Our Team

We believe in a diverse range of personnel who not only bring expert Exercise Physiology programming to the table but creative skills, thoughts and ideas as well.

Adam Betteridge

Tauranga
Alicia Edwards

Account Manager, Life Ins.
Ashley Saunders

West Auckland
Bonel Obradovic

Melbourne
Brad Domek

Director
Brad McGregor

Brisbane Inner & Nth Metro
Brandon Lee

Melbourne
Brandon Woolley

Wellington
Caitlin Milne

Tasman-Malborough
Carmyn Barnes

Christchurch / NZ Acct Mgr
Cathy Barakat

Admin & Payroll Officer
Chantelle Wardini

North West Sydney
Chloe Green

Christchurch
Crystal Stavris

Administration Manager
Daniel Logan

East Brisbane, CBD, Redland
David Kheav

SW Sydney, Liverpool
Eric Suh

North West Sydney
Esteban Pizarro Hunter

Brisbane
Gavin Tu

Western Sydney
Georgina Risk

South & SW Sydney
Isabella Gates

Palmerston North
Jack Philp

Sth W Sydney & Wollongong
Jonathan Lai

West & SW Sydney
Kane Nadasdy

Brisbane
Kasey McDonald

Acct Mgr, WorkCover & CTP
Kim Ma Dulla

Administration
Loren Colina

Administration
Lyn Woodward

North Sydney
Madison Mitchell

Melbourne
Mae Heard-Pennel

Head of Learning and Dev.
Mark Watson

South West & Sydney
Melissa Mills

Administration
Natasha White

Wellington
Nikolas Nguy

Perth
Nina Brandt-Sandral

Mackay
Rachel Sullivan

Christchurch
Rebecca Coleman

Perth - South
Riley Tran

Inner West Sydney
Ryan Free

Melbourne
Ryu Nightingale

Auckland
Shara Kinney

South / North West Sydney
Simon Cheng

West & North West Sydney
Stephanie Ho

Gold Coast
Tessa Nielsen

New Plymouth
Tessa Thurston

Adelaide
Yolanda van Vugt

Marketing Coordinator

Adam Betteridge

Tauranga

Adam completed a Master of Health Science through Massey University in 2020, specialising in Sport and Exercise (athletic conditioning). His dissertation was originally set to investigate the effects of tapering for amateur mixed martial arts competitions; however, due to COVID-19 lockdowns, he re-focused on other research interests, in which he investigated the effects of deadlifting with ammonia (smelling salts) inhalation under mental fatigue.

Following this, Adam was awarded a scholarship to complete his Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the Waikato Institute of Technology, completing this in 2021.

Adam has worked in the fitness industry since 2012, after graduating as a Personal Trainer and has over 12 years’ experience working with a diverse population of clients, including high-performing athletes and those with chronic conditions such as lower back pain, heart disease, musculoskeletal injuries and neurological disorders. Adam has a special interest in exercise for low back pain and metabolic syndrome.

Adam is a qualified butcher, having completed his apprenticeship in 2004 and has over 15 years’ experience, underpinning the physical demands of heavy and repetitive work for those looking to re-enter the workforce.

Adam enjoys anything outdoors / water sports, running, swimming, jiu jitsu and hiking in his spare time.

Alicia Edwards

Account Manager, Life Ins.

With over 15 years of experience in Occupational Rehabilitation and Life Insurance, Alicia has dedicated her career to helping individuals regain their health, independence, and ability to return to work. She specialises in guiding claimants through the rehabilitation process while ensuring a seamless experience for both them and the health professionals supporting their journey, including life insurance claims managers and rehabilitation consultants.

Alicia understands the challenges all stakeholders face in managing claims efficiently while ensuring customers achieve their ideal outcomes. She plays a key role in bridging the gap—providing proactive communication, strategic insights, and tailored rehabilitation solutions that help streamline the claims process. By anticipating potential barriers and keeping all stakeholders aligned, she helps reduce delays, improve recovery outcomes, and enhance the overall claims experience.

At Specialised Health, Alicia and her team go beyond providing rehabilitation services—they partner with insurers to create better, more efficient pathways to recovery. With a focus on clear communication and outcome-driven strategies, she ensures that exercise rehabilitation programmes benefit everyone involved.

