hydrotherapy to amputees, Taryn has a strong interest in neurological rehabilitation.

Taryn strives for a holistic, client first approach; taking pride in empowering her clients and making exercise enjoyable to target individualised goals.

Away from work, Trayn loves exploring nature with her two Cavoodles, and subsequently has a passion for landscape photography. She’s a Liverpool FC supporter and currently plays soccer for the Albion Park White Eagles. Taryn also enjoys the challenge of keeping her indoor plants alive.

Liam Storey

Osteopath

Liam is a SAVVY Osteopath with years of seasoned experience both locally and abroad. Since obtaining a Masters in Osteopathy in 2016, he has primarily worked in the Residential Aged Care Facility setting as a Team Leader, helping elderly residents achieve their movement goals and manage their pain.

Liam enjoys the opportunity to work with a diverse group of therapists at SAVVY, thriving at the chance to use his skill and knowledge when any challenges are thrown his way. He is able to help clients manage pain, to move well and improve general quality of life using a wide variety of hands-on skills. His studies and professional experience have given him an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and exercise prescription.

When he isn’t at SAVVY, Liam enjoys playing soccer and is a keen musician, having previously played professional gigs as well as teaching drums to people of all ages. One of his favourite artists, Coldplay, provides a quote that he lives by – “If you never try, you’ll never know just what you’re worth”.

Isaac Collins

Exercise Physiologist

Isaac is one of SAVVY’s Exercise Physiologists, and joined the team after completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation at UOW. He enjoys showing people through education and functional improvements just how beneficial strength and resistance training can be, and how it can be adapted to suit anyone’s needs.

On top of working with clients 1-on-1, Isaac also champions several group classes focused on balance, cardiac rehab, hydrotherapy, as well as leading SAVVY’s GLA:D Program (an education and exercise program for people with Osteoarthritis). A lover of all things sport and fitness, Issac is passionate about getting his clients back to doing what they enjoy, finding ways to replicate recreational activities in the gym during sessions.

Isaac prioritises building relationships with his clients, and firmly believes in what Albert Einstein remarked: “try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value”.

Sophie Dahl

Exercise Physiologist

Sophie is an Exercise Physiologist at SAVVY, specialising in Pilates and group classes based on balance and strength. She thrives on working with a variety of clients with many different health conditions, goals and needs. 

Since gaining her accreditation with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, Sophie has been involved in neurological rehabilitation, musculoskeletal injuries, falls prevention and healthy ageing. When it comes to working at SAVVY, Sophie says “It’s so great to see a wonderful community from all walks of life come together and find ways of moving that they enjoy!” 

Sophie loves to provide a supportive environment for her clinical and recreation clients, empowering them to achieve their goals, big or small. As Sophie believes, “Every little bit counts, something is always better than nothing!”

Away from SAVVY, Sophie loves being outdoors, whether it be for a hike, camping, or going for an ocean dip. She is also a keen sportswoman, playing netball and water polo.

Amy Callaghan

Speech Pathologist

Amy is a Speech Pathologist at SAVVY who holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology). She has over 12 years of experience providing Speech Pathology services within diverse communities, schools, hospitals, and private practice settings in both Australia and the UK.

 

Amy is passionate about empowering individuals to set and attain their own goals, finding great satisfaction in collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to offer comprehensive support. As she firmly believes, “Do what you do, do well”. A nature enthusiast, Amy loves being in the great outdoors and enjoys bushwalking.

Nyree Saxby

Allied Health Assistant

Nyree commenced her work as an Allied Health Assistant in December 2021. Having lived in the Northern suburbs of Wollongong her entire life, she is a mother of 2 beautiful girls, Mads who is 17 and Chloe who will be forever 12.

From her experience of caring for Chloe over the last 8 years of her life due to her terminal brain disease, Nyree realised that she is here to help people and make a difference in their lives. She has also had a lot of personal experience with Parkinson’s, as her father Garry was diagnosed with the disease. 

After seeing Jo and Kayla from Amplified Health (now merged with SAVVY) working with her Dad at his home, helping increase his strength and flexibility, she thought that it would be a good introduction back into the workforce after 8 years of caring for her daughter at home. 

Nyree loves working with her clients, finding great joy in getting to learn about their lives. She enjoys having a laugh with them whilst knowing she is helping them stay active and be the best version of themselves that they can be.

Cooper Walker-O’Loughlan

Allied Health Assistant

Cooper is an Allied Health Assistant who loves to be a friendly, reliable face every time he walks into SAVVY. He has over 3 years experience in disability support, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) at the University of Sydney.

