Our Team
Meet our professional team
Ann Peters
Ann Peters
Compass Allied Health co-founder Ann Peters completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences and Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney. She is an experienced and Neurologically titled physiotherapist who is passionate about the profession.
Ann has a strong passion for mentoring and offering clinical support to the emerging clinicians within the Compass team.
Her special interests include treating adult and paediatric clients in the areas of:
• Neurological Physiotherapy
• Lifelong disability
• Hand therapy
When she is not treating patients, she likes to spend her time with her young family and enjoys any activity which involves being active and in nature.
Lincoln Peters
Lincoln Peters
Lincoln originally completed a Bachelor of Education/Arts at the University of Sydney. He spent several years teaching in local Government High Schools, before completing his MBA and founding Compass Allied Health with his partner Ann.
Lincoln is the General Manager for Compass Allied Health and is responsible for the Operational and Strategic aspects of the business. He thoroughly enjoys learning about new technologies that can help streamline workflows and supporting the Compass team meet their needs and goals.
In his spare time (prior to it being filled with his two wonderful kids), Lincoln likes playing cricket, bushwalking, reading, listening to podcasts and cheering on the mighty Arsenal.
Ruby Costello
Ruby Costello
Ruby grew up on the beaches of Sydney before moving to Wagga Wagga, where she completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University.
Throughout her studies, Ruby gained experience in cardiorespiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal and aged care physiotherapy. Ruby is passionate
about increasing accessibility in rural health, with a particular interest in pediatric and adult neurological rehabilitation, which led her to make the move up to Tamworth!
When not treating patients, you can find Ruby horse riding, playing soccer, bushwalking with her dog or spending time with friends and family.
Rachel Wood
Rachel Wood
Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (with Distinction) from the University of Newcastle in 2014. Since then, she has gained extensive experience working in Tamworth, primarily in private practice, with an early intervention service for children, and assisting with clinical placement coordination for Physiotherapy students at a local university.
Rachel has worked with a wide range of clients, from infants to the elderly, building a well-rounded expertise in the field. Her special area of interest is Paediatrics (working with children 0-18 years of age). Rachel is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential to participate in physical activity and strives to make Physiotherapy sessions both fun and engaging.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys staying active outdoors, swimming, reading, and spending quality time with her young family.
Shae Bradford
Shae Bradford
Shae graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2024, with her final year of studies taking place in Tamworth. She grew fond of the local community and chose to move back there after graduation. Having been raised in two small country towns, Lithgow and Kew in NSW, Shae developed a strong awareness of the challenges related to limited healthcare access. This experience sparked her passion for promoting equity and equality in rural healthcare settings.
She has a deep interest in paediatrics and cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, especially after completing her Honours Project on the use of the Cough Assist Device in mechanically ventilated ICU patients.
Outside of work, Shae enjoys playing hockey, doing Pilates, running, travelling, and spending time with her family.
Grace Pitts
Grace Pitts
Grace Pitts completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University of Orange. She is an APA titled Paediatric Physiotherapist who has worked in public hospitals in New South Wales and Tasmania with a focus on paediatric care.
She is a dedicated practitioner who strives to be up to date with the latest evidence-based treatment and research. Her special interests include:
• Paediatrics
• Early Intervention
• Disability
• Paediatric Rehabilitation
• Health Promotion
• Cystic Fibrosis
When she is not treating patients, she likes to spend her time horse riding, travelling and being involved with the gymnastics community.
Amy Clift
Amy Clift
Amy grew up rurally on a property just outside of Mullaley NSW, before heading to boarding school in Tamworth. After completing her undergraduate bachelor in Exercise and Sports Science through Newcastle University, she decided to return to Tamworth where she completed her post-graduate master’s in clinical Exercise Physiology through CSU whilst working causally within the health and fitness industry.
Amy has a particular interest neurological conditions, but enjoys working with all types of chronic health conditions and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Outside of work you can find Amy madly clocking up the kilometres on her bike, pounding the pavements, running trail or becoming way too competitive at crossfit.
