About Sycamore Health - Meet The Friendly Allied Health Team

James Sikkema

Owner / MSK & Men's Health Physiotherapist
BPhty(Hons I), GradDipDiv, GradCertHE, AFHEA, APAM

James Sikkema, Physiotherapist


James graduated his studies from ACU with first class honours. He undertook the degree directly from school, anticipating to eventually work in the private sector as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist. James took a particular interest in chronic pain sufferers, examining the sensory changes in patients with prolonged pain. Upon graduating James travelled overseas with various agencies to engage in cross-cultural mission and aid, visiting countries such as India, Myanmar, Vanuatu and southern France. James is an enthusiastic traveller, desiring to increase his awareness of diversity and cultures. In later years, James started to take keen interest in the Men's Health space in light of a significant gap in care. He is eager to see men who have issues with sexual function, continence and pelvic pain return to health and reach their personal goals. He works closely with urologists for pre and post-prostatectomy operations, including during phases of active surveillance. James is also very exercise-driven, having competed in various marathons, ultra-marathons and fitness challenges thorughout the years.

James is also an avid participator in the local community, assisting with young people in their physical and mental wellbeing. He has volunteered as a red frog chaplain at Schoolies, helped at various youth groups in local churches and particpates regularly in mentorship. He is also a founding member and treasurer of the Australian charity ‘His Harvest’, which aims to empower people with philanthropic interests, relieving poverty and destitution throughout the world.

He formed Sycamore Health with the ambition to create an all-in-one allied health clinic to better service those with diverse health needs. His focus is to foster a clinic where people can be treated as a whole, providing patients with a friendly team who use the best evidence-based practice.

Dave Brace

MSK Physiotherapist
DipExcSci, BPhty(Hons), APAM

Dave Brace, Physiotherapist

Dave graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), furthering his previous studies of a Diploma of Exercise Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He has always had a keen interest in all things exercise and movement previously working as a personal trainer. If you don't believe us, just take one look at the rig when you see him. Notably, Dave's interest with exercise extended beyond his own exercise journey, as he developed a passion to see other reach their fitness goals. The segue from fitness into healthcare was sensical and inspired Dave to pursue his dream of becoming a physiotherapist, and he remains an avid fitness freak. Dave has competed in multiple half-iron men and olympic triathalons, the kokoda challenge and is now underating training for the 100km Noosa Ultra Trail. Dave has also started to take keen interest in the Men's Health space in light of a significant gap in care. He is eager to see men who have issues with sexual function, continence and pelvic pain return to health and reach their personal goals. He works closely with urologists for pre and post-prostatectomy operations, including during phases of active surveillance. 

Dave helps treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction with exercise-based interventions and a hands on approach. He keeps up with the latest evidence on pain physiology, always seeking the most validated methods for helping people with their issues. He aims to empower patients to be an active participant in their own health journey, aiming to restore function and get them back to doing the things they love.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys an array of outdoorsy and active activities such as camping, 4x4, motorbikes, going to the beach, hiking, cycling and (of course) hitting the gym to score those gainz.

Darcie Benoit

Physiotherapist
BSc Kinesiology (Hons), M.Phty Studies, APAM 

Darcie Benoit Womens Health Physiotherapist

Darcie is a dedicated Physiotherapist with a specialised clinical focus on Women’s Pelvic Health. Originally from Canada, she completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology (Honours) at the University of Alberta before moving to Australia to earn her Master’s of Physiotherapy Studies from the University of Queensland.

Darcie is passionate about shifting the narrative around women's health. This has led her to complete the APA women's pelvic health level 2 qualification to provide high-level, evidence-based care for complex pelvic health concerns, including pelvic organ prolapse, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and pregnancy-related recovery. Darcie refuses to accept that women should simply 'live with' life-altering symptoms; instead, she merges her clinical expertise with an empathetic, empowering approach to help her patients reclaim their physical confidence and return to the activities they love. Darcie also maintains a strong interest and clinical background in Musculoskeletal and Neurological Rehabilitation. 

Darcie is committed to a patient-centered approach, prioritising the individual needs, preferences, and values of her clients. She takes pride in providing a combination of exercise-based and hands-on therapy, ensuring that every treatment plan is best-practice and uniquely tailored to help you reach your goals.

After a year spent traveling through Asia and Australia, Darcie has embraced the outdoor lifestyle. When she isn't in the clinic, she is an avid golfer and enjoys paddleboarding and bush walks. For relaxation, she enjoys a quiet afternoon with a book, playing on the Nintendo switch or catching up on her favourite Netflix series.

