Meet the Staff
Managing Director of Determined2®
Immersion Therapy™ Founder
You might say I have spent my entire life preparing to start with Determined2. Faced with many challenges in life, I have often wondered why me? It has become quite evident that all these experiences had forged my determination and made me Determined2. The company’s values and beliefs are all based on the lived experience and the fact that ‘we are never defined by the challenges we face rather the ways in which we choose to face them’. My role within the company is a very broad one and I have learnt that 24 hours in one day just isn’t enough. I am continuously striving to build a strong durable future for Determined2, my staff and those who love attending the service. I have found a real passion for disrupting the status quo and I enjoy seeing the system being challenged which will always lead to better outcomes for those within it. I enjoy nothing more than the time I get to spend delivering the service. It not only offers me food for my soul watching awesome people doing awesome things but offers me a place of tranquility in an otherwise noisy world. For the first time in my life I have purpose, fulfilment and endless drive, a dangerous combination for any competitor.The future plans for Determined2 is to grow large and do it loudly. I am focused on success in every way. I would like to see the successes of Determined2 at a point where it can support community on a much grander scale. Someone once said to me “pay it forward Pete” and that’s exactly what I intend on doing.
Finance and Administration
Development Team
Hi, my name is Amy. My role with D2 in accounts/administration is mostly done behind the scenes though you will see me from time to time poolside as I love meeting the wonderful people that are a part of the D2 community. I have been with D2 from day one so I have been fortunate to be a part of the journey from its humble beginnings to where it is today.I’m excited to see what the future holds for D2, with its dedicated staff, amazing client’s and the ongoing support from the community, we can continue to grow and expand, giving more individuals the opportunity to access this incredible, innovative service.
Quality and Training Officer
Development Team
I moved to Australia from New Zealand in 2012 to pursue a career as a Scuba Diving Instructor. When I was asked to help with the development of Determined2 and Immersion Therapy, I jumped at the opportunity to do something new and exciting. I am now responsible for training and am looking forward to taking Immersion Therapy around the country and the world.
OAM
Development Team
Water has always meant freedom to me ever since I was a child. The ability to move in any direction with the only limit being how much air you can hold in your lungs. SCUBA gear allows me to do so much more now. I acquired my disability when I was 9 months old from a tumor on my spine (incomplete paraplegic) and with further complications my right leg (above knee) was amputated when I was 11yo.My first job out of high school was with the Education Department teaching aquatics at West Lakes. With an extensive history in a couple of different sports, attendance at multiple World Championships and Paralympics, this has given me great experience that I’m proud to pass on to Determined2’s Immersion Therapy.
Anja Collins
Senior Immersion Therapy Specialist
Hi. I’m Anja. Originally from the Netherlands but moving to Australia as a baby, I have lived in Adelaide for most of my life. I lived in outback South Australia for a few years as a youngster and learned to swim in the desert. My passions are scuba diving, travel and photography and although I do them independently, I love it when I can combine all three. I am a proud grandmother of many and enjoy spending time with family and often cook for them all, especially when trying out new recipes.
I met Pete at a mutual friend’s housewarming party and after chatting about our shared experiences, he invited me to the pool to see the service in action. I was immediately hooked and jumped at the chance to be involved. I was an Immersion Therapy Specialist in the early years and had many ‘wow’ experiences including the time when a non-verbal participant touched me on the cheek to say thank you for his experience and waltzing underwater with another participant who could not support herself above water. My role is now behind the scenes and I usually work from home on policies and documentation and provide whatever support is needed to make the service as seamless as it can be.
Working for Determined2 has been a game changer for me as I have seen the amazing impact on participants first hand. Seeing their faces when they embrace such a unique therapy and when realise they can do things that were previously out of their reach, is a truly humbling experience.
Immersion Therapy Specialist
Exercise Physiologist
I began studying Clinical Exercise Physiology at UniSA in 2017, coming straight from high school and I am thrilled to now be at D2!
I love expanding my horizons and trying new things whenever I can because I believe that brings the most memorable experiences.
In my spare time I love to play sports with my friends (soccer, netball, football), go skateboarding, read (lover of science) and listen to lots of music.
As an Immersion Therapy Specialist, I want to help people to experience things they would otherwise be unable to do, using my knowledge in Exercise Physiology to assist in people reaching their goals.
