Meet Our Team
The who behind our Why
Our Team
Michael Melamed
Principal Physiotherapist
Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Melbourne University. Since then, he has had over 21 years of experience as a physiotherapist and is also a qualified D.M.A. Clinical Pilates Practitioner.
Being passionate about sports, Michael has been the physiotherapist of a Premier League soccer club – Dandenong Thunder for 4 years and has 2 years of thrilling ringside work alongside martial arts doctors during boxing and kickboxing fights.
In addition, Michael also has extensive aged care and occupational physiotherapy experience.
Michael enjoys travelling to exotic holiday places, experiencing other cultures and speaks fluent Russian. His other joys in life include watching soccer, sipping coffee by the beach, riding his motorbike, and spending time with his wife and beautiful kids.
Michael P
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Michael graduated with distinction from the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at the University of Melbourne.
In combination with his physiotherapy degree, he draws on his knowledge and experience from his undergraduate in Nutritional Science to offer a more holistic approach in improving one’s function.
Michael has a passion in the shoulder and neck, while he applies a combination of manual therapy, exercise and education in order to achieve optimal health goals.
He has a particular interest in upper limb rehabilitation having previously injured himself during his multiple sporting endeavours.
If you can’t find Michael in the gym or on the badminton court by the end of the day, chances are he is spending time with friends as he familiarizes himself with Melbourne food, life and culture.
Glenda
Team Leader – Community Health Physiotherapist
Glenda is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa where she completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy.
After working for a number of years in hospital, private practice and aged care settings, she moved to Melbourne with her husband and 3 young children where Glenda gained extensive experience in the community aged care sector.
Glenda is passionate about person centred, holistic care, and enjoys working within a team of professionals thus ensuring that each person has all their needs met.
Outside of work Glenda loves spending quality time with family and friends, enjoying the café culture of Melbourne, shopping, and travel.
Mariem
Mariem works with a variety of conditions, including neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders, pre and post natal, work related injuries and sports related injuries.
Mariem has 12 years experience and she believes her main purpose as a Physiotherapist is to learn what people actually want to achieve long term.
Mariem is a proud mum of 2 beautiful kids who she loves going out and playing outdoors.
Mariem speaks Fluent Arabic and English.
Jeremy
Originally from the land of ‘Abodo’, Philippines, Jeremy wanted to start his Physiotherapy career in Australia.
Jeremy worked with multiple musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions during his internships in different clinical settings in the Philippines.
After getting his degree in Physiotherapy and passing the Philippine National Board Exam at the age of 21, he took a huge leap and decided to leave home for a better training and opportunities abroad.
In his first 2 years in Australia, Jeremy worked in the Disability and Aged Care sector as a Support Worker in which he really loved being with the clients and helping them participate more in their retrospective community.
Outside work, Jeremy enjoys setting up customised gaming PCs, watching Sci-Fi series and recording his own music.
Dominique
Physiotherapist
Striving towards knowledge and learning, Dom works on delivering healthcare to people geared towards their optimal way of living,
Kirolos
Physiotherapist
Davy
Community Physiotherapist
In the heart of Palawan, Philippines, Davy embarked on a career in hotel management while simultaneously navigating the realm of remedial massage therapy. She has lived and worked in different countries, including Singapore, Indonesia and Denmark. This unique cultural journey blended the art of understanding people’s needs with hands-on therapeutic practice and has been a valuable foundation in pain management and improving musculoskeletal health.
Driven by a thirst of knowledge and a desire to expand her therapeutic repertoire, Davy completed both a Bachelor or Health Science and a Masters of Physiotherapy at Swinburn University of Technology. During this time, she worked as an Allied Health Assistant delivering healthcare to people in varying health conditions from diverse cultural background.
Davy’s passion for Physiotherapy is understood by a strong interest in neurological conditions. The exposure to different healthcare systems and practices while living overseas broadened Davy’s experience of neurological conditions, reinforcing the importance of tailoring treatments to individual needs.
