Emer Lafferty
Qualifications and Education
Emer graduated with an honours degree in physiotherapy from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. While completing her degree, Emer participated in the RCSI Research Summer School. During which time, she worked alongside expert physiotherapists in the Gait Laboratory of the Central Remedial Clinic in Clontarf. Emer presented the results of the study at the ICHAMS conference and the RCSI annual research day. The study was later published in the Gait and Posture journal – Daly C, Lafferty E, Joyce M, Malone A (2019) “Determining the most effective gluteal muscle activation exercise in children with cerebral palsy using surface electromyography”. Emer also has a BSc honours degree in biomedical science from Maynooth University.
To further advance her knowledge and skills Emer has completed the following CPD training,
– In 2021, Emer completed an APPI Pilates course further advancing her knowledge in low back pain rehab and women’s health physiotherapy.
– Emer received a “Certificate of Achievement for Vestibular Rehabilitation; A Competency Based course” in 2023. This course provides a standard in the assessment, treatment and further referral of vestibular injuries including Vertigo, Vestibular Migraines and Concussion. The addition of the VALD forcedecks provide an invaluable outcome measure in our vestibular physiotherapy service as it allows patients to objectively measure their progress.
Emer is currently the physiotherapist with the Donegal Senior Ladies Football Team. Providing quality rehabilitation to players and facilitating there safe return to play following injury.
- Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) in accordance with the American Heart Association
- SAFE2 IRFU Qualification – dealing with acute sports injury and concussion management.
Personal InterestsEmer is an avid sports fan, particularly GAA and soccer. She has played ladies Gaelic football for both RCSI and Maynooth University at collegiate level, winning the Moynihan and the Giles cups respectively. Emer also has a keen interest in Strength & Conditioning. She enjoys attending the GYM and is also an associate member of the UK Strength and Conditioning Association.
Stephen Havlin
Qualifications and Education
Stephen Havlin is a chartered physiotherapist who graduated from Ulster University Magee in 2024. During his studies, he gained diverse clinical experience across multiple settings, including orthopaedics, falls and frailty, vestibular rehabilitation, outpatient musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy, and first contact physiotherapy in West Belfast. He also developed expertise in neurological rehabilitation and respiratory physiotherapy while working in acute care and A&E.
To further his professional development, Stephen has completed additional certifications, including ProActive Intensive Sports Massage Course – Level 3 Diploma
Experience
Since graduating, Stephen has developed a strong interest in preventative care, particularly among the ageing population. He has been actively involved in gym-based rehabilitation, where he designed and implemented a “Fit Over 50s” exercise program, incorporating both strength training and cardiovascular fitness to promote overall health and mobility.
Alongside this, Stephen has worked with Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin Senior team, who recently reached the All-Ireland Junior A Final at Croke Park. His role included providing pitch-side physiotherapy, designing rehabilitation programs, and implementing strength and conditioning plans to optimise player performance and recovery.
Stephen is passionate about helping individuals improve their physical well-being, whether through injury rehabilitation, preventative care, or performance training.
Interests
Outside of physiotherapy, Stephen enjoys strength training, camping, hiking, and travelling, always seeking new challenges and outdoor adventures.
Ciara Mc Gonagle
Qualifications and Education
Ciara graduated with first-class honours in Physiotherapy from Coventry University in July 2023. During her studies, she completed five placements across various hospitals, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in MSK, general surgical, neuro, and paediatric rheumatology at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
Experience
Since graduating, Ciara has been working full-time as a Band 5 physiotherapist in the NHS, Northern Ireland. She collaborated within a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) across inpatient surgical, elderly rehab, and community paediatrics. To enhance her expertise, Ciara has completed several courses, including Basic Life Support, Proactive Intensive Sports Massage Course – Level 3 Diploma, Proactive Intensive Taping and Strapping, and various paediatric in-house training within the NHS.
Ciara is dedicated to helping patients and families achieve their wellness goals. She specialises in Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics, assisting patients from newborns to 18 years old in improving their physical abilities. Ciara has gained extensive clinical experience working with children with neurodevelopmental difficulties in mainstream settings and special needs schools within the NHS.