MEET THE TEAM
RICHIE MARSDEN
Physiotherapist/Director
Richie graduated from the University of Otago in 2004. His career has taken him from Dunedin to Christchurch to London to Auckland and in 2014 he returned home to Blenheim with his wife Emma. In 2015 Richie purchased The Physiotherapy Centre and it is now known as Edge Physio.
Richie has extensive experience within the field of Sports Physiotherapy. He has spent time touring nationally and internationally as the Head Physiotherapist for the Blackcaps, the NZ A Cricket team, the Canterbury Wizards, the Essex County Cricket team, the Samoan Rugby team, the Auckland Blues and the Tasman Red Devils. He is currently the Physiotherapist for the NZ U20 Rugby team and the Tasman Mako playing in the NPC. Richie also holds the local contract as the approved provider for High Performance Sport New Zealand working with elite athletes in many sports.
It goes without saying Richie has an interest in Sports Physiotherapy however you don’t have to be an athlete for him to help you. Using all of the skills he has acquired over the years he has a high level of knowledge and will put all of his experience gained into getting you back on track. When Richie isn’t at the clinic you might spot him on his mountain bike up on the Wither Hills, running down our fantastic riverbank track, chasing a little ball around a golf course or spending time keeping active with his wife and two children.
CHARLENE WILLS
Physiotherapist
CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE
Charlene graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2015. Her interest in sports rehabilitation, exercise prescription and injury prevention lead her to completing a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science with a specialty in Strength and Conditioning. As a result of her studies and excellent Physiotherapy knowledge she has had experience assisting athletes in multiple sports at, elite, masters and social levels. Athletes from rugby, netball, basketball, badminton, touch rugby, gymnastics, football and endurance sports such as runners or triathletes, Charlene has seen them all.
Prior to her move to Blenheim Charlene worked with High Performance Sport NZ, Canterbury Rugby, University of Canterbury Football and also spent time in Argentina working as a hybrid (Physiotherapist and Strength and Conditioning Coach) for an Argentinian Rugby Academy.
Although she has an interest in sports related injuries, she sees a variety of conditions ranging from post-surgical rehabilitation to acute and chronic injuries. Charlene’s love for learning continued and she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education, allowing her to teach and share her knowledge with the future Physiotherapists of NZ as a Clinical Educator for the University of Otago.
In early 2021 family and friends brought her back to her hometown Blenheim and we at Edge Physio, and the wider Marlborough community, are lucky to have her here. She is enjoying all the new running tracks that Marlborough has to offer. She tells us that she has a love hate relationship with running, but if something flashes past you on the Withers and leaves you in their dust, chances are it is Charlene.
TAMARA COUPER
Physiotherapist
Tamara graduated from the University of Otago in 2021. After living down south (Dunedin and Christchurch) for 6 years she decided to come back home to the sunny Marlborough region.
Sport has always been something Tamara has enjoyed and she loves being part of a team and working towards a common goal. Tamara has been involved in many sports such as netball and basketball, but volleyball has always been her passion. Tamara finds working with patients to reach their goals extremely rewarding and has an interest in sporting injuries, post-op care and exercise rehabilitation.
In her spare time you’ll find her spending time with friends and family, playing sport and enjoying everything that the beautiful Marlborough Sounds has to offer.
BRIDGETTE HOSFORD
Physiotherapist
Bridgette graduated from the University of Otago in 2023 and has moved to Blenheim to explore the top of the South. She is originally from the 'winterless' North of New Zealand and is thoroughly enjoying the Marlborough sunshine.
She is passionate about keeping people moving and enabling them to keep doing what they love. She is excited to work alongside our active local community to help patients achieve their goals.
In her spare time you might spot Bridgette out exploring new tracks and trails. She is an active sports person herself so knows what it takes from a physical perspective to perform.
SIAN GERARD
Physiotherapist
Sian graduated from the University of Otago in 2024 and is excited to start her journey as a Physiotherapist with the Edge Physio team. Sian grew up in a small skiing town, Methven, in Mid Canterbury and cannot wait to explore another part of Aotearoa and to see what Marlborough has to offer.
Sian is passionate about collaborating with her patients and supporting them to achieve their goals. She has a particular interest in sporting injuries and loves helping people successfully recover from their injury and return to their sport of choice. Sian has experience working with rugby teams and hopes to continue this in Marlborough.
Outside of work you will find Sian exploring the beautiful scenes that Marlborough has to offer, as well as keeping active at the gym, running, out on the hockey turf and skiing in the wintertime.
MEGHAN DEAKER
Administration
Meghan leads our exceptional team on the front desk. After moving to Blenheim in 2009, “For two years”, Meghan is now a local. She has extensive experience in administration and is a highly valued member of our Edge Physio team.
In her spare time Meghan enjoys walks around our beautiful province.
