Our Team

Heather is a caring and skilled health professional with over 17 years of experience as an Exercise Physiologist providing support to individuals with an extensive variety of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

She is a member of Exercise and Sport Science Australia, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Science and Graduate Diploma in Exercise Physiology from James Cook University (JCU).

Heather has developed a strong interest in all areas of chronic health, particularly neurological conditions, osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic and persistent pain, and mental health. She is passionate about creating individualised programmes so everyone can enjoy exercise and movement’s benefits.

Heather has a kind, empathic approach to her work and values her ability to make clients feel heard and understood.  Heather’s interest in each individual helps her to develop insight into our love/hate relationship with exercise, and life balance, and create strategies to help clients become active in life and achieve their goals.

Jacqui completed her Masters of Exercise Physiology at Charles Sturt University in 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science from Southwest Baptist University, Missouri, USA.

Jacqui has a friendly, warm personality and creates a non-judgmental atmosphere for her clients.  Although Jacqui has spent the last decade as an elite athlete, she recognises that not everyone has the desire to push themselves to the limits, and she genuinely loves celebrating the small wins with her clients.

Jacqui holds accreditation with Exercise Sport Science Australia (ESSA) and is a qualified PD Warrior instructor.

Jacqui is interested in exercise for all ages with chronic health conditions and has a keen interest in chronic musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.   She also enjoys creating safe, supported exercise programmes for those with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Kate-Lyn graduated in 2013 from James Cook University (JCU) with a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology (Clinical).  Kate-Lyn holds accreditation and membership with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).

Kate-lyn has a kind and compassionate approach to healthcare, creating a safe and supportive space.  Empowering clients of all ages and abilities to improve and maintain their health outcomes is of the utmost importance.

Kate-Lyn began with Health and Hearts in 2014 as a casual employee after making a strong impression during student placement.  They soon found full-time employment and have practised continuously since.   Kate-Lyn’s professional experience has included providing exercise physiology services to remote and rural communities with various chronic conditions (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, endocrine and musculoskeletal).

Kate-Lyn returned to Mackay and our Health and Hearts team in 2021.  She has completed recent additional training in cardiac health and rehabilitation and is dedicated to providing expertise in the area of exercise for mental health, Indigenous health and LGBTQI+ health.

Yong completed a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science in 2010 from the University of Sunshine Coast (USC) and specialised with a Master in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Queensland (UQ) in 2016.  Yong is an accredited Sports Scientist and Exercise Physiologist and holds Exercise and Sport Science (ESSA) membership.

Yong is a passionate advocate for exercise for health and well-being.  He is eager to find unique and out-of-the-box solutions to help patients achieve the most out of their exercise programmes and has his finger on the pulse with all the latest research and trends.  Yong brings new knowledge and skills to our team with his experience in disability support, military service and education.

Yong has been a familiar face at Health & Hearts for the past 3 years as a volunteer, dedicating his time to staying active in our profession while he was employed as a senior phys. ed. and food sciences teacher at Mackay Christian College.  We are delighted to have Yong join us in 2023 as a full-time exercise physiologist.

Sara is currently on maternity leave.  We wish her all the best in her parenthood journey with her two beautiful boys.

Sara has had a lifelong interest in sports and fitness and was naturally drawn to study a degree in Exercise and Sport Science at UQ.  She graduated in 2012 with Honors and a Major in Clinical Exercise Physiology.

Before joining Health and Hearts in 2018, her professional experience as an exercise physiologist has included various roles including occupational health and wellbeing coordination, individual and group exercise prescription for chronic conditions and healthy lifestyle programmes.

Sara has a passion for performance coaching and athlete development. She has experience developing strength and conditioning programmes for men’s and women’s QBL squads and high-performance programmes and coaching with Acceleration Australia.  Sara is also regularly called upon for her run coaching expertise with local training groups.

Over the past few years, Sara has been expanding her knowledge in the field of exercise for women’s health.  She has extensive training in exercise for recti diastasis, PCOS, exercise management for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum exercise.

Sara holds accreditation with ESSA, Pilates Matwork recognition and coaching accreditation with the Queensland government, Hockey Australia and Basketball QLD.