Meet
The Team
Empower Health NQ team
Townsville born and bred, Joel has been practicing as an Exercise Physiologist since 2018. Joel is a passionate Cowboys supporter and is mad about anything to do with fishing and boating. When he isn’t fishing or watching the footy, Joel is either involved with Brothers Touch Football Townsville spending time with his two dogs, Maggie and Murphy and his wife Kate.
Graduating with a Bachelor in Clinical Exercise Physiology from James Cook University in 2018, Joel has since worked in private practice managing a wide range of conditions and injuries. Joel adds a wealth of knowledge when it comes to managing chronic health conditions such as Diabetes and Cardiac disease. Outside of chronic health conditions, Joel also loves to manage musculoskeletal injuries. What Joel loves the most about his as job an Exercise Physiologist is his ability to empower clients to feel happier and healthier with the use of exercise.
In 2024 Joel joined the JCU Sports and Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology advisory committee as a private practice representative. Our goal is to assist the development of our future Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology practitioners of the future.
Joel Newman
director & Senior Exercise Physiologist
Born overseas, moving to Townsville at 10, Max has never left. Max has been part of a number of sporting teams locally, currently residing with Hermit Park Tigers AFL as the Senior Men’s Coach. In his spare time, you can either find Max on the golf course or spending time with his wife Paige, their son Leo and two Beagles, Archie and Harvey.
Graduating with a Bachelor in Clinical Exercise Physiology from James Cook University in 2017, Max specialises in musculoskeletal and metabolic rehabilitation. Having worked with so many joint injuries over the years. Max is comfortable dealing with someone wanting to get back into walking, getting prepared for surgery or trying to dominate the sporting field. Max prides himself on excellent outcomes and believes everyone is capable of achieving a great quality of life.
Max Tink
director & Senior Exercise Physiologist
jason di betta
director & Senior Exercise Physiologist
Another Townsville local, Jason has been practicing as an Exercise Physiologist since 2014. Jason is a loving husband to his wife Monica and a proud Dad to his two daughters, Sofia and Bonnie. In his spare time, Jason plays local Aussie Rules for the Hermit Park Tigers and is also a mad Richmond Tigers supporter.
Jason has been working in the health and fitness industry since he graduated from Ignatius Park College in 2009. He graduated with a Bachelor in Clinical Exercise Physiology from James Cook University in 2014 and has experience working with a wide variety of clients ranging from high complex needs to top-level athletes. Jason’s main passions lie heavily with musculoskeletal, metabolic and neurological conditions, facilitating a large amount of our aged care and DVA clients, helping keep our community active for both their physical and mental health, as well as preventing falls for those at risk. His drive and motivation is to help others in achieving results they never thought were possible.
Natalie Holt
Senior Exercise Physiologist
Natalie joined Empower Health NQ in 2023 and has been practicing as an Exercise Physiologist for a number of years, since graduating in 2019 from James Cook University. On the weekends, Natalie is usually spending time with family in Townsville or playing football for The Warriors.
Natalie has developed a passion for Pilates. Natalie is running both of our mat and reformer based Pilates classes, as well as our Athlete’s Core Class. Natalie’s knowledge of clinical Pilates has come from extensive professional development and now effectively uses elements of clinical Pilates to assist with a range of clinical conditions such as back pain. Outside of Pilates, Natalie specialises in Metabolic, Musculoskeletal and Neurological conditions, facilitating a large number of our DVA, NDIS and Aged Care clients. Natalie loves to facilitate fun and laughter filled appointments whilst helping you achieve your goals.
Laura berlin
Medical Receptionist
Laura was raised in Townsville and returned in 2019 after 10 years in Brisbane. Laura is the proud Mum of 2 boys, Riley and Conor. Both boys love their sport so weekends are spent on the sidelines of soccer or touch football fields. Laura and the family are of course, huge Cowboys supporters. When she's not supporting her boys in their sporting endeavors, Laura loves spending time at the beach.
Laura completed a Bachelor of Business at JCU and, more recently, Certificate in Medical Business Administration. She has experience in various administrative and managerial roles throughout her career but has found her home with Empower Health NQ. Laura genuinely loves interacting with our clients and is always happy to help with your queries.
