Gill Stotter – MCSP, ADP(MT), Dip MT, PGDipPHC (Dist), MPHC (Dist)
Gill has over 40 years’ experience as a physiotherapist. She trained at Queens College in Glasgow, starting her career at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, UK before travelling to New Zealand where she has spent most of her career. She has a wide range of experience in musculoskeletal management and enjoys the challenge of complex presentations taking a holistic approach to assessment and management. She was recognised as an advanced practitioner by the New Zealand College of Physiotherapy.
Gill has held several leadership roles within Physiotherapy New Zealand and been actively involved within the profession as a clinical supervisor and tutor on post-graduate manipulative physiotherapy courses. She was a Founding Director of Wellington Sports Medicine and been an accredited provider for High Performance Sport (HPSNZ). She has excellent relationships with other health professionals working collaboratively to support the health and wellbeing of each individual. She is committed to continued professional development and supporting and mentoring younger physiotherapists.
Outside of work Gill’s passion is her family, travel, and the love of the outdoors.
Anne O’Donnell – Dip Phty, Dip MT
Anne has worked as a physiotherapist since 1977 and her passion for the profession endures.
She has expanded her knowledge in many fields over the years with a recent focus on the older population and Parkinson’s Disease, herself having been diagnosed with the condition.
Anne has formed group classes at Hutt Physiotherapy for those with Parkinson’s, offering a supportive environment in which to explore exercise therapy, education, connection, and fun.
Anne is part of a band called Phonic Fever, offering presentations designed to inspire health and well-being to those with Parkinson’s and the aging community.
Outside of work, Anne enjoys playing table tennis, dancing, music and calligraphy.
Alison Stephenson – BSc Phty, Cred. McKenzie MDT
Alison graduated from Wits University in South Africa in 1997 with a BSc in Physiotherapy and opened a private practice in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2006. In 2022 she closed the practice to move with her husband and daughter to Wellington, New Zealand. Alison has a special interest in the treatment of musculoskeletal issues, pain management and dry needling. She completed her McKenzie Credentialing in 2023 and is currently working on her Pain Management Certificate at Otago University.
Alison believes in the body’s resilience and capacity for change, and enjoys working with a person to restore their ability to participate in activities they value.
In her spare time, Alison enjoys oil painting, mountain biking, running, puzzles, reading and being close to nature and animals.
Cocoa Lam – BSc Phty
Cocoa graduated from the University of Limpopo in South Africa in 2010. He has over a decade of experience in both outpatient and hospital-based physiotherapy, with a special interest in musculoskeletal conditions, post-operative rehabilitation, and sports injuries.
Cocoa joined the Hutt Physiotherapy Centre team after relocating to Wellington in January 2025. He is trained in dry needling and has used it extensively over the years as part of his approach to pain management. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, he is passionate about delivering holistic, patient-centered care that focuses on restoring movement and improving quality of life.
Xavier Bell – BPhty
Xavier joined Hutt Physio in 2025 after completing his studies at Otago University in 2024. He has a special interest in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and a passion for exercise-based rehabilitation.
Outside of work, Xavier enjoys staying active by spending time in the gym and running. An avid sports enthusiast, he particularly enjoys rugby and has experience both as a player and as a sideline physio. This year, he is working on expanding his expertise by taking manual therapy courses focused on examination and treatment of the upper body.
Having grown up in the Hutt, Xavier is committed to the local community, enjoys working with a wide range of people, and has a strong focus on patient wellbeing.
Jessica Patterson – BPhty
Jess graduated from the University of Otago in 2021. She completed three years at Lower Hutt Hospital providing her with a wide range of experience in acute inpatient care as well as managing outpatient conditions. Jess has experience working in private practice, and with club and representative rugby teams as a side line physiotherapist. Jess has a specialist interest in musculoskeletal conditions, sport medicine, and working with runners. She has a strong focus on holistic and patient-centred care, and helping people return to doing what they enjoy.
Jess has an interest in working with people with Parkinson’s Disease and has been recently begun facilitating interventional rehabilitation classes in this area.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys endurance running, exploring the outdoors, gym and Pilates.
