Allied Health Team
Kara Cassells
Physiotherapist, Owner & Manager
Kara danced most of her life and has a keen interest in dance and other sporting injuries. This developed into a passion for rehabilitation using Clinical Pilates. She has a strong interest in chronic pain management and has completed further studies in the McKenzie Method to manage lower back and neck pain, and management of Women's and Men's Health, with a special interest in Men's Health.
Christina Laws
Physiotherapist
Christina's speciality lies in treating conditions involving the pelvis and spine, using gentle muscle energy techniques, soft tissue releases, dry needling, and addressing abnormal lower limb biomechanics. Her career highlights include treating members of the Italian Kayaking team for the Sydney Olympics, working for internationally renowned physiotherapist & implementing injury prevention/rehab programs for the ADF.
Maddy Thorpe
Osteopath
Maddy graduated as an Osteopath with Distinction from RMIT University in 2016. Maddy is kind, caring and passionate. She enjoys spending time listening, and seeing people implement meaningful strategies. Maddy has lived through persistent pain caused by her cancer, chemotherapy, and a long road to recovery (which she is still on).
.
Helen Tavakkoli
Remedial Massage Therapist
Helen is a Remedial Massage Therapist with 7+ years’ experience in busy Melbourne clinics. She has experience treating a range of conditions from post-injury dysfunction, migraines, lower back pain and stress induced tension. Helen considers all lifestyle factors when tailoring each treatment, placing importance on relaxing both mind and body.
Kristine Miles
Physiotherapist
Kristine’s special interest areas include the shoulder, lower limb biomechanics, management of complex spinal conditions, nutrition, and Women’s Health, particularly in the field of breastfeeding and lactation. She is a Credentialed McKenzie Method Physiotherapist, has a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Counselling, and is trained in musculoskeletal acupuncture and Clinical Pilates.
Gabby Bastick
Physiotherapist
Gabby graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2019 with a bachelor of Physiotherapy. Gab has worked in a private practice setting and has developed skills with a range of musculoskeletal conditions and has an enthusiasm for running injuries and Clinical Pilates. She prides herself on a pragmatic, evidence-based and individually tailored approach.
.
Adam Young
Osteopath
Adam developed a strong interest in health function from a young age, which has been the motivation behind his career in Osteopathy. He loves holistic treatment and uses a more traditional osteopathic approach. He enjoys treating all regions of the body and conditions ranging from sporting injuries to chronic pain and headaches. He also has an interest in Men's Health.
Casey Cleeland
Physiotherapist
Casey has experience working with elite athletes and sporting clubs around Melbourne. She worked at Gippsland Power Football Club for two seasons, and at the Junior ITP tennis tournament in Traralgon for five years. She has a special interest is Women's Health, including pelvic floor disorders and pregnancy related conditions. Casey completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Women’s Health (pelvic floor) in 2013.
Kevin James
Advanced Sports Osteopath
Kevin experienced many injuries/pain as an elite athlete. He understands the frustration of living with pain for over 2 years, the disabling impact pain has on your life. This led him to dive deeper to understand how to exam, diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent pain & injuries. He demonstrates an advanced scope of practice, completing further education and works at several universities.
Nicole Murphy
Myotherapist
Nicole is an experienced Myotherapist with an Advanced Diploma in Remedial Massage. Nicole has a keen interest in sport and deep tissue work, along with pre- and post-natal therapy. Nicole has many years’ experience working with elite runners and footballers. Prior to moving to Phillip Island, Nicole worked in a private practice in Black Rock, along with sporting clubs.
Reception Team
Jo
Practice Manager
Jo who has a background in administration has worked in Allied Health for the past 7 years. She is very proud to be our Practice Manager at Balance Health.
Jo values great customer service and team work and believes positivity and a smile are the keys to a happy day.
In her spare time she enjoys ocean swimming, golf and walking her dogs.
Lisa-Anne
Receptionist
Lisa-Anne brings a bright, positive and upbeat vibe to the reception team. She honestly believes your journey to health and recovery starts with the energy and attitude of the first people you see as you walk in the door.
When she is not working here she is hanging out in some of the most amazing places, mingling with the happiest of people and marrying couples in her role as a marriage celebrant.
Kirsti
Receptionist
As a vivacious person Kirsti is warm, welcoming, enthusiastic, and makes the most of each moment. Her ethos is to feel good, and help others to feel good!
Kirsti and her family have truely embraced the lifestyle Phillip Island offers. Living a fun, relaxed outdoors lifestyle of swimming, beach going, skating, walking the dog, and working in the garden - you’ll often see her with family and friends enjoying these activities.
Although travelling and new experiences is important (and a favourite pastime!), there is no where else Kirsti would rather be than Phillip Island, in her community of over 30 years.
Lynn
Receptionist
Lynn has worked as a receptionist in a health environment for many years. She is friendly, caring and loves to chat.
Lynn and her husband moved to Cowes in 2020.
In her spare time she loves walking, gardening, travel, taking pics and spending time with friends and family.