About Me – My Physiotherapy Journey
If you’d told me at the start of my career that I’d one day specialise in vestibular rehabilitation and TMJ disorders back home in Belfast, I’m not sure I’d have believed you. Like many physiotherapists, my journey has been anything but linear — and that’s exactly what has shaped the way I practice today.
I began my physiotherapy training at the University of Ulster, graduating with a First Class Honours degree before moving to London to further develop my skills. My time there proved hugely influential, both clinically and personally. I went on to complete a Master’s degree at University College London in Neurophysiology and Advanced Physiotherapy, achieving a distinction and being awarded Clinician of the Year — an experience that cemented my interest in complex neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
London offered an incredible breadth of opportunity. Over the years, I worked across a wide range of NHS and private settings, including senior roles in outpatient departments and specialist spinal services. I also had the privilege of working internationally, from New Zealand to Nepal, which broadened my perspective on healthcare and patient care in different environments.
One of the most defining chapters of my career was running my own physiotherapy and wellbeing clinics in Southwest London for nearly a decade. As a clinic owner and clinical lead, I managed a busy caseload while also overseeing the day-to-day running of the business. It was a challenging but rewarding time, allowing me to develop not just as a clinician, but as a communicator and problem-solver.
Throughout my time in England, I treated a wide variety of conditions — from spinal pain and sports injuries to more complex presentations such as dizziness, vestibular disorders, and temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction. This broad clinical exposure is something I value deeply, as it continues to inform how I assess and treat patients today.
In 2018, I returned home to Belfast, Northern Ireland, bringing with me that wide-ranging experience. I currently work within the Maxillofacial and Plastics Unit at the Ulster Hospital as a Band 7 Physiotherapist, where I specialise in upper limb rehabilitation, hand therapy, and facial conditions. Alongside this, I maintain a strong clinical interest in vestibular rehabilitation and TMJ disorders — areas I have continued to develop through extensive postgraduate training.
A particularly proud milestone in my recent career was completing a week-long evaluation in London in June 2025 under tutors from Duke University, where I successfully passed the International Vestibular Competency Exam. This experience further refined my clinical reasoning and reinforced my commitment to delivering evidence-based care for patients with dizziness and balance disorders.
I’ve always believed that learning never really stops in physiotherapy. This year, my focus is on continuing to expand my expertise in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), with planned courses in Dorking through the ACPTMD association. These will build on my existing training in orofacial pain and TMJ management, helping me offer even more comprehensive care to patients across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Outside of work, life is kept busy in the best possible way. I enjoy spending time with family, getting out with the dog, and staying active through running and fitness. I’ve always had a love of travel — I suppose you could call me a bit of a globetrotter — and I enjoy exploring new cultures whenever I get the chance. Languages are another long-standing interest, and over the years I’ve studied Spanish, French, and Irish, while also dipping into Italian, Japanese, and German.
Cooking is another passion of mine — a great way to unwind and (sometimes) experiment after a busy clinic day.
Ultimately, my goal as a physiotherapist is simple: to combine my broad clinical background with specialist skills in vestibular rehabilitation and TMJ disorders to provide thoughtful, personalised care. I’m ethical and will help you to be part of the solution – my aim is that you get better as fast as possible. Whether you’re dealing with dizziness, jaw pain, or a more general musculoskeletal issue, I aim to take the time to understand your problem fully and guide you through a clear, practical path to recovery.
If you’re based in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland (or further field) and are looking for support with vestibular or TMJ-related issues, I’d be very happy to help. I appreciate all the support that I have had to get me to this point. Thank you.