Beyond work, Davy finds joy in baking, scuba diving, traveling and spending quality time with her husband and children.
Shridhar
Exercise Physiologist
Shridhar graduated with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2017 from RMIT. After completing his undergraduate, he decided to pursue a career in Personal Training for a few years whilst working for various football teams, including the TAC Cup and VFL Leagues. During his work as a Personal Trainer, Shridhar found a strong interest in rehabilitation and mechanism for specific injuries and decided to pursue further education and complete his Masters in Clinic Exercise Physiology at Australian Catholic University.
His further education allowed him to develop a strong interest in working with clientele with shoulder injuries, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and with various neurological conditions. Shridhar’s motto for exercise rehabilitation is “movement is medicine”. Any form of movement is the first vital step to rehabilitation success.
Having an Indian nationality background, Shridhar can fluently speak English and Tamil. Outside of work, Shridhar loves to complete triathlon-specific training, watching body-building shows, go on hikes and listen to podcasts. Funnily Shridhar has had experience training a client for a body-building show.
Michelle
Head of Occupational Therapy
Michelle is our Head of Occupational Therapy and comes with a range of experience in the occupational therapy and management space. Michelle brings a passion to a2z to support our occupational therapy team to provide quality services with integrity. Her focus is to provide a work environment that allows therapists to offer clients the best services throughout their a2z Health Group experience.
Michelle’s career spans 30 years and includes experience across hospital and community sectors in the areas of psychiatric, neurological, intellectual disability and neurodiversity. Over the past 5 years, Michelle has specialised in providing NDIS OT services for complex based clients with dual disability and a high number of stakeholders. Michelle has also has vast experience in supported disability accommodation and supported independent living assessments.
Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and her pet dog, Harvey. You will find Michelle in the gym or going to the movies during her down time or down the beach with Harvey.
Nadine
Team Leader – Occupational Therapist
Nadine graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the Australian Catholic University. Nadine has been working as an Occupational Therapist for 6 years, supporting children in the areas of neurodiversity and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Most of her time has been spent working in NDIS settings.
Nadine is passionate about supporting children and their families, as well as supporting her team. Nadine utilises the child’s strengths and interests to promote development and participate in activities that are meaningful to them.
Nadine has done additional training in areas such as toileting, DIR Floortime, Kelly Mahler’s interoception training, and Autism Level UP! Nadine has a zest for knowledge and enjoys expanding her knowledge and skillset.
Nadine enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also loves learning about different cuisines and cultures, as well as experimenting in the kitchen. Nadine believes music and dance is the best kind of medicine.
Niko
Team Leader – Occupational Therapist
Courtenay
Team Leader – Occupational Therapist
Courtenay completed a Bachelor of Health Science & Masters of Occupational Therapy practice at La Trobe University, gaining experience in pain management, paediatrics and rehabilitation.
Since graduating she has held a variety of positions predominantly working with children and their families. Additionally, Courtenay is versed in specialist equipment prescription for children and adults where required. She has a passion for helping people to overcome barriers and reach their goals.
During her spare time, Courtenay enjoys sewing, baking, cross-stitch and spending time with her family.
Anki (on Maternity leave)
Occupational Therapist (Paediatrics)
Anki completed a Master of Occupational Therapy from Swinburne University with
experience working in geriatrics, mental health and paediatrics. Anki has been working as an Occupational Therapist for nearly 3 years working with children and families.
Anki works with a variety of NDIS participants, including but not limited to autistic children, children with PDA, ADHD, intellectual disability, developmental delays, behavioural
challenges, learning disabilities. Anki would like to continue developing her skills to support children with feeding challenges and neurological conditions.
Anki’s strong skillset is around providing family centred and strength-based practise; always putting children and their families at the centre of her service; establishing their priorities and goals by including them and delivering supports tailored to their needs by upholding best practice principles. Anki uphold the principle that ‘parents know their child best’ and her role as a therapist is to empower them through building their capacity so that they can continue to support their children when her role as a therapist fades away.