Alex Batho
Alex Batho
Alex grew up on a small hobby farm between Quirindi and Willow Tree, before heading to boarding school in Tamworth. Alex moved to Sydney to pursue tertiary studies at The University of New South Wales and gained a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology. Alex has since spent almost 10 years working with Neurological conditions in the disability sector as an Exercise Physiologist, Team Leader and Sydney Regional Manager. Alex has also returned to a number of Universities to lecture in his areas of interest for Neurological Conditions.
Alex has recently moved back to Tamworth to be closer to family and friends and is motivated to create access opportunities for people in rural and remote areas. Alex brings a "can do, let's give it a try" approach to his exercise sessions, and likes challenging his clients in ways they may not have been challenged before.
Alex has a specific interest in adaptive exercise in Spinal Cord Injuries, Acquired Brain Injuries and Progressive Neurological Conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and Huntington's Disease.
Outside of work, Alex loves the outdoors and spends every chance he can fishing, camping or exploring the wilderness. Alex has recently discovered his green thumb in the garden, enjoys a coffee, taking his golden retriever, George, for a walk or spending time with family and friends. Be sure to say g'day if you see him out and about, or in the clinic!
Rachael Smart
Rachael Smart
Rachael is a Tamworth local, growing up in the area before heading to Wollongong for University. There she spent 4 years completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation. After graduation, Rachael decided to return to Tamworth where she has worked in private practice as an Exercise Physiologist since 2022.
Rachael has experience working with a broad range of chronic health conditions through different schemes like the NDIS and Workers Compensation. She particularly enjoys working with individuals with neurological conditions, as well as having a keen interest in helping children work on their movements skills and achieving age-appropriate growth and development milestones.
When Rachael is not at work you will probably find her at her local CrossFit gym working on her skills, reading the newest book release or finally finishing her latest crochet project.
Anna Johnson
Anna Johnson
Anna holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise & Sports Science) from the University of Sydney and a Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology from CSU. Anna grew up on a flower farm on the outskirts of Sydney and has recently moved to the Tamworth area with her husband and two children.
She has worked with clients in the neurological space for the past two years in the Newcastle region. She is passionate about finding novel ways to get her clients moving in ways that are supportive of their goals. She loves getting to know her clients and their families and is often up for a chat!
Outside of work you will often find her camping, fishing and getting out in nature with her family.
Sophie Nicholls
Sophie Nicholls
Sophie Nicholls was born and raised in Tamworth and completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the University of Newcastle.
She has more then 10 years of experience working in private practice, hospitals and community rehabilitation. The majority of this time has been spent supporting people with disabilities.
Her special interest include:
- Disability
- Paediatrics
- Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC), including eye gaze technology
- Neurodegenerative conditions
- Dysphagia and feeding
When she is not speechie-ing... you will find her hanging out with her two puppies, pretending to know how to Crossfit, drinking coffee and spending time with her family.
Janelle Gardiner
Janelle Gardiner
Janelle grew up in Tamworth, completing both her primary and high school education locally. She then went on to attain a Bachelor of Speech Therapy at the University of Queensland.
Her postgraduate years saw her working in Tasmania before she went across the pond to London. She eventually settled down in Sheffield, and has worked in the local children's hospital for the last 30 years. She is now very happy to be back in Tamworth to be closer to her family and country beginnings.
Since graduating in the early ‘90’s, she has loved working with children and their families to achieve better communication outcomes for them. She feels that speech pathology is a partnership and should be available to all who need it, when they need it.
She has particular interests in working with pre-school and school-aged children with complex and/or additional needs.Outside of work, Janelle is obsessed with pottery and anything muddy. She is enjoying spending time with Tamworth’s thriving art community. She also wrangles a husband, a teenager and a dog in her spare time
Lillian Higgins
Lillian Higgins
Lil grew up in rural NSW, with a number of those years being spent in the township ofNarrabri. After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) at the University of Sydney she made the decision to return back to the bush.
She is passionate about making healthcare more accessible to those who are in rural or remote areas. She has a particular interest in adult and paediatric neurological impairments and enjoys working closely alongside individuals to reach their goals.
