Meet our Team

Mahn Cooke – Principal / Director 

Mahn studied at the James Cook University Townsville Campus, completing a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science in 2001.

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On completion of his degree, Mahn worked as a Fitness Centre Manager for several years at James Cook University.  During his time at the University Fitness Centre, Mahn recognised a need for a dedicated facility that specialised in exercise solutions for people with complex medical conditions that require exercise rehabilitation.  As Director of Health Studio, Mahn strives to ensure his practice is leading the way by delivering innovative programs to address the needs of North Queenslanders.

Mahn is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and member of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

When not at work Mahn is … camping, fishing, renovating his queenlander or chasing after his kids!

Jason Lanfranchi – Exercise Physiologist

Jason is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Health Studio, supporting the health andwellbeing of North Queenslanders for over 15 years.

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With a professional yet approachable style, he helps clients move with confidence, strength, and purpose – achieving meaningful, evidence-based outcomes that last.

Jason has a strong interest in human biomechanics, physiology, and strength and conditioning. He works with a wide range of clients, from those managing chronic conditions to athletes striving to optimise performance. By combining scientific knowledge with practical strategies,
Jason tailors exercise programs that enhance movement quality, build resilience, and empower individuals to reach their goals.

As a member of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), Jason remains committed to ongoing professional development and applying the latest research in his practice. His passion lies not only in improving physical health but also in fostering confidence, independence, and long-term lifestyle change.

Outside the clinic, Jason enjoys spending quality time with his family and staying active through his own training and outdoor pursuits – embodying the same healthy, balanced lifestyle he encourages in his clients.

Areas of Interest:
● Neurological Rehab
● Cancer Care
● Musculoskeletal Rehab

Will Hall – Exercise Physiologist

Will is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Health Studio, helping people transform
their health since 2017.

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With a warm, supportive approach, he empowers clients to surpass what they once thought possible – gaining not just strength, but confidence and
happiness along the way.

Will specialises in persistent pain management and neurological rehabilitation. He applies evidence-based, tailored exercise programs to support clients living with chronic
musculoskeletal pain – helping them reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life. In neurological rehab, Will works with individuals recovering from conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury – focusing on mobility, symptom
management, and rebuilding independence.

A natural mentor, Will is also passionate about guiding newer exercise physiologists entering the field. He believes that nurturing their skills and confidence today leads to
better client outcomes tomorrow.

Outside the clinic, Will stays active with weekend runs and is an enthusiastic sports fan – his personal love of movement and teamwork energises both his life and work!

Areas of interest:
● Stroke
● Chronic Pain
● Osteoarthritis
● Spinal Cord Disability

Professional Development:
● Professional Certificate in Pain Sciences (UniSA)
● Reconciling Biomechanics and Pain Science
● Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis
● The Painful Shoulder
● Local Pain Collective

Tessa Underwood – Exercise Physiologist

Tessa graduated from James Cook University in 2016, completing a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology (Clinical). 

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Through Tessa’s experience, she has been able to obtain an appreciation for the impact an Accredited Exercise Physiologist can have on improving an individual’s quality of life. Tessa has gained profound experiences across her areas of interest which include women’s health, pre and postnatal care, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. 

Tessa has proven her ability to establish an innovative approach for the individualised implementation of therapeutic exercise. Tessa is a certified pilates instructor and has an interest in combining the pilates method with functional strength training to assist with improving her clients quality of life.

Tessa is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and member of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

When not at work Tessa is … finding fun ways to be active, catching up with friends, or spending time with family.

Rick Van der Zant – Exercise Physiologist

Rick is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Health Studio, supporting clients on their journey to better health since completing his university placement here during university in 2019.
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Rick has worked in Occupational Rehab and has over five years of clinical experience. Rick loves
having fun both in and out of the clinic, and brings that energy to his clients to help them overcome challenges to build strength, confidence, and independence.

Rick has a strong interest in both musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation. He works with clients with conditions including stroke, cerebral palsy, joint reconstructions and intellectual disabilities. His work is grounded in a deep understanding of human movement, shaped by
years of competitive swimming at the state and national level.

Outside the clinic, Rick is often in the pool swimming laps or enjoying time at home with his dog. His passion for movement continues to shape both his personal and professional life.

Areas of Interest:
● Stroke
● Chronic Pain
● Musculoskeletal Rehab
● Sever Mental Health

Professional Development:
● Mental Health First Aid
● Musculoskeletal Conditions
● Chronic Pain

 

Emma Horvat – Exercise Physiologist

Emma holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and is passionate about creating meaningful change in the lives of her clients. 

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Emma prides herself on her creative and individualised approach to exercise prescription, ensuring that each program is engaging, goal oriented and effective.

Emma has a strong interest in neurological rehabilitation, working with both children and adults. With many years of experience supporting children, she understands the critical importance of early intervention and works closely with clients diagnosed with conditions such as cerebral
palsy, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other developmental or neurological conditions.

In adult neurological rehab, Emma brings a compassionate and tailored approach to support those living with conditions such as Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and many more. Her goal is to empower every client through functional, personalised programs that promote independence, confidence, and quality of life.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys staying active by going to the gym, running and playing netball. She likes to spend her spare time catching up with family and friends, trying new places to eat, and spending time at the beach.

Areas of interest:
● Paediatrics
● Cerebral Palsy
● Parkinson’s Disease
● Stroke
● Spinal Cord Injury

Professional Development:
● Primitive reflexes and Rhythmic movement
● Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation
● Neurological Rehabilitation

Andrea Jong – Exercise Physiologist

Andrea is a passionate and dedicated Exercise Physiologist who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology in 2023.

