Our People
Emily Hayles
Principal Physiotherapist & Owner and Author of ‘Braver than you think’ book
Hi! I’m Emily, the owner/founder and principal physiotherapist for Move and Play Paediatric Therapy. I started Move and Play in 2015 to meet a growing need for high quality private paediatric therapy services for children and families within the Mackay region.
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I have worked in paediatric physiotherapy for almost my entire career. I have extensive experience in managing the needs of infants and children with a wide range of conditions, from mild conditions and injuries to complex neurological conditions. I have worked as a Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist across several settings in both Mackay and Brisbane, including hospitals and community health services.
I have a special interest in the treatment of children with developmental delay, movement difficulties, and/or disability, in particular cerebral palsy and brain injuries, and I have undertaken substantial postgraduate education and training in this area. I am a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and National Paediatric Group, and the Australian Bobath Neurodevelopmental Therapy Association. As well as my clinical experience, I have also completed a Masters of Physiotherapy, through which I researched how parents of children with cerebral palsy experience health care for their child. As a result of this degree, I have published a thesis, a number of research articles on health care service delivery for children with cerebral palsy and presented my research findings at national and international professional conferences.
In 2019, I also launched my book ‘Braver than you think: How to help your child with a disability live their best life’, a book I wrote for parents of children with a disability to help them understand their child’s needs, to develop the confidence that they can make great decisions about their child’s care, and ultimately that they can help their child to lead a happy, fulfilled and meaningful life.
Meet our Occupational Therapy Team
Occupational Therapist - Senior
My name is Natalia and I joined the Move and Play Paediatric Therapy team in January 2019.
Natalia Heelan
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I was born and bred in Mackay and moved to Townsville to study Occupational Therapy at James Cook University, graduating in 2009. My husband and I moved to Rockhampton where we lived for the past 9 years and have come back to Mackay in July 2018 to be with our large family.
I have always loved playing with, and entertaining my niece and nephews. I found my niche working with kids during one of my uni placements at AEIOU Foundation for children with Autism. I have since held a passion for paediatric work. I have had a variety of jobs working with both adults and children in both private and public sectors. My most recent paediatric work was for Samantha Woods at Therapy Works For Kids in Rockhampton. I think children are incredibly interesting and I love being able to help them grow and develop their independence and confidence. I love board games and ‘giggle wiggle’ would be my favourite toy to use with kids.
At the moment I am loving being a mum, doing pilates and living close to the beach. I’m pretty sure if I wasn’t an Occupational Therapist I would have been a Paramedic.
Occupational Therapist - Team Leader
Hello! My name is Mason and am excited to be a part of the Move and Play team.
Mason Torrisi
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Hello! I’ve been part of the Move and Play team since 2021, and I absolutely love what I do.
I graduated from University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours). After spending seven years enjoying life on the Sunshine Coast, I made my way back home to Mackay.
I became an OT because I believe everyone deserves to be seen for who they are as a whole person, not defined by a diagnosis or disability. I’m especially passionate about working with children and families because no two days are ever the same, and every child brings their own amazing mix of personality, strengths, and quirks. One of the best parts of my job is seeing that “lightbulb moment” when a child feels proud of something they’ve achieved, no matter how big or small.
When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, running or keeping active, and hanging out with my German Shepherd, Benson, who keeps life interesting!
Anna MacDermott
Occupational Therapist
Hi, my name is Anna and I joined the Move and Play team in 2025!
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I graduated from James Cook University in 2017. My paediatric journey began in 2018 in a private practice supporting the Townsville community. In 2022, a move to Brisbane allowed me to further develop my skills in a private practice specialising in Ayres Sensory Integration. In 2024, I spent a year overseas where I had the privilege of working with a paediatric private practice within the Maltese community.
Born and raised in Mackay, I’m excited to be back home and to support the children and families of the community that shaped me. It’s an honour to be part of a child’s development and to build meaningful connections with these little humans and their families.
I love family catch ups, walks on the beach, karaoke nights and travelling.
Occupational Therapist
Hi, my name is Charlsie. I’m an Occupational Therapist and I joined Move and Play in 2025.
Charlsie Cooper
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I am a born and raised Mackay girl. I graduated from James Cook University in Townsville with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2024 and made the decision to relocate back to my hometown to start my career in Paediatrics.
I have always known I have wanted to work with children and make a difference in people’s lives. I found my passion for children with disabilities in 2019 when I was granted the opportunity to be a companion at the Mackay SONY CAMP in 2019. I am very passionate about working with children and I love being apart of each child’s and their families therapeutic journey and overcoming challenges together. I’m very excited to assist children to live the fullest life and celebrate their successes along the way, no matter how big or small.
Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me spending time with family and friends, going on adventures to find new camping spots, water skiing, playing sport or at the gym.
Reannen Ryles
Occupational Therapist - Senior
Hi! my name is Reannen and I joined the Move and Play Team in 2025.
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I moved to Mackay in 2018 with my husband and after spending some time enjoying this beautiful part of the world, we decided to settle down and make Mackay home.
I graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2014. I spent 10 years working in the mental health field, during which I had the privilege of working alongside countless children and families, supporting them to live their very best lives. I absolutely love now being in Pediatrics and working with kiddo's every day! I believe that children are the most fascinating, creative and curious little creatures in the world! I love getting to know the wonderfully unique qualities and personality of each child and am passionate about supporting all children to thrive, breaking down barriers and allowing their true selves to shine. Alongside this, I absolutely love working with families as a team to support the very best outcomes for our wonderful little people.
Outside of work, I love being a mum, going on adventures with my family and am currently working on my green thumb.
Occupational Therapist
Hi, my name is Sune and I’ve been an Occupational Therapist with Move and Play since 2021!
Sune Waletofea
Meet our Physiotherapy Team
Rachael McConochie
Physiotherapy Team Leader
Hi! My name is Rachael and I joined the Move and Play Paediatric Therapy team in January 2018.
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I graduated with a Bachelors of Physiotherapy (Honours) from James Cook University in 2017, and completed my Masters in Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy Practice through Monash University in 2021. I love the idea that I can help children live their best life whilst also making therapy fun through play.
I am a certified therapist in the Therasuit and Universal Exercise Unit Methods for Intensive Therapy and also the Total Motion Release for Tots and Teens Method.
I have a special interest in working with children with neurological and complex developmental delays, including cerebral palsy and other brain injuries; this is reflected by my extensive postgraduate training in this and other areas, including: ‘If You Can’t Breathe, You Can’t Function” by Mary Massery, Hydrotherapy for Paediatric and Neurological Clients, Introduction to Cortical Visual Impairment, Paediatric Vestibular Dysfunction, Typical Child Development and the Classification and Treatment of Cerebral Palsy.
I love sharing the joy and excitement with each of my families when their child has finally mastered the skill they have been working so hard to achieve – it really makes my work one of the best!
When I am not working, I love to read, travel with my family and friends, play with my dog and going to see theatre shows!
Emily Steer
Physiotherapist
Hi, my name is Emily! I graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Newcastle University in 2012 and have worked in both hospitals and private practice over the years.
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I have envisioned working with kids for as long as I can remember and my commitment to support children and their families grew further once becoming a Mum myself. I have a passion for helping children to live happy, healthy lives and to participate in their lives to the fullest!
Outside of the clinic, I love going to the beach, camping and exploring the outdoors with my two little ones!
Erin Kerr
Physiotherapist
Hi, I’m Erin, and I am excited to have joined the Move and Play Team in January 2025.
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I graduated from Central Queensland University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). Since then, I have had the privilege of providing therapy to children in both hospital and private settings. I am passionate about expanding my knowledge and have completed several paediatric professional development courses, including a Graduate Certificate in Paediatrics from the University of Melbourne in 2023.
I absolutely love working with children and their families, and I’m excited to support your child’s growth and movement as they reach their full potential.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy playing squash, practicing yoga, and reading. I also love spending time with my friends and my fiancé, Joel.
Meet our Speech Team
Speech Pathology Team Leader
Hi! My name is Tammie and I am the Speech Pathology Team Leader at Move and Play.
Tammie Cunningham
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I am a Mackay local, growing up on a sugar cane farm between Mackay and Sarina. I was so grateful to join establish the speech pathology service at Move and Play in December 2020. I have a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from the University of Queensland, I’m a member of Speech Pathology Australia and AGOSCI and I am a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist. I also have a Trinity College Licentiate Diploma in Speech and Drama Teaching.
Since graduating in 2006 I have worked in the Northern Territory, at the hospitals in both Darwin and Alice Springs, I have worked for Disability Services Queensland in Mackay and I have worked with both children and adults for Queensland Health across both Hospital and Community Health in the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
With respect to paediatrics, I have completed additional training in Hanen It Takes Two To Talk and More Than Words, PODD, SOS and PROMPT. I have extensive experience in paediatric feeding within the special care nursery, acute, community and disability settings. My special interest areas are working in the areas of preschool age speech and language as well as feeding and swallowing in infants, children and adolescents. Since commencing with Move and Play I have loved working closely with families on a regular basis whilst helping children find their voice either verbally or through other means. I enjoy being a part of their developmental journey as well as being their cheerleader, celebrating their progress and sharing in the joy of communication.