Ashley Saunders

West Auckland

Ashley supports clients navigating complex cardiovascular, neurological, and cancer-related conditions by focusing on evidence-based movement strategies that restore functional independence and long-term vitality. She is particularly skilled in managing metabolic health and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, drawing on her experience in both coaching and clinical settings to adapt programs for diverse physical abilities. By combining a Master’s-level clinical foundation with a structured, goal-oriented approach, Ashley ensures that every intervention is tailored to meet specific recovery milestones while remaining accessible and sustainable for the client. Known for her encouraging and adaptable communication style, Ashley builds immediate rapport with her patients, ensuring they feel physically capable and mentally empowered as they transition from clinical care to active community participation.

Fun Fact: Ashley recently became a first-time mum, while continuing coaching at BFT and playing netball and squash

Bonel Obradovic

Melbourne

Bonel brings warmth, experience, and a client-first approach to every session. With a background spanning both physical rehabilitation and mental health, he is passionate about supporting people to build independence, confidence, and improved quality of life. His focus on strong therapeutic relationships ensures that each client feels supported and empowered throughout their rehabilitation journey. With extensive experience within compensable schemes and life insurance, he is driven to get positive outcomes and making a difference.

Outside of work, Bonel enjoys staying active through soccer and golf, and values spending quality time with his kids.

Brad Domek

Director

Director – Northern Sydney

As an EP with 16 years experience in occupational rehabilitation Brad has worked within all major compensable schemes in Australia and New Zealand. Brad has been a Guest Lecturer at ACU, has presented to Insurers and Re-Insurers in both Australia and NZ on topics such as Exercise Physiology in Occupational Rehab, using EP to assist customers with Mental Health, Fatigue and Cancer as well as Exercise Physiology in the Life Insurance Industry. With a clinical background as well as long history working as an Occupational Rehabilitation Provider, he has developed a blend of experience in both the treatment and occupational settings which has now become the foundation of all work provided by the EPs at Specialised Health.

Brad McGregor

Brisbane Inner & Nth Metro

Brad is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who works with clients managing chronic health conditions, with a strong focus on using exercise as both a preventative and treatment tool. He has a particular interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, fatigue management, mental health, and supporting long-term lifestyle change.

Alongside his clinical work, Brad is involved in adult education and professional learning within the health, fitness, and sports performance sectors. He brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to both teaching and rehabilitation, combining scientific principles with strong emotional intelligence to support meaningful outcomes.

Brad is passionate about helping individuals build resilience, improve function, and develop sustainable habits that enhance their overall health and wellbeing.

Brandon Lee

Melbourne

Brandon is a passionate Exercise Physiologist with experience across medical and compensable schemes, including a growing focus in the life insurance space. He brings energy, fun, and clinical education to rehabilitation, specialising in complex musculoskeletal injuries, chronic health conditions, occupational rehab, and fatigue management.

Known for his supportive, engaging communication style, Brandon builds trust and motivates clients to regain the physical confidence needed to transition from injury management back to work, sport, and daily life. His outcome-driven approach prioritises client autonomy, clear progression milestones, and strong local GP relationships – ensuring every program satisfies legislative and insurer expectations while meeting return-to-work goals.

Fun Fact: Outside the clinic, Brandon stays active through gym training and social soccer. A huge sports fan, you’ll often find him on the weekends cheering on Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

Brandon Woolley

Wellington

Brandon completed a Master of Health Science degree at Massey University, Wellington in 2013, in which he investigated the effects of exercise on vascular health in Stroke survivors. Brandon continued to be heavily involved in various research projects and lectured in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Prescription and Sports Nutrition.

Brandon managed a stroke rehabilitation clinic at Massey University and has developed extensive knowledge of neurological disabilities in addition to his work with physically disabled and visually impaired clients.

Brandon is an avid mountain biker and surfer, who can often be found riding the many trails located around the Wellington region, or in the waters of Lyall Bay. He is also always keen to talk about cricket!

Caitlin Milne

Tasman-Malborough

Caitlin graduated from Otago University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Science, majoring in Exercise Physiology with honours. She has extensive experience working with patients with chronic health conditions and illnesses including cancer, mental health and musculoskeletal injuries.

Caitlin is a strong advocate of ‘knowledge is power’, Caitlin goes above and beyond to empower her clients and ensure they have a complete understanding of the what, why and how. She also has an in depth understanding of the role an engaging and integrative health model can have on the long term health outcomes for anyone.

