Meet Your Practitioners

Mark Fotheringham

Principal Physiotherapist

With over 16 years of clinical experience, Mark’s passion for physiotherapy has only grown since graduating from LaTrobe University in 2005.

Holding post-graduate certificates in specialty areas including Clinical Pilates, dry-needling, shoulder diagnosis and treatment, and hamstring assessment and rehabilitation, Mark is continually developing his knowledge as our Principal Physiotherapist.

Having undergone multiple joint surgeries himself, Mark has developed a first-hand knowledge of the rehabilitation process. Through a focus on post-operative care, Mark holds excellent relationships with many of Melbourne’s leading surgeons.

Mark has worked closely with many sports clubs and associations, where he was the Head Physiotherapist for Old Scotch Football Club for 10 years. He has also worked with VFL representative teams, Victorian premier league soccer clubs, triathlon clubs and performed injury screening for elite school swimming squads.

When he’s not working at Malvern Physiotherapy Clinic, Mark is kept very busy by his three kids and enjoys running and cycling when he can find time.

E: mark@malvernphysio.com.au

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Alisa McLachlan

Principal Physiotherapist | Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

With 25 years experience as a physiotherapist in a wide variety of hospital and private practice settings, Alisa has developed an extensive and versatile skillset in many areas of physiotherapy.

She holds a Masters degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and in 2019 successfully completed the rigorous specialisation exams of the Australian College of Physiotherapists to be awarded the title of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. At the time, she was one of just 15 practitioners in Victoria to achieve this.

Alisa’s particular areas of expertise include back pain, neck pain, headache, dizziness and vertigo, along with managing pain and soreness around the hip and gluteal area.

Outside of work, Alisa can be found wrangling her three energetic children, coaching junior basketball or running.

E: alisa@malvernphysio.com.au

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Peter Growse

Senior Physiotherapist | Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

A highly qualified practitioner with over 15 years of experience, Peter holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from LaTrobe University and a Masters Degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. He has also completed multiple postgraduate certifications in areas such as lower back and neck pain, headaches, and sporting and tendon injuries.

Further to this, Peter has undertaken specific training through the Complete Concussion Management Inc (CCMI) group which allows him to help guide an individuals’ return to work, school and/or sport after a concussion. As part of this training, Peter learnt to test whether lingering concussion symptoms are arising from the concussion itself, or an associated structure such as the neck.

With experience in both the public hospital system and private practice, Peter has worked in a wide range of settings to treat an array of injuries and conditions. He is passionate about assisting people to overcome their injuries as well as developing strategies to prevent these injuries from reoccurring.

When Peter isn’t helping others in the clinic, he is usually chasing after his two children or tending to his own aches and pains brought on through running, riding or playing basketball.

E: peter@malvernphysio.com.au

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Hayley Runting

Senior Physiotherapist

Since graduating from The University of Melbourne over 10 years ago, Hayley has spent over a decade focussing on women’s health in her work as physiotherapist.

Having spent time working in maternity wards along with her private practice experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge around pre- and post-natal conditions. Additionally, Hayley has completed postgraduate qualifications in Continence and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (2017), as well as undertaking further study in Pilates, sports injuries, neck and back pain to best help her clients and stay up to date with the latest research.

Alongside her pelvic health focus Hayley also has a keen interest in treating joint and muscle injuries. From both her clinical experience and time spent as a patient herself, Hayley has an intimate understanding of the rehabilitation process and works hard to get clients back to their best.

Hayley is a keen advocate of Clinical Pilates and its many health benefits, and runs our Pre- and Post-natal Clinical Pilates.

While all of this keeps her busy, Hayley likes to spend her downtime catching up with friends, doing Pilates herself and drinking good coffee.

E: hayley@malvernphysio.com.au

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Emily Cousins

Senior Physiotherapist

Holding a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology, a Doctor of Physiotherapy and currently working towards her Masters of Sports Medicine (Physiotherapy), Emily is a lifelong learner who is extremely passionate about what she does.

Growing up in the world of dance and competitive sport, Emily developed a special interest in sports physiotherapy and injury rehabilitation. She now enjoys working with individuals to manage their injuries and optimise their performance, particularly youth and female athletes.

