Meet The Team
Our Company Director
Joanna Ward
Our Operations Manager and Physiotherapist.
Nicole Nielsen
Our Business Administrator
Michelle Wyles
Our Physiotherapists
Kay Simmonds, Sunita De Silva, Kathy Weston, Kate Conneally, Hannah Witherow, Rachel Bray, Amy Tapply, Amy Clement, Sam Orridge, Claire Ronzeau, Sarah Akers and Serena Chan, Laura Nelson, Helen, Reed, Chris Harris.
Our Physiotherapy Assistants
Kerry Wilkins, Lucy Wignall, Emma Parkinson and Georgia Poole-Smith
Joanna Ward BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy MSc Rehab MCSP HCPC
Director and Physiotherapist and Fitness Instructor
Joanna qualified as a Physiotherapist over 20 years ago and has worked in the community and in hospitals in South-East London, gaining her MSc in Rehabilitation at St George's Hospital Tooting. Joanna has worked for the NHS and private practice with adults and children.
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Joanna founded JLinks on a joint mission with her then business partner in 2016 to provide the best and most effective community physiotherapy and help people live a better life for longer. In August 2024 Joanna took the helm at JLinks Physiotherapy ltd and is delighted to be taking the company and the team forward, offering high quality bespoke physiotherapy rehabilitation and fitness for people in the community.
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Joanna has strong clinical skills in rehabilitation within the areas of orthopaedics, neurology, complex traumatic brain injury and frailty. Alongside her strong clinical skills, Joanna has set up and led services, written and undertaken postgraduate teaching and been a Professional Lead in a NHS Community Health Provider.
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Joanna is a keen researcher and enjoys sharing information with patients, families and other professionals to ensure clinical care is up to date and evidence based. Joanna is a committee member of AGILE East (Chartered Physiotherapists working with Older People) and belongs to the British Geriatric Society (BGS) and ACPIN (Neurological Physiotherapists).
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Additionally, she is a Fitness Instructor and has created and provides FitMove "Frailty IntervenTion" a group fitness and exercise sessions for Older People and those living with longterm conditions.
Nicole Nielsen MSc MCSP HCPC
Operations Lead & Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Nicole embarked on her journey in physiotherapy by graduating from the University of Brighton in 2009. Since then, she has built a wealth of experience through rotating through and working in various specialties within both acute hospitals and community services across Kent and South East London.
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Nicole's passion for Trauma and Orthopaedics led her to specialise in this field, where she has served as a dedicated team lead for the past 7.5 years. She is as a member of the Association of Trauma and Orthopaedic Chartered Physiotherapists.
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While Nicole has predominantly worked within the NHS throughout her career, she recently expanded her practice to include private patients. This shift allows her to dedicate more face-to-face time to her clients, a aspect of her work that she values immensely.
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Nicole's passion for teaching and empowering others is evident through her involvement in student education and her contributions to national audits. She has also presented at national conferences on Best Practice for Physiotherapy in Hip Fracture Care, showcasing her commitment to developing quality care standards within her field.
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Nicole believes in taking a holistic approach to her patients' needs, addressing both the mind and body. To further enhance her skills in this area, she obtained her Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine in October 2020. Additionally, Nicole is a dedicated yogi and recently completed her yoga instructor training in India. She frequently incorporates yoga into her patients' rehabilitation programs, recognising its benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
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Nicole's dedication to her patients' well-being, combined with her expertise and commitment to ongoing education, makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to enhance your overall health and wellness, Nicole is here to support you on your journey.
Kate Conneally BSc MCSP HCPC MBACPAR
Senior Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Kate brings over two decades of expertise as a chartered physiotherapist to our team. Her journey began with extensive clinical experience in both inpatient and community settings before she specialised as a Clinical Lead in Vascular and Limb Absence Rehabilitation.
