Meet our Team

Mahn Cooke – Principle / 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 in the delivery of 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 … riding his bike, fishing, renovating his queenlander or chasing after his kids!

Jason Lanfranchi – Exercise Physiologist

Jason studied at James Cook University completing a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science in 2003.

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Jason has extensive experience in the health and fitness industry, delivering evidence based outcomes to North Queenslanders for over 10 years. Jason’s particular areas of interest include human biomechanics, physiology and strength and conditioning.

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

When not at work Jason is … enjoying time with family.

Will Hall – Exercise Physiologist

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

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He is a North Queensland local and since moving to Townsville in early 2016 to finish his university degree has settled in and fallen in love with the Townsville region.

He was lucky enough to first be introduced to the Health Studio team during university as a student on placement and instantly fitted into the team. Will is interested in providing exercise prescription as a therapeutic agent and is a big believer that exercise really is the best medicine and anyone can participate. Will’s main interest are in the areas of cardiac and metabolic conditions but he’s always excited to expand his knowledge and assist people who want to exercise. Will likes to stress to people thinking about getting back into exercise, it’s never too late to start!

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

When not at work Will is … watching any sport he can find.

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 area’s of interest which include women’s health, cancer treatment, musculoskeletal orthopaedic prehabilitation/rehabilitation, metabolic syndrome, and mental health conditions. Tessa has proven her ability to establish an innovative approach for the individualised implementation of therapeutic exercise. Tessa has an appreciation of the barriers we are faced with on a daily basis, and will assist clients to obtain the knowledge and awareness required to implement healthier choices independently, and understand how the effects of regular appropriate activity can have a lasting impact on 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.

Jason Di Betta – Exercise Physiologist

Jason has a strong passion for helping people change their lives through encouraging a healthy work-life balance.

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Jason has been working in the health and fitness industry since he graduated high school from Ignatius Park College in 2009. Jason went on to study a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology (Clinical) from James Cook University and has experience with a wide variety of clients ranging from high complex needs to top-level athletes.

Jason loves working with a wide range of clients with varying conditions, however his main interests are musculoskeletal and metabolic rehab – helping those with sporting injuries, pre and post-operative rehabilitation, chronic conditions, weight management and injury prevention. Jason also enjoys running our Senior Sneaker classes, helping people remain active and those at risk of falls to improve both physical and mental health. Jason also has a strong passion for helping those with disabilities, helping them with their independence and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Jason is also the captain for the Hermit Park Tigers in the local AFL competition, where he spends most of his time. If he’s not working, he’s at footy, hanging out with his mates and family, or out and about with his fiance, Monica, and labrador, George.

Kelly Pitcher – Exercise Physiologist

Kelly graduated from James Cook University in 2018, completing a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology (Clinical).

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Kelly is from Cairns and moved to Townsville for her final year of University where she completed her final placement here at Health Studio. After graduating, Kelly moved to Tamworth to work in the Occupational Rehabilitation field, and gained experience working with a range of musculoskeletal, cancer and mental health conditions. Kelly is currently working with a wide range of clients with different conditions, however, her main interests are neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Kelly also loves hydrotherapy and assisting her clients in the water to achieve their goals.

Kelly is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and member of Exercise Sport Science Australia (ESSA).

When not at work Kelly is … catching up with her family and friends and enjoying the occasional pizza.

Tayla Argent – Exercise Physiologist

Tayla graduated from James Cook University in 2020, completing a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology (Clinical).

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Tayla is from Cairns and moved to Townsville in 2019 to complete her studies. Throughout her University placements, she was fortunate enough to experience a rural life for 6 weeks in Mt Isa, where she gained an interest in neurological and metabolic conditions. Tayla is always excited to expand her knowledge and learn about different conditions!

Tayla is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and a member of Exercise Sport Sceince Australia (ESSA).

When not at work Tayla is … visiting Cairns to catch up with friends and family and adventuring outdoors!

Heidi Cooke – Clinic 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.

Katrina Dixon – Receptionist

Although not born in Townsville, Katrina has spent most of her life here in Tropical North Queensland.

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Katrina graduated from High School in 2018 and from there went on to study a Bachelor of Nursing Science at James Cook University. She is now in the second year of her degree, learning content that helps make her the understanding and supportive receptionist here at Health Studio.

After playing indoor cricket for 7 years (and counting), Kat is no stranger to the friendly, active environment Health Studio provides. She wants to contribute as much as she can to the team as our newest receptionist; keeping the studio an organised and efficient workplace.

When not at work Kat is…
At uni, playing indoor cricket or spending time with family & friends.