In addition to her work in private practice, Emily has extensive experience as a sports team physiotherapist. Previously working for the North Melbourne and Carlton VFLW teams, Emily currently holds the role of Head Physiotherapist at Port Melbourne Sharks (NPL). Emily also works at St Vincent’s Private in East Melbourne as an acute orthopaedic Physiotherapist.

As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Emily also holds additional skills in rehabilitation and chronic disease management. She provides exercise therapy to individuals suffering with a variety of conditions, including osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and cancer.

When she’s not helping people, Emily enjoys playing touch football and tennis.

E: emily@malvernphysio.com.au

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Matt Delaney

Senior Physio

Matt began his career after graduating from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Since this time, he has completed further training in dry needling, shoulder injury assessment & management, and spinal rehabilitation. Matt is currently completing his Masters in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy.

Whilst in NSW, he was involved with the Newcastle Knights Juniors and Newcastle Jets Youth Teams where he helped facilitate training and rehabilitation programs for young athletes. Since moving to Melbourne, Matt has become a Physiotherapist for Williamstown Football Club in the VFL and worked as the Team Physiotherapist for the Victoria Women’s team at the NRL National Championships. As a result of this, Matt has developed a passion for the rehabilitation of sporting injuries in the general population as well as athletes. He enjoys working with all clients to improve their health, achieve their performance goals and manage their injuries while getting back to doing what they love.

When not in the clinic Matt is a fitness enthusiast and sports fan. He can be found cycling up and down Beach Road or watching his Mighty Tigers at the MCG.

E: matt@malvernphysio.com.au

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Stephanie Korolis

Physiotherapist

Since graduating from the University of South Australia in 2013, Steph has worked in a variety of physiotherapy settings, gaining vast experience in acute and sub-acute post-orthopaedic rehabilitation and general musculoskeletal injuries.

More recently, Steph completed a graduate certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy through La Trobe University (2020), increasing her skills in managing spinal presentations.

With experience across a wide range of injuries and settings, Steph has a special interest in pelvic-girdle and lower limb injuries including biomechanical assessments.

Steph integrates advanced manual Physiotherapy techniques into her practice and enjoys utilising the gym as well as her Clinical Pilates training to help people achieve their goals, stay active and get back to their sport or leisure as early as possible.

E: reception@malvernphysio.com.au

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Zyta Molka-Lewis

Physiotherapist

Zyta graduated with a Masters in Physiotherapy from Poznan Medical University in Poland in 2013. Since then she has been working as a Physiotherapist in various settings including hospitals, private practice clinics and aged care facilities. The professional experience gained when working both in Europe and in Australia has helped cultivate her passion for helping her clients achieve their goals and improve their health outcomes.

Zyta has always believed in the power of physical activity in achieving physical and mental wellbeing, evidenced in her personal experience of playing every team sport available in her youth to regularly doing mat and reformer Pilates and Yoga at present. This has translated into her passion for Clinical Pilates, where she is striving to provide an individualised and goal oriented approach and to achieve long-standing results for her clients. Zyta has completed the APPI (Australia Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute) Pilates Certification, along with the APPI Ante/Post Natal Pilates training.

In her free time you will find Zyta spending time with her son, enjoying outdoors and socialising with friends.

E: reception@malvernphysio.com.au

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Bri Buckingham

Physiotherapist

Growing up in the country, Bri moved to Melbourne in 2019 to begin her career after graduating from Charles Sturt University in Albury.

Initially working in aged care and sports training, Bri was introduced to Pilates through the fitness industry before transitioning to Clinical Pilates, and ultimately completing her APPI certification.

Bri’s training in Clinical Pilates has forged a strong belief that Pilates exercises can be adjusted to suit everyone’s individual needs. Through this Pilates work, Bri has developed a special interest in spinal pain, scoliosis and shoulder pathologies.

You’ll find her on the weekends enjoying a book, exercising, visiting her family farm in North East Victoria and enjoying a glass of wine with friends.

E: reception@malvernphysio.com.au

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Kristi Smith

Physiotherapist

With over 28 years’ practice as a physiotherapist, Kristi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Malvern Physiotherapy Clinic.

Driven by a passion to continuously develop and improve her skills, Kristi has completed postgraduate studies in Sports Physiotherapy and Pilates. She has spent over 20 years teaching Pilates to athletes and individuals of all ages.