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For the past decade, Kate has focused on treating complex vascular and amputee cases, often alongside neurological, orthopedic, cardiac, and oncological conditions. Her experience spans diverse healthcare sectors, including the NHS, Vascular and Amputee medico-legal private sector, and private inpatient rehabilitation.
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Kate's leadership shines through her ten years of experience leading an acute vascular therapy service. She also enriches undergraduate programs, sharing her expertise as a lecturer at Brunel University. Notably, Kate was a principal investigator in a study exploring the impact of temporary walking aids on amputees' remaining foot.
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Kate's dedication extends to professional associations, where she is an active member of the Physiotherapy Clinical Interest Group BACPAR (British Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Limb Absence Rehabilitation). Her involvement ensures she stays at the forefront of advancements in her field.
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Outside of her professional commitments, Kate finds joy in family life as a mother of two young children. Her hobbies include gardening, travel, Pilates, and a keen interest in returning to golf whenever time allows.
Kathy Weston BSc MCSP HCPC
Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Kathy studied for her physiotherapy degree as a mature student after many years of experience working as a Therapy Assistant on a Stroke Rehab Unit. After graduating in 2007 Kathy worked in a wide range of clinical settings in an acute hospital before moving into a more senior role in the Community, working in both early supported discharge and admission avoidance.
Kathy has always been passionate about treating the whole person and being an advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.
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In 2013 this passion took Kathy’s career in a new direction and she became a Specialist Care Advisor for the PSP association, providing information and support for those living with a rare neurological condition and those who cared for them. Her role included informing and educating Health and Social Care professionals to allow them to provide the best service for those in their care.
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Returning to physiotherapy with JLinks has given Kathy the opportunity to enjoy working with older people, helping them to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
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Outside of work Kathy is a devoted Nana and dog-mum. She loves a challenge and has, to-date, abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, trekked the Great Wall of China, worked with elephants in Thailand and with under-privileged children in Cambodia, and recently climbed Kilimanjaro.
Kaia Jefferys BSc MCSP HCPC
Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Kaia successfully graduated from the University of East London, with a first-class honour’s degree in physiotherapy.
Kaia gained her clinical experience from working in the NHS rotating within different specialties. Working in numerous specialties such as orthopaedics, neurology and medicine it allowed Kaia to gain a wide variety of different skills and knowledge to treat clients with various conditions. Kaia has been involved in supporting and educating students that are undertaking a physiotherapy degree. Kaia is passionate in helping to teach and further her own knowledge.
Kaia is very passionate about working together as a team whether this is between family members, yourself or another other MDT members involved in your care already, to ensure that the best quality of care is delivered. Kaia’s wide range of skills and knowledge, allows her to help you on your journey to achieve those goals that you feel that are important in your life, with her firm belief no goal is small or too big to achieve.
Outside of being a physiotherapist for JLinks Kaia has a passion for taking part in reformer Pilates and a keen gym enthusiast.
Kay Simmonds MCSP HCPC
Associate Physiotherapist and Vestibular Specialist
Kay has been a chartered physiotherapist for over 30 years. In addition to working as a clinical lead in the fields of neurological, falls and amputee rehabilitation, Kay is a clinical specialist in vestibular rehabilitation which is the treatment of dizziness and balance disorders. Whilst most of her work has been in the NHS, Kay has experience of working in the private sector with patients in the community and in a private hospital setting.
For the past 14 years, Kay has worked in a hospital-based consultant led team in a Balance Centre. She has also set up and developed a vestibular rehabilitation outpatient service in other hospital settings and has taught on nationally advertised courses in this clinical area.
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Kay enjoys working with patients with a holistic approach and is passionate about supporting and helping patients to achieve their maximum potential from their rehabilitation.
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Kentish born and bred, Kay also loves to travel and to experience different cultures. She lived in Australia for 5 years where she also worked as a physiotherapist as well as having fun exploring the country. Today, she is a proud mum to a daughter at university and loves walking her dog in her spare time.
