Our Team

Jeff Fox – Director and Physiotherapist

Jeff has a degree in Physical Education from Otago University, specialising in biomechanics and exercise physiology. This was then followed by five years of teaching at UCOL in their Certificate and Diploma in Exercise Physiology and Coaching courses.

Following on from this was a two-year accelerated Masters in Rehabilitation Science at Glasgow Calendonian University in Glasgow, Scotland.  He then worked for four years in London hospitals including West Middlesex and Hammersmith Hospital and even a stint at the infamous Wormwood Scrubs Prison.

Clinically Jeff is passionate about all those he treats. Particularly he loves helping those with orthopaedic and sports injuries and getting them back running, with an emphasis on good manual therapy to get things moving again – and the rehab required to get the muscles back up and firing. When he’s not working or being with his three children, Jeff is out there doing anything and everything outdoors. He is passionate about most sports but trail running takes the forefront with “The Goat” his favourite event to date. He also skis when he can and enjoys playing social hockey alongside his children.

Sarah Battson – Senior Physiotherapist and Clinical Director

Since graduating from the University of Otago Sarah has worked in Australia and New Zealand in both hospital and private practice clinical environments. In 2012 she started working for the NZ Snow Sports team and was one of the lead Physiotherapists for the NZ Olympic free-ski and snowboard athletes. This role includes traveling with the NZ team for their northern hemisphere training and competition season.

Sarah was selected for the NZ Winter Olympic Games Medical Team and attended the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea. This role included providing on and off snow physiotherapy services throughout the Games and working closely with the entire Health and performance team to ensure the highest quality physiotherapy support.

This work has made her skilled and experienced in diagnosing both acute and chronic injuries. In addition to post injury rehabilitation, she specialises in the development of pre-hab programmes for anyone who is involved in amateur or professional sport. This involves identifying risk factors whether these are biomechanical, strength related or due to muscular tightness and developing individualised exercise plans which aim to minimise the possibility of injury.

Sarah specialises in concussion, vestibular physiotherapy (including BPPV and vestibular hypofunction), manual therapy and acupuncture. She is also a keen runner, mountain biker and has a 1st Dan black belt in Karate.

Anna Pritchard – Hand Therapist

Anna is a born and bred Taupo local who has been practicing as a Registered Hand Therapist since 2012, specialising in treating Hand and Upper Limb injuries.

After spending some time out of Taupo and living overseas Anna and her husband returned to the area to start a family and enjoy all the benefits of the small town with plenty of outdoor activity opportunities.  While currently busy with three little boys, Anna enjoys getting out cycling or running when time permits, or otherwise walking into town with the family for a coffee fix.

Anna enjoys treating the large variety of upper limb injuries and gets great satisfaction from improving a person’s function considerably as they recover and regain the use of their hand.

Emma Rathbone – Hand Therapist

Emma graduated from Otago University in 2009 after completing both a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a focus on exercise prescription and science and then her Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

At Emma’s graduation she was awarded the Otago physio school’s athletic shield award recognising sporting achievement and academic excellence.

Emma has been working as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in Taupo since 2010 and began specialising in hand therapy in early 2017, which she is absolutely loving. Emma is a fully registered hand therapist.

She is also kept busy with family life, being a mum to three young children.

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Laura How – Physiotherapist / Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Laura graduated from Otago University in 2015 after completing both a Sport and Exercise Nutrition degree and Bachelor of Physiotherapy. She has worked in both private practice and private hospitals gaining knowledge and skills.  She has a keen interest in post-operative management and acute injuries.  She has developed her physiotherapy skills with completing a post graduate certificate in manual therapy and is certified in dry needling.

Laura continues to upskill as a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and has a passion to help both males and females in the area of pelvic health.

She is invested into helping people live the best functional life that they desire by helping them manage their pain, discomfort or injury.

She has a background as a competitive gymnast and is amazed by what the human body can achieve.

Outside work she enjoys running, mountain biking, rock climbing and socialising with friends and family.

Josh Thomas – Physiotherapist / Hand Therapist

Josh Thomas graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2021 and has been an integral member of the Fox Physio team since.

Josh brings many skills to his physiotherapy practice including his background as an athlete competing in multiple Ironman events. Josh has also been involved as a guide with the Achilles Foundation, assisting New Zealanders with disabilities compete alongside able-bodied athletes in local, national, and international marathon and ultramarathon running events.

Beyond work, he enjoys wakeboarding, swimming, paddleboarding and socialising with friends and family.

Josh looks forward to helping clients rehabilitate and continue the activities they enjoy doing.

Clare Shepherd – Physiotherapist, Concussion/Vestibular Therapist

Clare has over 10 years experience as a physiotherapist with a diverse background. Graduating from AUT in Auckland, Clare initially worked as a sports physiotherapist for the Institute of Sport. Clare then moved into Auckland Hospital for 5 years working as an acute care physiotherapist in the Department of critical care, neurosurgery, orthopedics, vascular and respiratory wards. She gained a great understanding of what people go through prior to walking through our doors. 

Clare has previously worked as a snowboard instructor here and overseas, understanding first-hand the challenges of injuries and the benefits of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. A marathon runner and fitness enthusiast, Clare can help you achieve your fitness and wellness goals.

Originally from Turangi, Clare moved back to Taupo 4 years ago and has since specialised in Concussion and Vestibular Physiotherapy. She also treats a wide range of clients for sports injuries and general niggles.

In winter Clare enjoys snowboarding with her family, and in summer enjoys mountain biking, paddling boarding, camping and getting outside. You might catch her skateboarding along the Taupo waterfront with her 2 young boys.