Meet our Physio

Melanie has 14 years of experience in paediatric physiotherapy with a large variety of conditions including cerebral palsy, stroke, spina bifida, genetic conditions, orthopaedic conditions, general developmental delay, neurodivergent conditions and many others. She has experience with children ranging in functional levels from fully dependent in mobility to fully mobile and a range of ages from preemies to young adults. She also has experience with children who are more medically fragile. With every child and their family, her goal is to help them live their best lives without limits to their dreams.

Melanie has worked in a variety of settings including in-home, in-centre, community based such as playgrounds, school-based, group-based, paediatric centre for children who are medically fragile, aquatic therapy, and telehealth.

Melanie graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch in the United States with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy). She has been a registered physiotherapist in Australia through AHPRA for 5 years.  In the United States, Melanie was a Paediatric Certified Specialist (1 of 2,000 in the USA at the time). She also has her Pilates Mat Certification (and loves to use the principles in fun activities during sessions!)

Melanie and her family are loving their new home in Terrigal.  Melanie and her husband have four adventurous and sports loving boys and a dog so life is never quiet. Her family loves to travel to new locations, swim in the ocean and explore the beautiful Central Coast. 

Professional Development

Melanie is fairly obsessed with learning and is always enrolled in a continuing education course (and dreaming up her next one at the same time)

Some of the courses Melanie has taken include:

  • Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Part A

  • Paediatric Gait Analysis and Orthotic Management (OSKAR)

  • Baby Steps (Gait training for 0-3 years)

  • Toe Walking Comprehensive Course

  • Complex Disabilities Cohort (8 week course)

  • Paediatric AquaHab (Pediatric Aquatic Rehabilitation)

  • Paediatric Bowel and Bladder Level 1 (currently enrolled)

  • Neuro Developmental Treatment Courses:

    • Treatment for the Child with Severe Involvement

    • Next Steps: Pediatric Gait and Advanced Pediatric Gait

    • NDT Facilitation Techniques

  • Plagiocephaly and Torticollis

  • Pilates Mat Certification Course

  • Priya Isaacs

    Admin and AHA Level 1

    Priya is currently studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Newcastle and is in her second year at UON. Before joining the team, Priya previously worked as a receptionist at a Physiotherapy Clinic in Canberra. She gained valuable insight into the world of allied health and private practice and is looking forward to expanding this knowledge. 

    Priya’s interest in allied health was sparked early on, having received speech pathology growing up. This experience, along with watching her sister become a speech pathologist, led to the world of allied health, and ultimately occupational therapy. 

    When Priya isn’t working, you’ll likely find her playing with her dog, Leo, crocheting or watching TV shows.

  • Tinya He

    Admin and AHA Level 2

    Hi! My name is Tinya and I’m currently a 4th year Physiotherapy student studying at the University of Sydney. I grew up on the Central Coast, and I’m very excited to be working with you and your child as Melanie’s little helper! In my spare time, I love going for walks, swimming, baking and watching movies. One of my favourite Disney movies is Luca! I loved it so much that I ate pesto pasta every day for a whole month after watching it! It even inspired me and my friends to travel to Italy (no sea monsters spotted yet!).

    Fun fact: In Italy, I explored four different cities all in one day! So much pasta and so many steps!