Fun fact: She is a social butterfly who hates silence, 5 seconds of silence to Caitlin feels like 5 hours but she is working on it

Carmyn Barnes

Christchurch / NZ Acct Mgr

Carmyn supports clients navigating complex cardiac, cancer, and mental health challenges by focusing on a wellness-integrated approach that bridges the gap between clinical rehabilitation and long-term vitality. Drawing on over a decade of international experience, she is particularly skilled in managing orthopaedic conditions and pediatric gross motor development, making her an ideal match for both adult rehabilitation and specialized youth developmental cases. By combining her advanced postgraduate clinical knowledge with a structured, holistic methodology, Carmyn ensures that every program is evidence-based while remaining sensitive to the emotional and physical nuances of chronic disease management. Known for her empathetic and specialised communication, Carmyn provides a steady hand for vulnerable populations, ensuring they feel supported and empowered as they move from intensive treatment toward functional independence.

Fun Fact: Carmyn Studied at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, has not yet acclimatised to NZ weather, and can withstand copious amounts of caffeine.

Cathy Barakat

Admin & Payroll Officer

Cathy has been assisting in the WorkCover rehabilitation industry since 2009 and over the years she has developed a significant level of proficiency in rehabilitation administration. In her previous role, Cathy was the National Admin Manager, managing a large team. Since joining Specialised Health in 2019, Cathy has been able to transfer her knowledge to her team, while also learning and adapting her skills in the life insurance scheme. Cathy is well aware of the needs of all parties within the compensable schemes and has been a valuable asset to our administration team.

Chantelle Wardini

North West Sydney

Chantelle supports clients navigating the complexities of spinal health and mental health by focusing on a dual-modality approach that integrates clinical exercise physiology with evidence-based nutritional strategies. She is particularly effective in managing chronic back pain, metabolic health, and emotional wellbeing, providing referrers with a holistic solution for patients who require more than a single-disciplinary intervention. By utilizing a practical, structured methodology that prioritizes sustainable lifestyle habits over complex clinical jargon, Chantelle ensures her interventions are easily integrated into busy daily routines while meeting specific health milestones. Known for her relatable and grounded communication style, Chantelle builds a high level of trust with her clients, empowering them to take ownership of their physical and nutritional health as they transition toward long-term independence.

Fun Fact: Chantelle is also a dual-qualified and accredited Dietician who enjoys cooking.

Chloe Green

Christchurch

Chloe completed a Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Auckland, following an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Sport and Exercise Science.

Her master’s research explored the impact of exercise and nutrition on cardiometabolic health, strengthening her understanding of evidence-based strategies to improve long-term health outcomes. Chloe has experience working with a diverse range of clients, including healthy adults, older adults, individuals with severe intellectual and physical disabilities, and people living with complex medical conditions. She has a special interest in older persons’ health, particularly in helping them maintain their independence, improve their functional capacity, and enhance their quality of life through safe, individualised exercise.

She is passionate about helping people discover enjoyable ways to be physically active and empowering them to make meaningful, sustainable lifestyle changes. Known for her empathetic and compassionate nature, Chloe values building genuine relationships and takes a client-centred approach, working collaboratively with each individual to understand their goals, build confidence, and create personalised exercise programmes that support lifelong health and wellbeing.

You’ll likely catch Chloe up enjoying the sunrise or down by the beach with a good book.

Crystal Stavris

Administration Manager

Crystal has been assisting in the rehabilitation industry since 2009 and therefore over the years she has developed a significant level of proficiency in all areas of compensable rehabilitation administration. As a result of working with both worker’s compensation, work conditioning providers and life insurance-based rehabilitation providers Crystal has become acutely aware of the needs of all parties within the compensable schemes.

Daniel Logan

East Brisbane, CBD, Redland

Dan supports clients navigating complex fatigue and persistent musculoskeletal pain by focusing on biometric-driven recovery that bridges the gap between clinical treatment and functional independence. He has a wealth of experience in managing post-cancer recovery, chronic pain, and mental health conditions, leveraging his background as a Queensland masters cycling champion to also provide tailored conditioning for both elite athletes and general populations. By utilising a data-backed methodology that integrates objective biometrics with a patient-centred approach, Dan ensures every intervention is measurable and highly goal-orientated. Known for his relatable and outcome-focused communication style, Daniel empowers clients to regain confidence in their physical capacity and achieve a sustainable transition to long-term health.

Fun Fact: Dan is also a seasoned cycling road racing champion with wins throughout the Queensland circuit, but is also on a quest to find the best burger in Brisbane!

