Kate McGillivray
APA TITLED SPORT & EXERCISE PHYSIOTHERAPIST
PILATES PRACTITIONER
Following years of classical ballet training Kate completed tertiary studies in both Exercise and Sport Science (majoring in dance) and subsequently a BA of Physiotherapy, and MA of Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy. Kate has worked extensively at the elite level and is the current Senior Physiotherapist for the Australian Women's Artistic Gymnastics Team. Kate is currently working as consultant Sports Physiotherapist at the Victorian Institute of Sport as part of their performance services team. Her extensive elite level experience also includes medical management of dancers and athletes at the Victorian Institute of Sport, Diving Australia, Diving Victoria, The Australian Ballet and Tennis Australia.
Since 2008, much of Kate’s elite sports Physiotherapy experience has been with Gymnastics Australia and Gymnastics Victoria as both Australian and Victorian team Physiotherapist, travelling interstate and overseas with the teams. More recently Kate accompanied the Australian team on their successful 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games campaign, 2017 and 2018 World Gymnastics Championships and 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 World Cups.
Kate has a special interest in biomechanical retraining via Pilates-based exercise programs and has lectured extensively on the topic of exercise prescription and muscle re-training for the Australian and New Zealand Pain Society, the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Australian Pilates Method Association, Gymnastics Australia and Gymnastics Victoria.
Throughout her career, Kate has maintained an interest in the area of dance injury management, safe dance principles, and the use of Pilates-based exercise for both rehabilitative and specific fitness and conditioning purposes. Kate began studying Pilates in 1996 specialising in dance and went on to complete further training through the Australian Pilates Method Association, which has recognised her as a Senior Level 4 Professional Practitioner for the last 12 years.
MELISSA BARKER
APA TITLED SPORT & EXERCISE Physiotherapist
Pilates Practitioner
Melissa Barker is a Titled Sports Physiotherapist who graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours from University of Melbourne in 2006, and then completed a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy in 2016 through La Trobe University. Melissa has worked in private practice since 2008 and has treated a wide variety of sports and musculoskeletal injuries over this time. She is a skilled manual therapist, combining a 'hands-on' treatment approach with education and exercise therapy. Melissa has a keen interest in functional biomechanics and enjoys creating individualised rehabilitation and Pilates programs to assist people to move at their best.
Many years as an athlete and a coach inspired Melissa’s special interest in artistic sports including gymnastics, cheerleading and dance. She has a passion for working with athletes to help them achieve their full potential. Melissa's work in this area has included treating at the Victorian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics High Performance centre, working with the Victorian WAG National stream state team, the DreamTyme All Stars Cheer and Dance Club, and team physio for the Dandenong Rangers Basketball (Women’s National Basketball League) team and both the mens' and womens' (South Eastern Australian Basketball League) teams.
Lily Zhou
Physiotherapist, PILATES PRACTITIONER
Lily is a dedicated and empathetic physiotherapist who holds a Bachelor of Science (2018) and Doctor of Physiotherapy (2021) from The University of Melbourne. With a strong interest in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, her clinical expertise is particularly focused on the application of clinical Pilates as a therapeutic modality for injury recovery and prevention. With a background in dance, Lily has a deep understanding of movement and body mechanics, which she incorporates into her approach to pilates.
Lily is committed to providing individualised care, recognising that treatment plans must be tailored to each patient’s unique needs. She combines both passive and active treatment techniques to achieve optimal outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. Passionate about empowering individuals of all fitness levels, from those leading sedentary lifestyles to elite athletes, Lily strives to help her patients reach their full potential and achieve lasting health and well-being.
Melanie Cousin
(Currently on Maternity Leave)
Clinical Myotherapist
Melanie joined Body Lab in July 2014 and has since been helping her clients to understand the importance of achieving and maintaining optimal health through her exceptional myotherapy skills.