Outside of being a speech pathologist, she loves reading books, binging a really good tv series, spoiling my dog and spending time with my friends and family.
Tamra Staples
Tamra Staples
Tamra Staples completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology, Honours) at The University of Sydney. She has worked in community health settings in Sydney and Tamworth. She is currently completing a PhD through The University of Sydney on speech sound disorders and also teaching at the university. Her special interests include:
• Speech sound disorders in children.
• Early communication delay.
• Feeding difficulties in infants and toddlers.
When she is not working, she likes hanging out with friends, playing with her dog and going to church.
Alyssa Rogan
Alyssa Rogan
Alyssa Rogan is an Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience across a variety of different sectors. Prior to joining the Compass team she was working in Public Health, predominantly seeing people following a spinal cord injury as an inpatient therapist, and then as a case manager, consultant and educator.
She specialises in managing the holistic needs of spinal cord injuries, pressure injury management, equipment prescriptions, complex seating solutions and case management. She has recently started offering paediatric therapy in addition to these specialties and is thoroughly enjoying learning a new skillset and seeing the impact it can have on childrens development.
She is in avid mountain biker and makes the best gluten free apple crumble muffins in the New England.
Clare Harrison
Clare Harrison
Clare holds a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Newcastle. She has recently returned to Tamworth, her hometown, to kickstart her professional journey.
Clare is known for her enthusiastic approach to learning and is deeply passionate about her work. She thrives in a multidisciplinary setting, collaborating with others to provide comprehensive support for individuals striving to achieve their goals.
Clare's professional interests lie in serving both pediatric and geriatric populations in rural areas, aiming to enhance accessibility and promote holistic well-being, independence, and life skills.
Outside of her occupational therapy practice, Clare enjoys reading, traveling, playing sports, cultivating her indoor plant collection, and cherishing moments with her family, friends, and beloved dogs.
Brittany Bates
Brittany Bates
After finishing her undergraduate of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2018, Britt returned to student life in 2023, completing her Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra in 2025.
Being born and bred in Tenterfield, she has always seen and felt the impact of the highs and lows associated with rural health care and was determined to follow her passion to provide outstanding healthcare to rural communities.With experience in both case management and clinical treatment across many different schemes, Britt has found a particular interest in using her creative lens to help children and adolescents understand the world around them and assist those in need of basic home and equipment modifications. She aspires to one day be able to offer hand therapy and lymphedema services.
In her down time, you can find Britt chasing an adventure, watching a sunset, spending time with her friends, family and dogs, and (on occasion) diving head first into a DIY project.
Shenae Forsythe
Shenae Forsythe
Shenae is a seasoned professional with a Bachelor of Human Resources from the University of Newcastle, earned in 2013. Her career spans diverse roles primarily focused on compliance and analytics across private and public sectors.
Before joining the Compass team, Shenae pursued additional training during her Maternity Leave, becoming an Allied Health Assistant and obtaining her AUSTSWIM certification.
Outside of work time, Shenae cherishes family moments with her husband and two lively boys. She finds joy in cooking, gardening, and managing tasks on their property during her leisure time.
Millie Skillen
Millie Skillen
I am a born and bred Tamworth girl, with a passion for all things family, nature and the outdoors.
I have previously worked within the health industry before venturing down to Sydney to train in floristry. During my time in Sydney I was able to complete my cert 3 in floristry and go on to work in one of the leading florists in the industry, ending up managing and running the shop. I have had the pleasure of working closely with leading Australian businesses and creating friendships with some amazing teams of people whilst letting my creative juices flow.
I have recently relocated back home to Tamworth with my Fiance and we are excited to be involved in this wonderful community again. On the weekend you can usually find me walking the dogs, playing in the garden, cooking some yummy sweet treats, camping and enjoying time with family and friends.
I am excited to be working here at Compass whilst continuing to learn, grow and help our team in any way I can. I am always up for a chat with our lovely clients and I hope to be a friendly face for all to see.
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