David Kheav

SW Sydney, Liverpool

While completing his Master of Exercise Physiology at the University of Sydney, David gained experience managing various musculoskeletal, neurological and mental health conditions, as part of his clinical placements. Following graduation, he has worked as a rehabilitation consultant, providing same-employment services for clients under WorkCover, CTP and Comcare schemes.

David utilises an empathetic and holistic approach to consistently challenge his clients to improve their physical and mental wellbeing whilst building confidence in their day-to-day activities. He has a particular interest in the management of musculoskeletal and mental health rehabilitation.

Outside of work, David enjoys spending time outdoors at the beach and playing sports. He frequently engages in activities such as powerlifting, running, oztag and fishing as his go-to hobbies.

Eric Suh

North West Sydney

Eric supports clients navigating complex, multi-system conditions by focusing on outcome-driven rehabilitation that bridges the gap between clinical treatment and occupational function. He is particularly effective in managing compensable musculoskeletal injuries, cardiovascular disease, and psychological presentations, leveraging his expertise in both clinical and occupational settings to handle complex, insurer-led cases. By combining postgraduate cardiac training with a structured methodology that addresses real-world barriers to recovery, Eric ensures all interventions align with measurable reporting milestones and sustainable return-to-work timeframes. Known for his practical and adaptable communication style, Eric excels at maintaining high client engagement, ensuring that even those with the most challenging barriers feel motivated to transition from injury management toward long-term physical independence.

Eric also speaks Korean and is able to support Korean-speaking clients where needed.

Fun Fact: Eric runs a social tennis group, giving him a practical appreciation for maintaining long-term engagement in physical activity across a wide range of abilities.

Esteban Pizarro Hunter

Brisbane

Esteban is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology from QUT and over 10 years of experience across the exercise and health industry. He specialises in managing complex musculoskeletal, neurological, and mental health presentations, as well as holistic recovery cases. Drawing on his background in boxing, Esteban instills resilience and discipline to help clients navigate chronic health conditions and persistent physical barriers.

His structured, evidence-based methodology centres on building physical strength and psychological confidence to restore functional capacity, independence, and long-term self-management. Working collaboratively with GPs and healthcare teams, Esteban utilises an empowering, strength-based communication style to help clients recognise their own capabilities, ensuring they reach measurable milestones aligned with everyday and vocational goals. He is also fluent in Spanish and Hebrew.

Fun Fact: Esteban is a father of three boys and enjoys spending quality time with his family and exploring new experiences together.

Gavin Tu

Western Sydney

Gavin has over 5 years of experience working as an Exercise Physiologist, with a strong focus on WorkCover, NDIS, and youth athlete health and development. He has worked closely with individuals across a broad spectrum of needs, supporting clients through injury rehabilitation, return-to-work programs, functional capacity building, and long-term health management. His experience spans occupational rehabilitation, disability support, and performance-based programming for developing athletes.

Gavin has a particular interest in neuromuscular health and pain management, with a strong focus on helping clients better understand their bodies and build confidence through movement. He is passionate about bridging the gap between rehabilitation and performance, ensuring clients not only recover but also develop resilience and long-term physical capacity.

Outside of the clinic, Gavin leads an active lifestyle and brings that same energy into his practice. He enjoys hiking, spearfishing, long-distance running, DJing, and travelling. His diverse interests and commitment to movement allow him to connect with clients from all backgrounds, whether they are returning to work, managing a disability, or striving to improve their athletic performance.

Georgina Risk

South & SW Sydney

Georgina is an Exercise Physiologist passionate about helping people improve their health, confidence, and quality of life through movement. With experience in oncology, workers’ compensation, CTP, and rehab consulting, she supports clients to feel stronger, more capable, and empowered in their daily lives. Her approach is client-centred and focused on building confidence and sustainable lifestyle changes. Georgina also enjoys mentoring Master’s students at ACU and celebrates progress at every stage of her clients’ and students’ journeys.

Outside of work, she leads an active, balanced life—enjoying walks, netball, Oztag, movies, and travel. For Georgina, exercise is a big part of life, but health is also about growth, connection, and appreciating the little things

Isabella Gates

Palmerston North

Isabella completed a Bachelor in Sport and Exercise, and Master’s in Health Science. Over the last 6 years, Isabella has worked in different clinics and gyms. She supports individuals managing complex chronic conditions and long-term health challenges, focusing on restoring functional mobility and enhancing daily quality of life. She is particularly skilled in working with clients navigating multi-provider care, chronic fatigue, and post-rehabilitation exercise programming across both clinic and community settings. Utilizing an evidence-based, structured exercise framework that respects goals and referrer timeframes, Isabella provides clear and actionable pathways toward improved physical capacity. Known for her approachable style and practical communication, she ensures clients feel genuinely supported and confident as they build independence and return to the activities that matter most to them. In her spare time, Isabella loves spending time with friends and family and enjoys being active in the sun.