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Originally from Darwin, Andrea brings a warm, community-focused approach to her work, using exercise as a powerful tool to help people
achieve their goals in creative, engaging, and meaningful ways.

Andrea has a strong interest in neurological rehabilitation and works with a wide range of clients, including those living with Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, and other neurological conditions. She is committed to designing personalised, functional programs that encourage her clients to build independence, confidence, and a higher quality of life.

She also has a special passion for Paediatric rehabilitation, working closely with children and teenagers with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other developmental and neurological challenges. Andrea believes that exercise is for everyone
regardless of age or ability and that with the right support, it can create incredible opportunities for growth and wellbeing.

Andrea is also deeply interested in strength and conditioning for teenagers, particularly those looking to enhance their athletic performance. She develops programs that focus on key physical qualities such as agility, power, strength, sprinting, and coordination helping young athletes perform at their best while reducing the risk of injury.

Outside of work, Andrea enjoys playing competitive field hockey, going to concerts, spending time with her friends, family and little dog, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Areas of Interest:
● Paediatrics
● Stroke
● Parkinson’s Disease
● Spinal Cord Injuries
● Athletic Performance
● Multiple Sclerosis

Professional Development:
● Child Development & Paediatric Programming
● Pilates for Paeds

Joel Stevens – Exercise Physiologist

Joel is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Health Studio, having joined the team in 2025 he is eager to assist people achieve their goals and improve their health.
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Using a cooperative, reflective, and an evidence-based approach, he ensures the client’s goals and interests are at the forefront of treatment, improving not only their strength and fitness, but also fostering positive habits that enrich daily living, and enhancing their confidence to do activities which they
previously thought impossible. Joel also values the client-clinician connection, and by using open communication along with empathetic listening, he builds strong partnerships and encourages clients to take ownership of their wellbeing while providing unwavering guidance at every step.

Having recently graduated, Joel is excited to begin his journey as an Exercise Physiologist through the application of best practice principles as well as utilising his pride in collaborating with clientele to individualise exercise-based interventions to their unique needs. Whether working with cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, or metabolic conditions, Joel integrates the latest research with a practical, client-centred mindset, and is always striving for meaningful and lasting results with an emphasis on improving quality of life. His approachable and jovial demeanour paired with his genuine enthusiasm for health and wellness ensures each
client feels supported and motivated through every stage of their health journey.

Outside the clinic, Joel loves to stay active through sports, such as Oztag for which he plays and referees, as well as cricket, golf, and rugby league. Joel is also a passionate supporter of llocal sports teams which he loves to discuss.

Areas of interest:
● Stroke
● Multiple Sclerosis
● Spinal cord injury
● Osteoporosis
● Chronic pain

Personal development:
● MS Get a Head Start
● Mental Health First Aid

 

Quinten Hay – Exercise Physiologist

Quinten is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Health Studio, graduating hisMasters of Exercise Physiology in 2025.

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He enjoys helping people achieve their health and fitness goals he is compassionate and understands the difficulty of starting to exercise, but he enjoys encouraging others to take charge of their health and daily activities through exercise while trying to bring a smile to his clients faces each session.

Quinten has a keen interest in persistent pain, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and neurological rehabilitation, and enjoys empowering people to achieve their goals through evidence-based exercise and rehabilitation programs. Quinten’s approach to
exercise is holistic and adaptive, believing that movement should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone.

Outside of the clinic, Quinten stays active by going to the gym with an interest in bodybuilding and powerlifting, as well as having a game of beach volleyball each
week down at the strand. He is an easy to get along with, has a broad horizon of interests, and spends his weekends exploring the local surroundings in the Townsville region, going for a swim at a local creek, or cooking up some extravagant meals for the weekends he stays in.

Areas of Interest:
● Persistent Pain
● Musculoskeletal Rehab
● Neurological Rehab

Personal Development:
● MS Mobility Course 
● MND and Me Roadshow 

Hannah Richter – Administrator

Hannah was born and raised in North Queensland.

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After graduating from high school in 2021, Hannah ventured into various endeavors, including attending university, but soon realised it wasn’t the right fit for her. In 2022, she embarked on a new path as a receptionist at Health Studio and has been enjoying it ever since. 
When not at work Hannah is…. 
Travelling, Camping and with Family and Friends.

Heidi Cooke – Accounts Manager

Heidi officially came on board in 2015, having helped behind the scenes for a number of years beforehand.

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Heidi moved from Cairns to Townsville after meeting Mahn in 2003.  Heidi originally had a background as a town planner in the private sector, however after the birth of their first child, decided to become more involved in the business on a day-to-day basis.
When not at work Heidi is… spending time with her two little kids at home and visiting family in Cairns.

Lauren Harris – Administrator

Lauren is originally from Wagga Wagga, NSW, and relocated to Townsville in early 2025.

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She joined the Health Studio team in July 2025 and is currently completing a Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion. With a strong focus on preventative care, community health, and health education, Lauren is passionate about helping individuals lead healthier, more active, and fulfilling lives. She brings positive energy and a client-centered approach to supporting wellbeing through movement and education.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys an active lifestyle, including rugby union, swimming, traveling, and spending time with her dog.

CONTACT US

Shop 17B Hyde Park Centre,
Woolcock Street, QLD 4810

Phone: (07) 4771 3083 
Fax: (07) 4721 0426

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OPEN HOURS

• Open by appointment