Casey Ireland
Senior Physiotherapist
Casey is a dedicated physiotherapist with a passion for helping individuals regain mobility and improve their quality of life. Casey's expertise covers a broad range of health concerns, including sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and chronic issues like osteoarthritis. Casey has a particular interest in working with pre- and post-operative joint replacement clients and those recovering from other surgical procedures. Combining a thorough assessment and diagnosis process with tailored treatment plans, Casey is committed to providing personalised care to effectively manage each individual’s unique needs.
Ryan Maher
Exercise Physiologist
Ryan is another Townsville local and James Cook University graduate. He has a keen interest in all sports, but has a particular interest in the NBA and AFL, supporting the Milwaukee Bucks and North Melbourne Kangaroos. On weekends you’ll find him catching up with friends, watching sports, spending time outside or playing AFL for the Hermit Park Tigers.
Ryan has worked as an Exercise Physiologist for a number of years now, with experience working rurally in Mount Isa, as well as private practice. Ryan has experience working with workplace injuries and enjoys assisting clients in achieving the best outcome possible. He also has a keen interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. As part of his development and learning he is also currently studying Physiotherapy at JCU.
Julia Todeschino
Exercise Physiologist
You may have already seen this smiling face in the clinic previously, as she completed one of her placement blocks with us! Growing up in Ayr, Julia moved to Townsville in 2018 to study at James Cook University where she graduated with a Bachelor in Sports and Exercise Science, and Masters in Exercise Physiology. Julia also has a Women's Coaching Specialist V-1! In her spare time, Julia enjoys reading, playing soccer and cuddles with her dogs, Peggy and Odin. Julia is also in the middle of planning a wedding for July this year!
Julia has a strong passion for sports, fitness and healthy living. She has a very keen interest in Women’s Health, Pre and Post Natal Pregnancy and Clinical Pilates.
Portia Gedoun
Speech Pathologist
Portia joined Empower Health NQ at the end of 2023 working in our administration team during her studies and is starting as our Speech Pathologist after graduating with honours in 2024.
Portia loves all things about Speech Pathology. Portia is passionate about supporting clients with their communication skills and empowering individuals to express themselves. Portia has a special interest in paediatric speech pathology in the areas of speech and fluency, but is excited to support clients across the lifespan for all communication and swallowing difficulties.
Portia has lived in Townsville her whole life, and is a proud supporter of the North Queensland Cowboys. In her free time Portia loves to spend time with her family, friends and dogs, Duke and Aspen. Portia is very excited to be a part of the Empower Health NQ team and can’t wait to be practicing as a Speech Pathologist here in 2025.
Sandra Manolis
Medical Receptionist
Sandra is a proud Townsville local, with over 30 years' experience in the customer care industry, Sandra is excited to be joining the team at Empower Health NQ. Sandra is passionate about building meaningful relationships and cares about helping others.
Beyond Sandra’s professional journey, Sandra is a proud wife and mother of three wonderful children which has taught her the importance of patience, understanding and a balanced approach to both work and life. ln Sandra’s spare time she enjoys attending Cowboys home games and is am eager to explore new cultures through travel in the future.
Sandra is committed to bringing a compassionate, customer focused approach to every interaction and looks forward to contributing to the ongoing success of Empower Health NQ.
Bryce Vockins
Senior Exercise Physiologist
Samantha Clarke
Exercise Physiologist
Sam joined the Empower Health NQ team in July 2024. Sam has been a practicing Exercise Physiologist since graduating a Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology in July 2022 from James Cook University. Whilst working in private practice, Sam has worked with a wide range of clientele prescribing exercise from Clinical Pilates for individuals with lower back pain to strength and conditioning for high performing athletes.
Sam has had a very active upbringing playing netball, swimming and surf lifesaving . In Sam’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Mitchell and her two miniature dachshunds Winnie and Milo.
Sam has a strong belief in the use of exercise as medicine and in the application of exercise interventions for the management or prevention of chronic illness or injury. Sam is passionate about working with musculoskeletal, metabolic, and neurological conditions.