Michelle Darke 

Physiotherapist
BPhty , APAM

Sycamore Health - MichellephotoMay2026 -

She started her fitness journey as a personal trainer 14 years ago in Canada, where she quickly realised that helping people move better wasn’t just a job—it was something she genuinely loved. Growing up in Canada also meant developing an appreciation for staying active in all seasons (yes, even the freezing ones), which shaped her passion for movement early on. Along the way, she dove deeper into nutrition, volleyball coaching, and Olympic lifting, building a well-rounded understanding of how the body performs, recovers, and thrives. That curiosity (and a bit of a travel bug) eventually led her across the world to complete her physiotherapy degree in the Netherlands in 2018.

She believes movement, fitness, mental health, nutrition, and overall well-being are all essential pieces of being a fully functional human—not optional extras. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practice, combining hands-on treatment, clear education, and practical home exercises to help people feel confident in their bodies again.

When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll usually find her chasing a volleyball on the beach, heading out on a hike or experimenting in the kitchen. She also enjoys the simple things like eating peanut butter straight off the spoon, taking long (and occasionally very philosophical) walks on the beach, and probably giving her labradoodle more attention than strictly necessary.

At the end of the day, her goal is simple: to help you get back to the best version of you—and maybe even enjoy the process along the way.

Daniel Shaw

Senior Physiotherapist

BExcSci, MPhty, APAM

Dan Shaw Profile - Physiotherapist

Dan completed his Master's of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra after studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As an absolute (self-reported) weapon on the surfboard, he's back where he belongs, on the Sunshine Coast. Since graduating, Dan has worked in private practice treating patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries and providing post-operative rehab, neurological rehab and injury management and prevention. He also is qualified in dry needling, which can be requested at the time of booking.

Dan has a special interest in treating patients with shoulder conditions. He is passionate about not only helping patients recover from their injury or overcoming their pain, but assisting them on their path to thrive and smash their goals. He loves helping people who play water based sports or participate in water based recreation along their individualised rehab programs to get back in the water sooner. Dan's experience in high-level soccer, coaching various sports, and working as a strength and conditioning coach has fuelled his passion for using exercise therapy to help athletes return to their sport after injury.

Outside of work, Dan loves surfing (obviously, if you haven't seen his luscious surfer hair), or anything else outdoorsy such as camping & fishing. He is also a proud Dad.

Abby Kissick

Exercise Physiologist
BExPhys, ESSAM

Abby Kissick - Exercise Physiologist

Abby graduated with a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2019. Abby is particularly passionate about working with the elderly population, aiding them to achieve their goals while improving their function and quality of life. In addition to this, Abby has developed a special interest in oncology and neurological conditions.

Outside of the clinic, Abby loves to spend time with her family and friends, drinking cups of tea, being outdoors at the beach or hiking, playing netball, and reading a good novel. 

Aster Tanguilig

Exercise Physiologist
BSpExSci, MClinExPhys, ESSAM

Aster Tanguilig, Exercise Physiologist

Aster graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science before following her calling to clinical practice, earning her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at ACU. Driven by the belief that exercise is a fundamental pillar of health, she transitioned into the clinical space to provide more impactful, evidence-based care for those navigating complex health journeys.

Aster possesses a deep clinical interest in neurological rehabilitation, with extensive experience supporting individuals living with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke recovery, and Cerebral Palsy. Her practice is defined by a person-first philosophy; she sees her clients as whole individuals rather than "a set of symptoms" or "a diagnosis". By integrating a comprehensive understanding of each person’s unique life context, she ensures that therapy is both physically effective and personally meaningful.

In the realm of paediatrics, Aster provides professional care in supporting children through developmental and coordination challenges. She is passionate about transforming exercise therapy into a fun, engaging, and empowering experience, helping young clients improve their functional capacity and gain confidence in their physical abilities.

Outside of work, Aster is a dedicated rock climber and volleyball player who thrives on the physical and mental problem-solving the sport requires. When not playing sport, Aster enjoys rewatching her favourite movies and spending time with her friends and family.

Andrew Southwell - Lung Diagnostics QLD

Andrew Southwell, Respiratory Scientist

Andrew Southwell is an accredited respiratory scientist. Working in public sector for over a decade, he commenced a private laboratory to fill the void in high quality lung diagnostics for South East Queensland. Patients can expect comprehensive lung function investigations in a caring and friendly environment.

In his spare time Andrew enjoys trail running and competing in ultra-marathons.

Bookings can be made directly via the Lung Diagnostics QLD website.

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