Our Team

Kevin McQuoid

Physiotherapist - B HSc (Physio), DipMT, MPNZ

Kevin McQuoid is a director and senior physiotherapist at Pukekohe Physiotherapy with over 30 years of experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and professional rugby sports medicine. Clinically Kevin’s specialties are sports medicine, athlete injury prevention screening and rehabilitation, spinal management (manipulation and rehabilitation) and programming for health, fitness and sport.

Since 1995 Kevin has been an NZ Rugby appointed physiotherapist working with many teams including the Junior All Black’s, NZ 7’s, Hurricanes and the Chiefs. He attended the 1998 Commonwealth Games as a physiotherapist with the gold medal NZ 7’s rugby team. Kevin also works closely with many local sporting teams and sportsmen using his vast international experience and knowledge to enhance their physical performances, so they can achieve to the next level.

Kevin is a ‘local’ and was brought up on a farm in Puni, which lead him to his first career in the agricultural sector after studying horticulture at Lincoln University many years ago!! Kevin can be regularly seen watching the surf report on the internet and surf board is always handy to find that perfect wave!!

Helen Hicks

Physiotherapist - Dip Phys, PGD HSc (Manipulative Physiotherapy), Registered Hand Therapist, MPNZ

Helen is a director and senior physiotherapist at Pukekohe Physiotherapy with over 35 years’ experience in private musculoskeletal physiotherapy, both nationally and internationally.

Helen has several post graduate qualifications including acupuncture, manipulative physiotherapy and hand therapy. She is a registered hand therapist and is particularly passionate about the management of complex upper limb injuries. Helen is also passionate about the treatment of osteoarthritis and is excited about the research now being undertaken confirming the importance of movement and strength in arthritis management.

Another area of interest for Helen is the treatment of jaw (TMJ) problems. She works with the Oral Health Regional Service Team at Auckland District Health Board for management of these dysfunctions, but is also keen to work with patients and health professionals in our local community for these TMJ difficulties.

Outside of work, Helen loves most outdoor activities including boating, fishing, paddle boarding, and walking or jogging with the dog ….. anything that keeps her moving for life!

Susie Pirret

Physiotherapist - BPhEd, BSc, PGDipSportsMed (Otago), BHScPhty (AUT).

Susie is currently on maternity leave.

Before studying physiotherapy at AUT Susie completed degrees in physical education and anatomy with post graduate studies in sports medicine at the University of Otago. During this time, she also travelled with the New Zealand Universities team to the world games in South Korea and then in Turkey as the team massage therapist.

Susie is an active and long serving lifeguard at Port Waikato Sunset Beach and she was the team physiotherapist for the New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Black Fins team 2011-18. She has also provided physiotherapy services to Pukekohe Premier Rugby team and North Shore Rugby 21s and Reserves teams.

As a keen triathlete, Susie has a keen interest in the treatment and injury management of recreational and maturing athletes. She believes it is the role of a physiotherapist to help you continue to achieve your goals and remain active for life.

Gavin Lee

Physiotherapist - BHSc (Physiotherapy), MPNZ

Gavin graduated from AUT in 2013, and joined the team at Pukekohe Physiotherapy in 2014.

In his youth Gavin was an Internatonal Track cyclist representing NZ at world championships and a NZ junior champion, competing internationally in Europe. Utilising his depth of experience, Gavin offers cyclist screening and rehab/prehab programming, cyclist setup and training programmes.

Gavin has been involved in the local community providing physiotherapy services to Patumahoe and Waiuku Rugby teams.

Outside of work, Gavin is a keen downhill mountain biking enthusiast and is usually found hanging out at Fourforty Mountain Bike Park or Rotorua Redwoods

Jarrod Stevenson

Physiotherapist - BHSc (Physiotherapy), BSc (Sport and Exercise Science), MPNZ

Jarrod is currently on leave from Pukekohe Physiotherapy, working in Wellington as physiotherapist for Hurricanes Super 14 rugby team.

Jarrod joined Pukekohe Physiotherapy as a new graduate in January 2018. He began studying BHSC (Physiotherapy) in 2013 after studying a BSC (Sport and Exercise Science). After taking a year off study to play rugby overseas he graduated in 2017. His physiotherapy passions include sports injuries, rehabilitation/return to play, and exercise prescription.

