Board Nominees 2024 - 2026
Nominations for the 12 places on the Board in the four categories have been received. All members nominated are deemed to be elected as the number of nominees did not exceed the number of available positions in any of the four categories. Members will vote to ratify those nominated at the Society AGM .
Each were nominated under one of the following four defined categories:
Public Health Service: this category applies to members employed directly by the Public Health Service, including the Dublin Academic Teaching Hospitals
Private Practice: applies to self-employed members working within private practice,
members employed as an associate within a private practice and members working independently in a private or self-employed capacity
Education: applies to members employed primarily by a third level institution as a lecturer or researcher and members employed as a clinical tutor primarily in an education role but are mainly based within the clinical environment
Private or Voluntary Sector: applies to members employed in Voluntary Hospitals (other than the Dublin Academic Teaching Hospitals), Private Hospitals and voluntary or or charitable organisations. Their position, whilst it may be funded by the Public Health Service, is paid through a Third party.
Members who are elected will formally take up their positions on the Board immediately after the AGM.
All Board members will function as a unit on behalf of the Society, which is its membership, and will not hold representative roles on the Board.
The work categories are solely for the purpose of a nomination and election process, the elected members do not represent the category from which they were elected.
Board Nominees
Jane Campbell
Jane Campbell is a physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience, having worked in the UK, New Zealand, and Ireland.
- Physiotherapist Manager at UPMC Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny.
- Master's degree in Clinical Research from the University of Ulster.
- Nine years of experience working in the field of Orthopaedic research.
- Presented research both National and International at Orthopaedic conferences
Jane has served two terms on the Board and is the current Second Vice President.
Nathan Cardy
Nathan Cardy (Phd) is is a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist working in Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics.
- Background in both hospital-based physiotherapy (2011–2015) and academic research (2015–2019).
- Currently working in Private Practice, providing physiotherapy for amateur and professional athletes across multiple sports.
- Lead physiotherapist for Irish Rugby and Leinster Rugby development teams, holding rehab and travelling physiotherapist roles with various Irish Rugby squads (men's and women's) since 2021.
- Completed post-graduate training in orthopaedics, manual therapy, dry needling, and sports trauma.
- Teaches on Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine modules for physiotherapy students at Trinity College Dublin.
- Lead Physio for Old Wesley RFC and Rathgar HC, alongside multiple team affiliations.
- Founding member of the Research Network, contributing to international discussion, research, and teaching in Sports and Exercise Medicine.
Nathan has served one term on the Board and is a member of the Professional Development Standing Commitee.
Sarah Dillon
Sarah Dillon is an Assistant Professor at the University of Limerick, teaching across the MSc and BSc in Physiotherapy programmes.
- Graduated from the University of Limerick with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.
- Worked clinically in private practice in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
- Awarded a PhD from Dublin City University in 2022.
- Employed as Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance during the final year of PhD studies.
- Course Director for two postgraduate programmes within the School of Allied Health. Research focuses on cancer, ageing, and injury.
- Fellow of Evidence Synthesis Ireland, with an interest in systematic review methodologies. Completed a diploma in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship, with plans to pursue an MA.
- Special interest in patient and public involvement in healthcare education, and an active member of a working group conducting research in this area.
Courtney Feike
Courtney Feike works in private practice in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, and as a Clinical Practice Tutor/Special Lecturer at UCD.
- Originally from the U.S., residing in Ireland for several years.
- Holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Kinesiology and a Doctorate in Physiotherapy.
- Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist in the U.S.
- Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, a distinction held by less than 1% of American physiotherapists
- Oversees UCD student placements in Wexford-area hospitals and has previously taught in a similar role at UL.
- Served as 2023 Conference Committee Chairperson, collaborating with members to advance the profession.
Stuart Garrett
Gillian Healy
Gillian Healy works as a Chartered Physiotherapist in Paediatrics.
- Qualified from Cardiff University in 2006 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.
- Began career at Naas General Hospital in 2007, transitioned to full-time paediatrics in 2016, with experience in disability, acute care, and currently working in primary care.
- Recently completed a PG Cert in Advanced Clinical Practice at UL, focusing on the impact of Covid restrictions on children under 4.
- Passionate about infant mental health and child development; currently undertaking a microcredential in childhood adversity at TCD.
- Presented at a HSCP conference on the development and benefits of a physiotherapy-led infant massage class within primary care.
- Qualified as a children's yoga teacher and infant massage instructor.
- Active in the CPP for the past 6 years, serving as secretary, CEG representative, and chairperson, addressing challenges of keeping the CIG active during Covid restrictions.
- Former ISCP Board member as Honorary Editor of First Hand and member of the Communications Committee.
Alison Holmes
Alison owns a sport-based private practice in Co. Laois and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Limerick, focusing on transitional care models for older adults.
- Graduated from UCD School of Physiotherapy in 2008 and completed an MSc in Physiotherapy in 2010.
- Has held multiple roles in both private and public sectors, in clinical and educational settings.
- Involved with multiple clinical interest groups inlcuding CPSEM and CPNG.
- Member of the Professional Development Standing Committtee.
Alison has served two terms on Board and is the current Chairperson of the International Affairs Standing Committee.
Fionnuala King (Board nominee)
Fionnuala King is the Chief Pharmacist for the Acute Hospitals Drugs Management
Programme (AHDMP), the Pharmacy function of the Acute Operations division of the HSE.
