Our Team

  • Patrick Shannon

    B.Appl.Sc(HMS) Hons; M.PHTY Principal Physiotherapist and Director

    Patrick completed his first degree at the University of Queensland, graduating with honours as an Exercise Physiologist. He then went on to complete his Masters in Physiotherapy from Griffith University. Before moving to the Burdekin, Patrick worked as an Exercise Physiologist at a private studio in the Brisbane CBD, gaining invaluable experience in treating athletes across the board, including many cyclists and triathletes.

     
    Patrick has a special interest in Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, as well as shoulder and knee injuries. He is involved with the local swimming clubs with injury prevention and strength and conditioning programs, as well as assisting the High Performance Programs running out of the local Catholic High School, BCHS. Patrick keeps fit by getting involved in CrossFit and is a multiple-Ironman triathlon finisher. He is also involved with the local Road Runners club and Cycling Group.
     
    Patrick is a current member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
     

  • Kristy Shannon

    B.Appl.Sc(HMS) Hons; M.PHTYPrincipal Physiotherapist and Director

    Kristy completed her first degree at the University of Queensland, graduating with honours as an Exercise Physiologist. She then went on to complete her Masters in Physiotherapy from Griffith University. Before moving to North Queensland from Brisbane, Kristy also worked as a research assistant at the School of Human Movement Studies, at The University of Queensland.
     
    Kristy has a special interest in dance physiotherapy, hip and spinal injuries. She is a fully qualified Clinical Pilates Instructor, and loves teaching her advanced Pilates classes at the clinic every week. She is a strong supporter of the local dance schools and assists with injury prevention programs and Pre-Pointe Assessments for the budding young dancers in the Burdekin and Townsville areas.
     
    Kristy is also an active member of the local Running and Road Cycling groups in Ayr.
     
    Along with her husband Patrick and their son, she enjoys travelling around the world to various triathlons. Her passion lies in long course triathlons, and she is a multiple-Ironman finisher.
     
    Kristy is a current member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
     

  • Lisa Zabel

    Practice Manager

    Lisa has been First In Physio’s Practice Manager since 2013.
     
    Lisa is also a qualified Gymnastics Instructor and away from the clinic runs a very successful early childhood movement based program at the local PCYC. She also enjoying making quilts in her spare time as well as spending time with her husband and 2 teenage girls. (more…)

  • Joe Denison

    Joe completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy at James Cook University in Townsville in 2018. He has a keen interest in orthopaedic rehabilitation and sporting injuries, especially ankle and knee injuries. Joe is also a qualified Clinical Pilates instructor, and he teaches a weekly group class in the clinic as well as one-on-one Clinical Pilates programs.

    Joe was born in Manchester, England before moving to Australia and growing up in Mossman, near Cairns.  Outside of work life, Joe is a keen runner and is an active player of the Burdekin Panthers Football Club. He also enjoys travelling to destinations around the world.

    Joe is a current member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

  • Mason Hebbard

    With a strong foundation in elite sport and a passion for rural health, Mason brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and athletic experience to the First In Physio team in Ayr.

    After representing at a national level in triathlon throughout his teenage years, Mason pursued a career in physiotherapy to help others return to the activities they love. While previously working in Townsville, Mason gained valuable experience working closely with the North Queensland Cowboys U20’s Young Guns, further developing his skills in high-performance rehab and return-to-play management. Mason has also worked with a wide range of athletes – from junior rugby league players and basketballers to competitive swimmers – building a strong focus on injury prevention, performance rehab, and return-to-sport planning.

    Mason’s clinical interests include orthopaedics, sports rehabilitation and return to sport management, as well as neurological rehabilitation. Mason is passionate about using evidence-based assessment and treatment to support individuals across all stages of recovery – whether they’re returning to sport, recovering from surgery, or adapting to new challenges in their daily life.