Staff - Scoliosis Physiotherapy

At Scoliosis Physiotherapy, you have a dedicated team of professionals working with you, and each other, to help you achieve your best outcomes.

About Us

Meet our passionate and experienced team of Scoliosis practitioners

Physiotherapists

Rebecca is a highly experienced clinician with close to 30 years’ experience as a physiotherapist, graduating in 1996. In 2010, Rebecca’s interest turned purely to Scoliosis management and she travelled internationally to gain her initial Rigo Concept scoliosis specific exercise qualification with the Barcelona Scoliosis Physiotherapy School (BSPTS) and returned in 2012 to complete her Advanced qualification with Dr Rigo, founder of the BSPTS. Between 2010 and 2018, Rebecca travelled internationally multiple times for scoliosis specific training, including attaining qualification in the Italian method of scoliosis exercises known as SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) and attending The International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic Rehabilitation and Treatment (SOSORT) conferences and participating in their special interest research components. Rebecca was accepted as a member of SOSORT in 2013, moderated a conference session in 2018 and in 2020 was accepted for podium presentation for her research on adolescent scoliosis bracing. In 2016, Rebecca presented at the Spine Society of Australia’s (SSA) national conference on idiopathic scoliosis. In 2016 and 2019, she presented on the same topic for the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). Rebecca became a Teacher for the International Rigo Concept (BSPTS) Scoliosis Educational Program in 2019 and is manager of the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to her scoliosis world, Rebecca was heavily involved in Dance physiotherapy and the Pilates Industry for 14 years being a registered Pilates Instructor course provider and examiner for the Australian Pilates Method Association. She is Polestar (rehab) and DMA Pilates qualified. Between 2000-2004 Rebecca was a consultant physiotherapist for the Australian Ballet Company and School. Personal interests include camping with her husband and two adolescent children and using the work projector to project a movie up onto a wall in her back yard.

Victoria works in our Geelong (Belmont) rooms.

Victoria’s interest in exercise science began in 2002 with the completion of 1st year Bachelor of Science (Sports and Exercise Science) NZ. In 2005 she gained certification in Comprehensive Pathology Collection and in 2007 graduated in Physiotherapy at LaTrobe University, Melbourne.

In 2009, Victoria successfully accomplished a Pilates Rehabilitation qualification with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) and began regularly using this specific form of exercise prescription in the management of a variety of spinal and postural conditions including scoliosis. Between 2009 and 2012, Victoria attended many scoliosis related Pilates workshops. In 2013, her quest for further knowledge in this field had her travel to America to gain her initial Rigo Concept scoliosis certification with the Barcelona Scoliosis Physiotherapy School (BSPTS), a Schroth based approach, and upon her return, she joined the team at Scoliosis Physiotherapy, immersing herself 100% in the management of scoliosis. Early 2016 had Victoria travel internationally again to satisfy all requirements for Advanced level qualification with the BSPTS.

Victoria thoroughly enjoys working with teenagers, as well as the more mature clientele. With lives so busy, Victoria loves working out with clients how to achieve postural conditioning needs and still live a balanced life. Scoliosis is a condition particularly dear to Victoria as her sister has it.

Personal interests include traveling to visit family and friends abroad and getting out of town to visit her parents’ Alpacas (and her parents of course!)

Felicia works in our East Kew rooms.

The love of human biology and a background in competitive rhythmic gymnastics were major factors influencing Felicia’s eventual career choice in physiotherapy. Upon obtaining her Bachelors at Curtin University in 2014, Felicia has worked in private clinics, home-based physiotherapy, aged care settings and corporate occupational health. Her interest in movement patterns within the context of rehabilitation led her to gain further qualifications in Polestar Pilates, an internationally-recognised Pilates method.

Felicia’s interest in spinal alignment, naturally led her to the world of scoliosis. She completed the internationally renowned Rigo Concept scoliosis certifications (Level 1 and Level 2) with the Barcelona Scoliosis Physiotherapy School (BSPTS).

Felicia joined the Scoliosis Physiotherapy team in 2020 and has been working 30 hours per week purely in the management of structural scoliosis and hyperkyphosis ever since!