The ADHMP focus is on pharmacy innovation and delivery of medicines management
initiatives, safety and cost-effectiveness.
- As part of the HSE COVID response, Fionnuala chaired the Medicines Management
Working Group that developed the “National Medicines Management Guidance for
Centralised Vaccination clinics (CVCs)”. - Provided expert input into the development of the TrackVax software for vaccine management in the CVCs.
- Worked previously on the implementation of the National Cancer Information
System (NCIS) and has over 20 years of clinical experience in oncology and haematology, leading the haem/onc pharmacy team in St. James Hospital for 16 years - Has a strong patient and process focus that is apparent in her particular areas of interest namely Pharmacy Practice, Process Improvement and Medication Safety.
Margaret Mason
Margaret Mason has been actively involved with the Society since its inception. She is currently serving on the Board and is the Honorary Editor of Firsthand, the Society’s biannual Magazine.
- Trained as a physiotherapist in Cardiff, South Wales.
- Worked at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, St Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire, and St James's Hospital Dublin before being appointed Physiotherapy Manager at the Coombe Hospital, serving for 36 years until retirement.
- Gained qualifications in Women's Health from the UK and Ireland, taught on undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and presented at conferences.
- Completed a BA in Arts and Humanities while working full-time.
- Obtained an MA (Hons) in Women's Studies from UCD, with a thesis on developing women-centred childbirth through childbirth education.
- Specialises in women’s experiences with the health service during their reproductive years and beyond.
- Worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and developmental follow-up service; helped develop the first full multidisciplinary DDH screening service in Ireland in 2016.
- Previous chairperson of CPPHC.
Emilie McGrath
Emilie McGrath is a Physiotherapist Manager at Bon Secours Hospital Galway. Emilie is a current Board member and the Chairperson of the Professional Development Standing Committee.
- Gained a BPhysio from UCD in 1991 and an MSc in Sports Medicine from TCD in 1993.
- Worked in the UK and the US before returning to Ireland in 1996 to establish Shannonside Physiotherapy Clinic in Newmarket on Fergus, specialising in isokinetic evaluation and rehabilitation, and sports physiotherapy.
- Awarded Specialist Membership of the ISCP in 2006 and became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in 2011.
- Joined Bon Secours Hospital Galway in 2017 as Physiotherapy Manager and Clinical Specialist in Musculoskeletal Triage.
- Current clinical interest focuses on strength and conditioning for optimal bone health.
- Presented at conferences including the Bon Secours Sports Medicine Symposium (2018 and 2019) and the World Congress of Sports and Exercise Medicine (2018).
- Currently studying for a PG Diploma in Clinical Leadership with RCSI.
- Held various roles in the ISCP, including branch representative to Council, CPPP treasurer, Accreditation Working Group member, and Chair of the Advanced Practice subcommittee of the Professional Development Standing Committee.
Michelle McNamara
Michelle McNamara BSc (Physio) MPH is Health Ireland Lead in Primary Care.
- Trinity Graduate 1997
- UCC MPH Graduate 2020
- SPHeRE PG Dip graduate 2022
- Healthy Ireland Lead in Primary Care (CHO4) 2022- to date
- Senior Physiotherapist in Primary Care 2001- to date
- Board member 2022-2024
- Module coordinator ( HP ) – Sports and exercise MMed MSC ,UCC
- Guest lecturer – School of physiotherapy (UCC) , School Public Health (UCC)
Damian Rice
Damian Rice currently manages the Physiotherapy service across Acute and Community services in Wexford, leading a team of approximately 60 therapists. He is a current Board Member.
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, University of Ulster (1997); Master of Sports Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne (2000); Professional Diploma in Management, University College Cork (2021).
- Worked in the National Health Service, Ayrshire, Scotland, from 1997 to 1999, completing staff grade rotations.
- Moved to Melbourne, Australia, in 2000 to complete a Master’s degree in Sports Physiotherapy.
- Worked in private practice in Melbourne from 2000 to 2002, and with the Victorian Institute of Sport and Rugby Union Victoria.
- Returned to Ireland in 2003; initially worked as a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, before securing a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist post at Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, in 2004.
- In 2012, moved to a MSK Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist post at University Hospital Waterford (UHW).
- Became Physiotherapist Manager in Charge 3 in Wexford in May 2017.
- Served as General Manager for Primary Care, Waterford/Wexford, for 3 months in late 2022 before returning to the role of Physiotherapist Manager in Charge 3.
- Currently manages the Physiotherapy service across acute and community services in Wexford, leading a team of approximately 60 therapists.
- Served on various local and national committees within the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and FORSA.
- Held notable roles in ISCP, including Vice Chairperson and Honorary Treasurer.
- Currently serves on the national Physiotherapy Committee of FÓRSA, and has previously been Vice-chair.
Ann Rath (President's nominee)
· Anne has over 40 years of experience as a midwife and Clinical Midwifery Manager.
- RGN, RM, BSc Nursing Management.
- Recently retired from the position of Assistant Director of Midwifery and Nursing at the National Maternity Hospital.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the labour ward for over 25 years, fostering staff development to ensure a positive birth experience for mothers and babies.
- Worked closely with the Director of Midwifery and Senior Management Team for the last 10 years to coordinate hospital operations, including during the Covid pandemic.
- Member of the hospital Ethics Committee since 2012.
- Attained a BSc in Nursing Management from RCSI and received the Director of Midwifery Award for outstanding contribution to midwifery and the National Maternity Hospital.