Jarrod has personal experience with knee and shoulder injuries/rehabilitation so has gained a particular interest in these areas. His time outside of physiotherapy is spent training athletes, and participating in health and fitness with friends and family.

Jarrod has a long association with Pukekohe Rugby club both as a player and as a physiotherapist. Over the past 7 years, he has also been providing physiotherapy to various Counties Manukau Rugby and Chief’s teams including Seven’s, U19’s, and development squads. He is currently in Wellington as a team physiotherapist for the Hurricanes Super 14 rugby team.

Sarah Stratton

Physiotherapist - BHSc (Physiotherapy), Diploma in Sport and Recreation, MPNZ

Sarah is currently on maternity leave, due back in the clinic mid 2024.

Sarah joined our clinic in January 2020. She initially completed a Diploma in Sport and Recreation before following her passion for health and rehabilitation by graduating with her Physiotherapy degree in 2017.

While studying, Sarah assisted with Pukekohe Rugby Club teams, and since qualifying she has been involved with providing physiotherapy to both rugby league and basketball teams. A highlight for her has been accompanying the NZ U17 Women’s Basketball team to the 2018 FIBA World Cup in Belarus. She is the team physiotherapist for Franklin Bulls Men’s Basketball team, a role she has had for the past 4 years since their inauguration into the NZ NBL.

As well as sports rehabilitation, Sarah has a special interest in aged care. As part of her physiotherapy job in the Auckland, she worked with older aged patients in rest homes and private hospitals, and thoroughly enjoyed the positive influence physiotherapy could have on this population group.

When not at work Sarah enjoys spending time with her children and family, and loves being at the beach, swimming and camping.

Julia Nicholson

Physiotherapist - BHSc (Physiotherapy), MPNZ

Julia joined Pukekohe Physiotherapy in February 2021 after graduating from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2020. She has steadily built her knowledge and skills through the guidance of our experienced senior physiotherapists and attendance at post graduate courses. She has gained skills in the use of dry needling and Mulligan manual therapy techniques, and has continued to grow as a competent and capable musculoskeletal therapist.

During her physiotherapy studies, Julia volunteered as a sports medic for a local school at the 2018 and 2019 Upper North Island Secondary Schools Netball tournament and for Auckland University Rugby Under 20’s season in 2019. She has continued to provide physiotherapy support as required for local teams including the Onewhero Rugby Club.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys playing netball and riding horses, often competing in show jumping in the summer months.

Tayla Thornton

Physiotherapist - BHSc (Physiotherapy), MPNZ

Tayla joined the team at Pukekohe Physiotherapy in February 2022 after graduating from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2021. She is steadily building her knowledge and skills under the guidance and mentorship of our experienced senior therapists, and through ongoing post graduate education. She has completed courses in the use of dry needling and Mulligan manual therapy techniques, and has continued to grow as a very competent and capable musculoskeletal therapist.

During her physiotherapy studies, Tayla volunteered as physio assistant for the Pukekohe Premier Rugby team. She has progressed this role and is now the principal physiotherapist for this team. She has also been assisting with the physiotherapy management of the Counties Manukau Academy Rugby team.

Outside of work, Tayla enjoys playing hockey in the winter, and golf during the summer months, as well as any opportunity to be in the great outdoors. She also enjoys farm and family life.

Wendy Barry

Physiotherapist - Dip Phys, PGD HSc (Manipulative Physiotherapy), Associate Hand Therapist, Certified BradCliff Breathing Method Practitioner, MPNZ

Wendy is a senior, experienced physiotherapist who is now completing further post graduate study and training in the management of hand and upper limb conditions. Wendy already has several post graduate qualifications including manipulative physiotherapy, breathing disorders, acupuncture and clinical hypnotherapy. She has also worked as an occupational health physiotherapist doing workplace assessments and assisting clients to achieve a successful return to work

Wendy joined Pukekohe Physiotherapy as a part time physiotherapist and associate hand therapist in February 2023. This year she will start her research based hand and upper limb post graduate papers at AUT and continue her advanced splinting courses.

Outside of work, Wendy enjoys gardening, walking, handicrafts and DIY, as well as any opportunity to be in the beautiful outdoors of Aotearoa.

Sam

Glenys

Michelle