Barefooter Stories
1 – What’s your favourite activity outside of work and how does it help you live your Barefoot Lifestyle ?
Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m out exploring with my two fur babies. Whether it’s coffee runs, beach trips or spontaneous little adventures, it gets me into nature, slows me down, and reminds me to appreciate the simple joys. That sense of grounding and presence is a big part of how I live the Barefoot Lifestyle.
2 – We know that bodies love to move, what do you enjoy to do movement-wise?
I’m all about movement that feels good for both body and brain. Some days that’s a long walk with an audiobook, other days it’s Pilates, a strength and conditioning class, or a cruisey swim (or sneaky water polo session!). I love mixing it up – movement is my reset button, my stress relief, and my happy place.
3 – What is one of your favourite memories and how did it shape who “Katie” is today?
I’ve got two moments that really shaped me.
The first was picking up my two dogs. They were tiny, wiggly, and the car ride home was pure chaos. I remember looking down at them, curled up in my lap and thinking, this is the best day of my entire life. It reminded me how powerful it is to slow down, be gentle, and live fully in the moment.
The second was when I boarded the plane to Australia in 2017. My whole life was packed into a few suitcases, and I had no idea what the future would look like — but I knew I was stepping into something right. That moment cracked me open in the best way. It taught me resilience, independence, and how important it is to choose a life that feels true to you.
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?
I adore any kind of adventure. I love an international trip – but I’m equally happy on a chilled-out beach holiday in Byron Bay with good food and sunshine. (Fun fact: I have the coordinates to Wategos Beach tattooed on my forearm.)
One of my favourite holidays was visiting family in Abu Dhabi and travelling together through Italy. We wandered Florence and Rome, ate our weight in pasta and gelato, and soaked in views that made us stop in our tracks – the perfect mix of culture, family and pure magic.
5 – What made you want to become a Physiotherapist, and what’s been a standout moment so far?
I became a physio in a very “me” kind of way – roundabout but right.
Growing up, I was deep in sports, especially water polo. I always imagined a future in sports medicine. After moving to Australia, I started exploring different study paths – nursing, nutrition, biomed – before landing in physio. At first, it felt like a stepping stone, but I quickly realised: this is it. I didn’t want to go anywhere else.
Physio combines problem-solving, human connection, and real impact – and that blend just feels deeply meaningful to me.
A standout moment was working with a stroke patient during my neuro rehab placement. Watching them slowly reconnect brain and body, and getting a hug on my last day, was one of those “this is why I do this” moments. Another was seeing a client transform across an entire placement – not just physically, but emotionally and energetically. It reminded me that great physio can truly change someone’s world.
Bonus Question – What made you stay in Brisbane?
Australia won me over fast – and especially Brisbane. After my first visit, I felt homesick leaving… and I knew I’d be back.
There’s just something about this place. The sunshine, the coffee culture, the active lifestyle, and the way people are relaxed but full of life. It’s warm, outdoorsy, and community-minded – everything I’d unknowingly been looking for. I became an Australian citizen in October 2024, and I’ve never looked back.
AT BAREFOOT PHYSIOTHERAPY, WE’RE PROUD TO SERVE CLIENTS FROM ALL CORNERS OF AUSTRALIA WHO MAKE THE JOURNEY TO OUR CLINIC IN TENNYSON, BRISBANE.
Below is a list of nearby suburbs that many of our local clients come from. Whether you’re near or far, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional care tailored to your needs.