Cooper loves applying the knowledge he has gained from his work colleagues at SAVVY. This enables him to achieve his goal of improving the lives of his clients, all while building meaningful relationships along the way. 

When he’s not at SAVVY, Cooper loves to keep active as a cricketer and soccer player.

Joden Wilson

Allied Health Assistant

Joden is a SAVVY Allied Health Assistant who holds a Bachelor of Exercise and is currently completing a Master of Physiotherapy. 

Joden is immersed in the world of fitness in both his professional and private life: he has worked as the Strength and Conditioning Assistant for St George Illawarra Dragons NSW Cup team, and he also trains as a long-distance runner and golfer (when he can find the time). 

At SAVVY, Joden enjoys having the capability to help people improve their quality of life and achieve individual goals. With every session he conducts, Joden aims to provide a highly interactive and fun program that is catered to each individual.

Jade Burke

Movement Therapist

Jade is a SAVVY Movement Therapist who fully embraces hard work. She completed a Bachelor of Education in Physical and Health Education at UOW, and is qualified in Certificate III Gym Instruction and Certificate IV specialising in Personal Training. 

Having enjoyed a lifetime of many different sports, and a background in teaching, Jade delights in the fact that SAVVY perfectly embodies her interests. She has a love for coaching people in Boxing, Pilates, Weight and Cross Training, and has been with SAVVY since the very beginning in 2006.

Jade has a direct and stern approach to training – this trainer won’t let you make excuses and under her instruction you are sure to get great results. She has a reputation for encouraging her clients to work hard for their goals.

Felicity Carolan

Movement Therapist

Felicity commenced her work with SAVVY in early 2021 after completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science at UOW. She is a Movement Therapist who finds joy in working with her inspiring and diligent clients, “The opportunity to be surrounded by such amazing people (our clients and team) is a privilege!”

Felicity has enjoyed an active lifestyle from a young age and has a great love for the outdoors. This has led her to become involved in a range of sports over the years including sailing and rogaining. Felicity thrives off helping others achieve their goals, overcome challenges and becoming the best version of themselves.

Bridie Cutifani

Movement Therapist

Bridie Cutifani, a seasoned Movement Therapist, boasts over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and holds various certifications, including Certificates 3 & 4 in fitness, certificates in cycle, boxing, running, yoga, and Pilates. Her expertise extends from owning fitness clubs, to personal training and leading group fitness sessions. 

At SAVVY, Bridie thrives within the supportive, community-driven environment. She particularly enjoys the outdoor sunrise workouts that foster a strong sense of camaraderie among members.

Bridie’s mission revolves around helping clients establish sustainable habits for long-term health and fitness success. In her run classes, she empowers individuals to break their own boundaries and experience the freedom of running. Bridie’s cycle classes are renowned for their intensity, great soundtracks, and the satisfaction of a good sweat. Beyond her fitness career, she’s a dedicated mother of three who constantly trains for her next race, staying true to her motto: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”

Karen Egan

Movement Therapist

Karen is one of SAVVY’s most experienced Movement Therapists, mainly specialising in Seniors Training. She has been a keen sportswoman from an early age, competing in all school and competitive sports, as well as coaching later on.

Since completing her Cert III and IV in Personal Training, Karen has taken pleasure in working in the great outdoors with seniors and seeing their fitness increase. She has a strong work ethic and a never-give-up attitude.

Karen firmly believes that “Life’s too short not to make the most of it”. Outside of work, she enjoys working on her own fitness, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.

Kurt Freeme

Movement Therapist

Kurt is a SAVVY Movement Therapist with a comprehensive track record in the health and fitness industry. With a strong passion for education (with numerous undergrad and postgrad degrees to prove it!), Kurt takes a holistic approach to fitness and lifestyle, ensuring that balance is key.

Kurt always has a fun and positive experience during his 1-on-1 and group classes at SAVVY. In his own words, “I will make you get uncomfortable in a fun, supportive and purposeful way.”

James Graham

Movement Therapist

James is SAVVY’s Renaissance Man. After completing a Bachelor of Arts (Literature and Spanish) at UOW, as well as a trade in Cabinet-Making, James turned his passion for fitness into a career as a SAVVY Movement Therapist. 

Starting out with a wide interest in sport, particularly baseball, soccer and tennis, James’ primary focus is now on strength and hypertrophy. James encourages his clients to strive for performance-based milestones with assurance that body-composition goals will always follow. He thrives within the SAVVY Community, stating it is “the healthiest workplace I’ve ever been a part of.”

James’ interests outside of SAVVY include reading, diving, playing guitar and spending time with his dog. His love of life and trying new things is embodied in his favourite quote – “I would rather be ashes than dust”.