I am a mother of 3 children so whilst I am not at work I am busy looking after my tribe as well as going for walks, being part of a book club and participating in and attending performing arts events.
Stephanie Riggs
Speech Pathologist
Hi! My name is Stephanie, and I am a Speech Pathologist with Move and Play
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I grew up in Brisbane and graduated from the Australian Catholic University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. I’m a member of Speech Pathology Australia and I am a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist.
Since graduating in 2020, I worked in the Whitsundays at a private practice where I worked with mostly children. I love working with children and I'm passionate about giving every one of my clients a voice. I joined Move and Play in January 2024 and I'm excited about working with a new group of kids so they can communicate their needs, wants and their thoughts and opinions.
When I’m not working you will find me catching up with friends, chatting to my family on the phone, wrangling my garden or playing my flute.
Kaitlin Plahn
Speech Pathologist
Hi! My name is Kaitlin, and I am a Speech Pathologist with Move and Play.
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I grew up in Mackay and am very excited to be back! I graduated from James Cook University in 2024 with a bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours). I am also a member of Speech Pathology Australia and am looking forward to continuing my professional development.
Throughout my studies, I always imagined myself working in paediatrics as it is incredibly fulfilling to witness the positive impact speech pathology can make on a child’s life.
When I’m not in clinic, I enjoy catching up with friends, travelling, or playing with my dog, Ollie.
Sarah Chilton
Speech Pathologist - Senior
Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am a Speech Pathologist with Move and Play
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I grew up in Brisbane and graduated from the University of Queensland in 2021 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. I moved to Mackay right after graduating to begin my career as a speechie. I joined the Move and Play team in October 2024 after working with adults and children through Queensland Health.
When I was studying, I always envisioned myself working in paediatrics as I've always enjoyed working with children. I am passionate about everyone's right to communication and I am excited to channel this into my work with children and their families. I love seeing the positive impact speech pathology can make on someone's life.
I am a member of Speech Pathology Australia and dedicated to continued professional development.
When I'm not working you will find me walking my adopted greyhound, Ozzie, reading a good book and catching up with friends.
Meet our Allied Health Assistant Team
Natasha (‘Tash’) Witton
AHA Team Leader
Hi, my name is Natasha but mostly known as Tash! I was born in Chinchilla however grew up in Rockhampton.
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I moved to Mackay approximately 6 years ago with my husband Gavin, and my 2 kids Hana (16) and Blayk (11).
Prior to becoming an Allied Health Assistant, I worked in hospitality and retail. Whilst completing a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance – Occupational Therapy, I had the opportunity to join the Move and Play team in 2022. Along with the amazing team of therapists and fellow AHA’s, I support each child with the best therapy so they can reach their own personal goals, and live life to the fullest.
When I am not in clinic, you will find me chilling with my dog ‘Yogi’ and having adventures with my hubby and kids.
Emmerson Rebetzke
Allied Health Assistant
Siobhan Kimber
Allied Health Assistant
Hi my name is Siobhan (Shavorn), also known as ‘Harri’ around the clinic.
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Harri is easier for the little people to get their mouth around. I am an Allied Health Assistant at Move & Play.
I am originally from Mackay, but I grew up in a little town called Rosewood in SE QLD where I was a wedding Florist, Nanny and Admin girl.
I loved working with children, so naturally becoming an Allied Health Assistant appealed to me - helping little people with kicking their goals whether they be big or small.
I was drawn to Move & Play because I loved that the clinic was created, to help little people move & play to the best of their ability so their future can be as bright as they want it to be. I love being an Allied Health Assistant in such a supportive & talented Multidisciplinary team.
On my days off you will find me chilling at the beach/going on adventures with my Husband, doing home improvements or hanging out with my family and niece.
Sarah Black
Allied Health Assistant
Claire Owen- Practice Manager
Hello, my name is Claire, I have been at Move and Play for over 2 years as part of the Client Services Team, recently transitioning into the Practice Manager role.
I am originally from Victoria but made the move to Mackay in 2018 for the beautiful warm weather. Outside of work I spend my time with my 2 kiddos, usually at the beach or in the backyard.
Client Services Team
Zora, Ashlinn & Zoë
Hi! We are the Client Services Team. We are the first smiling faces you will see upon your arrival to Move and Play!
We take care of anything administration based in the business from appointment scheduling, completing forms and invoicing. So if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email or phone.
