KARA THOMAS
Owner/Physiotherapist
Kara is a seasoned physiotherapist who has worked in the Waikato and King Country for the last 17 years in both private practice and high-performance sport.
7 years ago, Kara decided to move to the country to live a quiet life, settling in Ōtorohanga. She realised the rural community had a big need for quality physiotherapy services and has since grown the team to have clinics in Ōtorohanga, Te Awamutu and now Cambridge.
For Kara, being a physio is all about the ability to help and empower people to get on top of their injuries and improve their health and wellness. Being able to provide a space for people in their community so they don’t have to leave town for quality care, being a part of their journey she finds really rewarding.
Kara loves spending time in her garden and kitchen. She has recently finished her house renovations and is enjoying time in her new space. In the winter you can find her running the side-line of sports fields and loves being in the community and talking to be people on the side lines (Maybe not so keen on this in the wet weather!)
MELISSA PAGE
Senior Physiotherapist
Originally from the Waikato, Melissa grew up in Hamilton and studied at AUT in Auckland graduating with Bachelor of Health Science, Physiotherapy. Melissa has a general interest in neurological conditions and older persons rehab, however she treats all conditions.
Melissa is furthering her training in manual therapy as well as increasing her Neurological knowledge in conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. She also works with our concussion and vestibular patients.
Outside of work Melissa loves to be surrounded by friends and family, getting out and about, particularly to the beach, with a love of being out on the boat fishing. Otherwise you will find her in the kitchen cooking up a storm.
EMMA GRIFFITHS
Occupational Therapist
Emma works within the ACC contract work team at Focused Group to assist and support clients with returning to their pre-injury level of function. Emma has previously worked in Vocational Rehabilitation and Community Occupational Therapy and has gained Enable accreditation for wheelchairs and seating, and housing modifications. Emma has a special interest in rehabilitation, complex equipment needs, working with older adults and in palliative care.
Research is important to Emma and she is currently a research assistant for a joint project between Otago Polytechnic and the Waikato District Health Board investigating occupational therapy research priorities in the Waikato.
BRYNN GALE
Physiotherapist
Brynn grew up on a farm in South Africa, she studied at the University of the Western Cape and qualified as a physiotherapist in 2019.
She has experience with general physiotherapy rotations within a public hospital in South Africa and then moved on to Musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. Paediatric, orthopaedics and amputees is a special interest for her.
In South Africa Brynn enjoyed horse riding and photography, she loves animals and enjoys spending time at the beach.
KATE PAULSEN
Physiotherapist
Kate grew up rurally and has a love for rural healthcare. She completed her Physiotherapy qualification at AUT completing a BSc Health Science (Physiotherapy) in 2021.
She came to Focused as a new graduate and has spent time working in the clinic, in the school and rest homes and enjoys sports related physiotherapy.
Kate is developing a special interest in sport and paediatric sports, enjoying working with teenage athletes. She has also completed some training in cancer rehab and is beginning to focus on this.
Kates love for surfing finds her at the beach with her family as often as she can. She is our squash superstar and also enjoys running.
Te Reo is important to Kate; she has learnt some Karakia and is trying to expand her language ability.
RENEL NAIDOO
Physiotherapist
Renel is originally from South Africa and identifies with a South African Indian culture. She has lived in the South Waikato for 18years and recently moved to Hamilton. She describes herself as being a “foodie”. Renel enjoys the outdoors and being creative.
She is a recent new graduate, completing her BSc Physiotherapy in Otago in 2022. She has also completed a BSc in Anatomy. Due to Renel being new to physiotherapy she is keen to learn but has a particular interest in acute injuries, general and neuro rehab. She would like to learn more about “hand on” physiotherapy including manual therapies.
SOFIA QUINTON
Physiotherapist
Sofia studied in Otago and finished her studies in 2022. She started working at Focused Physiotherapy at the beginning of 2023. She is increasing her knowledge and skills and is developing an interest in Paediatrics, acute rehabilitation, and orthopaedics.
Sofia feels she is a very hands-on learner and is keen to increase her knowledge in pain management, neurological rehab and holistic rehab.
You can often find Sofia at the gym, or the beach and she enjoys most outdoor activities. Sofias extended family live in Hamilton, so she often spends time with them. She is also learning Mandarin!!!
