Caitlin D’s Barefooter Story
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Caitlin D’s Barefooter Story —
1 – What’s your favourite activity outside of work and how does it help you live your Barefoot Lifestyle ?
I love to read! I find it very calming and helpful to switch off; acting as a ‘reset switch’ for myself. My favourite genres are fantasy and paranormal/sci-fi – I love delving into complex worlds that authors have created and will spend time each morning and evening with my current book.
2 – What is your favourite movement activity, how long have you been doing it for and how does it foster your health and wellbeing journey?
Pilates would probably be my favourite form of movement activity – I’ve been doing it for about 4 years now and love the way mindful movement energises my body and mind. I have found this movement practice to be especially good for my hypermobility: the emphasis on slow controlled movement is always so much harder than it looks as anyone who has done yoga or Pilates knows for themselves!
3 – What is one of your favourite memories and how did it shape who “Caitlin” is today?
I don’t have “favourites” in general (no: not colour, not food, not movie etc) so I’d have to respond with more of a general memory “theme” of growing up in a semi-rural 40-acre property.
Growing up in such a beautiful environment with so much space kept me busy outside, giving me a huge appreciation for nature, green space, and fresh air. It really nourished a love for growing fruits & vegies and being in the garden in general. There really is just something so special about being able to tend a garden and watch things grow over time (as well of course harvesting delicious produce). It also gave me the opportunity to be surrounded by a lot of animals (pets, livestock, and wildlife) which I loved forming connections with and seeing such vibrant personalities in ducks, cows, wallabies, cat and dog (including interpersonal relationships hilariously).
I would also have days where I would get in the pool before breakfast and spend the entire day swimming with my siblings – only to emerge to eat breakfast, lunch, then dinner. There would be periods in summer where my blonde hair turned slightly green from being in the chlorinated pool so much!
4 – If you could choose your dream holiday, would you prefer an international or local destination? And what has been your favourite holiday so far?
(Again with the favourites…) One recent holiday that does stand out to me though would have to be the one I was able to take with my sister and a high school friend in the end of 2025. We travelled to Europe, starting in Amsterdam where I connected with my second cousin (who helpfully works as a tour guide!), London, Belgium, and Germany. I particularly enjoyed visiting Amsterdam and connecting with family, visiting the small rural town where my grandfather grew up, and wandering the beautiful streets and canals of Amsterdam. I loved how accessible the city was to walk, bike, and take public transport.
In the future I’d love to go back to Europe for a more food-orientated tour of Italy, Spain and Greece.
5 – What made you want to become a Physiotherapist and so far what has been your favourite moment as a physio?
I started out my uni life studying biomedical science and just got so interested in my anatomy/physiology courses. Anatomy interest + wanting to help others = physiotherapy! A quote I heard years ago also sticks with me: “If doctors save lives, then a physiotherapist makes it worth living.” I loved the idea of making long-term connections with clients and making a meaningful difference in their lives. What really fulfils me as a physio is the ability to work alongside someone and help them work towards and reach their goals (whatever that might look like for that person).
My favourite type of moment is to see someone get excited by the progress they make. I feel so much joy when I hear “I can do this activity now!” Any of the “little” wins such as being able to move a certain way without pain, or “bigger” goals of being able to get back to (or start a new) activity deserve to be celebrated & it really lights up my day.
Bonus Question: you always have amazing plaits and braids, who taught you to do your hair?
Myself – through trial and error. I like having long hair, but I like to keep it out of my face – hence the braids or bun that you’ll typically see me with in the clinic.