Anki demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding her knowledge and skill set. Anki has done additional training in areas such as toileting, life skills, Pathological Demand Avoidance by Christina Keeble, Handwriting Without Teras, Autism Level Up, Collaborative Proactive Solutions by Dr. Ross Greene, DIR Floortime. During spare time, Anki enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing yoga and going out for coffees.
Mitchell
Occupational Therapist (Paediatrics)
Mitch has worked as an Occupational Therapist for 3 years since graduating from the Australian Catholic University. Mitch has primarily supported children who are neurodiverse in the NDIS space.
Mitch is passionate about supporting kids to engage in what they find meaningful as well as collaborating with their family to ensure best care. Mitch works from a neuro-affirming, strengths-based lens where developing safety in the therapeutic relationship is always the priority.
Mitch draws upon his knowledge of the nervous system as the basis for learning new skills. Through his training in Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Collaborative Proactive Solutions (CPS) and DIRFloortime, Mitch has a well-rounded therapeutic approach that is suited for supporting kids of all ages. Other additional training areas include Autism Level Up! Energy Regulation and Traffic Jam in my Brain.
At work, Mitch is the self-proclaimed CFO (Chief Fun Officer) who likes to connect with the team through board games, random challenges and the occasional basketball competition. In his personal life, Mitch enjoys spending time with his partner, going on camping trips, playing with his dog and trying new things. Mitch also enjoys all kinds of sport, however, has a keen interest in AFL and tennis.
Norah
Occupational Therapist (Paediatrics)
Norah recently graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy from The University of Sydney.
Norah had a variety of placements in multiple settings, including the acute ward for aged care and orthopaedics, community adolescent mental health and in paediatrics.
Norah developed her passion for working with children during her placements. She likes to support her participants in reaching their goals by prioritising their personal interests and values.
Outside of work, Norah enjoys spending time with her friends, baking and outdoor rock climbing.
Zoe
Occupational Therapist (Paediatrics)
Originally from China, born and raised in the picturesque Anhui, renowned for the breathtaking Yellow Mountain.
Zoe graduated from the University of Sydney with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy after earning a Bachelor’s in Rehabilitation in China.
During her studies in Australia, Zoe had diverse experiences through various placements, including inpatient care, neuro-acute settings, hand therapy, and paediatric clinic.
Her career focus has always centered around working with children. Zoe strives to create an environment where her clients feel understood and supported. She values each one’s unique interests, preferences, and values and always devoted to empowering children and their families, assisting them in achieving their meaningful goals.
In her spare time, Zoe enjoys hiking, playing volleyball, reading, and watching TV.
Eliaz
Occupational Therapist (Paediatrics)
Eliaz graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from SRM Institute of science and technology, India in August 2020. Eliaz decided to pursue his career in Occupational Therapy in Australia. Eliaz has been working as an Occupational Therapist for over 5 years and has spent most of his time working with children and NDIS.
Eliaz usually works with a variety of NDIS participants, including but not limited to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Global developmental delay, Learning disability, Intellectual disability, and
Psychosocial disabilities. Eliaz would like to continue developing skills to support people with developmental disabilities.
Eliaz has a strong interest in working with children and supporting their families. He
likes to support his clients in achieving their goals by putting their unique interests, preferences, and values at the forefront.
Eliaz collaboratively works with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to
develop individualized treatment plans and offer support in navigating life’s challenges. Eliaz approaches in a holistic, person-centred approach, and rooted in
the belief that everyone has the potential to thrive and live with dignity.
Eliaz believes in empowering individuals to build resilience, gain independence, and increase their ability to participate fully in life. He believes that sensory integration is not just about reducing sensory challenges—it’s about fostering a greater sense of self-awareness, confidence, and well-being.
Alec
Occupational Therapist
Alec completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Australian Catholic University in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Since graduating, Alec has worked across Gippsland gaining experience working with a diverse range of ages, conditions and cultures including the First Nations Population.
