Growing up in rural County Cork, Ireland, I knew from a young age that I wanted to persue a career with animals. I moved to the UK to study Equine at Moreton Morrell College. Here I was a member of the colleges Equestrian Team, competing at predominantly dressage and some showjumping. I completed the course with flying colours, and recieved Student of the Year award. I then moved to Essex and undertook a 4 year Integrated Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy course at Writtle University College. The fantastic lecturing team, and great facilities, including a commercial Canine Therapy Clinic, set me up for my current career. I also completed two research projects at University, concerning the use of acupuncture and laser acupuncture point stimulation on equine back pain.

 

On finishing my Masters degree I became a fully qualified and insured Veterinary Physiotherapist, being a member of the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP), and also an Equine Body Worker (EEBW). I practiced in Essex for several years, then moved to Bristol in 2022 and have set up my practice here. I treat horses and dogs, utilising a blend of soft tissue therapy, electrotherapeutic modalities and remedial exercise prescription, aiming to alleviate pain, optimise function and promote healing. I am particularly passionate about myofascial release work, and using the myofascial kinetic chains to assess and treat dysfunction.

 

In addition to running my physiotherapy business, I am also a part-time University level educator at two institutions, roles I enjoy immensely as they facilitate my perpetual passion for teaching, learning and research. I am a Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy teaching on the clinical year of an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy course at Writtle University College. I am also a Lecturer in Veterinary Anatomy in the School of Anatomy at the University of Bristol, which enables me to pursue and hone my fascination of anatomy! Whilst following my additional career path as a lecturer, I have completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice from the University of Essex, providing me with FHEA status (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy). I find pedagogy fascinating, and am therefore currently undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education at the University of Bristol.

 

Furthermore, I completed my Level 3 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy in 2020 and worked as a Canine Physiotherapist and Hydrotherapist in a Canine Therapy Clinic, being a member of the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA).