About Coffs Neuro Physio

Amanda O’Neill

Amanda is the founder and director of Coffs Neuro Physio, and a Neurological and Vestibular Physiotherapist. She developed her early passion for Neuro Physio during her university studies and ever since identified the lack of access to experienced, skilled private neuro physiotherapy across the Mid North Coast. The long distances that people with neurological conditions had to travel to access these services became more evident while working in Sydney at the largest private practice provider of neurological rehabilitation in New South Wales. The tyranny of distance and costs too often resulting in cessation of treatment and earlier than ideal. And so, Amanda returned to her hometown Coffs Harbour to relieve this burden, bringing with her many years of experience in the field and a truck load of enthusiasm. Amanda has also completed extensive training in Vestibular Physiotherapy and has opened up this arm to Coffs Neuro Physio.

Amanda’s passion and dedication are hard to miss. She thrives on bringing a smile to the faces of her clients and encourages them to work hard towards achieving their goals. Her aim is to ensure that every person with a neurological condition no longer misses out on the opportunity to maximize their potential and live the best life they possibly can.

Outside of work, you will find Amanda somewhere in the ocean, most of time with her surfboard. Nothing beats a morning surf or dunk in the ocean at sunrise before an enjoyable day in the office.

Rachel O’Mara

Rachel joined the team at Coffs Neuro Physio after her husband’s work brought them back to his hometown of Coffs Harbour. She completed her Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle before securing a role in Sydney at Calvary rehabilitation Hospital, where she worked for a few years first.

Rachel enjoyed the rewarding aspect and gained experience in working with a variety of neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neuron Disease and balance impairment, as well as with orthopaedic and geriatric patients. Rachel has a keen interest in Parkinson’s Disease, post stroke rehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis and balance impairment. She has a passion for identifying a client’s goals and improving their function to make a meaningful impact on their quality of life. She is kind and compassionate to her clients and understands the importance of listening to a client’s needs. 

On the weekend Rachel can be found gardening, out in nature going on a hike or camping. She grew up in Wollongong so often ventures down to catch up with friends and family. 

Benedetto Piscitello

Ben is our new graduate physiotherapist who joined Coffs Neuro Physio in January 2023. Born in Italy, he lived there for 22 years before deciding to move to Australia in 2011 to travel and learn about the Australian culture. He instantly fell in love with our country and decided to complete his Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie in 2022. 

His love for sport, in combination with his desire to help others and his appreciation for the complexity of the human body and how it functions drove him to want to learn more about neurological physiotherapy. Working with people who are dealing with neurological conditions gives him a great sense of reward, knowing that he is helping them improving their ability to move, regain as much of their independence and enjoy a better quality of life.

When he is not at work, you can often find him spending time with his family and friends in one of the many beaches around Coffs. He loves a laugh, exercise and exploring what this beautiful region has to offer. 

Ivan Jankowski

Ivan joined Coffs Neuro Physio in 2023 and has been a practicing vestibular physiotherapist for the past 4 years. He has extensive experience in treating a variety of vestibular conditions including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraine, Meniere’s Disease, and more.

In addition to experience working with clients with stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders, Ivan has extensive experience as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist. This background helps Ivan identify physical barriers to improvement and work with clients to overcome them. He focuses on providing clear education and establishing meaningful goals with clients.

Ivan completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with first class honors at The University of Sydney. He returned to the mid north coast after living in Sydney and the Blue Mountains. When not busy at work, you will find Ivan down the beach or wrangling his three cats.

Jake Currie

Jake moved from Brisbane to join the Coffs Neuro Physio family in early 2024. After he finished his Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland Jake worked in musculoskeletal and vestibular rehab treating various vestibular conditions with a large focus on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Jake also has a keen interest in treating neurological and vestibular conditions as well as cervicogenic dizziness, headaches and migraines.

Jake is passionate about treating the person and not just the condition. He prides himself on taking the time to listen and understand the patient’s perspective so that he can provide the high-quality care that every person deserves.

Jake enjoys spending his spare time competing in CrossFit, training for triathlons, hiking and spending time with his partner. You can also find Jake spending most his weekends road cycling, mountain biking, reading or cooking.

Jacquie Pitzen

Before joining the Coffs Neuro Physio team, Jacquie gained extensive neurological and rehabilitation experience working in the Coffs Harbour Health Campus Rehabilitation Unit for over 15 years.

She completed her studies at Charles Sturt University Albury and following her years of experience, has gained a vast array of knowledge, in particual with Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, FND and Brain Injury.

Jacquie is a holistic clinician and genuinely enjoys helping her clients.

Stephanie Devine

Stephanie joined Coffs Neuro Physio in 2024. She has been in the profession for over 25 years, during which she obtained her Masters of Health Science specialising in Neurological Physiotherapy.

