Special Interests:

• Vestibular assessment and rehabilitation
• Post-concussion management
• Complex posture and seating prescription
• Odstock functional electrical stimulation for foot drop
• Neurological splinting

Katie graduated in 2003 from Melbourne University and after completing two years in a rotating position at the Royal Melbourne Hospital left Australia with the travel bug. Like most travelling Aussies she settled in London where she began work at the Wellington Hospital. Here she was exposed to a wide range of neurological presentations and a variety of treatment adjuncts. After 6 years in London she returned to Melbourne and commenced working at the Neurological Rehabilitation Group. Her exposure to varied neurological presentations and exceptional mentorship from her time in the UK allowed Katie to join the the Neurological Rehabilitation Group as an experienced and passionate practitioner. In February 2014 her commitment to the area of Neurological Rehabilitation was cemented when she took over ownership of the practice. Aware of the benefits that great leadership can have in a clinical environment Katie has taken on ownership of the practice with excitement and enthusiasm for the development of others. Her team, like her are encouraged to bring their own unique style, passion and expertise to the group, resulting in environment of continuous improvement and exceptional patient care

Jan is a Clinical Lead Physiotherapist who has worked in the field of neurological physiotherapy for 20 years in both the acute and community settings. She has completed a post graduate degree in Neurological Physiotherapy and has considerable training in the Bobath Concept. Jan was the Team Leader for the acute neuro physiotherapy team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital for over a decade and has extensive experience in hands-on treatment of conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and neuro-oncology. Jan manages our Spasticity Clinic and represents the practice in the statewide Special Interest Group for physiotherapists who work in spasticity clinics.

Jan loves treating patients, teaching physiotherapists and helping our clinicians problem solve challenges to get the most out of their patients. She is responsible for the development of the clinicians at the practice, including objective setting, supervision of senior clinicians and running regular masterclass sessions.

Special Interests:

• Management of progressive neurological conditions (ie. Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis)
• Vestibular assessment and rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation following stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Management of persistent post-concussive symptoms
• Assessment and treatment of facial palsy
• Management of functional neurological disorder

Tess graduated from Monash University and initially worked at Monash Health rotating through several different physiotherapy areas. She then spent the next few years working in London at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery where she was fortunate to be a part of a great organisation providing specialised neurological management to patients coming from across the UK. She then returned home and started at NRG in 2019.

Tess is passionate about providing holistic and collaborative care to clients in order to maximise function and quality of life. She enjoys seeing a wide variety of patients and helping them work towards and achieve their goals.

Claudia studied physiotherapy at University of Manchester, UK and has developed her neurological skills through gaining extensive experience in a wide variety of inpatient neurological settings (acute and rehabilitation) in both Manchester and London. Claudia relocated to Australia in 2018 and is passionate about continuing her career in the neurosciences and further developing her expertise in the neurological outpatient and community settings.

Her clinical interests include rehabilitation following stroke and acquired brain injury in addition to neuro-oncological conditions. Claudia is diligent at learning more to improve herself and patient care and is completing the Basic Bobath Course in 2019. Claudia believes in using a holistic, patient focused approach in order to ensure optimal patient care.

Having graduated from Melbourne University in 2012, Pav worked at Epworth HealthCare and The Royal Melbourne Hospital until she moved to London for 2 years where she worked in both the acute and rehabilitation settings consolidating her neurological skills. She has always been passionate about the delivery of physiotherapy to the neurological population and has aspired to have a practical and holistic approach to improve the quality of life of her clients. She has completed training in the Bobath Concept and is skilled in treating a variety of neurological conditions. Her areas of interest include return to running and higher level mobility, vestibular rehabilitation and management of ataxia.

Special Interests:

• Vestibular assessment and rehabilitation
• Post-concussion management
• Rehabilitation following stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Odstock functional electrical stimulation for foot drop
• Return to higher level mobility in the neurological population

Bianca graduated from LaTrobe University and spent her initial years of being a physiotherapist rotating at Monash Health. Like many other physiotherapists, Bianca then adventured to the UK to work in London. She worked for a Community Neuro-service completing home visits and learning a lot of Cockney slang at the same time. She then worked at the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN). Bianca was fortunate to be able to work across the hospital in various areas but it was in the outpatient department that Bianca further developed her vestibular assessment and treatment skills. Bianca had the opportunity to be apart of the FES team in which she set-up and reviewed Odstock Functional Electrical Stimulation devices for footdrop on a daily basis. Bianca returned back to Melbourne in November 2018 and has since loved joining the wonderful team at Neurological Rehabilitation Group.