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Kay is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, ACPIVR (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Vestibular rehabilitation) and ACPIN (Association of Physiotherapists with specialist interest in Neurology).
Rachel Bray Bsc PgDip ACP NMP MCSP HCPC
Associate Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Rachel qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2005 and has worked in the acute setting in hospitals in South-East London and for the last 10 years has been the lead for Elderly Rehabilitation service within QEH. Rachel is currently completing her MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice and is now working as an ACP in Frailty within an outpatient setting. Rachel has predominately worked in the NHS and has specialised in supporting older people within the acute setting, with extensive experience with falls, vestibular dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and frailty. Rachel has a keen interest in supporting older people and enjoys helping people to maintain their independence by utilising a holistic approach to care.
Alongside significant experience within the acute setting with frailty Rachel has experience of working with people with respiratory, neurological and orthopaedic conditions.
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Rachel is a member of AGILE (group for Chartered Physiotherapists working with Older People and the British Geriatric Society (BGS) as well as non-medical prescriber (NMP).
Hannah Witherow MSc MCSP HCPC
Associate Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Hannah qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2003 and has worked in hospitals across London, gaining her MSc in Rehabilitation at St George's Hospital Tooting in 2016. Hannah has worked for the NHS and private practice and specialises in rehabilitating people with limb absence, those with complex medical needs or following extended hospital stays, particularly in critical care. Hannah also has a keen interest in rehabilitation for people living with cancer.
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Alongside strong clinical skills, Hannah has led acute therapy services, as well as contributing to undergraduate programs. Hannah is also a keen researcher. As part of her Masters’ degree, Hannah was principle investigator in a study investigating the factors affecting activity levels for people with kidney disease. Hannah is an active member of the Physiotherapy Clinical Interest Group BACPAR (British Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Limb Absence Rehabilitation), contributing to the production of NICE accredited clinical guidelines in this field.
Outside of work Hannah enjoys travelling, hiking and is a keen grower, enjoying time spent working in her allotment.
Sam Orridge BSc MCSP HCPC
Associate Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Sam Orridge joined JLinks physiotherapy in 2022 to widen her professional experience and to bring her skills out of the hospital setting.
Sam qualified with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Kings College, London in 1996. She has worked in the NHS since this time, predominantly specialising in Neurology. Since 2005 Sam has been working as Clinical Lead Physiotherapist for Neurosciences at a London teaching hospital. She has Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing and has specialist interest in the management of spasticity. She is passionate about the ongoing role of physiotherapy in managing long term conditions.
Sam is a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology. She has lectured on both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and written chapters for physiotherapy textbooks. Sam has been involved in research and has several published papers.
Sam believes that rehabilitation works best when it is both fun and functional. She loves to work with clients to reach collaborative and satisfying, patient-centred goals.
Amy Tapply BSc MCSP HCPC
Associate Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Amy qualified as a physiotherapist in 2008, working in the acute and community settings within London and now Kent. She gained experience in a variety of clinical areas before specialising in Neurology. Amy particularly enjoyed her time working in different neurological rehabilitation units supporting those with complex brain injury. This experience provided a lot of opportunity to collaborate with and learn from specialist services.
Amy is committed to enhancing patient care and whilst working in the NHS, she has led both community physiotherapy teams and in-patient stroke teams as well as contributing to a number of quality improvement projects. Community based rehabilitation has always motivated Amy and she is passionate about working alongside clients to achieve their potential, goals and access to the community around them.
Amy is a member of the Association of Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN). When not working, she is kept busy by her young children and loves heading to the sea as much as possible.
Nikki Brooks
Fitness Professional, Pilates and Yoga Instructor, Massage Therapist
Nikki has worked in fitness and health for a long time and places high value on maintaining health and wellbeing. She believes that as we are given one body and mind that needs to last us a lifetime, it is important to learn how to look after it, and many of Nikki's clients have taught her that it is never too late to learn.