Alec utilises a client centred and directed approach when working with participants to achieve personally meaningful outcomes. Working with young adults during life transitions is an area of OT that Alec is particularly passionate about.
Alec has experience working in falls prevention, life skills, home modification, paediatrics, mental health and assistive technology.
In his spare time Alec enjoys music, golfing, surfing, camping, art and spending time with friends and family.
Yana
Yana graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Deakin University in 2020. She has experience working in aged care, the NDIS space, and with home care packages.
Yana is dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities, focusing on conditions such as mobility challenges, cognitive impairments, and is open to seeing clients with intellectual disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and other physical impairments.
Her expertise includes falls prevention, manual handling, equipment prescription, home modifications, and conducting functional capacity assessments. Coming from a Sri Lankan background, Yana is fluent in both Tamil and English, allowing her to connect with a diverse range of clients. Yana is passionate about assistive technology, especially mobility equipment. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in art and crafts.
Nancy
Registered Dietitian
Nancy, an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), is deeply committed to reshaping people’s relationships with food, their bodies, and minds. Whether your goal is to improve specific health outcomes, understand balanced nutrition, or build sustainable habits, Nancy provides the knowledge, tools, and support you need to achieve life-long success.
Nancy has a special interest in: Weight Management Metabolic Health Intuitive eating & mindful eating Disordered eating Women’s nutrition During your sessions with Nancy, you will set clear, achievable goals tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Using evidence-based dietary advice, she will work with you to create a personalised nutrition plan. Through every stage of the journey, Nancy will stand by your side, ensuring you feel empowered, informed, and motivated.
Her approach is holistic and compassionate, with a focus on helping you embrace a new, rewarding relationship with food and with yourself. With Nancy, you are not just learning about nutrition—you are transforming your life.
Heloise
Practice Manager
Heloise has always been passionate about the health field. She comes from a strong sports background playing a variety of sports as well as working in a range of health fields. Heloise has experience in Personal Training, Remedial Massage as well as a qualification and passion in Youth Work.
Heloise has been with a2z Health Group since 2014 and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the Allied Health field. She says her favourite thing about working at a2z Health Group is being part the continuous growth, learning about different cultures and seeing patients improve their health and wellbeing.
Heloise loves to travel, learning about the different cultures of the world and spending her time exploring the outdoors. During her spare time, Heloise enjoys listening to music, reading a good crime book and spending time with her family and friends.
Neha
As a young and inquisitive-natured individual, Neha is undertaking her studies in Occupational Therapy at Australian Catholic University. Her enthusiasm to learn and work in a medical environment, along with her developing insight from her degree, allows her to be in a position of critical support in the administrative facet of the clinic.
Neha is undertaking multiple placements as part of her Occupation therapy studies, allowing her to build a stronger knowledge base and add to the operations of the team.
Neha demonstrates a strong interest in being involved in a medical environment, specifically working to help people improve their lifestyles. Neha has additional interests, which are not limited to her work, involve spending time with family and friends, along with watching some of her favourite tv shows.
Kimberley
As a passionate and strong believer in prioritising your mental health and wellbeing, Kimberley is currently studying a Diploma of Kinesiology and is looking to further her studies in the future as a registered Kinesiologist.
Kimberley has worked within the Allied Health industry for the last two years, and has thoroughly enjoyed learning all about different practices and procedures, as well as broadening her understanding of more holistic treatments to health.
Kimberley comes from a dance background which was unfortunately cut short due to an ACL injury. This opened her eyes to Physiotherapy and can vouch for how important rehabilitation is for those recovering from an injury.
In her spare time, you’ll find Kimberley obsessing over Harry Styles, reading a self-help book, or cuddling with her rabbit Flossy.
Floriana
Floriana has always had a keen interest in the Health industry. She has always been passionate about seeing people improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Floriana has worked within the Health industry for the past 3 years. She really enjoys meeting different people from different cultures come in and learn more about each individual.
In her spare time, Floriana loves to attend football games (Go the Hawks) and spending time with family and friends.
