Meet Our Performance Centre Team
Dan Lawson
Position: Performance Physiotherapist (Cronulla Sharks NRL) / Performance Director (BaiMed Performance) / Director (BaiMed)
Location: Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Physio) University of Sydney, Masters of Science (Strength & Conditioning) Edith Cowan University (currently studying)
Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- Cronulla Sharks NRL Physio – NRL premiers (2016)
- Senior Physio, St George Illawarra Dragons NRL (2008-2015)
- Team Physio, NSW country origin rugby league (2013-2017)
- Head Physio, Samoa rugby league (2009- 2011)
- Assistant Physio, NSW origin rugby league (2010)
- Member Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Member Australian Sports Physiotherapy
- Member Australian Strength and Conditioning Association
- Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Level 2 Sports Trainer
- Published co-author “Low chronic workload and the acute:chronic workload ratio are more predictive of injury than between-match recovery time: a two-season prospective cohort study in elite rugby league players” BJSM
Dan has worked with athletes in a wide range of sports all the way up to international level. He has spent the last 10 years at the highest level of Australian sport and is passionate about bringing elite-level sports medicine and strength and conditioning service to the general public via BaiMed Performance Centre.
Born and bred in the Gong, Dan successfully juggles work life with spending time with his wife and two daughters, surfing and listening to loud music while lifting weights.
Dan Lawson
Position: Performance Physiotherapist (Cronulla Sharks NRL) / Performance Director (BaiMed Performance) / Director (BaiMed)
Location: Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Physio) University of Sydney, Masters of Science (Strength & Conditioning) Edith Cowan University (currently studying)
Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- Cronulla Sharks NRL Physio – NRL premiers (2016)
- Senior Physio, St George Illawarra Dragons NRL (2008-2015)
- Team Physio, NSW country origin rugby league (2013-2017)
- Head Physio, Samoa rugby league (2009- 2011)
- Assistant Physio, NSW origin rugby league (2010)
- Member Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Member Australian Sports Physiotherapy
- Member Australian Strength and Conditioning Association
- Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Level 2 Sports Trainer
- Published co-author “Low chronic workload and the acute:chronic workload ratio are more predictive of injury than between-match recovery time: a two-season prospective cohort study in elite rugby league players” BJSM
Dan has worked with athletes in a wide range of sports all the way up to international level. He has spent the last 10 years at the highest level of Australian sport and is passionate about bringing elite-level sports medicine and strength and conditioning service to the general public via BaiMed Performance Centre.
Born and bred in the Gong, Dan successfully juggles work life with spending time with his wife and two daughters, surfing and listening to loud music while lifting weights.
Chris Jaffrey
Position: Exercise Physiologist / Athlete Performance Coach / Strength & Conditioning Coach
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science) University of Wollongong, Masters of Science (Strength & Conditioning) Edith Cowan University
Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- Accredited Exercise Physiologist
- Level 2 Sports Trainer
- Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Illawarra Steelers Harold Matts (2012-13)
- Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Illawarra Steelers SG Ball (2014)
- Junior High Performance Coach – St George Illawarra Dragons (2012-14)
- Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Illawarra Cutters (2015)
- Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Illawarra Cutters NSW Intrust Premiership State and National Premiers (2016)
- Head Athletic Performance Coach- NRLW St George Illawarra Dragons (2018, 2019)- Grand Finalists (2019)
- Strength and Conditioning Coach- UFC Fighter Alex Volkanovski (2018-Current)
Chris has more than ten years’ experience in the exercise physiology, personal training and strength and conditioning fields. Hailing from Mollymook on the NSW South Coast, he moved to Wollongong for 2003 and (besides nine months living in the UK) has lived here ever since.
Married with two young boys, he loves rugby league, cricket and anything that keeps kids occupied.
Chris Jaffrey
Position: Exercise Physiologist / Athlete Performance Coach / Strength & Conditioning Coach
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science) University of Wollongong, Masters of Science (Strength & Conditioning) Edith Cowan University
Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- Accredited Exercise Physiologist
- Level 2 Sports Trainer
- Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Illawarra Steelers Harold Matts (2012-13)
- Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Illawarra Steelers SG Ball (2014)
- Junior High Performance Coach – St George Illawarra Dragons (2012-14)
- Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Illawarra Cutters (2015)
- Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Illawarra Cutters NSW Intrust Premiership State and National Premiers (2016)
- Head Athletic Performance Coach- NRLW St George Illawarra Dragons (2018, 2019)- Grand Finalists (2019)
- Strength and Conditioning Coach- UFC Fighter Alex Volkanovski (2018-Current)
Chris has more than ten years’ experience in the exercise physiology, personal training and strength and conditioning fields. Hailing from Mollymook on the NSW South Coast, he moved to Wollongong for 2003 and (besides nine months living in the UK) has lived here ever since.
