Our Team

Heather is a caring and skilled health professional with over 21 years of experience as an Exercise Physiologist providing support to individuals with an extensive variety of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. She founded Health & Hearts and has led the clinic for almost two decades, building it into a trusted provider across Medicare, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), WorkCover and private care in Mackay.

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, alongside a keen interest in evidence-based physiology and how it shapes exercise prescription across life stages. She is passionate about creating individualised programmes so everyone can enjoy the benefit’s of exercise and movement.

Heather has a kind, empathic approach to her work and values her ability to make clients feel heard and understood.  Her genuine interest in each individual helps her understand our complicated relationship with exercise and life balance, and to build strategies that help clients become active in life and achieve their goals.

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 for clients.  Empowering people of all ages and abilities to improve and maintain their health outcomes is at the heart of what she does. Being involved in sport from a young age is what started Kate-Lyn’s passion for exercise physiology. Continuing competitive and social sport through secondary/tertiary education and into working life, further developed their continued interest in exercise physiology.

Kate-Lyn began with Health and Hearts in 2014 as a casual employee after making a strong impression during student placement and soon moved into full-time work. Their professional experience has included delivering exercise physiology services to remote and rural communities, working with clients managing a wide range of chronic conditions – cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, endocrine and musculoskeletal. She returned to her family, to Mackay and the Health and Hearts team in 2021.

Kate-Lyn has completed additional training in cardiac health and rehabilitation and is dedicated to providing expertise for clients with complex cardiac conditions. Other interests include healthcare for people with disability, dementia care and prevention, osteoporosis prevention, mental health, LGBTQI+ health, culturally safe and holistic health care to First Nations peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Outside of the clinic Kate-Lyn enjoys spending time with her family/friends, gaming and being active (especially with their pets or in the ocean body boarding or snorkeling).

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

Yong is a passionate advocate for exercise for health and well-being, always eager to find unique and out-of-the-box solutions to help clients get the most out of their exercise programmes. He keeps his finger on the pulse with all the latest research and trends in the field, and brings a broad base of experience to the team through his background in disability support, military service and education. Yong’s clinical interests centre on utilising exercise to chronic pain management, mental health outcomes, and the modulatory effects of physical activity on immune function.

Yong was a familiar face at Health & Hearts for the past three years as a volunteer, staying active in the profession while working as a senior Phys. Ed Teacher and a Food technology teacher.  He joined the team in 2023 as a full-time exercise physiologist. For Yong, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing his clients transform – watching them grow stronger, more confident, and back in control of their own health and wellbeing.

Kim is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who started with Health & Hearts in 2025. She completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at Central Queensland University (CQU) and a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Charles Sturt University (CSU).

Kim’s long standing passion for sport and exercise drew her to exercise physiology. She combines strong academic training with a practical, person-centred approach to exercise and rehabilitation. As an experienced Pilates instructor, Kim enjoys helping clients improve their strength, mobility and overall wellbeing in a way that feels achievable and empowering. She has an interest in supporting people with a wide range of chronic conditions, with a special focus on post-menopausal women’s health, chronic lower back pain, and shoulder and knee concerns

With a warm, approachable style, Kim helps clients feel confident in their abilities and supports them to stay active, maintain independence and leave each session feeling empowered.