Jack Philp

Sth W Sydney & Wollongong

Jack is a highly experienced Exercise Physiologist who has been working across compensable schemes since graduating in 2018. He is passionate about helping individuals manage acute and chronic medical conditions, improve their physical health, and support their mental well-being through movement and evidence-based intervention.

Jack has developed particular expertise in cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal, mental health, and respiratory conditions. He is known for designing personalised, practical exercise programs that are tailored to each client’s capabilities, lifestyle, and goals. His approach is holistic, often integrating exercise prescription with lifestyle strategies to support long-term health improvements.

Beyond the clinical setting, Jack brings a genuine enthusiasm for sport and performance. He has been involved in various high-performance athletic environments and is an active participant in rugby union, cricket, and golf. His personal interest in strength, resistance, endurance, and mobility training fuels his professional practice, allowing him to bring insight into how the body responds to different training methods and how to optimise performance and recovery.

Whether working with clients recovering from injury or athletes seeking performance gains, Jack brings a thoughtful, goal-oriented, and engaging approach to every session.

Jonathan Lai

West & SW Sydney

Jonathan specialises in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and chronic pain management, using a practical, education-focused approach to support recovery. With several years of experience assisting injured workers through complex rehabilitation, he prioritises safe, sustainable return-to-work outcomes and improved long-term function. Drawing on a background in high-performance athletics, Jonathan also enjoys helping individuals work toward more demanding physical goals, building strength, resilience, and confidence through tailored, evidence-based exercise programs.

Outside of work, Jonathan stays active through volleyball and strength training. He also enjoys gaming, live music, travelling, and exploring new cuisines

Kane Nadasdy

Brisbane

Kane holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science and a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology. He has broad clinical experience working with individuals managing chronic health conditions, including diabetes, musculoskeletal injuries, and mental health challenges.

What sets Kane apart is his lived experience. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 10, Kane quickly discovered the power of exercise in managing his condition and maintaining a high quality of life. This personal journey sparked his passion for helping others living with chronic conditions—giving him a unique understanding of the patient experience, both physically and emotionally.

Kane combines evidence-based practice with empathy, designing tailored programs that support long-term health outcomes, lifestyle change, and resilience. He is especially passionate about resistance training and helping people discover the confidence and capability that comes with movement.

Outside of work, Kane is a true adrenaline enthusiast. He enjoys extreme sports such as MMA, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, boxing, skateboarding, and rock climbing. When he’s not training or supporting clients, you’ll likely find him out hiking on the trails every other weekend.

Kasey McDonald

Acct Mgr, WorkCover & CTP

As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with more than 15 years of experience in occupational rehabilitation, Kasey has dedicated her career to supporting injured individuals through their recovery and return to work journey. Having worked extensively as a Rehabilitation Consultant, she brings a strong understanding of the challenges faced by clients, providers, employers, and insurers in achieving positive and sustainable outcomes.

Kasey is passionate about building strong partnerships with stakeholders to enhance service quality, strengthen engagement, and support effective recovery pathways.

Kim Ma Dulla

Administration

Kim enjoys working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly—whether it’s providing day-to-day support, managing schedules, or coordinating plans. Known for her strong organizational skills and calm approach, she’s dedicated to supporting both teams and clients with reliability and care. Outside of work, Kim enjoys discovering new coffee spots or restaurants, and spending time with loved ones.

Loren Colina

Administration

Loren Colina brings nearly a decade of experience in talent acquisition, HR administration, and executive search, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Philippines Cebu. Her expertise spans supporting end-to-end recruitment and HR administrative tasks, and record-keeping, while continuously improving admin support. Outside of work, she is a proud furparent to five dogs: two Siberian Huskies, a Bullmastiff, and two Shih Tzu Chihuahua mixes.

Lyn Woodward

North Sydney

Lyn is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who completed her Bachelor of Exercise Physiology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She brings over 10 years of experience working across hospital rehabilitation and private practice, supporting individuals with a wide range of medical conditions including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiac presentations.