Married with two young boys, he loves rugby league, cricket and anything that keeps kids occupied.
Jenna Browne
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Shoalhaven & BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Coaching and Sports Science- University of Canberra, Graducate Certificate of Human Movement- University of Canberra and Masters of Physiotherapy- University of Canberra.
Jenna grew up in Jervis Bay and moved to Canberra to complete her university in 2009. She has coached gymnastics in both Nowra and Canberra at the National and Elite level. Jenna previously worked with BaiMed before moving to Perth where she practised with elite athletes including gymnasts, rugby and hockey players. Jenna also worked within Pediatrics with Child Health Services including developmental delay and integrating school aged children with disabilities and gross motor development into community sport. 2018 was a massive year for Jenna, she was the Head Physiotherapist for the Cirque Du Soleil of the Sea where she traveled with the cast through most of Europe for 9 months. Jenna has recently relocated back to the Illawarra and is offering appointments at our Shoalhaven and Kiama clinics.
Outside of work you will find Jenna along with her husband and Kelpie George exploring the beautiful South Coast.
Jenna Browne
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Shoalhaven & BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Coaching and Sports Science- University of Canberra, Graducate Certificate of Human Movement- University of Canberra and Masters of Physiotherapy- University of Canberra.
Jenna grew up in Jervis Bay and moved to Canberra to complete her university in 2009. She has coached gymnastics in both Nowra and Canberra at the National and Elite level. Jenna previously worked with BaiMed before moving to Perth where she practised with elite athletes including gymnasts, rugby and hockey players. Jenna also worked within Pediatrics with Child Health Services including developmental delay and integrating school aged children with disabilities and gross motor development into community sport. 2018 was a massive year for Jenna, she was the Head Physiotherapist for the Cirque Du Soleil of the Sea where she traveled with the cast through most of Europe for 9 months. Jenna has recently relocated back to the Illawarra and is offering appointments at our Shoalhaven and Kiama clinics.
Outside of work you will find Jenna along with her husband and Kelpie George exploring the beautiful South Coast.
John Callaghan
Position: Physiotherapist / ACL Program Coordinator
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor Science (Health and Exercise Science) – UNSW, Masters of Physiotherapy – University of Sydney
You’ll find JC busy at our Wollongong clinic assessing, treating and managing patients with predominantly musculoskeletal conditions. When he’s not there he’s at the Performance Centre providing rehab and advice to patients for a range of lower limb and ACL injuries, helping them get back into their sport of choice ASAP.
It’s the interesting and varied clinical work at BaiMed that keeps JC motivated. That and the scope for high quality and effective interventions using BaiMed’s top notch facilities. Outside work, you’ll find him at the beach, travelling, camping or just spending time with friends and family.
John Callaghan
Position: Physiotherapist / ACL Program Coordinator
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor Science (Health and Exercise Science) – UNSW, Masters of Physiotherapy – University of Sydney
You’ll find JC busy at our Wollongong clinic assessing, treating and managing patients with predominantly musculoskeletal conditions. When he’s not there he’s at the Performance Centre providing rehab and advice to patients for a range of lower limb and ACL injuries, helping them get back into their sport of choice ASAP.
It’s the interesting and varied clinical work at BaiMed that keeps JC motivated. That and the scope for high quality and effective interventions using BaiMed’s top notch facilities. Outside work, you’ll find him at the beach, travelling, camping or just spending time with friends and family.
Benjamin Kearton
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Kiama
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Science (UOW), Masters of Physiotherapy (USYD)
Ben played competitive soccer locally for 22 years and social basketball, which stemmed his passion in sport and the rehabilitation process. He has a special interest in tendon injuries and sport injuries, particularly of the lower limb.
Ben appreciations being involved in the rehabilitation process, from injury to return to work, life and sport, and beyond to improved performance, functionality and injury prevention.
Ben has been a sports training for 3 years with Balgownie Football Club. Outside of work, Ben enjoys walking his blue heeler, Banjo with his fiancé Lisa, and keeping active by playing soccer, basketball and working out at the gym.