After graduating from the University of Melbourne, Jill worked in a variety of clinical areas at St Vincent’s and St George’s Hospitals, where she developed her interest in neurological rehabilitation. Jill completed a three week postgraduate course on the Bobath Concept in 2019 and uses a combination of the Bobath approach and targeted exercise to develop an individualised program to achieve client goals. Her clinical areas of interest include multiple sclerosis and recovery from neurosurgery and stroke.

Tessa has a real interest in Neurological Physiotherapy and has focused her career in this direction since graduating from Melbourne University in 2012. Tessa has worked across multiple health networks and hospitals; both in acute and rehabilitation wards; having experience in a wide variety of neurological conditions. She recently completed an advanced course in the Bobath concept; and is always seeking opportunities for further development . Her clinical areas of interest include movement disorders and rehabilitation after stroke. She has a great passion for assisting clients to achieve their goals and ultimately improve their quality of life.

After graduating from Latrobe University, Amy has worked across a variety of different areas in the physiotherapy field. Mostly, Amy’s clinical practice has been with Eastern Health, where she worked in a rotational role allowing her to build her knowledge and skills across multiple different fields. With a passion for working with people with neurological conditions, Amy joined the team at the Neuro rehab group where she is eager to work together with patients to help them achieve their goals and be the best they can be. Her special interests include post stroke and acquired brain injury rehabilitation but ultimately she enjoys the working with all people of all backgrounds. Amy strives to continually develop her professional capacity and has recently completed the Basic Bobath Course in 2019, and she is excited to implement these new skills into her practice. Amy believes in working in a collaborative, goal driven approach to achieve the best outcomes for each client and looks forward to working with each client to aim towards achieving their individual goals.

Alex graduated from The University of Melbourne and initially started her career at Peninsula Health where she rotated through a range of different clinical areas in physiotherapy before moving to The Royal Melbourne Hospital. This is where her interest in neurological physiotherapy was sparked. She then spent a number of years in the United Kingdom working in a number of specialist neurology centres, including The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and The London Spinal Cord Injury Centre. Alex is passionate about supporting her clients to achieve their goals, tailoring her approach to suit the needs of each individual and supporting her clients engage in exercise regularly.

After graduating from Monash University in 2015, Rachael has worked across a variety of different settings in physiotherapy. Rachael really enjoys working within neurological rehabilitation and has previously worked in hospital inpatient rehab and community rehab as well as on acute neurology wards treating people immediately post stroke, neurological surgery or following diagnosis or flare up of diseases. She has worked in both the public and private hospital systems. Rachael has also worked in a musculoskeletal private practice teaching clinical Pilates.

Her interests include Stroke, ABI, Cerebral Palsy, and progressive neurological diseases but ultimately Rachael enjoys the working with people of all backgrounds. Rachael believes in working closely with clients towards their specific goals, making therapy targeted and fun, and loves developing a close partnership with clients and their supports.

Heidi is a Clinical Lead Physiotherapist who has worked in the field of neurological physiotherapy for over 25 years in both acute and private practice settings. She has completed a postgraduate maters degrees in Neurological Research and has been involved in many research projects with a few a journal articles published. Heidi was the team leader for the acute neurological physiotherapy  team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital for 7 years. More recently, Heidi has worked the last 11 years in Singapore in the neurological private practices helping set up the management of vestibular clients within these practices. Heidi has extensive experience in hands-on treatment of conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal surgical clients, vestibular clients, and MS. Heidi has also had experience in treating paediatric clients during her time in Singapore.

Heidi loves treating patients, being involved in our student program as well as teaching and supervising physiotherapists within the wider team. Heidi has a keen interest in research and helping facilitate this through our practice, as well as being closely involved in the professional development of the team through masterclasses.

Sergio graduated from Monash University (Honours) in 2015 and began his career in a rotational role at Northern Health. After 2 years, he pursued his passion for neurological rehabilitation at Epworth Healthcare across acute and rehabilitation settings, working with the stroke, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury population. Sergio gained years of experience in the advanced program between the multi-trauma unit at Epworth Hawthorn and predominantly at the acquired brain injury unit at Epworth Richmond. He holds postgraduate qualifications in the Bobath Concept and High Level Mobility, as well as training in clinical gait analysis. Sergio’s interests include running retraining in the neurological population, spasticity management, concussion management in brain injury and rehabilitation in vestibular disorders.

Sergio is firm believer in upholding values of compassion and excellence in patient care. He is dedicated in bringing out the maximum potential in his clients and enjoys helping them achieve their individualised goals, however big or small they are.

Meg graduated from James Cook University and has since worked across acute, subacute and community rehabilitation settings in regional and metropolitan health services throughout Australia. Her special interests include rehabilitation following stroke and traumatic brain injury, return to higher level mobility in the neurological population and assisting clients to better meet recommended physical activity and exercise guidelines.

Passionate about ongoing personal and professional development, Meg is currently undertaking her Clinical Masters in Neurological Physiotherapy through Flinders University and is due to complete this in 2022. In her spare time, Meg enjoys playing hockey, walking her dogs to local cafes and attending any live sporting event or exhibition Melbourne has to offer.

Sarah graduated from Monash University with Honours in 2015 and holds post graduate qualifications in the Bobath Concept. Sarah has worked across a variety of different settings in physiotherapy and started work as a rotational physiotherapist firstly at Cabrini, and then transitioned to Epworth Healthcare where she worked for 6 years across the acute and rehabilitation settings.

Sarah’s passion for neurological rehabilitation was sparked when she was working in the acquired brain injury unit at Epworth Richmond, and her interests include acquired brain injury, stroke, and progressive neurological conditions as well as helping clients return to running and high-level mobility. Sarah is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals by using a holistic patient centred approach, whilst making physiotherapy fun and engaging at the same time.

Special interests:

• Rehabilitation following stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Pilates for people with neurological conditions
• Management of congenital neurological conditions including Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome

Alicia graduated from La Trobe University in 2017 and prior to starting at NRG worked in a rotational physiotherapy role at Eastern Health. This provided her with a wide range of experience with neurological patients across the acute, rehabilitation and community environments. Prior to this Alicia worked in Eastern Health’s Community Rehabilitation Service. She there had the opportunity to develop and grow her skills in neurological rehabilitation through running neurological fitness groups and working with patients in the early stages following discharge from hospital. Alicia has been trained to teach mat work Pilates through APPI and enjoys using Pilates to help people with neurological conditions.

Alicia is passionate about helping people with neurological conditions to achieve their goals and maximise quality of life. She believes in the importance of individualised health care and is excited to work with NRG clients in their neurological rehabilitation journey.

Steph graduated with a Master of Physiotherapy Practice from Latrobe University in 2012 and holds post graduate qualifications in Polestar Pilates and the Bobath Concept. She gained years of experience in acquired brain injury and neurological rehabilitation at Epworth Richmond as well as acute stroke management and community neurological rehabilitation in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Working predominantly in outpatient and private practice settings Steph’s clinical areas of interest include rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. She also has a special interest in assisting people return to running following stroke or acquired brain injury. Steph believes in continually refining her skills and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Physiotherapy) in 2020. Steph joined the Neurological Rehabilitation Group in 2021 and is passionate about helping people achieve their goals to improve quality of life within a supportive team.

Laura graduated from La Trobe University and began her career with Alfred Health working across and number of different clinical areas. In this role she found her passion for working with people with neurological conditions. In 2016, Laura moved to the UK where she spent several years working for a Community Neurology and Stroke Rehabilitation service in East London with the National Health Service. Over this time, she consolidated her clinical specialism in neurology whilst gaining exposure to a wide range of conditions and treatment modalities.

After 5 years in London Laura returned to Australia and is excited to join the team at Neurological Rehabilitation Group. Laura is passionate about providing holistic, individualised, and collaborative care to patients so that they can achieve their goals and make a positive difference to their functioning and quality of life.

Kaitlyn graduated from Monash University in 2017 and after this worked at Austin Health rotating through several different physiotherapy areas. This allowed her to develop a holistic knowledge of the entire patient journey and a skillset treating people with a wide variety of conditions in the acute, subacute and community setting. Kaitlyn has always been passionate about working with clients with neurological conditions and believes in a collaborative and client centred approach to assist people to achieve goals that are meaningful to them. Her special areas of interest include providing rehabilitation for people post a spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury and stroke, however Kaitlyn enjoys working with people of all backgrounds. Since joining the Neurological Rehabilitation Group, Kaitlyn is excited to work alongside a team of passionate professionals to provide quality care to all clients.

Originally from Hong Kong and growing up in Canada, a desire for travel and adventure sparked the big move across the world to Melbourne, where Angie completed her physiotherapy degree from La Trobe University in 2014. She worked across acute and rehabilitation hospital roles at Healthscope and Epworth Healthcare, and has also taught clinical Pilates in private practice. She has experience consulting on Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) pump trials in complex spasticity management.

