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.
Katie Kaminsky
APA Titled Sport & Exercise Physiotherapist
Pilates Practitioner
Katie is a Titled Sport & Exercise Physiotherapist who has worked in diverse areas since first graduating in 2011. This has included private practice, sporting teams and with one of Melbourne’s leading orthopaedic trauma rehabilitation services. Her experience with amputees, people who have had concussions, multitrauma injuries and persistent pain has created a compassionate and holistic approach.
Katie has a particular interest in upper limb injuries, amongst many others. She enjoys empowering her clients to reach their goals through education, targeted exercises and skilled hands-on therapy. She has completed Level 4 training with the Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute, and brings together strength and conditioning principles with a love of movement.
Throughout her career, Katie has worked extensively with rock climbers, from recreational to elite competitors. This includes as the Australian Youth Climbing Team Physiotherapist and in leading research on climbing injuries. She has also worked with athletes and teams such as the NTFL’s Tiwi Bombers and with elite swimmers and is passionate about adaptive sports.
Katie loves the outdoors and enjoys trail running, swimming, surfing, climbing and hiking. She has boundless energy to put towards helping people get back to the activities they love.
Melanie Cousin
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.
vanessa Wong-Tai
Exercise Physiologist
pilates PRACTITIONER
After completing a Masters in Exercise Physiology (ACU) and Diploma in Pilates (Pilates International) Vanessa has been an advocate for educating clients to maximise their health and wellbeing through exercise. She has gained a wealth of knowledge in Private Practices across Melbourne and the UK working with complex musculoskeletal injuries and assisting individuals manage their chronic health conditions.
Vanessa is committed to creating a safe and effective rehabilitation process aimed at meeting individual’s needs whether it be helping an athlete to hone in on their skill or working with the elderly to prevent falls.
Over the years Vanessa has developed a special interest in biomechanics as well as metabolic, pulmonary, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disease.
Sarah Tulloch
physiotherapist
pilates PRACTITIONER
Sarah completed her Bachelor of Health Science/Masters of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in 2012. Since then she has worked in Private Practice, seeing private patients and instructing Clinical Pilates sessions. She has also worked at an orthopaedic hospital, providing physiotherapy services for some of Melbourne’s leading orthopaedic surgeons, which has given her experience rehabilitating injuries from the acute post operative stage right through to return to work or sport.
Sarah has a strong interest in Women’s Health and is currently undergoing further study, doing her Masters of Pelvic Health at Melbourne University. She is passionate about helping women throughout the lifespan, treating conditions such as incontinence, prolapse and other pelvic floor dysfunctions, pelvic girdle and hip pain, and helping women with musculoskeletal concerns throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys playing hockey over winter, having played Premier League at Toorak East Malvern for over 10 years.
Samantha hon
physiotherapist
pilates PRACTITIONER
Sammy completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at Monash University. Her interest in physiotherapy arose after experiencing her own injuries whilst competing in artistic sports from a young age.
Sammy has a background in competing and coaching gymnastics, sport aerobics and cheerleading at both national and international levels. Sammy has a passion for working with dancers, gymnasts and cheerleaders to prevent injury and help them get the most out of their bodies safely. Sammy’s experience as a coach and coaching qualifications provide her with the perfect platform of knowledge to help these athletes.
Many years of elite training has driven her passion for exercise and leading a healthy, active lifestyle.
ROCHELLE HERZ
(Currently on Maternity Leave)
physiotherapist
pilates PRACTITIONER
On graduating with a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice from La Trobe University in 2014, Rochelle worked across a wide range of acute and rehabilitation settings in a major hospital network in Melbourne. Alongside this work, Rochelle completed further training with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Association (APPI), gaining experience in instructing classes and in clinical rehabilitation.
In 2017, Rochelle travelled as part of a medical team supporting almost 500 Australian athletes competing in international games. Following this, she moved to London and worked in private practice and clinical pilates for several years, before returning to Melbourne. Rochelle has gained experience working with a broad client base, covering musculoskeletal and sporting injuries, spinal conditions, neurological & vestibular disorders and women's health across the lifespan. Specific pilates training for the pregnancy and postpartum period, as well as for hypermobility disorders has expanded her scope and expertise with these populations.
Rochelle has a keen interest in improving biomechanics through a combination of manual therapy techniques and exercise rehabilitation/ clinical pilates. She is passionate about helping people to live a healthier, pain-free life, prevent injury and achieve their physical goals. Rochelle loves to work with people at any level or life stage.
bridgett dill
physiotherapist
pilates PRACTITIONER
Bridgett completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at The University of Sydney. Throughout her studies, Bridgett grew a wealth of experience, working with sports teams, teaching both reformer and clinical pilates, and working at one of Sydney’s leading rehabilitation hospitals.
Bridgett has a keen interest in integrating Pilates concepts into strength and conditioning based rehabilitation programs. Her experience in both hospital and private practice settings has allowed her to understand the requirements of both the acute and long term management of a broad range of presentations including; sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, pre and post-operative and neurological conditions.
Bridgett’s passion lies in the development of prehab and conditioning programs for the athletic progression of youth and adolescents. Bridgett’s Physiotherapy experience supports her firm belief in the implementation of injury prevention programs to maximise performance. She is dedicated to working closely with her clients to ensure that they achieve their own individual goals, no matter what those goals may be.
Outside of work, Bridgett enjoys leading a fit and healthy lifestyle through playing netball, running and spending time outdoors.