Olivia Hicks

Movement Therapist

Olivia is a SAVVY Movement Therapist with over 10 years of experience in the sport coaching industry. On top of obtaining a Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science, Olivia has coached Artistic Gymnastics and instructed group fitness classes.

A self-proclaimed “bookworm”, outside of work Olivia loves to get hooked on a good book. While at SAVVY, Olivia passionately helps her clients achieve their fitness goals, ensuring that they are moving well at all times.  She enjoys working at SAVVY for the fun-loving vibe and sense of community it provides.

Olivia always strives to motivate her clients to achieve their health and fitness goals. She believes that switching one’s mindset from “I think I can”, to “I’m going to make it happen”, is a game changer.

Mark McCarthy

Movement Therapist

Mark is passionate about health and fitness and makes it a priority in his daily routine. Having served as an Infantryman in the Army, worked as a Professional Ocean Lifeguard and an Ambulance Paramedic, Mark could be described as a “jack-of-all-trades”.

Mark uses his life skills and passion to ensure you perform at your best and have fun while achieving your goals. He is the owner/manager of Wollongong First Aid, an associate business of SAVVY. Mark holds his Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and has been involved in education and training for over 15 years. He also has a Cert III and IV in Fitness, is an accredited athletics coach and yoga instructor.

Mark loves water sports, swimming, running and adventure. He has crossed the Simpson Desert on a “Postie Bike”, sailed on the tall ship Endeavour and regularly works with the RedBull Cliff Diving Team.

Nikki McCarthy Hicks

Movement Therapist

Nikki McCarthy Hicks has over 20 years experience in customer service, with a strong background in event planning and team management. In addition to this, Nikki brings a Certificate IV in Personal Training, a Diploma of Business Management, and over a decade of experience with SAVVY to her role as a Movement Therapist. 

Specialising as a Run Coach and Indoor Cycle instructor, Nikki has had a lot of success with transforming beginners into passionate runners as she believes that anyone who runs, is a runner. This philosophy comes from her passion for Parkrun, where she has volunteered over 100 times.  

Nikki creates a fun and lively group at SAVVY and truly cares about the friendships she’s fostered with the trainers and members. She is passionate about creating sustainable and lifelong fitness habits.

Kris Pambid

Movement Therapist

“Nothing is impossible, you just have to show up and do your best and have a blast while you’re doing it”

Kris’ fitness journey began as a participant in aerobics classes in the early 1990’s, and since then has gone on to complete numerous Triathlons, IRONMAN 70.3, Marathons and Open Water Ocean Swims. Kris completed his Certificate III and Certificate IV in fitness with the University of Wollongong College in 2020/21.

Kris is known for bringing a burst of energy to all his classes, like incorporating fun themes to his Cycle classes (think cycling to Elvis and Disco medlies). He brings the same vivacity to SAVVY Runner, using his wealth of knowledge as a competitor to help members achieve their goals.

Brendon Santalab

Movement Therapist

Brendon Santalab is a Movement Therapist at SAVVY, using his 20 years experience as a professional athlete to help people achieve their goals.

Having been a prolific striker playing for professional football teams in Europe, Asia and winning championships for A-League clubs, Brendon now loves working outdoors with the SAVVY Group Training classes. 

He is passionate about helping clients build their confidence which is a fundamental ingredient to moving well and feeling better. Outside of work, Brendon loves spending time at the beach, playing sport and coaching kids at his football academy.

Eden Smith

Movement Therapist

Eden Smith is a SAVVY Movement Therapist, having studied a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation at UOW.

Feeling at home within the SAVVY Community, she enjoys working in a motivating environment with her amazing clients. Eden’s mission: to help her clients achieve their goals by providing a positive and accepting space to train in.

Outside of work, she loves participating in sports such as soccer and jiu jitsu. She lives by the mantra that there are three simple rules in life: 1. If you do not go after what you want, you’ll never have it. 2. If you do not ask, the answer will always be no. 3. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.

Andrea Strand

Movement Therapist

Andrea Strand is an experienced and passionate SAVVY Movement Therapist, with a special interest in strength and body composition.

After 20 years as a geologist, Andrea turned her focus to health and fitness, and hasn’t looked back since.

With a desire to help people achieve their health and wellness goals, Andrea thrives off seeing her clients push through barriers and achieve things they didn’t think were possible.

When she’s not training with SAVVY, Andrea loves to spend time in the great outdoors and is an enthusiastic bush-walker.