Angie completed a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Rehabilitation from Flinders University in 2021, and has also completed professional development courses in the Bobath Concept. Her special interests include rehabilitation following stroke and traumatic brain injury, progressive neurological conditions, and return to high level mobility. Outside of the clinic, Angie enjoys exploring walking trails with her dog, hosting dinner parties and checking out Melbourne’s vibrant live music scene. Let her know about any restaurant recommends in your next session!

In March 2023 Nicola moved from the UK to Melbourne to join our team at the Neurological Rehabilitation Group (and to seek respite from the rainy Bristish weather!) She is an experienced neuro-physiotherapist, having worked for several years at The Walton Centre NHS hospital in Liverpool, a specialist hospital for neurology and neurosurgery in the North West of England. This enabled her to develop her acute, neuro-respiratory and neurorehabilitation skills in a variety of roles and environments. This breadth of experience has provided Nicola with an appreciation of the journey that many of her clients experience and she is passionate about supporting them to achieve their ongoing goals. Outside of the clinic Nicola enjoys walking, climbing and exploring different parts of Victoria. She still hasn’t picked an AFL team to support, so let her know if you have any suggestions!

Pablo graduated from La Trobe University (Master’s) in 2020, and began his career as an NDIS Physiotherapist working largely within the community. It was through this role that he found a passion for working with various neurological conditions and supporting people in achieving their goals. Soon after, Pablo joined Epworth Healthcare as a rotational Physiotherapist, where he was able to work in different clinical areas including, orthopaedic, multi-trauma, cardiac, and neurological (Acute, Sub-Acute, and Outpatients). He gained valuable experience within these clinical settings which supported him in taking up a senior role as a Neurological Physiotherapist at Epworth Brighton Outpatients. Pablo is passionate about supporting and empowering patients in achieving their goals and making therapy meaningful and fun!

Pablo’s interest include stroke and spasticity management, traumatic brain injury, and progressive neurological conditions. However, Pablo is always passionate and open to working with anyone that needs guidance and support with their rehab goals. Outside of Physiotherapy, Pablo also continues to work in his second life as a freelancing graphic designer and loves a good boxing workout.

Bianca completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours at the University of Queensland. During her studies she was interested in the rehabilitation side of physiotherapy and worked on the sporting field before discovering her passion for rehabilitation in the neurological population. Upon graduating, Bianca made the move down to Melbourne to pursue a career in this field and joined the incredible team at the Neurological Rehabilitation Group. Bianca is dedicated to the continuing development of her knowledge and skills, and she is excited to work with patients in a wide range of clinical areas.

Bianca is passionate about individualised patient care with a focus on functional retraining and rehabilitation aimed at achieving meaningful patient goals in a way that makes exercise and therapy fun.

Ellie graduated with a Master of Physiotherapy Practice from La Trobe University following a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne. Her interest for neurological physiotherapy was sparked after completing an elective placement here at NRG at the end of 2022. Ellie has interests in a wide range of clinical areas and looks forward to further professional development in the neurological field.  Ellie has a collaborative, patient-centred approach with a passion to help people find joy in movement.

Osuri graduated with a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Melbourne University after completing a Bachelor of Science at Monash University. Throughout her studies, Osuri was passionate about neurological physiotherapy and worked with clients with acquired and developmental neurological conditions. Osuri has an interest in a wide range of clinical areas and looks forward to professional development in the neurological field. Osuri strives for patient-centred, holistic care and looks forward to working with each client to achieve their goals.

Rhea completed her undergraduate degree in Science from Monash University and Doctor of Physiotherapy degree from Melbourne University. Having an Indian background and growing up in Zambia gave her the opportunity to meet people with diverse backgrounds. This enabled her to understand the importance of tailoring treatment sessions according to individual patient needs with the aim of enhancing their quality of life, maximise function and assist in achieving specific goals.

Rhea looks forward to building her skills and knowledge in all areas of neurological rehabilitation, however, her special interests include acquired brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and progressive neurological disorders. She is passionate about continuous learning and hopes to learn something new about patients/physiotherapy every single day.

Special Interests

• Post-concussion assessment and management
• Functional Neurological Disorder
• Rehabilitation following stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Exercise prescription for individuals with autism

Miranda graduated from Deakin University with her Bachelors of Exercise and Sports Science and Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2017. Following this, Miranda practiced for a year as a Physiotherapy Assistant with the Neurological Rehabilitation Group prior to taking on the role as an Exercise Physiologist.

Miranda is passionate about health promotion and creating behaviour change that supports clients to engage in regular exercise to help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Miranda understands that exercise is not a ‘one size fits all’ model and is committed to finding the right fit for each individual.