Lyn is passionate about using evidence-based exercise and movement to support mental wellbeing, promote healthy ageing, and improve overall quality of life. She takes a thoughtful, client-centred approach, tailoring programs to help individuals build confidence, restore function, and remain active across all stages of life.Kind Regards,

Madison Mitchell

Melbourne

Maddy is an Exercise Physiologist dedicated to bridging the gap between physical rehabilitation and psychological readiness. She strongly believes that sustainable recovery happens when movement addresses both physical capacity and mental confidence, supporting clients to feel stronger, more capable, and truly empowered.

Her grounded, compassionate approach tailors exercise interventions to the realities of each individual’s daily life. By addressing recovery barriers and celebrating every milestone, Maddy builds functional strength and creates lasting lifestyle changes – empowering clients to regain independence while delivering clear, measurable alignment toward sustainable return-to-work goals.

Fun Fact: Outside the clinic, Maddy embraces a balanced lifestyle centred around growth and connection. She enjoys training at the gym, getting lost in a good book, and catching up with friends over coffee.

Mae Heard-Pennel

Head of Learning and Dev.

Mae has worked in the health and exercise physiology industry since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences with a postgraduate qualification in Biokinetics from South Africa, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Human Resources.
Her clinical background includes musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic disease management and occupational rehabilitation within compensable schemes. Prior to moving into leadership, Mae spent several years working clinically as an Exercise Physiologist and also ran her own private practice in South Africa.

In her current role, Mae leads clinician onboarding, graduate development, recruitment and professional training across Specialised Health’s growing team. Through her work recruiting, mentoring and training clinicians, Mae has developed extensive insight into the professional behaviours and capabilities that differentiate high-performing Exercise Physiologists in their early careers.

Mark Watson

South West & Sydney

Mark has over 10 years experience working as an Exercise Physiologist and has worked on the injury management front in both injury rehabilitation and also injury preventative space. Mark has experience working in Medical Practices, Physiotherapy Clinics and Private Practice, covering area’s including; occupational rehabilitation, occupational health and wellness, and musculoskeletal screening and rehabilitation.

Given he’s a highly accomplished triathlete as well, Mark offers a wide range of training and experience that’s relevant for all clients regardless of background or history. Mark has a particular interest in lower limb injury prevention, treatment of tendinopathy pathologies and exercise in a broader context for mental health and psychological wellbeing.

Melissa Mills

Administration

As an experienced Personal Assistant with over 25 years in the legal industry, Melissa has now joined Specialised Health to assist in meeting the needs of clients and has a great understanding of the importance of rehabilitation and recovery.

As a result of her exposure in the legal industry in assisting the management of Workers Compensation and Compulsory Third Party files, Melissa is focused on achieving goals and outcomes for all of Specialised Health’s clients.

Natasha White

Wellington

Natasha completed a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, majoring in Exercise Prescription, followed by a research-based Master of Health Science in Sport and Exercise at Massey University. During her postgraduate study, she received a Massey University Master’s Research Scholarship and completed research exploring the relationship between falls risk, static balance, and walking performance in older adults. She has a strong interest in research-informed practice and values using current evidence to support safe, individualised exercise prescription.

Alongside her studies, Natasha worked as a strength and conditioning coach and Pilates instructor, gaining experience in exercise programming, rehabilitation, and adapting movement for people with a range of abilities, injuries, health conditions, and personal goals. She enjoys helping people improve their strength, movement, and confidence through exercise tailored to their individual needs.

Outside of work, Natasha enjoys camping, hunting, hiking, spearfishing, strength training, and Pilates. She values a balanced lifestyle and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Nikolas Nguy

Perth

Nikolas holds a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and has gained experience across a wide range of conditions including cardiorespiratory, metabolic, neurological, and mental health pathologies. He has a particular interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and is passionate about using exercise as medicine to enhance both physical and mental well-being. Nikolas has experience in providing exercise rehabilitation in the life insurance area with particular areas of interest including musculoskeletal (lower back pain, shoulder injury/surgery, knee injury/surgery) and mental health conditions.

Outside of work, Nikolas enjoys keeping active through gym training and playing a variety of social sports, including tennis, badminton, basketball, soccer, and frisbee. A self-proclaimed matcha enthusiast, he loves exploring new cafés and in his downtime, you’ll often find him relaxing with music or playing the guitar and ukulele.

