MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Lori Niemand

MHSC Chiropractic; International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC)

Dr Lori Niemand is a chiropractor with a special interest in working with athletes and sports injuries, both in office and field-side. After years of training and competing at an international level for South Africa, Dr Niemand understands the physical demands of training, competing, and dealing with injuries.

This experience inspired her to pursue sports chiropractic to deepen her understanding and better support athletes. This has fuelled her passion for injury prevention and identifying the many factors that contribute to the risk of injury. Dr Niemand enjoys managing more than just sports injuries, and welcomes everyone into her practice. She utilises a combination of manual therapy, biomechanics, and personalised rehabilitation programs.

Dr. Arline Muller

MTech Chiropractic (DUT); BSc & MSc Sport Science (NWU / Unizulu)

Dr Arline Muller’s journey into chiropractic care began with a lifelong love for movement, sport, and the science of a healthy body. After completing a degree in Sport Science at NWU, she lectured at the University of Zululand before deciding to pursue her dream of becoming a chiropractor at DUT.

As an athlete, Dr Muller experienced first-hand how effective chiropractic care can be in improving performance, recovery, and overall wellbeing. This positive experience inspired her to dedicate her career to helping people live healthy lives through movement. She believes strongly in the role that sport plays in the healthy development of children and in maintaining vitality throughout life.

Dr. Kian Barrett

MBChB (UP); World Rugby ICIR Level 3; MSc Sports & Exercise Medicine (Stellenbosch)

Dr Kian Barrett is a Sports and Exercise Physician dedicated to translating the science of peak performance into practical health solutions for every athlete. His philosophy moves beyond reacting to injuries, prioritising proactive strategies to build resilience and optimise health.

This approach is proven in high-stakes environments: he is the current team doctor for the Sharks Currie Cup and Sharks Women's rugby teams, and the director of Legacy Medical, an executive programme focused on proactive, data-driven care. Holding a Master's in Sports Medicine from Stellenbosch, Dr Barrett develops personalised, evidence-based recovery plans.

Dr. Candice Leith

DPhil Psychology; Sport Psychologist & Researcher

Dr. Candice Rae Leith is a Sport Psychologist and researcher specialising in athlete wellbeing, identity, performance, and gender in sport. With more than a decade of clinical experience, she supports athletes in managing pressure, building mental resilience, and strengthening the mind-body connection for sustainable performance.

Her work recognises that gender powerfully constructs identity and performance experiences in sport, explored through her PhD on women CrossFitters and performance culture. With a background in competitive swimming, she understands the discipline, identity formation, and gritty resilience required to pursue excellence.

Natalie Changuion

B.Sc Physiotherapy (WITS 2006); Certified Pilates Instructor

The question I often get asked is "Why Physio?". I chose to become a physio because I love working with people and most of all being able to assist them towards maximum health and function. I graduated in 2006 from WITS University and spent 2 years working in the public health sector before pursuing specialized sports physiotherapy.

"Change happens through movement and movement heals." — Joseph Pilates

Most of my career has been spent in outpatient practices, and in 2020 I established my own practice. I believe in treating clients holistically and empowering them to take ownership of their health. Natalie integrates clinical Pilates movement re-education into musculoskeletal recovery to build durable spinal and joint protection.

Sarah Ferguson

B.Sc Physiotherapy (UWC 2005); Olympic Team Physio (Tokyo 2020)

Sarah graduated from UWC in 2005 and has worked in sports practices across KZN. Sarah is a former national swimmer who represented South Africa at multiple FINA World Cups. She has served as Chief Physiotherapist for the African Games in Morocco, Team South Africa for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, England Touch Rugby, Sharks Ladies Rugby, and Collegians Rugby.

A certified Pilates instructor, Sarah became the first African woman to complete a channel swim in Hawaii and, in 2019, the first person to circumnavigate Easter Island — earning a Guinness World Record. Founder of "Breathe", she advocates for ocean conservation with her motto: Live Deeply, Tread Lightly. Her elite sporting background enables her to connect deeply with athletes.

