Joyce McSwan – Founder and Managing Director
Joyce is a multi-award winning clinical consultant pharmacist and educator within the field of pain management. She is the Clinical Director of the Gold Coast Primary Health Network ‘Turning Pain into Gain’ program and Managing Director of PainWISE.
Her contributions in the field of persistent pain has been recognised through awards and collaborative industry partnerships with Griffith University, Bond University, Pain Australia, Australian Pain Society, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Pain Management Research Institute. She was recently awarded her Fellowship by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and is the President Elect of the Australian Pain Society.
Her expertise lies in innovative health pathway design, piloting and implementing models of care within the primary care setting utilising mixed funding models to optimise pain management and chronic disease management.
In her free time she loves cooking and Sunday bakings, playing music and hosting parties!
Helen Pini – Administration
Helen has been in Administration/HR for over 35 years with vast and diverse experience in Pharmacy, Environmental, Building and Mining Industries.
Helen’s expertise is in the enhancement of the customer service experience and she is passionate about volunteering. Her skills include network capacity building, stake holder engagement, administrative services and most importantly ensuring meaningful outcomes in all that she engages with.
On a personal level, she is a keen fisherwoman and craft addict who loves to travel.
Jodie Connolly – Movement Facilitator
Jodie Connolly is an award winning Queensland based visual artist and qualified arts educator who has more than 20 years’ experience working, teaching and studying in the Art and Design Industry in Australia and New Zealand.
Jodie is also a qualified, compassionate yoga instructor who can testify to the impressive benefits of yoga in her own life. She has lived experience of the benefits of yoga for depression, anxiety and PTSD.
She is a true conqueror of adversity and will be sharing her skills of chair yoga for sensory neuromodulation.
She will show participants how to include yoga into their everyday lives and optimise its benefits daily!
Vicki Hunt – Movement Facilitator
Vicki is a long term resident of Mackay. She has over 40 years of experience in the health industry, in particular within the pharmacy setting.
Vicki started her Tai Chi journey over 10 years ago and she has been teaching for over 15 years. She has helped many people through this ancient movement technique. She commenced on this journey as it was something she enjoyed for herself and found that it was a sustainable movement technique that she will be able to do well into her later years. This gentle approach combines the body and mind together, and is featured in many medical guidelines. This clinical approach is known to improve flexibility, relaxation, muscle and mental strength.
Vicki also has over 20 years experience in Emmett Technique and Bowen Therapy. Vicki generously empowers the health of all ages and in her free time enjoys going to the movies and her holidays are spent furthering her own skills as she is committed to life long learning.
Sharon May – Clinical Facilitator
Sharon May is a registered nurse and a long time resident of Mackay. She started her nursing career in Canberra with specialisations in cancer care.
She currently works at the Mackay Base Hospital and has a passion for helping people to take control of their lives and their health, believing that when it comes to our bodies, we are the experts!
Her experience as a cancer nurse has skilled her to care for people living with chronic pain.
Sharon will be offering her knowledge and skills to facilitate the PainWISE groups through interesting and empowering discussions and be a part of helping participants to move towards a life where pain no longer sits in the driver’s seat of your life!
Karalyn Huxhagen – Clinical Facilitator
Karalyn Huxhagen has worked in the Pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years and is a long-term resident of Mackay.
As an Accredited Consultant Pharmacist, she has an extensive understanding of chronic pain and educates people on the importance of medication management to support everyday function.
Karalyn has a comprehensive understanding of naturopathic and holistic medicines and brings an all-of-body care approach to encourage and support people beginning their pain management journey. Karalyn recommends the best treatments for the best results, empowering people by better understanding their medication needs and options.
Karalyn offers PainWISE groups up-to-date education and information for thought-provoking discussions on the most effective and safe treatments available. Karalyn also provides Doctor-referred medication assessments with in-home Medication Reviews at no cost to both rural and remote areas.
Karalyn has represented many local community groups addressing the healthcare needs and subsequent social issues of regional and remote areas. She also provides ongoing support to other health networks by assisting groups and individuals for social development.
