Meet Your Practitioners

Mark Fotheringham

Principal Physiotherapist

With over 18 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, 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

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

Peter Growse

Senior Physiotherapist | Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

A highly qualified practitioner with over 15 years of experience, Pete holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from LaTrobe University and a Masters Degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. He has also completed multiple postgraduate certifications in areas including the treatment and management of lower back conditions & radiating symptoms, neck pain, headaches and referred pain. He has also completed additional study in sporting and tendon injuries including the Achilles tendon, patella tendon and gluteal tendons.

Pete’s experience being the head physio for Scotch College’s first 18 football team for over 10 years along with his experience as head physio at Old Scotch means he has helped fix a significant number of local athletes. This knowledge in how local School and Clubs work allows Pete to be accurate in guiding each individual in their early recovery as well as how to progress back into their sport.  It has also given Pete great knowledge in how a growing body can differ to a more mature body, and some great strategies in managing conditions such as Severs and Osgood Schlatters.

Pete is very calming and supportive in how he guides each person to achieve exactly what they wish to. It is through this capacity to listen and relate that Pete is able to help so many people of all ages fix their condition and 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 and basketball.

E: peter@malvernphysio.com.au

Hayley Runting

Senior Physiotherapist

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

Having worked in maternity wards and in private practice, she brings a wealth of knowledge about pre- and post-natal conditions. These include pain around the pelvis, often called pelvic girdle pain (PGP), and low back pain. Much of this work involves addressing specific concerns and post-natal pelvic floor assessments. This forms the basis of how she advises how to best return to activity after having a baby and when you can return to sports and exercise.

Other pelvic conditions Hayley is proficient in treating include pelvic pain, conditions that cause painful sex, and other causes of pelvic floor dysfunction in both females and males.  Alongside Hayley completing her postgraduate qualifications in Continence and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (2017), she has undertaken further study in the management neck and back pain and treatment of sports injuries. Hayley is forever continuing to develop her knowledge by staying up to date with the latest research.

Hayley has taught Clinical Pilates for over 10 years and strongly advocates its many health benefits. She also runs our Pre- and Post-natal Clinical Pilates Classes.

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

E: hayley@malvernphysio.com.au

Emily Cousins

Senior Physiotherapist | Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

Emily first completed a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology prior to her Doctor of Physiotherapy degree. She has since completed her Masters of Sports Medicine (Physiotherapy) and is now an APA titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist. As you can see, Emily is a lifelong learner who is extremely passionate about her work.

Growing up in the world of dance/ballet and high-level competitive tennis, gymnastics and touch rugby, 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). This has given Emily great knowledge in the assessment and treatment of both football and soccer injuries in both boys and girls.

Along with her private practice work, Emily also works at St Vincent’s Private in East Melbourne as an acute orthopaedic Physiotherapist. This gives Emily great exposure to many of Melbourne’s best orthopaedic surgeons and great experience in pre- and post-operative rehab. Emily has also gained lots of experience helping people manage their arthritic joints to help prevent surgery or stronger pain medication.

As Emily’s first work in healthcare was as an Exercise Physiologist, she has fantastic knowledge of exercise prescription and chronic disease management which she uses in her practice as a Physiotherapist. This includes guiding those with 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

Rebecca Wilson

Senior Physiotherapist

Bec completed her Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University.

Bec is an energetic and passionate physiotherapist who is always interested in finding out each patient’s individual health and fitness goals. She will truly listen to your story to understand all the factors in why you have your condition. This helps her to decide which mix of hands-on techniques, education and exercise is the best way to fix your concerns.

In Bec’s years as a physio, she has completed further studies in Women’s Health and specifically conditions affecting people pre- and post-natally. This has given her expert skills in treating conditions such as pelvic girdle pain, low back pain, wrist pain and the ability to advise anyone returning to exercise after a baby.  Along with this, Bec has also completed further studies in advanced neuro rehabilitation and she has developed a passion for treating dizziness, vertigo, headaches and neck pain.