Nina Brandt-Sandral

Mackay

Nina works with people managing chronic and complex health conditions, with a strong focus on exercise prescription, functional improvement, and supporting positive behaviour change. She brings extensive clinical, educational, and industry experience across exercise physiology, sports science, and health education, making her well suited to clients needing practical, evidence-based support.

She has more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice as an Exercise Physiologist and Sports Scientist, alongside 25-plus years in the fitness industry as an instructor, presenter, and trainer. Nina has worked across regional Australia in a range of sectors, including mining and agriculture, and is skilled in helping clients build confidence, improve self-management, and achieve sustainable realistic health outcomes.

Nina also teaches at university level in health courses and brings this education background into her clinical work to help clients understand their condition and make lasting lifestyle changes. Her approach combines clear communication, evidence-based care, and a practical focus on improving day-to-day function and health.

Fun Fact: Nina is currently completing her PhD!

Rachel Sullivan

Christchurch

Rachel supports clients navigating complex chronic health conditions by focusing on evidence-based movement strategies that rebuild physical capacity and restore quality of life. She is particularly skilled in managing cardiac rehabilitation, cancer recovery, and metabolic health, with a specialised understanding of ME/CFS and pregnancy-related care. By combining her advanced postgraduate training with a structured, empathetic methodology that respects the nuances of fatigue and long-term illness, Rachel ensures every program is carefully paced to meet clinical milestones without compromising the client’s energy limits. Known for her relatable and supportive communication style, Rachel leverages her own lived experience with chronic health challenges to build deep trust, ensuring her clients feel truly understood as they grow in confidence and transition toward greater independence.

Fun Fact: Rachel is a dual-accredited cardiac physiologist and exercise physiologist and enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.

Rebecca Coleman

Perth - South

Rebecca is an Exercise Physiologist delivering rehabilitation within the Life Insurance sector, complemented by her background as a Rehabilitation Consultant. She manages a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal, mental health, fatigue, and chronic conditions, with specialised expertise in oncology recovery—including breast and colorectal cancer rehabilitation.

Leveraging her rehabilitation consulting background, Rebecca utilises a highly coordinated methodology that integrates clinical exercise with vocational and psychological needs within a multidisciplinary framework. Known for her creative, relatable communication style, she excels at helping clients build self-belief and practical skills for long-term health management. She takes a personalised approach to navigating real-world barriers like busy family schedules and competing demands, finding inventive ways to adapt movement into daily routines to rebuild functional capacity, confidence, and sustainable return-to-work outcomes.

Fun Fact: Rebecca spends her free time gardening and maintaining a large permaculture vegetable garden.

Riley Tran

Inner West Sydney

Riley completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) at The University of Sydney in 2023. Following graduation, he worked as a rehabilitation consultant, assisting individuals in their return-to-work journey and supporting their recovery.

Riley has gained hands-on experience in neurological and aged care settings, fostering a strong commitment to improving health outcomes. He has a particular interest in the management of musculoskeletal and chronic conditions.

Beyond work, Riley has a deep passion for all sports, particularly football and basketball. An avid gym enthusiast, he enjoys all types of training and makes the most of the outdoors with regular running sessions. This love for movement and fitness helps Riley connect with and motivate clients in achieving their health and rehabilitation goals.

Ryan Free

Melbourne

Ryan supports clients navigating chronic pain and advanced musculoskeletal dysfunction by focusing on achieving functional milestones that often seem unattainable. He is a primary resource for referrers managing high-complexity cases, particularly those involving intricate work-performance outcomes, co-occurring mental health requirements, and the transition from pharmaceutical reliance to movement-based recovery. By applying a rigorous biopsychosocial lens and a structured approach that prioritizes clinical excellence, Ryan ensures every intervention is both evidence-based and aligned with long-term rehabilitation goals. Known for his technical mastery and empathetic communication, Ryan bridges the gap between complex biomechanical data and person-centered care, providing the clear, expert guidance necessary to move even the most challenging cases toward full independence and lasting performance.

Fun Fact: Ryan developed a custom golf swing analysis program, and the way to his heart is with a strong coffee.

Ryu Nightingale

Auckland

Ryu completed his Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Auckland, where he gained practical experience working with individuals managing a variety of chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and musculoskeletal injuries. He is passionate about supporting people to improve their health, function, and confidence through personalised, evidence-based exercise programs tailored to their goals and abilities.

Ryu takes a calm, supportive, and client-centred approach, focusing on building long-term habits that empower individuals to return to meaningful activities and enhance their overall quality of life.

