SARAH FINCHAM-THOMSON
Director Arnhem Allied Health Centre
MPhty (Master Physiotherapy)
BSc Exercise Physiology
Born and raised in Nhulunbuy, Sarah completed all of her schooling here finishing high school before jetting off to Europe for a year abroad volunteering in a nursing home. It was here she solidified her love and passion for helping people in need, and decided to pursue a career in health. Sarah started her studies completing a Bachelor Degree in Exercise Science – giving her the knowledge of using exercise as medicine and understanding how to adjust dosage of exercise for a range of conditions such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Osteoporosis. She then went on to study a Master’s of Physiotherapy and worked at Logan hospital before returning back to her roots 10years later, with a clear vision of improving the health and accessibility to health care for the people of Nhulunbuy and East Arnhem Land.
Sarah strives to empower the community that exercise is the best, cheapest and most accessible medicine available. Her passion for her community and the people in all of East Arnhem Land is one of her finest qualities. Not only is she a knowledgeable, skillful and calming physio, she is an advocate for improving the healthcare system in Nhulunbuy and the region, and has been the driving force behind the development of the Arnhem Allied Health Centre you see today. Behind the scenes she is constantly advocating for all of you, creating opportunities for health care services to give our community what it deserves, to make your lives here in Nhulunbuy just that little bit easier.
The love that Sarah has for Arnhem Land is a deep love, it’s more than just a town she lives in, it’s her home and the only place she wants to live and grow old with her family. Sarah is a physiotherapist, a manager, a director, a business woman, a mother, a partner, but most importantly she is someone who whole heartedly wants the best for the people in her community.
Sarah is well-recognised as a respected primary health care provider throughout the region and has achieved a reputation for delivering an exceptional clinical service experience. These days you’ll mainly find her ensuring the clinic is running smoothly and dealing with all things management, but on occasions she loves to get back to her passion of being a treating Physiotherapist.
TAYLA LEWIS
Senior Physiotherapist
Tayla graduated from Curtin University in 2016 and is currently pursuing her Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at La Trobe University. With a passion for sports physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and treating persistent pain, she brings a wealth of knowledge. She has done extra training in dry needling and Pilates.
She has previously worked closely with athletes from various disciplines including AFL, soccer, and hockey. Her approach focuses on the whole person, aiming to inspire each individual to achieve their best. She thrives on staying up to date with the latest evidence-based treatments and collaborates closely with her patients to achieve their individual goals.
Outside of work she enjoys being outdoors, walking her dog, camping, boating, fishing, and exploring new places. Her dedication to an active lifestyle mirrors her commitment to helping you move better and feel better. Tayla is available in the clinic Monday to Thursdays.
TIARNE PENDLEBURY
Occupational Therapist
Tiarne’s caring nature and holistic approach toward working with her clients, ensures that they feel heard and understood. Tiarne is committed to providing client-centred and evidence-based care to empower individuals to live their best lives. Tiarne has completed additional training within Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP), DIR Floortime 101, Developmental Trauma, among others. Tiarne has interests in working with children and young people of all ages and abilities to maximise their full potential in their everyday lives.
Tiarne is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be living and working in East Arnhem Land. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, yoga, walking her dog and going on adventures. Tiarne looks forward to learning all there is to learn about East Arnhem Land.