Benjamin Kearton
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Kiama
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Science (UOW), Master of Physiotherapy (USYD)
Ben played competitive soccer locally for 22 years and social basketball, which stemmed his passion in sport and the rehabilitation process. He has a special interest in tendon injuries and sport injuries, particularly of the lower limb.
Ben appreciations being involved in the rehabilitation process, from injury to return to work, life and sport, and beyond to improved performance, functionality and injury prevention.
Ben has been a sports training for 3 years with Balgownie Football Club. Outside of work, Ben enjoys walking his blue heeler, Banjo with his fiancé Lisa, and keeping active by playing soccer, basketball and working out at the gym.
Holly McPaul
Position: Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation UOW, Master of Physiotherapy USYD
A dancer since the age of three, and dance teacher for seven years, Holly combines high level clinical skills with her love of dance to provide specific programs for dancers – including a Dance Specific Screen, designed to highlight strengths and weaknesses in order to structure programs to suit the individual. She loves to help patients of all types get moving again and prevent reinjury.
Outside work you’ll find Holly dancing or teaching others to dance. Otherwise she’s spending time with her friends and family, who she always keeps close. And one thing she has a weakness for is a really good sleep-in!
Holly McPaul
Position: Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation UOW, Master of Physiotherapy USYD
A dancer since the age of three, and dance teacher for seven years, Holly combines high level clinical skills with her love of dance to provide specific programs for dancers – including a Dance Specific Screen, designed to highlight strengths and weaknesses in order to structure programs to suit the individual. She loves to help patients of all types get moving again and prevent reinjury.
Outside work you’ll find Holly dancing or teaching others to dance. Otherwise she’s spending time with her friends and family, who she always keeps close. And one thing she has a weakness for is a really good sleep-in!
Liam Richardson
Position: Performance Physiotherapist/Athletic Performance Coach
Location: TeleHealth, Performance Centre, Kiama, Woonona
Qualifications: Bach. of Physiotherapy & Mast. of Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning)
Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- NRL Rehabilitation Physiotherapist to St George Illawarra Dragons (2017 – 2019)
- Head Physiotherapist ACT/NSW Men’s Comets Cricket Team – Futures League (2016 – 2017)
- Australia Under 15’s Female Physiotherapist (2017)
- ACT/NSW Country Under 15/17’s Pathway Physiotherapist (2016 – 2017)
- Level 1 Sports Physiotherapist
- APA Member
- Rehabilitation of individuals for return to sports following acute or chronic musculoskeletal injury – shoulder, Achilles and hamstring injuries
- Acute and chronic shoulder injuries – Coordinator for the ‘Cuff Strong’ Program
- Facilitating return to full function for upper body limb injuries
- Return to run rehabilitation following lower body injuries
Liam Richardson
Position: Performance Physiotherapist/Athletic Performance Coach
Location: TeleHealth, Performance Centre, Kiama, Woonona
Qualifications: Bach. of Physiotherapy & Mast. of Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning)
Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- NRL Rehabilitation Physiotherapist to St George Illawarra Dragons (2017 – 2019)
- Head Physiotherapist ACT/NSW Men’s Comets Cricket Team – Futures League (2016 – 2017)
- Australia Under 15’s Female Physiotherapist (2017)
- ACT/NSW Country Under 15/17’s Pathway Physiotherapist (2016 – 2017)
- Level 1 Sports Physiotherapist
- APA Member
- Rehabilitation of individuals for return to sports following acute or chronic musculoskeletal injury – shoulder, Achilles and hamstring injuries
- Acute and chronic shoulder injuries – Coordinator for the ‘Cuff Strong’ Program
- Facilitating return to full function for upper body limb injuries
- Return to run rehabilitation following lower body injuries
Luke Wilson
Position: Performance Physiotherapist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre, Figtree
Qualifications:
Masters of Sports Physio (LaTrobe)
Masters of S&C (Edith Cowan)
Masters of Physio (University of Canberra)
Graduate Diploma Rehab (University of Wollongong)
Bachelor of Exercise Science (University of Wollongong)
Luke has spent the last six years in the NRL with the Raiders (2014-2015) & Warriors (2016-2019), prior to that he spent 4 years in Toronto, Canada with Canadian Olympic teams. Luke has a special interest in treating shoulders and knees, particularly throwing shoulder and jumping/change of direction athletes. Outside of work you’ll find Luke spending time with his wife Melissa and two year old Charlie. They love travelling and experiencing new places. He also loves all sports but baseball is his favourite.Luke Wilson
Position: Performance Physiotherapist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre, Figtree
Qualifications:
- Masters of Sports Physio (LaTrobe)
- Masters of S&C (Edith Cowan)
- Masters of Physio (University of Canberra)
- Graduate Diploma Rehab (University of Wollongong)
- Bachelor of Exercise Science (University of Wollongong)
Harrison Freund
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Location: Performance Centre Figtree and Kiama
Qualifications: Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology – The University of New England
Originally from Nelson Bay Harry moved to Wollongong following the completion of his degree. Before BaiMed Harry completed a sport science internship with NSWRL where he worked within the origin pathways program primarily with the U18s NSW origin team.
