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 always wanted to help people as a career, and knew that Occupational Therapy was the perfect way to do that. Nadine has previously worked in paediatrics, and is passionate about supporting children and their families. She uses a playful and enthusiastic approach in her therapy, and utilises the child’s strengths and interests to promote development and participate in activities that are meaningful to them.
In her spare time, Nadine enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and music.
Niko
Team Leader – Occupational Therapist
Niko graduated with a Bachelor of Science – Occupational Therapy from Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia.
Niko had a variety of placements in multiple settings, including at an aged care facility, older adults mental health hospital, slow stream rehabilitation and outpatient clinic.
Niko previously worked as a site therapist at an aged care facility to provide chronic pain management and oedema management. However, after working a year in the aged care setting, Niko wanted more challenges, and she shifted her focus to work within the NDIS space, so she can work with a multitude of diagnoses and has a primary interest in those related to physical disabilities.
Niko’s primary goal is to become an expert in home modifications and prescribing equipment to support people in achieving greater independence.
Niko has always enjoyed helping people to achieve their goals.
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
Occupational Therapist (Paediatrics)
Originally from Kerala, India popularly known as ‘God’s Own Country’ Anki decided to pursue her studies in Occupational Therapy in Australia.
Anki graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy from Swinburne University.
During her studies Anki worked as an allied health assistant where she mostly worked with young children.
Anki has completed placements in various areas including community health, aged care, and pediatrics.
Anki has a strong interest in working with children and supporting their families. She likes to support her clients in achieving their goals by putting their unique interests, preferences, and values at the forefront.
Outside of work Anki loves to spend time with her husband and friends, going outside for coffee, doing yoga, shopping, and cooking.
Mitchell
Occupational Therapist (Paediatrics)
Mitch has grown up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
He graduated from Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
During his studies, Mitch worked as a disability support worker and as a tennis coach.
Mitch enjoys working with people where he can support personal interest areas and engagement in everyday activities that are meaningful to his clients.
Mitch has completed placements in hospital, rehabilitation and community settings where he has experience in working in multi-trauma, acute general medicine and paediatrics. He has a keen interest in supporting children and their families, however, is looking forward to working with a range of age groups and people from all walks of life.
Mitch has been playing sport for all his life, mainly AFL and tennis, however, loves all kinds of sport. In his free time, Mitch enjoys listening to music, going on outdoor adventures, snowboarding and spending time with family and friends.
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.
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 First Nations Australians.
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, and assistive technology.
In his spare time Alec enjoys music, golfing, surfing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and spending time with friends and family.
Yannes
Yannes was born and raised in Hong Kong and developed her interest in Occupational Therapy when she was in high school. Yannes graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from Monash University in 2018 and completed a Master of Psychosexual Therapy at The University of Sydney in 2022.
Before working as an OT, she worked as an OT assistant in an aged care facility in Hong Kong to provide services and group-based activities for older adults with dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other disabilities.
She is currently working with teenagers, adults and older adults with a wide range of physical and psychosocial disabilities. Her clinical experience includes Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) training, fall prevention, equipment prescription, pressure care management, minor home modification, and functional assessment.
She is also passionate about incorporating her sexuality training into OT practice in the NDIS space. She has been supporting individuals for who they are as sexual beings to address their sexuality and intimacy needs. She works with people from all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and preferences to empower them to live with their maximum potential.
Other than English, Yannes can also speak Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.
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 has experience in falls prevention, manual handling, equipment prescription, home modifications and conducting functional capacity assessments. Coming from a Sri Lankan Background, Yana can speak Tamil and English.
She is passionate about assistive technology, especially mobility equipment. Out of work, Yana enjoys spending time with her family and enjoys art and crafts.
Nancy
Registered Dietitian
Nancy has a keen interest in the non-diet approach and mindful eating.
This approach acknowledges the impact mental health can have a profound affect on a person’s eating habits.
The non-diet approach helps people build a healthy relationship with food. She believes changing the way you think about food will lead to long-term success.
Nancy advocates for a lifestyle that welcomes all food groups and appreciates the value all food groups contribute to a person’s overall health.
Nancy is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who completed a Master of Dietetics at Monash University.
She is passionate about assisting people to reach their health and well being goals that long-term success in lifestyle changes.
Megan
Speech Therapist
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Megan migrated to Australia in 2023. She graduated with honours from the University of Akron with a Masters in Speech Pathology in 2010. She is also a certified Autism Specialist. Having a background working with children and adolescents with a variety of diagnosis including complex medical conditions, autism, deafness, and/or behaviours of concern, she offers a vast array of expertise and services.
Megan has a passion for working with participants with complex medical and communication needs in order to achieve optimal progress towards communication goals. Megan often finds herself supporting non-verbal participants with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices so they may have more choice and control in their day-to-day
activities.
If you can’t find Megan at play with our paediatric participants or hard at work with our adult participants, chances are she is participating in professional development or exploring all of the hidden culinary and educational gems Melbourne has to offer. During her down time, Megan enjoys spending time with her friends seeing movies, attending live music, and training her two cats, Nemo and Harley, to do tricks.
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.