James Tunbridge

Programming Manager, Movement Therapist

James considers his work with SAVVY to be the “ideal job for me!” A lifelong lover of sport, he also uses his previous experience as a primary school teacher and background in Exercise Science and Rehab to help SAVVY members achieve their running goals.

His multifaceted experience allows him to incorporate other aspects such as performance, nutrition and injury prevention into his running programs and training sessions.

James has also enjoyed a lot of success on the running track – having taken 7th place at the City2Surf, 2nd at the Queenstown Half Marathon and 1st at the Canberra Half Marathon. Results are only one part of running for James though, as one of his core philosophies is “always train within yourself, this will help you to stay consistent with your training, which will ultimately lead to progress!”

Outside of SAVVY, James loves being active in and around the ocean, as well as relaxing with family and friends.

Katie Walsh

Movement Therapist

Katie Walsh is a SAVVY Movement Therapist with 18 years of experience in the Health and Fitness Industry.

Calling upon her training as a Yoga and Pilates teacher, she is completely invested in her clients and their health and fitness goals with a strong alignment to overall mobility and functionality. Katie helps her clients to not only achieve their goals but aspire to be the best version of themselves.

Outside of SAVVY, Katie has participated in numerous marathons, including being a crew manager and trainer for ultramarathon runner Pat Farmer.

Suzanne Bowling

Practice Manager

Suzanne brings a rich and varied experience to her role at SAVVY. After starting out as a Registered Nurse in the UK, she has gone on to hold a number of positions within the healthcare industry, as well as gaining a Diploma in Business and Management.  

All these experiences have given Suzanne a solid basis to develop her role as a Practice Manager with SAVVY. Often being the first point of contact for clients, she believes it is imperative to be friendly, well informed, dependable and respectful. She enjoys working in the welcoming atmosphere and strives to build close relationships with stakeholders in order to provide person-focussed treatment plans. 

“Life is better when you’re laughing” says Suzanne, which is evident in her friendly and informative interactions with members and clients. Outside of her work, Suzanne enjoys walking her two puppies Trent and Haley.

Iman De Santis

Membership and Events Manager

“Dance like no one’s watching” is the mantra of Iman, our Membership and Events Manager at SAVVY. With over 25 years experience in the customer service industry, Iman thrives on going the extra mile and takes pride in providing a positive customer experience.

Iman loves combining her passion for health and fitness with her customer service skills at SAVVY. She enjoys living an active healthy lifestyle with her family and believes there is nothing better than going for a walk to clear your mind.

Leanne Miranda

Membership and Patient Coordinator (NDIS)

For more than 15 years, Leanne has been a valued member of the SAVVY team, contributing her skills in customer service, HR, payroll, and financial roles. Her current position is Membership and Patient Coordinator (NDIS).

Her 30 years of customer service and management experience has seen her work in very diverse fields: from international banking, to transport and logistics, and now the health and wellness sector. She is driven by the positive workplace atmosphere, the strong sense of community throughout SAVVY, and the unique opportunity to integrate her passion for fitness into her job. 

Leanne’s goal is to ensure SAVVY members and clients receive accurate and timely information regarding their memberships and packages. She is also passionate about helping our NDIS clients meet the services they require, using her wealth of experience in scheduling and organisation to do so. 

Mitch Nielsen

Head of Operations

Mitch has had a long association with SAVVY both as a trainer and as a participant in classes. It is safe to say he is fully subscribed to the “SAVVY way of life”!

Mitch brings to his role as Head of Operations an extensive expertise in strength and conditioning. Since obtaining a Masters of Exercise Science, his professional history includes working for renowned sporting teams and organisations such as St George Illawarra Dragons, Illawarra Hawks, Tottenham Hotspur/Crusaders Global Programs at UOW, and the NSW Institute of Sport.

At SAVVY, Mitch believes there is nothing more rewarding than helping people achieve their goals. His passion for physical performance shines through in the programs that he runs. Outside of SAVVY you can find him working on his own fitness, exploring the great outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Sara Smith

Office Administrator

Sara is one of our friendly faces at the front desk at SAVVY. With 10 years of customer service experience, her understanding and compassion enables her to get along with the entire SAVVY Community.

Sara enjoys working within the positive environment at SAVVY and thrives at the opportunity to help people everyday. Outside of work, she turns to the thrill of Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking, living by her motto of “You only live once”.

Student Placement at SAVVY

Fill in the form below to enquire about Student Placements at SAVVY. Once submitted, someone from our team will be in touch to talk about your options. 

Personal Training at SAVVY

Fill in the form below to enquire about Personal Training at SAVVY. Once submitted, someone from our team will be in touch to talk about your options.