Our Team
Vanessa Simpson, our founder is a senior vestibular and neurological physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience. She is a leader within her profession, highly sought after for her expert skill in vestibular rehabilitation. This includes specialised assessment and treatment of people with vertigo, dizziness, dysequilibrium and balance disorders related to problems in the inner ear and/or brain.
Vanessa graduated in New Zealand with a Bachelor of Health Science Degree in Physiotherapy. She has completed internationally recognised competency-based training in vestibular rehabilitation and cervicogenic dizziness to an advanced level. Vanessa regularly teaches vestibular rehabilitation courses for the Australian Physiotherapy Association, private / public hospital groups and physiotherapy clinics. She has also held positions as a university guest lecturer. Vanessa leads a vestibular special interest group across Australia and New Zealand and has practised across a range of public and private settings globally.
In addition, Vanessa has extensive expertise across all areas of neurological physiotherapy.
Vanessa is committed to ongoing education to ensure the best, most contemporary assessment and treatment for her clients. Vanessa is affiliated with:
Physiotherapy New Zealand and its Neurology group
The New Zealand Society for Balance, Dizziness and Vertigo
Neuro-otology Network Group Sydney, Australia
Vestibular Network Group New Zealand / Australia
Wellington Vestibular Special Interest Group
Vanessa enjoys good food, the outdoors and spending quality time with those closest to her. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Vicki Thirkell is a senior vestibular and neurological physiotherapist with more than 20 years' experience. A dedicated and highly trained clinician Vicki finds it hugely rewarding to see patients progress from struggling daily with dizziness, imbalance and neurological challenges to being able to fully engage in life again.
Vicki graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 1997 and has completed postgraduate qualifications in both Neurological Rehabilitation and later in Primary Health Care. She has also completed internationally recognised competency-based training in vestibular rehabilitation. Vicki is committed to on-going education and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in vestibular and neurological rehabilitation to ensure the best possible results for her patients.
In addition to her love of vestibular rehabilitation, Vicki has a wealth of experience working with a wide range of neurological conditions with a particular interest in degenerative neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebellar degeneration and ataxia. She is known for the energy and holistic focus she brings to her work, and her passion for equipping people to live their very best lives and achieve their goals.
Vicki is affiliated with:
Physiotherapy New Zealand and its Neurology and Older Adults groups
The New Zealand Society for Balance, Dizziness and Vertigo
Vestibular Network Group New Zealand / Australia
Wellington Vestibular Special Interest Group
Outside of work Vicki loves spending time outdoors and you’ll often find her walking the tracks around Wellington, tramping with friends and family, or working on one of many creative projects.