Hands are our Life is a specialty Hand Therapy and Upper Limb clinic

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Hands are our Life - Our staff

Olga Alkin

Olga Alkin - Hand Therapist and Director

(BHSc physio, PGD HUL, PGD Western Acupuncture)

Olga is a qualified Hand Therapist and a fully registered member of the AHTA (Australian Hand Therapy Association). Olga is also a qualified Physiotherapist registered with the APA (Australian Physiotherapy Association).

Olga has years of experience in rehabilitating patients with various hand and upper limb pathologies and injuries both in New Zealand and Australia. She works closely with the orthopaedic and plastic Hand Surgeons.

Olga graduated from Auckland University of Technology with BHSc (physio) and further completed postgraduate training in Hand and Upper Limb rehab and Western Acupuncture.

Nicarla Finch

Nicarlia Finch - Hand Therapist

BA Physiotherapy, AHTA Accredited Hand Therapist, CHT (USA)

Nicarlia is a qualified Physiotherapist who graduated from the University of Newcastle. She began her Hand Therapy career in the United Kingdom at a large University Hospital. She is an Accredited Hand Therapist with the Australian Hand Therapy Association and has also been awarded her Certified Hand Therapy which is a world-wide recognition of excellence in hand therapy. Nicarlia has worked as a Hand Therapist for 7 years across both public and private sectors in the United Kingdom, Sydney, Newcastle and now the Sunshine Coast. She enjoys working in a team environment with orthopedic and plastic surgeons, as well as other qualified hand therapists.

Nicarlia is passionate about hand therapy, anatomy and educating clients, as well as the public about hand therapy and its importance. Nicarlia volunteers with the Australian Hand Therapy Association as their social media coordinator and is enthusiastic in posting handy tips and educational information about hand conditions, injuries and rehabilitation following surgery.

Nicarlia enjoys problem solving and fabricating complicated splints to allow for comfort and function for her clients. She has extensive experience in treating fractures, sports injuries, pain conditions and Dupuytren’s. She also been involved in the first world-wide clinical trial for radiation therapy in preventing Dupuytren’s contractures.

phoebe

Phoebe Senior - Hand Therapist

(BOccyThy (Hons)

Phoebe is a fully qualified Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2019. She worked in Occupational Rehabilitation before starting her Hand Therapy career in 2020. She has worked up North in Bundaberg in hand therapy and is currently working towards becoming an Accredited Hand Therapist through the AHTA. Phoebe is very passionate about hand therapy and being able to provide these services within the Noosa and Gympie region.

Bev Trevithick

Dr Bev Trevithick - (Retired)

(Dip. Phys. M. App. Sc. (Biomedical) PhD (Human Movement)

Physiotherapist - Hand and Upper Limb. Level 2 Sports Physiotherapist

Prior to relocating from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast in 2005, Bev was the principal and director of Rehabilitation of Hand and Upper Limb, Sydney, for 25 years. Bev was a clinical tutor for under graduate physiotherapy students for 22 years in hand and upper limb at the School of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney. Her primary interest was in sports medicine.

On the Sunshine Coast, Bev worked as a clinician in both Mooloolaba and Noosaville while completing her research into gymnast’s wrist pain. Continuing with educating in hand and upper limb, she was a sessional clinical tutor in Hand Therapy for undergraduate physiotherapy students at UQ from 2006-2011 and set up the Hand Therapy module for the physiotherapy students at JCU in 2012. She has presented papers at both national and international hand therapy conferences and been a mentor to physiotherapy students throughout her career.

Prior to retiring, Bev was full member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association and served on the executive as President, Vice President, Qld secretary, and coordinator of the Knowledge and Resources portfolio and been involved on various committees to further the education and knowledge of Hand Therapy.

Since retiring from clinical practice Bev has been a volunteer for Wildcare Qld for rescue /transport of injured wildlife, and at Eumundi Wildlife Centre. She continues to enjoy kayaking, bush walks and reading.

Journal publications
2020: Trevithick, B; Mellifont, R; Sayers, M. Wrist pain in Gymnasts: Efficacy of a wrist brace to decrease wrist pain while performing gymnastics. Journal of Hand Therapy (33) 354-360.
2018: Trevithick, B; Stuelken, M; Mellifont, R; Sayers, M; Epidemiology of wrist pain in gymnasts. Science of Gymnastic Journal (179-188)
2007: Trevithick,B; Ginn, K; Halaki, M; Balnave, R. Shoulder muscle recruitment patterns during a kayak stroke performed on a paddling ergometer. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology (17) 74-79.
1994: Edmunds ,I; Trevithick, B, Honner, R. Fusion of the 1st metacarpophalangeal joint for post traumatic conditions. Aust. NZ Journal of Surgery (64) 771-774
Book chapters:
1997: Dilley, D, Trevithick, B. Hand and Wrist .Chapter 12 Sports Medicine and Practical Management- edited by E Sherry, D Bokor.

Medical Receptionist

Eleni Diacos - Practice Manager

Eleni completed high school at Good Shepherd Lutheran College in Noosaville, graduating Year 12 with an OP 8 in 2018.

She has been accepted into Bachelor of Arts at the University of the Sunshine Coast and plans to major in Creative Writing and Psychology. Eleni has deferred her offer to take a gap year of full-time work to enhance her skills in strong public relations.

Eleni is determined to contribute her passion for helping others and learning new skills to assist the Hand Therapy team and all patients at both clinics. In her brief tenure with us she has already been promoted to Practice Manager and has become an efficient and highly dependable member of the HAOL team.

Receptionist

Lacey Henderson - Receptionist

Lacey is a very welcomed new member of our admin team. Lacey is currently completing Year 12 at a local high school and hopes to enter into the medical industry. Lacey is passionate about patient care and accessibility, and is excited to be a part of the Sunshine Coast community. She brings to the team a welcoming smile and slick efficiency at the front desk and we are delighted to welcome Lacey to our growing team.

Ava Fitzgerald

Ava Fitzgerald - Receptionist

Meet Ava, the newest member of the Hands Are Our Life admin team. As a vibrant receptionist, Ava passionately dives into the realm of hand therapy, driven by her enthusiasm and dedication to continuous learning. Currently a high school senior at Sunshine Beach High, she aspires to a career in medicine, fueled by her commitment to providing quality patient care. Embracing each day as an opportunity for growth, Ava's fresh perspective and unwavering dedication will begin to contribute significantly to our dynamic environment. Outside the office, she enjoys indulging in her love for reading and walking along the beach.

Matthew Popplewell

Matthew Popplewell - Managing Director

( B Sc hons, PGD FJ)

With 25 years business management experience and an honours degree in applied science, Matthew works with both the therapists and the administration team in managing the two clinics.
Matthew was educated in the UK, before learning business management in New Zealand for a decade. He moved to Australia in 2011 and now enjoys the Queensland lifestyle with his young family and dogs.
He continues to strive to improve the Hand Therapist services provided by HAOL and focuses on patient care and improving awareness of what hand therapy can offer.
As a wicket keeper for many years, Matthew states he is indebted to the work of hand therapists who have repaired his fingers countless times.