Nikki is a Soft Tissue Massage Therapist, a Pilates and Yoga Teacher and a volunteer coach for an Artistic Swimming team.
She teaches clients in a way that will help them understand how the exercises are helping them and learn them in a way that will enable them to bring those movements into their functional daily living. Nikki enjoys clients finding their way to self care and experiencing the benefits of their hard work and dedication to their health.
Amy Clement BSc MCSP HCPC
Associate Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Amy, a graduate of the University of Brighton in 2004 has had a fruitful career working in the NHS and privately within a City practise and Occupational Health. She is largely based within the Private Hospital setting where she has worked for the last 15 years. She has gained a broad range of experience and has subsequently specialised in neuromusculoskeletal, orthopaedic and sport rehabilitation Physiotherapy. Amy believes in a patient centred approach considering the whole body when treating any problem, restoring normal range of movement optimising functional performance.
Amy is a APPI advance level Pilates instructor which can be incorporated into her rehabilitation, incorporating individuals abilities and goals.
Amy treats a wide range post operative surgery including joint replacements, post fracture, ACL, rotator cuff surgery and deals with complex spinal surgeries. As well as soft tissue injury, back and neck issues, chronic pain and sport injuries. Treatment is individually tailored to suit patients goals and abilities.
Outside of work Amy enjoys being a mum of 3 young children. Amy enjoys keeping fit, attending regular HIIT training, running and is a keen novice gardener.
Kerry Wilkins
Physiotherapy Assistant
Kerry is our Physiotherapy Assistant based in South East London and Kent. In her role, Kerry plays a vital part in our community-focused approach, collaborating with Physiotherapists to provide personalised care to our clients. She also works individually, guiding clients through exercises and rehabilitation, empowering them to achieve their functional goals.
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Before joining our team, Kerry built a rewarding career in social care, bringing a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to her current role. As a devoted mother of twins, Kerry understands the importance of balancing personal and professional life, demonstrating resilience and compassion in all aspects of her work.
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With Kerry's commitment and expertise, we ensure that our clients receive the highest level of support on their journey to improved well-being.
Emma Parkinson
Physiotherapy Assistant
Emma is a our Physiotherapy Assistant working across Bromley. Collaborating closely with physiotherapists, she provides essential support during treatment sessions. Emma also works independently with individuals, ensuring they successfully complete prescribed exercises from their physiotherapists. Her hands-on approach and commitment to personalised care contribute to the overall well-being of clients.
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Beyond her professional endeavors, Emma is a devoted carer for her family, showcasing her nurturing nature both at home and in her professional role. Her love of life and enthusiasm shine through all her work, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere for those around her.
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Outside of her role with JLinks Physiotherapy, Emma's passion lies in the equestrian world. She can often be found at her stables, caring for horses and sharing her expertise by teaching riding.
Emma's dedication to fostering health and her love for horses reflect her holistic approach to life.
Lucy Wignall BSc
Physiotherapy Assistant
Lucy is a devoted member of our physiotherapy assistant team, bringing a unique blend of skills from her diverse background. Before venturing into health and wellness, she earned a degree in German, French, and translation studies and worked as a Personal Assistant in the fast-paced world of Formula One. Lucy's healthcare journey began with a passion for aiding others in their recovery and achieving optimal physical health.
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As a physiotherapy assistant, Lucy collaborates closely with our physiotherapists, providing crucial support either under their guidance or during joint visits. Her warm and empathetic nature ensures that patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their rehabilitation journey. In addition to her role with us, Lucy is a dedicated mother to two boys and holds roles as a Pilates Instructor and Remedial and Sports Massage Therapist, further showcasing her commitment to promoting holistic well-being.
Michelle Wyles
Administrator
Michelle is our Business Administrator. She manages the diary and payments and keeps us all in order.
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Michelle works Monday to Friday 09:00am and 2pm Monday to Friday. Her email is admin@jlinks.co.uk.