Tegan completed her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at Deakin University and then went on to study Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology. During her study, work as a Personal Trainer and throughout her multiple placements, she developed a passion for neurological rehabilitation, and the role exercise has in improving one’s quality of life. Tegan’s main aim is to assist clients to achieve their goals in a caring and positive environment and believes that Neurological Rehabilitation Group provides her with this opportunity.

Ben completed his Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2017 at Deakin University, having previously attained his Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. Ben has previous experience in community health and rehabilitation, having worked in this area in the past. It was here that Ben developed a passion for working with neurological clientele and helping them to achieve their goals in a safe and enjoyable environment. Ben is now aiming to continually develop his skill set in this area and believes that the Neurological Rehabilitation Group provides him with the opportunity to do so. Ben is a lover of all things exercise and believes it is the key to improving quality of life.

Paige completed her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at Deakin University, prior to completing her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Australian Catholic University. Paige has always had a passion for neurological conditions and being able to help others in the rehabilitation field. Paige has experience as an exercise scientist, conducting small group exercise and reformer pilates sessions for over 50s, while also working as a reformer pilates instructor. Paige is excited to assist others with achieving their goals and improving their wellbeing, while continuing to develop her knowledge at the Neurological Rehabilitation Group.

Jess completed her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and Masters of Exercise Physiology at Australian Catholic University in 2022. During this time Jess worked as an exercise scientist doing group fitness classes as well as working at a musculoskeletal private practice.

Jess found her passion for neurological conditions while on multiple placements throughout university and is excited to continue to develop her knowledge at NRG. Jess believes in working closely with clients, making therapy targeted but also fun and engaging at the same time. Jess hopes to support a wide range of clients to achieving their goals and maximise their quality of life.

Jordan completed his Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and Masters of Exercise Physiology at Australian Catholic University in 2023. During this time Jordan worked as a strength and conditioning coach working with athletes. Following that he worked as an allied health assistant from a mobile exercise physiology clinic towards the completion of his masters.

Jordan’s passion for neurological conditions began to flourish through his masters’ studies and placement at NRG. Jordan believes he makes an integral part of the client’s journey using exercise prescription, lifestyle modification and goal setting to make meaningful changes to a person’s life.

Darcy completed his Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at Deakin Geelong in 2020, before undertaking work as an Allied Health Assistant in community rehabilitation. It was here that he developed an interest in working with clientele in the neurological population. This sparked interest led him to return to university to complete his Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Australian Catholic University, graduating in 2023. Darcy’s passion for neurological rehabilitation flourished whilst completing multiple placement blocks with neurological clients at varying stages of their rehabilitation journey. Darcy completed a placement with Neurological Rehabilitation Group, and was eager to return in the future if the opportunity arose.

Darcy is looking forward to further developing his skills and knowledge of neurological conditions, so that he can provide an enjoyable and quality service to his clients.

Tamica Sturgess has a professional clinical background as a physiotherapist and has worked in healthcare for over 20 years.  Her experience extends across clinical, project management, quality improvement and managerial roles and she previously held the positions of Head of Profession, Physiotherapy at Monash Health and Executive Officer, Connect4Health.  Tamica is passionate about health and wellbeing outcomes for members of the community and has a Master of Physiotherapy (Research) with multiple publications in peer reviewed journals.  She also holds a Diploma of Project Management and has led numerous organisation and state-wide projects.  She joined Neurological Rehabilitation Group in 2023 and brings expertise from public health, government and community sectors.

Lachie joined Neurological Rehabilitation Group as an administration Assistant in January 2022 and is also studying to become a Teacher in primary education. Lachie will always welcome you with a smile on his face as you walk in and loves to have a conversation about all things sport.

Rose joined NRG in 2021 as a part of the reception and admin team. Earlier in the year she also began her bachelor’s degree in Design Arts with LCI Melbourne, where she enjoys focusing on fine arts, graphic design, and film and photography.

Rose’s favourite part about being able to work at NRG are the warm and friendly interactions she gets to have every day with both clients and fellow staff members. In her spare time Rose loves nothing more than a nice walk to the park or a game of fetch with her dog, Pedro.

Special Interests:

• Fitness
• Nutrition
• Spending time with family & friends

Julie has a wealth of experience with book work. After running a successful family business for 22 years, being involved in all aspects of a retail store she decided that Bookkeeping was her passion. Julie then went on to complete her Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping), and became a registered BAS Agent. Julie enjoys keeping up to date with the ever changing and challenging world of administration obligations. There is a lot of satisfaction to be had when everything balances. To balance life out Julie loves to run and enjoys healthy cooking.