Heading into the future, I want to help build the recognition of Immersion Therapy particularly within the Exercise Physiology industry and assist in making the service as accessible as possible to anyone regardless of their circumstances.
Immersion Therapy Specialist
Exercise Physiologist
My name is Hank, an Exercise Physiologist who loves to ignite people’s confidence and improve their quality of life by working alongside them. Originally from Nei Mongol, China, I came to Australia in 2016 to pursue my studies and have been practising as an Exercise Physiologist since 2020.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active with regular mobility and resistance exercises. I also love cooking, playing tennis, and snorkelling with my partner, activities that keep me energised and connected to life beyond work.
My journey into this profession began through my own experience with movement and resistance training, which played a key role in helping me recover from an injury, boost my confidence, and reshape how I see the world around me. That experience inspired me to help others experience similar benefits, especially those living with complex health conditions or physical impairments. Over the years at Determined2, I have witnessed numerous success stories that continue to fuel my passion for this work.
What I find most rewarding at Determined2 is seeing the spark in a participant’s eyes after a session, the moment they realise their body holds more potential than they had perceived following an injury or diagnosis The human body is remarkably adaptive and capable of becoming stronger in the face of challenges, given the right guidance and support. The controlled underwater environment used in Immersion Therapy is the most supportive setting I’ve encountered for helping participants safely rebuild their physical capacity and confidence. It’s a joyful and empowering experience that redefines rehabilitation.
Determined2 was founded by people with lived experience and is the only institute worldwide offering Immersion Therapy through a comprehensive system designed to ensure the best participant experience and outcomes. The philosophy behind our everyday practise genuinely puts participants first, empowering them with choice and control throughout their journey.
With five years of experience at Determined2, I have developed extensive expertise in supporting people living with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord injury. One of my proudest moments is when participants share with me that they’ve decided to learn new skills or travel to places they never thought possible after their injury.
Immersion Therapy Specialist
Exercise Physiologist
Hi, my name is Mikhaela and I have just graduated from UniSA as an Exercise Physiologist. I never would have thought I would end up as an Exercise Physiologist or an Immersion Therapy Specialist as I always hated exercise – until it helped me with a couple of my own little health issues. I figured if exercise and movement helped me the way it did for my more minor issues, imagine how much of a benefit it would be to other people who are going through much more!
In my personal time, I enjoy going back to my hometown in the Riverland, wakeboarding, playing netball, and trying to paint.
As an Immersion Therapy Specialist, I would love to use my Exercise Physiology skills to provide individualised Immersion Therapy sessions, particularly regarding exercise and improving overall quality of life.
In the future I would love to see D2 expand nationally and potentially provide their own exercise physiology service to supplement their already remarkable services.
Immersion Therapy Specialist
Exercise Physiologist
Hi, my name is Vy (“Vee”). I am Australian born Vietnamese. Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with family and friends, trying new cafes, and wondering markets or the outdoors.
I was drawn to Exercise Physiology after seeing how much of a difference it made in the lives of people close to me, especially my friends and family. It really opened my eyes to how powerful movement can be, and I knew I wanted to be part of helping others experience that too.
What I love most about being an EP is being able to share that knowledge and help people understand how movement can work for them. Everyone’s different, and I enjoy finding ways to tailor exercise to fit each person’s goals and lifestyle. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients realise they’re capable of more than they thought, especially after all the hard work they put in. Watching that progress unfold is one of the best parts of the job.
Working at Determined2 has been such a great experience. The team is genuinely supportive, and there’s always something new to learn. I’ve grown not just in my clinical skills, but also in understanding how what we do fits into the bigger picture, for our clients and the community.
Immersion Therapy Specialist
Exercise Physiologist
Hi, I’m Jaz – I grew up on the Sunshine Coast, QLD. When I’m not wearing my EP hat you’ll find me by or in the ocean, out and about in nature resting, reading, hiking or camping!
My combined love for community, people, movement and creating led me towards the pathway of becoming an EP. Meeting people where they are at and supporting them along their journey brings me so much joy.
Immersion Therapy has so many physical and psychological benefits. My favourite aspect of Immersion Therapy is that it supports people with more freedom to move and the space to ‘just be’ in a busy world – liberating the human spirit. The team at D2 is amazing and I am greatful to be a part of it!