Outside of work, Ryu enjoys staying active through touch, basketball, tennis, and gym training. He also values time spent with friends and family and maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Shara Kinney

South / North West Sydney

Shara supports clients navigating complex clinical presentations by focusing on targeted physical conditioning that restores high-level function and resilience. With over a decade of experience across hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation and private practice, she is particularly skilled in managing high-risk cardiac patients, chronic pain, and cancer recovery, as well as supporting veterans and professional athletes. By combining her senior leadership expertise with a structured, time-efficient methodology, Shara works closely with stakeholders to ensure all interventions meet rigorous recovery milestones and insurer timeframes. Known for her bubbly personality and creative rapport-building, she integrates her background as a professional performer to make rehabilitation engaging and sustainable, ensuring her clients feel physically empowered and mentally confident as they transition from clinical care to full independence.

Fun Fact: Shara is a multi-talented Dancer and an established professional Singer/Songwriter and has released a number of songs already.

Simon Cheng

West & North West Sydney

Simon is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with experience across clinical practice, private practice, and sports performance settings. He supports individuals through injury rehabilitation, capacity building, and long-term health improvement using evidence-based exercise prescription tailored to each client’s needs.

Simon takes a person-centred and holistic approach to care, focusing on building confidence, physical capacity, and resilience to support meaningful and lasting health outcomes. He is passionate about helping people move better and feel stronger in their everyday lives.

Outside of work, Simon enjoys staying active through outdoor pursuits such as diving and canyoning, and has a strong love for basketball.

Stephanie Ho

Gold Coast

Stephanie is a passionate exercise physiologist who graduated from the University of Sydney. Her experience spans a variety of settings, having worked with clients in rural areas, hospitals and private practice. She has a special interest in mental health and musculoskeletal conditions.

Stephanie’s passion for exercise stems from her background as a triathlete and mountaineer. She has undertaken expeditions in mountain ranges and polar regions, and has competed in both short and long-distance triathlons. Through her personal relationship with sport, she understands the importance of remaining active for both mental and physical wellbeing, and loves to empower others to achieve their movement goals.

Stephanie also speaks Cantonese and is able to support Cantonese-speaking clients where needed.

Tessa Nielsen

New Plymouth

Tessa has been immersed in the health and fitness industry for over a decade and began her career as an Exercise Physiologist after completing her master’s degree in 2017. Her master’s research focused on chronic fatigue syndrome, specifically assessing the physiological response to exercise in this population. This sparked a lasting passion for working with invisible illnesses, where she aims to empower individuals to navigate their unique challenges through tailored approaches.

Tessa’s philosophy is grounded in functional training, prioritising movement that directly enhances a person’s ability to do all the things that make life meaningful—work, family, or recreation. She is also deeply invested in the role of exercise in preventing chronic disease; assisted by a background in education, she is on an added mission to educate everyone she works with (and anyone who will listen really!).

Fun fact: She’s in the top 0.1% of Eminem listeners worldwide and no matter how hard she tries, he’s always her #1 artist.

Tessa Thurston

Adelaide

Tessa is an Exercise Physiologist who works with clients managing persistent pain, fatigue, and work-related injuries, with a strong focus on helping people return to work and function with confidence.

She is known for her highly responsive, client-centred approach and her ability to adapt to complex and varied presentations. Tessa regularly works with GPs, insurers, and employers, providing clear, practical recommendations that support decision-making and keep cases moving forward.

Her approach is structured but flexible, combining evidence-based exercise with education and pacing strategies to build long-term independence. She places a strong emphasis on understanding each client’s situation and translating that into realistic, forward-looking plans.

Tessa has experience across private practice, workplace health, and multidisciplinary settings, and consistently supports outcomes such as returning clients to work, improving functional capacity, and preventing early burnout. She is known for her clear communication, strong clinical judgment, and ability to make rehabilitation feel achievable.

Fun fact: Tessa still plays competitive netball after two knee reconstructions, which has given her a strong appreciation for long-term recovery, resilience, and returning to performance.

Yolanda van Vugt

Marketing Coordinator

Since completing her Master’s degree in 2017 (Clinical Exercise Physiology – the University of Auckland), Yolanda has enjoyed working as an EP in a range of settings – private, community health, corporate health, and life insurance. Armed with real-world experience as an EP and enjoyment of content creation, Yolanda enjoys combining the two in the role of marketing coordinator! Yolanda is particularly interested in the psychology of behaviour change and what drives motivation.