Outside professional life, Felicia enjoys looking after over 60 indoor plants and her entitled (but lovable) grey cat. She can be found hanging upside down on an Aerial Silk (as her preferred form of exercise) and loves exploring the expansive culinary options Melbourne has to offer!

Rochelle works in both our Caufield and East Kew rooms.

Rochelle graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science/ Master of Physiotherapy Practice from La Trobe University in 2014. Her keen interest in biomechanics and the human body, coupled with her love of working with people led her into the profession. Rochelle spent her first couple of years working across a major hospital network in Melbourne, gaining solid foundations across a wide range of rotations- acute to rehabilitation and spanning all ages. She has always had a keen interest in exercise rehabilitation and clinical pilates, pursuing extra work in the field after completing numerous courses through the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI).

Rochelle set out on an adventure in 2017, as a Team Physiotherapist for an Australian Sports team competing in international games. She then lived in London for 4 years, working in private practice and Pilates. She worked with numerous spinal and scoliosis clients during this time, developing a greater interest in the area.

Rochelle returned to Melbourne in 2020 and after gaining her Rigo Concept Scoliosis training with the Barcelona Scoliosis Physiotherapy School, she joined the dedicated Scoliosis Physiotherapy team.

Outside of work, Rochelle is a busy mother of a toddler! She loves spending time with family and friends, long beach walks and exploring new areas.

Mary’s personal journey as a scoliosis patient herself, ultimately led her move with her young family from Egypt to join the Scoliosis Physiotherapy team here in Melbourne! She saw our advert for new staff and knew this was what she wanted to do.

This commitment and dedication is reflective of Mary’s determination to provide comprehensive care and support to those with scoliosis.

Prior to joining our team, Mary worked in private practice for 6 years, assessing and treating patients with diverse orthopaedic and neurological disorders. She also spent time honing her specific paediatric physiotherapy skills. Before this, she gained valuable experience during her internship at Kasr Elainy Hospital, Egypt’s premier learning institution, as part of her degree obtained from Cairo University.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Mary holds certifications and diplomas in therapeutic nutrition for both children and adults, underscoring her holistic approach to promoting overall health and well-being.

Mary’s comprehensive approach to patient care has equipped her to effectively address spine-related issues, further enriching her skill set.

Driven by her personal experiences as a scoliosis patient, Mary pursued scoliosis specific training in scoliosis treatment, completing the Rigo Concept course level 1 in Australia.

Mary is recognized for her warm personality and positive outlook on life, seeking to bring hope, joy, and optimism to every patient interaction. With a focus on personalized care and a multidisciplinary approach, she is dedicated to empowering patients to lead happier, healthier lives.”

Psychologists

When changes in body shape occur such as with scoliosis, this can present with challenges mentally and emotionally.

Increasingly around the world, the important role that psychology plays in caring for the whole person with scoliosis, is finally being realized. We have both local and international psychologists considered part of our team, providing consultations to clients and whom have experience working specifically with scoliosis.

Just like how a Podiatrist helps people with issues of the feet, a psychologist helps with issues of the mind/mental stress.

Surgeons

In Australia, we are fortunate to have some excellent (non-surgery hungry) surgeons that have scoliosis as their primary interest area and show the same care for the individual that we do. The surgeons we associate with are supportive of the client exploring non-operative options (when appropriate) and provide recommendations in line with the guidelines provided for by the SRS (Scoliosis Research Society) and the SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment).

These surgeons have experience in a variety of operative techniques such as Posterior fusions, Anterior fusions, VBT (Vertebral Body Tethering) and growing rods, just to name a few. Some surgeon work solely with adults, others solely with children and some see both. We will guide you into the right hands if/when this is required. It is important your surgeon is not just any spinal surgeon but a surgeon with scoliosis specialty and a surgeon with the right care for the individual.

Reception

Eva, Gayle or Kate will usually be the first voices you hear when you phone us and they will be the first friendly faces to greet you upon your arrival at our East Kew practice.

With over 40 years of medical reception experience between them, they together manage our Reception, provide support to clients and staff alike and do all those million things that keep things running smoothly.