Karuna Pillay

B.Sc Physiotherapy; Sports Rehabilitation Specialist

As a physiotherapist, I'm passionate about helping people regain confidence in their bodies, recover from injury, and get back to doing what they love most.

My interests are largely focused on sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and musculoskeletal care. I've had the opportunity to grow through private practice, sports tournament coverage, and hands-on experience within sporting environments. I truly believe movement is medicine, and every recovery journey deserves the right support.

Debbie Wilson

BSc(Hons) Biokinetics; BSc Sport Science (Westville Campus 2007)

A Durban girl through and through, I am passionate about sports & exercise, and fascinated by the medical profession out of a desire to help people and see real improvement in quality of life!

Biokinetics has enabled me to pursue my passion and help you. When not with patients, you will find me barefoot in Umdloti running, riding, swimming, or preparing for my next Ironman triathlon.

Mieke Booysen

BHSc Biokinetics (North-West University)

Mieke is deeply motivated by improving quality of life — whether that means helping someone perform better in their sport or simply move more comfortably and confidently through daily life. Special interests include sports injuries, women's health, weight loss, chronic conditions, and conditioning for all ages.

"There's nothing better than watching someone realise they're stronger than they thought."

Dedicated, compassionate, and patient-focused, Mieke is committed to providing individualised, evidence-based care that meets each patient where they are and supports long-term athletic progress.

April Mabovula

Certified Advanced Sports Massage Therapist (10+ Years Experience)

April is a Certified Advanced Sports Massage Therapist with over 10 years of experience. April was inspired to study massage after witnessing its benefits on her mother’s medical journey.

By blending a variety of deep tissue techniques and myofascial cupping, she assists clients to overcome chronic pain, accelerate recovery, and enable athletes to perform pain-free. She has worked with top athletes and franchises, such as The Sharks Rugby and Durban Super Giants cricket. She treats each client with dedication and care.

Kerryn Wuth

BSc Dietetics; PGDip Dietetics; Dip Sport Nutrition (Nutrition Innovated)

Kerryn is a registered dietitian with over 20 years' experience working with people of all ages — from rural hospitals in KZN to London's tertiary centres, and now in private practice back home in Durban.

Founding Nutrition Innovated, Kerryn provides warm, supportive, and non-judgemental nutritional guidance helping clients develop a healthy, empowering relationship with food while maximizing endurance and athletic performance.

Sprague Ogilvie

BSc Dietetics; PGDip Dietetics (15+ Years Clinical Practice)

Sprague Ogilvie is a Registered Dietitian with more than 15 years of experience in clinical nutrition, private practice, and healthcare education. She specialises in evidence-based nutrition counselling, fertility, women’s hormonal health, and chronic disease management.

With a strong background in ICU and medical nutrition therapy, Sprague combines science with empathy to help people achieve sustainable health outcomes. She makes nutrition practical, personalised, and empowering for every client.

Jean Ernest

BSc Dietetics; PGDip Dietetics; NHD Food Tech (25+ Years Experience)

Jean is a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of clinical and practical experience. Her passion is to help people with their journey with food. Whether the need is medical, aesthetic, or to become healthier, Jean believes food must work for our bodies and be genuinely enjoyed.

"Nothing makes me happier than to see lives transformed to optimal health through diet and lifestyle modification."

Jean is also a qualified Food Technologist, blending evidence-based clinical science with food technology and product innovation.

Lydia Singh

Clinical Practice Administration & Patient Coordination

Lydia Singh is our Practice Manager at The Athletes Room, overseeing clinical operations, patient welcoming, practitioner scheduling, and administrative excellence.

Lydia coordinates our collaborative care pathways between doctors, physiotherapists, biokineticists, dietitians, chiropractors, and therapists — ensuring every patient enjoys a smooth, punctual, and supportive clinical experience from reception to follow-up care.