Outside of work you’ll find Harry playing AFL which he has done for the last 10 years, being outdoors and travelling. Japan is his favourite destination due to its amazing culture, snow and food.
Harrison Freund
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Location: Performance Centre Figtree and Kiama
Qualifications: Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology – The University of New England
Originally from Nelson Bay Harry moved to Wollongong following the completion of his degree. Before BaiMed Harry completed a sport science internship with NSWRL where he worked within the origin pathways program primarily with the U18s NSW origin team.
Outside of work you’ll find Harry playing AFL which he has done for the last 10 years, being outdoors and travelling. Japan is his favourite destination due to its amazing culture, snow and food.
Rob Jamieson
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelors in Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation at The University of Canberra
Rob grew up in Canberra and during his University degree he was exposed to a number of experiences in a variety of rehabilitation and performance settings. In 2015-2019 Rob worked apart of the Belconnen Magpies Football Club Strength, Condition & Rehabilitation team during Australian Rules Football Canberra First and Second grade competitions. During the 2017 season Rob completed an internship with Brumbies/ Vikings rugby with the performance analysis team. In 2018 he lived and worked in Canada with the Canadian Sports Institute Atlantic with Canadian Canoe and Kayak team, Female Canada Ice hockey athletes, Canada gymnastics athletes, Junior and Provincial Ice hockey, soccer, gymnastics, rugby athletes and Nova Scotia Hockey. In the 2018/19 season NRL season he worked as the Assistant Speed and Agility coach with the Canberra Raiders. In 2019 Rob worked alongside Chris Jaffery in the NRLW competition as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for the St George Illawarra Dragons and most recently in 2019/20 he worked alongside Chris Jaffery in the NRLW nines competition as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Rob has a special interest in ACL’s due to the server impact it has globally. Outside of work you’ll find Rob spending time with his friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, hiking, camping fishing and exploring beaches aswell as keeping active by playing social sports and at the gymRob Jamieson
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelors in Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation at The University of Canberra
Rob grew up in Canberra and during his University degree he was exposed to a number of experiences in a variety of rehabilitation and performance settings. In 2015-2019 Rob worked apart of the Belconnen Magpies Football Club Strength, Condition & Rehabilitation team during Australian Rules Football Canberra First and Second grade competitions. During the 2017 season Rob completed an internship with Brumbies/ Vikings rugby with the performance analysis team. In 2018 he lived and worked in Canada with the Canadian Sports Institute Atlantic with Canadian Canoe and Kayak team, Female Canada Ice hockey athletes, Canada gymnastics athletes, Junior and Provincial Ice hockey, soccer, gymnastics, rugby athletes and Nova Scotia Hockey. In the 2018/19 season NRL season he worked as the Assistant Speed and Agility coach with the Canberra Raiders. In 2019 Rob worked alongside Chris Jaffery in the NRLW competition as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for the St George Illawarra Dragons and most recently in 2019/20 he worked alongside Chris Jaffery in the NRLW nines competition as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Rob has a special interest in ACL’s due to the server impact it has globally. Outside of work you’ll find Rob spending time with his friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, hiking, camping fishing and exploring beaches aswell as keeping active by playing social sports and at the gym
Nicholas Rowston
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Location: Nowra / BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation (University of Canberra),Sports Trainer lvl 1 (Sports Medicine Australia) and Cert III and IV Fitness
Originally from the town of Cowra, Nick completed his Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation at the University of Canberra. During his university he worked as a personal trainer and worked with AFL club BMFC for strength, conditioning and rehab. Nic loves to adventure the south coast, play cricket and touch, spend time with his family and loves all animals!