Stephanie has extensive experience in treating a variety of neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, post brain injury and post stroke rehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis and balance impairment. Stephanie has spent many years as a mobile Neurological Physiotherapist, adjusting therapy to be achieved in a person’s home.

Stephanie aims to help people identify their goals and improve their function, to allow them to regain as much independence as possible and enjoy a better quality of life.

When not in the clinic, Stephanie enjoys gardening, belly dancing and training for multiday hikes.

Christie Sturre

Christie is our very first Allied Health Assistant. She began her studies in 2018 in Gippsland, Victoria and began working at the Latrobe Regional Hospital in their large Rehabilitation Wards. Whilst there she enjoyed the challenge and reward of working within a multidisciplinary team with stroke, amputee, orthopaedic, and neurological patients. During her time at the hospital, she worked within several different disciplines including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Dietetics.

Christie moved over to the warmer climate of Coffs Harbour and joined the Coffs Neuro Physio team in 2022. She has a good understanding of the challenges that face neurological clients and adopts her warm and encouraging nature to help them get the most out of their physio led therapy.

When Christie is not at work you will find her hiking some of the beautiful tracks and rainforests around the Mid North Coast or at her sewing machine making wonderful creations.

Leah Mitchell

Leah is a born and bred local. She spent her childhood in the Bellingen region before making the sea change to Coffs Harbour as an adult. She has remained in the area with her family and is now raising her own children here, of which she has three. Four if you count her recently adopted cat.  

Leah joined our team as an Administrator and has an extensive background in Finance and bookkeeping. She prides herself on being organised, efficient and attentive to detail, all of which are integral attributes to the Coffs Neuro Physio team. 

Outside of work Leah can be found going for a walk with her son (which primarily involves chasing him away from the road!) or curled up doing a Sudoku. 

Victoria Wignall

Vicky has come on board as our bubbly and dedicated receptionist. After spending many years on the Gold Coast, she has returned to her roots, bringing with her over 15 years of invaluable customer service experience gained in various environments. 

Vicky’s unwavering dedication to people is what fuels her every day, as she goes above and beyond to ensure our clients feel truly valued as part of the CNP family. 

When Vicky isn’t bustling around the reception area, you can find her immersing herself in her other passions: animals and nature.

Chris O’Neill

Chris happens to be the husband of Amanda. A builder by trade, and the renovator of our new clinic in the Jetty, he has changed tact in his career, primarily in search of more directly helping make a difference in people’s lives. He has a knack for making people feel comfortable, happy and at ease, making him a great addition to the Coffs Neuro Physio family. 

Our therapists are also delighted to have an in-house maintenance man on the side – welcome ‘Tradie Tuesdays’!!

Until the birth their daughter Matilda, you would have found Chris in the surf with Amanda. Nowadays it’s a tag team ordeal, until she’s old enough to be out there with them. 

Heather Wilson

Heather joined Coffs Neuro Physio as our first Speech Pathologist in 2025. Having worked in many parts of Australia as well as Ireland and the UK, she has extensive experience working with clients with a wide range of communication impairments living with brain injury and progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Motor Neuron Disease etc. As a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, she also carries out swallowing and mealtime management assessments.

Heather is passionate about helping people to improve their communication skills and has a genuine interest in seeing others develop and shine.

In her spare time Heather loves cooking, talking to friends and watching a good movie.

Personalised Neuro and Vestibular Rehabilitation

At Coffs Neuro Physio, we provide expert assessment and rehabilitation for adults living with a wide range of neurological and vestibular conditions. Our experienced team understands the complexity of these conditions and the importance of delivering safe, evidence-based care tailored to each person’s needs and goals.

We support people at all stages of their condition — from early diagnosis to advanced care — with a strong focus on improving mobility, function, confidence and independence.

We support people living with:

Tailored Therapy, Designed for You

Our team offers a diverse range of individual and group-based programs designed specifically for people with neurological, vestibular, and complex disability needs. All programs are evidence-informed, client-centred, and delivered in a supportive environment by experienced clinicians.

Our Services & Programs Include:

Individual Therapy Services

• Individualised Neuro Physiotherapy – One-on-one assessment and therapy tailored to your personal physiotherapy goals and condition.
• Individualised Speech Pathology – One-on-one support for communication and swallowing challenges.
• Individualised Allied Health Assistant sessions – One-on-one sessions with an AHA supporting you with an exercise program delegated by your Neuro Physio.

Condition-Specific Group Programs

• PD Warrior (Licensed Program) – An intensive, neuro-active exercise approach designed for people with Parkinson’s.
• Punching Above PD – A boxing-based group class for people with Parkinson’s to improve strength, agility and confidence.
• PD Masters – Regular supervised group sessions tailored to those in the later stages of the condition
• MS Get a Head Start Program – A structured, early-intervention program to promote understanding, strength, energy and self-management in MS.
• MS Masters group – group sessions focused on symptom management and function in the later stages of the condition.
• Stroke group
• General Neuro group
• Young Neuro group