After graduating from RMIT with an Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage And Myotherapy in 2007, Melanie has built up a wealth of professional experience in the field, working across some of the best clinics in Melbourne and of course, here at Body Lab, where she continues to successfully treat through remedial massage, sports massage, specific injury management, ante-natal massage and other specialised areas of myotherapy.
Jade Olsen
Clinical Myotherapist
With a strong commitment to enhancing physical well-being, Jade is a highly trained health professional specialising in remedial massage and myotherapy. She holds a Diploma of Remedial Massage from RMIT University (2021) and an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy (2022), equipping her with the expertise to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Jade’s extensive background in dance, combined with certifications in Progressive Ballet Technique Training (2020), Classical Teaching (2021), and Acrobatics (Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced, 2024), allows her to integrate a deep understanding of movement with her therapeutic practice. This unique blend enables her to adapt treatment strategies that cater to each client’s individual needs, aiming to restore optimal physical function and movement.
Her holistic approach to health and wellness is rooted in her dedication to helping clients achieve their full physical potential, whether recovering from injury, improving mobility, or enhancing overall performance.
Sarah Tulloch
Physiotherapist, Pelvic Floor & Continence Physiotherapist, Pilates Practitioner
Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice from La Trobe University in 2012. Since graduating, she has worked in private practice, treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and sports injuries and teaching Clinical Pilates.
She developed an interest in women's health, completing a Graduate Certificate of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy at Melbourne University. She has a strong passion for empowering women throughout the transformative stages of pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
She uses her experience in sports physiotherapy to work closely with women to not only overcome symptoms but also achieve their full potential in returning to high level activities. Through personalised, evidence-based care, Sarah combines clinical experience with a deep understanding of the physical and emotional changes women experience during these critical life stages.
In addition to her women’s health focus, Sarah continues to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions, helping clients of all ages recover from injury, improve function, and achieve their physical goals.
Emily Irvine
Physiotherapist, PILATES PRACTITIONER
Emily’s passion for physiotherapy began during her years as an elite athlete, having represented Australia in trampolining. Having experienced the impact of injury firsthand, Emily takes a holistic and multifaceted approach to rehabilitation. Emily aims to combine manual therapy with tailored exercise prescription to help her clients return to their peak performance. She is committed to addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery to support athletes, dancers, and active individuals alike.
Since graduating, Emily has developed a deep admiration and clinical interest in dance. This interest has led her to pursue post-graduate courses in dance-related injuries, enabling her to refine her approach to treating dancers and individuals involved in similar performance-based activities. She understands the unique demands of dance on the body and works with her clients to ensure they can continue to perform at their best while minimising the risk of injury.
Emily has worked extensively in both elite and local sports. She served as a physiotherapist with the St Kilda AFLW team for several years and currently works in Gymnastics Victoria’s event day medical team. Outside of Body Lab, Emily works at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), where she provides care to the next generation of circus performers.
Emily’s diverse background as both an athlete and coach, alongside her clinical expertise, allows her to offer a unique, empathetic approach to physiotherapy. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their personal goals, whether in sport or daily life.
Tiana Stannard
PHYSIOTHERAPIST & PILATES INSTRUCTOR, DANCE PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Tiana graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Australian Catholic University and enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. She has a particular interest in spine health, as well as dance and sport-specific physiotherapy. Tiana is also currently expanding her expertise into Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.
A highly experienced mat-work and equipment pilates instructor, Tiana is also a course presenter for the APPI through Unite Health. She integrates her extensive Pilates and fitness background into her physiotherapy practice, offering a tailored approach for clients aiming to return to their favourite forms of exercise.
Tiana values building genuine connections with her clients and leads with empathy in her treatments. She understands that pain and injury come with both short- and long-term goals, whether that’s reducing pain, returning to work or sport, or improving day-to-day function and quality of life. She’s passionate about supporting each individual on their journey to recovery and wellbeing.
ADMINistration
Kathrin Botterill
Felicité Brest