Nicholas Rowston
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Location: Nowra / BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation (University of Canberra),Sports Trainer lvl 1 (Sports Medicine Australia) and Cert III and IV Fitness
Nic grew up in Cowra, NSW and moved to Canberra for 5 years to complete his University studies. During Nic’s time in Canberra he worked as a bartender, a personal trainer and a duty manager. Through University he worked with a semi-professional AFL club BMFC (strength, conditioning and rehab). Nic relocated to Wollongong and now works with our Performance team out of our Figtree clinic.
Outside of work you’ll find Nic playing and watching all sport, most notably cricket and rugby league, working out at the gym and adventuring.
Alex Verass
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre and Woonona
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation at University of Canberra
Alex grew up in Canberra, always playing and being passionate about sport. He was heavily involved with my rugby club which included him helping run a high performance strength and conditioning program during the off season. He also completed an internship with a top end rehab provider in Canberra.
Alex enjoys consulting with clients, running physical assessments, prescribing, explaining and demonstrating rehabilitation exercises, & athlete development.
Outside of work, Alex likes playing and watching rugby, taking his dog to the beach, bike rides, running, travelling and exploring, spending time with his friends and family
Alex Verass
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre and Woonona
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation at University of Canberra
Alex grew up in Canberra, always playing and being passionate about sport. He was heavily involved with my rugby club which included him helping run a high performance strength and conditioning program during the off season. He also completed an internship with a top end rehab provider in Canberra.
Alex enjoys consulting with clients, running physical assessments, prescribing, explaining and demonstrating rehabilitation exercises, & athlete development.
Outside of work, Alex likes playing and watching rugby, taking his dog to the beach, bike rides, running, travelling and exploring, spending time with his friends and family
Ellen Lee
Name: Ellen Lee Position: Exercise Physiologist Location: Woonona Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation (University of Canberra - Completed 2019), Masters in Disability & Inclusion (Deakin University - Currently Undertaking)
Ellen grew up in a big Italian family, she loves to cook, eat and travel. She played softball growing up and represented the ACT from U13-U19 at a state level. She has a special interest in assisting people with disabilities to help empower peoples lives. Outside of work you will find Ellen at the beach, spending time with her family, friends and her puppy!
Sarah McCarthy
Position: Dietitian
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre Figtree
Qualifications: Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours), Accredited Practising Dietitian
After growing up in the small country town of Harden and completing high school in Sydney, Wollongong was the perfect location for Sarah to complete her university studies and still enjoy the combination of country and city! Upon completing her degree in Dietetics she returned to Harden and practiced in surrounding towns and in Canberra.
Sarah has special interest in children's nutrition, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Outside of work you'll find Sarah by the water, enjoying water skiing, the beach and swimming. She also loves to cook, bake and try new foods!
Tiarne Ayres
Position: Remedial and Pregnancy Massage Therapist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Partner Training & Massage for Pregnancy – Pregnancy Massage Australia (2014), Diploma of Remedial Massage – Shellharbour TAFE NSW (2013), Certificate of Pregnancy Massage – Pregnancy Massage Australia (2013), Certificate IV Massage Therapy Practice – Shellharbour TAFE NSW (2012), Member of Massage Association of Australia (MMA) and Pregnancy Massage Australia.
After four years as a Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer, Tiarne became qualified as a Massage Therapist. She is passionate about working with various types of clients including elite athletes to help them achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Outside work, Tiarne is an avid fan of the Cronulla Sharks and Illawarra Hawks. She also couldn’t live without her running shoes, having completed Half Marathons and Trail Running, including the Coastal Classic. This fun-loving lady is married with three children, and loves spending time with family and friends.
Tiarne Ayres
Position: Remedial and Pregnancy Massage Therapist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre
Qualifications: Partner Training & Massage for Pregnancy – Pregnancy Massage Australia (2014), Diploma of Remedial Massage – Shellharbour TAFE NSW (2013), Certificate of Pregnancy Massage – Pregnancy Massage Australia (2013), Certificate IV Massage Therapy Practice – Shellharbour TAFE NSW (2012), Member of Massage Association of Australia (MMA) and Pregnancy Massage Australia.
After four years as a Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer, Tiarne became qualified as a Massage Therapist. She is passionate about working with various types of clients including elite athletes to help them achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Outside work, Tiarne is an avid fan of the Cronulla Sharks and Illawarra Hawks. She also couldn’t live without her running shoes, having completed Half Marathons and Trail Running, including the Coastal Classic. This fun-loving lady is married with three children, and loves spending time with family and friends.