Ashleigh Zanker

Massage Therapist

Cert IV in Massage

Currently studying to become a Physio

Main interests: athletes/clients that are navigating change, pressure, high-stress or high-intensity periods, on top of their physical training load, swimmers, runners, and everyday active people.

Clients seeing Ashleigh are unable to claim Healthfund rebates at this time.

Ash’s Story

I was born and raised in Adelaide till I was 6yo. I have an older brother and a younger brother, and share close bonds with both them and my parents to this day. We have a large family base in Adelaide, and I would say my best memories come from the many family gatherings shared here. It didn’t matter what the occasion was bringing us together, it was (and still is) the best feeling in the world.
My Mum was home with us as kids, and later worked in a Primary School.

My Dad worked in the marine industry, and went on to own his own Boat Shop. Both Mum and Dad are hardworking, kind and family-centred people, and laid the foundations for who I am today. In addition to them, my Nanna was an incredible influence on me. She had a way of making people feel seen and special – making her proud was my favourite thing to do. My Dad’s work took us to Darwin, which was an awesome opportunity for him in business, and for us kids in sport. I was able to make state teams for Netball and Touch Football in my High School years, which exposed me to travel and diversity of humankind from a young age. I finished High School  and went on to work full-time after missing out on an offer into Physiotherapy.

I chose the construction industry and began developing my skills in Project Management. This career path took me to Perth at the age of 19. A few years later I scored a job on the Project Team of a Rio Tinto project, which was a goal of mine at the time. After this contract ended, my level of life satisfaction and unfulfillment couldn’t be ignored. I took some time off to travel SE Asia, and it was on this trip things changed for me.

My dream of being a Physio kept resurfacing, and I happened to befriend one along the way. I also met a 70yo student, showing me it was never too late to try something new. When I returned to Perth I decided to have another crack, this time, more focussed and committed to the dream. 18 months of Sport Science, 1 Physio application, a Massage Qualification, and a small business later – I got in.

In 2020 I began studying Physio and massaging on the side. I worked out of the spare room before operating out of a Wellness Centre, and later contracting to a Physio Clinic.

I found I had an interest my massage direction towards Stress-Management – be it mental, emotional, spiritual or physical stress being experienced. I found a desire to support people in remaining physically active / being the best version of themselves – both in routine and throughout life’s challenges and transitions.

Towards the end of 2022 I had achieved what I wanted in Perth, including a 70.2 Ironman (Busselton) and the 125km Cape to Cape Hike, and was ready for a new beginning, somewhere I could settle long-term. I chose the Gold Coast for its Hinterlands, lifestyle, and closer proximity to family and the rest is history!

I’m available for consult at Ashmore clinic…. hope to meet you soon 🙂