Kristi is particularly passionate about treating individuals recovering from breast cancer surgery, and creating a safe environment for individuals of all fitness levels to improve their strength and movement.

Along with Kristi’s work in the clinic, she is currently serving as the physiotherapist for the Victorian Women’s Hockey Team. She also also previously worked with international skiing, gymnastics and cycling teams.

Kristi is a mum to three sports-mad boys and can be found at their games when not at work.

E: reception@malvernphysio.com.au

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Sarah Goh

Physiotherapist

Sarah graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 from The University of Melbourne. Since graduating, she has been working in a mixture of settings, most recently in private practice and aged care. Alongside this work, Sarah has also been involved with several local football teams as a physio using her skills on injured recreational athletes.

As a physio, Sarah has followed her enjoyment of Pilates to undertake Clinical Pilates training with both DMA (Dance Medicine Australia) and APPI (Australia Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute). She is passionate about using the skills from this Pilates training to help people of all ages to achieve their optimal physical and wellbeing.

Outside of work, you’ll find Sarah travelling, running, and creating exercises for her clients at the pilates studio.

E: reception@malvernphysio.com.au

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Amy Wallace

Physiotherapist

Amy graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). Prior to graduating at a physio, she enjoyed working as a sports trainer for Lilydale Football Club, as well as working as an Allied Health Assistant in the public hospital system.

Growing up as a dancer, Amy developed a keen interest in the intricacy of movement, which led her to seek out Physiotherapy as a career. She continues to enjoy working with dancers and young athletes to optimise performance and manage injuries through Clinical Pilates.

Outside of physio, Amy enjoys taking the occasional ballet class and going for walks with her friends and her puppies.

E: reception@malvernphysio.com.au

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Mia Okada

Myotherapist | Remedial Massage Therapist

Beginning her health care career as a registered Nurse in Japan, Mia moved to Australia in 2009 to study Medical English. In doing so, she was exposed to a new range of natural health concepts and saw their potential to improve health and wellbeing.

Pivoting her studies to focus on Remedial Massage Therapy, Mia went on to complete a certificate in Pregnancy Massage as well as Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy. More recently, Mia has also achieved an Advanced Diploma in Myotherapy.

Focussing on holistic treatment of her clients, Mia works to understand not only the symptoms but also the underlying cause of their issues. She is highly experienced in treatments including remedial massage, relaxation massage, dry-needling, trigger-point release, myofascial release, pregnancy massage and cupping.

Outside of work, Mia loves to spend time in the ocean and is an advanced scuba diver.

E: mia@malvernphysio.com.au

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Vladimir Margolin

Remedial Massage Therapist

Vlad joined the Malvern Physiotherapy Clinic team after a long and varied career, spanning everything from classical ballet training at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow to 14 years of optometry experience after studying in Israel.

After settling in Melbourne with his family, Vlad resumed studies in remedial massage therapy after having spent some time working in the field while studying medicine in Russia. Completing a Diploma of Remedial Massage with RMIT University, Vlad has fine-tuned his skills in sports, remedial and relaxation massage.

With over 20 years’ experience in health and wellbeing, Vlad has a unique and holistic understanding of how the body works. He offers a wide range of therapeutic solutions, including remedial massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, relaxation massage, taping and cupping. In 2022, Vlad has begun the training to become a Myotherapist which he feels will compliment his existing skillset.

When he is not helping his ever-growing base of grateful clients, Vlad enjoys spending time with his family. He continues to take ballet classes to this day.

E: vladimir@malvernphysio.com.au

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Shannon

Head Receptionist

Having joined our team as a full-time receptionist in 2018, Shannon is the friendly face who greets our clients and loves getting to know the regular faces in the clinic.

With a background in science and nutrition, Shannon holds a Masters in Human Nutrition. One of her favourite aspects of her work at MPC is that she gets to learn every day.

Outside of the clinic, you can find Shannon nurturing her lifelong passion for dance, spending time with her family and two dogs, or baking.

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Lori

Practice Manager

As our Practice Manager, Lori has been responsible for the daily operations and development of marketing strategies for the clinic since joining the MPC team in 2017.

When she’s not at work, Lori enjoys running, listening to music, family holidays and quality time with friends and family.

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