About

The Amputee Coach
Cathy Howells

Cathy Howells was born in Dubbo in Central Western New South Wales in 1964. She graduated from Cumberland College of Health Sciences in Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science

Degree in Physiotherapy in 1985.Starting work as a junior physiotherapist at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Cathy discovered that her professional interest was in orthopaedics and specifically, Amputee Rehabilitation. She has worked exclusively with amputees for over 20 years. She has lectured at the Lower Extremity Prosthetics Course run by UNSW and accredited by the Australasian College of Rehabilitation Medicine since 1991.

Cathy’s experience in treating amputees spans from consulting at the Children’s Hospital to adults who have undergone amputation due to vascular disease, trauma, cancer and infection. She has treated patients from the pre-operative stage, through rehabilitation, to returning to work, sport and right through to the Paralympic Games. Simply stated, she loves the game.

Cathy is passionate about the Amputee Coach Program because it is an opportunity to create a community of amputees who can communicate with and support each other through this particular life experience.  The Amputee Coach fills a void in the provision of information to amputees. The mission is to help amputees live a fulfilling and active life through physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

As well as an amputee physiotherapist and author, Cathy is a devoted
mother, rose enthusiast and fierce competitor at Scrabble.

About the Co-Author
Sandra McFaul

Sandra McFaul was born in Mackay, Queensland in 1971. She studied physiotherapy at the University of Queensland in Brisbane and graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 1992. She has worked in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

While working in the UK, Sandra developed a passion for helping people with chronic and recurrent back and neck pain using the McKenzie Method. In 2001, she undertook advanced training in the McKenzie Method and in 2003 became the 230th person in the world with this level of expertise. In Australia, there are less than 20 people with this level of skill.

Since 2007, Sandra has been developing her business and entrepreneurial skills. She is passionate about empowering people in all aspects of life – physical, mental and emotional. She is based in the Inner West of Sydney. To find out more, visit: www.ataphysiotherapy.com.au