When the APA announced Dr Cassandra Zaina FACP as a new director starting this year, it marked the culmination of a
longstanding commitment to service, leadership and advocacy within the profession.

With decades of experience, including as a Specialist Occupational Health Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2010), and triple APA titling in Musculoskeletal, Occupational Health and Pain Physiotherapy, Cassandra brings a breadth of clinical and strategic expertise to the Board at a time of significant opportunity and challenge for physiotherapy in Australia.

Speaking with InMotion, Cassandra describes her appointment to the APA Board as both unexpected and deeply meaningful. 

‘I honestly did not expect it at all. I’m very grateful that it was me and grateful to have the opportunity.’

Her decision to nominate was driven by a long-held belief in giving back to the profession and advancing its standing within the broader health system. 

Over decades of involvement in committees and councils, she has focused on elevating physiotherapy’s role, advocating for practitioners to work to their full scope and deliver timely, effective care.

She says that Board service is a natural extension of the work she has been doing since the early 2000s. 

Her decade-long tenure on the Australian College of Physiotherapists’ Council and more recent involvement on the APA’s National Advisory Council have reinforced the value of collaboration and collective leadership. 

Meanwhile, her extensive clinical background continues to shape her perspective at a governance level. 

Cassandra believes that remaining closely connected to day-to-day practice realities is essential for effective Board decision-making. 

‘We need to understand the struggles people face running a business or as a new graduate launching into the profession. 

'We also need to look to the future to prepare the profession and ensure we’re a step ahead. It’s important to continue to be recognised as leaders in the health landscape.’

Cassandra’s professional profile includes significant governance and leadership credentials. 

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she has served on numerous boards and advisory committees across healthcare, regulatory and community organisations, with strengths spanning strategic planning, risk management, finance and advocacy. 

These skills will be particularly valuable as the APA continues to navigate complex regulatory environments and emerging risks.

One area Cassandra feels strongly about is professional safety and standards, particularly in relation to dry needling. 

‘The last thing we want is for something to happen that’s going to adversely impact someone and their career as well as the patient’s wellbeing,’ she says, highlighting the need for clearer minimum training requirements. 

She also points to the importance of supporting rural members, strengthening engagement with First Nations physiotherapists and maintaining momentum across key areas such as NDIS reform and public health.

Having worked across public and private systems in Australia, Canada and England, Cassandra sees value in learning from overseas models and adapting proven resources for local use. 

‘It gives us context and depth. We can see what’s worked elsewhere and then decide what’s right for us here in Australia.’

The experience of being named a Telstra Business Women’s Award South Australian finalist prompted reflection and reinforced the importance of networks and mentorship, particularly for early-career physiotherapists and women in business. 

‘If you feel like you’re getting stuck, you just call someone who is an expert in that area. 

'We love to support physios who are learning and growing.’

Looking ahead to her first Board meeting next month (February), Cassandra says she feels a strong sense of purpose. 

‘It’s been an honour to be a physio. I’m looking forward to working hard and contributing as much as I can to advance our profession and support members.’