Bec has also completed Clinical Pilates training through APPI and is a qualified GLA:D (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) instructor. These courses have provided Bec with some of the latest skills and knowledge in helping manage those with knee arthritis.

Bec strongly believes in the importance of taking an active approach in your rehabilitation and will provide guidance and motivation to empower you to not only recover from injury, but to prevent recurrence allowing you to stay active and healthy.

In her spare time, Bec loves to play netball and hang out with her dachshund puppy Snickers.

E: rebecca@malvernphysio.com.au

Jacinta Pedis

Associate Physiotherapist

Jacinta is a physiotherapist who is dedicated to helping her clients optimise their health and wellbeing by enhancing their function and achieving their goals. She completed her physio degree at La Trobe University and moved into the public health setting working across several areas at the Alfred Hospital. Throughout the working within the hospital setting, she really enjoyed guiding strength work and rehab before and after orthopaedic surgeries. Alongside this post-operative work, Jacinta’s strength are treating individuals with neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain, alongside guidance with osteoarthritis management.

Jacinta’s approach to physiotherapy involves education, manual therapy, exercise prescription and using Clinical Pilates framework to build strength. She loves using these techniques with her clients to improve their goals as part of her well-rounded, holistic approach to client care. Alongside those with musculoskeletal conditions, Jacinta has lots of experience applying these same principals to those living with chronic disease and neurological conditions in our community.

Jacinta has completed further courses and training in chronic pain management and osteoarthritis management. She has also studied the teaching of Pilates through APPI and currently also teaches classes once a week at the Return Pilates Studio.

Jacinta has always been a sports enthusiast, enjoying netball, running and swimming growing up. Outside of work she is either going for a run, instructing Pilates, attending Pilates classes, or hanging out with her family and friends.

E: jacinta@malvernphysio.com.au

Laura Munyard

Senior Physiotherapist

Laura has a keen interest and passion in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy with over 15 years’ experience in her field. She graduated with honours from the University of Sydney in 2008 and since then has spent time gathering experience in a wide variety of settings before settling in Melbourne in 2018.

Her passion lies in Sports Physiotherapy, not only at the elite level, but also helping anyone who enjoys being active and has an injury that keeps them from doing what they love. She is currently working with the AFLW Saints Team and has been the Head Physio for the VFLW Saints team for the past three years. Other sporting experience has included: working with the Scottish Cricket Team in 2013, Head Physio for an east coast VFL team for two years, working at an International Rugby 10’s tournament in Thailand in 2017, and working with the Australian Kyokushin Karate Team.

Since moving to Melbourne she has worked in the Melbourne Whiplash Centre treating people with acute whiplash injuries as well as chronic neck pain and TMJ issues. Laura also has a passion in dry needling since first being trained in 2011. She has since become a Dry Needling Instructor with the Global Education of Manual Therapists since 2019.

When Laura is not working she enjoys rock climbing, watching football and travelling.

E: laura@malvernphysio.com.au

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

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

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

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

Vladimir Margolin

Myotherapist | 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

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

Shannon Tyson

Admin Manager

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. She oversees the clinic’s daily operations, ensuring efficiency at every level. 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, Shannon can be found nurturing her lifelong passion for dance, spending time with her family and two dogs, or baking.

Shannon’s role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of our front desk and the overall patient experience. Her dedication to health and wellness aligns perfectly with the values we uphold at our clinic. Shannon’s professional yet warm approach fosters a welcoming environment, making each visit a pleasant experience.

Lori Embelton

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. Under her leadership, the clinic has grown significantly and increased patient engagement through innovative marketing initiatives and efficient operational management.

When she’s not at work, Lori enjoys being physically active, cooking, listening to music, family holidays, and quality time with friends and family. Her dedication to both her professional and personal life exemplifies the balance and commitment she brings to the MPC team.