GAYANGEE ABEYSINGHEGE
Physiotherapist
Gayangee studied at the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Sri Lanka completing her studies in 2017. She had 6 years of general hospital experience in Sri Lanka before coming to New Zealand. Her areas of special interest previously were stroke, musculoskeletal and respiratory physiotherapy.
Gayangee is settling in to life in New Zealand and working in Otorohanga, she is keen to keep learning new things.
Family is important to Gayangee and she enjoys spending time with them. She speaks English and Sinhala.
OSHALA RUPASIRI
Physiotherapist
Originally from Sri Lanka, Oshala worked in a government general hospital for 4 years before moving to New Zealand. Worked as a rotational physiotherapist in musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neurological and surgical units managing both inward and outpatients.
Oshala studied at School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy in Sri lanka obtaining the higher national Diploma of Physiotherapy and completed the Bachelor of Science Physiotherapy at Lincoln university College Malaysia - Sri Lankan branch.
Oshala enjoys doing pencil sketches and digital arts at leisure, family time and loves to travel. She would like to learn new evidence based therapeutic techniques and acupuncture in the future.
Oshala speaks English and Sinhala (Sri Lankan)
YESHA THAKORE
Physiotherapist
Originally from India, Yesha grew up there but found herself living in New Zealand for nearly a decade now.
Yesha graduated from University of Otago in 2023 and joined Focused Physiotherapy as a new graduate, having spent time working in the clinic. She completed her Physiotherapy degree in India and had a couple of years of experience there working in a private clinic and in a hospital setting.
Her areas of interest are musculoskeletal and neuro conditions, however she treats all conditions. When not at work, she enjoys the outdoors and scenery of the Waikato. Yesha loves being surrounded by family and friends.
Yesha speaks English and Hindi.
EINGEL BLAS
Physiotherapist
Eingel is a physiotherapist with a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the Philippines, obtained in 2019. With three years of experience in a hospital setting, she has an extensive foundation in treating wide range of conditions from musculoskeletal to neurological. Prior to relocating to New Zealand, she was actively involved in a community-based rehabilitation project, providing free physiotherapy services to marginalized communities and making a meaningful impact.
Now based in New Zealand, Eingel is excited to continue her work in general physiotherapy. Fluent in both English and FIlipino, she is keen to explore the diverse landscapes of New Zealand and embrace new learning opportunities. She also loves to listen to Taylor Swift's music in her downtime.
TOBI ADEKOLUREJO
Physiotherapist
Tobi Adekolurejo is a dedicated and compassionate physiotherapist with an excellent academic and clinical background. Graduating from the University of Ibadan Nigeria in 2021, Tobi has had rotations in musculoskeletal, neurology, respiratory, geriatrics, paediatrics in both public and private settings.
Tobi has a work interest in musculoskeletal and sport-related injuries. His commitment to evidence-based practice and compassionate care underpins his approach to physiotherapy.
Tobi enjoys writing, reading, creating and listening to contents online. He loves soccer and likes catching up with his friends and family.
Tobi speaks English and Yoruba
FATIMA MOHAMMED
Physiotherapist
Fatima is a seasoned physiotherapist with many years of experience in clinical practice. Born and raised in Kaduna, Nigeria, Fatima graduated from Bayero University Kano in 2005.
She has experience in Neurology, Women's Health, Paediatrics and Musculoskeletal Conditions. Driven by a passion for excellence, Fatima relocated to New Zealand to further enhance her skills in Physiotherapy practice.
Outside her professional pursuits, Fatima enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with her family.
Fatima speaks English, Hausa which is widely spoken in Northern Nigeria and Arabic (basic proficiency).
IFEOLUWA ADEDIRAN
Physiotherapist
Ifeoluwa Adediran is a Nigerian trained Physiotherapist from the western part of Nigeria, with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from the University of Ibadan.
Ifeoluwa has 3 years of professional experience working in Nigeria and New Zealand. Ifeoluwa has a special interest in Musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy.
Outside of work, Ifeoluwa enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling to new places, watching football and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities.
MADI FLEMING
Receptionist in Cambridge
Madi is a new addition to the team at Focused starting work in Cambridge in July 2022. She enjoys working on reception and loves building relationships with the patients she meets and greets.
Originally from the Bay of Plenty, Madi moved to Cambridge as a teenager. Friends and family are important to her, as is spending time with her cat. You will often find Madi enjoying herself at the beach.