TEAM

Kate Jones started her physiotherapy career studying at the University of Melbourne. Since that time she has been busy treating patients in private practice clinics. Kate has a passion for treating musculoskeletal pain, sporting injuries, children and instructing Pilates.

Kate became interested in Physiotherapy while she was a member of the Cheltenham Swimming Club. As a result, Kate takes a keen interest in swimming and understands the benefits of water and water based exercise. Kate also enjoys running, and she believes that to be successful, a training program needs to include balance and variety.

Kate is also the Director of Baw Baw Physiotherapy & Fitness. Kate started the clinics late in 2014, working out of consulting rooms at Bank Place Medical Centre and then opening our Princes Way clinic in 2015 and then Yarragon in 2016. Kate is very hardworking and dedicated to her business, however her number 1 priority is still her clients and their goals.

Kate Jones Qualifications

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Occupational Physiotherapist – Member of the Early Intervention
Physiotherapy Framework
Member of Australian Physiotherapy Association
Postgraduate Certificate of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Certified Pinc Cancer Rehab Physiotherapist

Additional Courses

Clinical Pilates
Shoulder Treatment & Management
Spinal Management
Joint Management
Women’s Health
Sports Physiotherapy
Management of disabling low back pain disorders
Dry needling
Manual Therapy
Corporate Physiotherapy Management
Lyn Watson Shoulder Level 1
Lyn Watson Shoulder Level 2
The Shoulder: Theory and Practice presented by Jeremy Lewis

Veronica Matthews has worked as a Physiotherapist in the public and private health sectors for over thirty years. Whilst she has worked in a large range of areas, I have a particular passion for working with older clients to develop greater strength and balance. She believes strength and balance is essential in preventing falls, maintaining quality of life and independence.
Veronica has experience and additional education in the area of post-surgery rehabilitation, chronic disease self-management, and supporting client’s to develop positive health goals and habits.

Veronica is passionate about the role of exercise and activity in maintaining people’s health and wellbeing. As a physiotherapist, she works hard to empower each patient to take greater control and achieve their own personal health goals and maintain the best possible quality of life.

Veronica Matthews chose to study physiotherapy (after a brief career as an accountant) because of a long-time interest in health and the muscular system. After growing up in Tasmania, Veronica moved to Victoria in order to study at the Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences.

Veronica has completed the Melbourne Marathon, is an active bushwalker and swimmer and loves gardening.

Veronica Matthews Qualifications

Physiotherapist
BAppSc (Physiotherapy), APAM (Sports Physiotherapy Group)
Member of Australian Physiotherapy Association

Extra Courses

Dry Needling
Mastering Lower Limb Tendinopathy
Vestibular Rehabilitation
McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
Spinal Level 1
Motivational Interviewing
Sports Physio Level 1
Understand and Explain Pain
Understanding Dementia
Talking about Tendons

Tory Liarakos graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons.) in 2016. She joined our team as a receptionist in 2016 at our Cardinia practice while completing her studies. Tory now works as a Physiotherapist at Baw Baw Physio & Fitness.

With a passion for horses, Tory is a keen rider who competes regularly in showjumping. She also participates in a variety of other sports such as snowboarding, and AFL.

She has recently been accepted into a Masters of Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University of Liverpool. On completion of this two years of continued studies, she will be able to practice on humans, horses, dogs and cats.

As a physiotherapist, Tory is most interested in treating sporting conditions and athletes, however she loves working with all clients and loves helping people. Her treatment philosophies are centred around open communication and creating a positive experience to achieve client’s goals.

When Tory is at home she is surrounded by animals; dogs, cats and too many horses! She is always super busy when not at work doing showjumping competitions, football matches, snowboarding or any other outdoor activity.

Tory Liarakos Qualifications 

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons.)
Equestrian assessments
Sports Trainer
Certificate of membership for Australian Physiotherapy Association

Masters of Veterinary Physiotherapy (In Progress)

Extra Courses

Spinal Level 1
Dry needling
Mastering Lower Limb Tendinopathy
Strength and Conditioning Coaching

Kaleisha joined the team at Baw Baw Physio and Fitness in 2015 whilst completing her Bachelor of Health Science – Clinical Myotherapy at the Southern School of Natural Therapys. Kaleisha has a wide variety of treatment methods including deep tissue massage, remedial massage, soft tissue massage, dry needling, cupping, joint mobilisation, stretching, postural correction and advice.

Kaleisha enjoys treating a wide variety of conditions and complaints Including Headaches, fibromyalgia, Pelvic girdle pain, lymphedema/lipodema, neck and shoulder tightness, Jaw pain as well as many more.  Her special interests lay in the treatment of pregnant and postnatal women and Women’s Health.

Kaleisha is currently Completing her Graduate Certificate in Women’s Health Medicine with subjects relating to Post-natal and prenatal care of mother and child, Menopause and Cancer in Women.

Kaleisha’s experience as a Myotherapist has involved working with the Casey Scorpions VFL Club, Pakenham Football Club, numerous clinical placements and is currently working with the Beaconsfield Football Club.

Kaleisha Prowse Qualifications

Additional Courses

Kellie finished her Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy in 2016 at Melbourne Institute of Massage Therapy. Kellie has a real passion for helping people through their various conditions and helping them on the road to recovery.

Using a wide range of techniques such as soft/deep tissue massage, mobilisations, dry needling, myofascial release, trigger point release and muscle energy technique (stretching), Kellie can assist in reducing both pain and tightness in the body.

Kellie enjoys treating conditions that are caused by repetition from work or sporting activities, such as sitting at a desk using a keyboard/mouse, muscle soreness, stiffness, tightness due to poor posture and arm/hand numbness and tingling. She also enjoys treating thoracic outlet syndrome, tennis elbow, carpel tunnel, sciatica, shoulder impingement and frozen shoulder

When Kellie isn’t at work she is a devoted mother of 2. She enjoys baking yummy and healthy snacks and enjoys being outdoors exploring new places.

When she gets a moment to herself she enjoys going out for walks, yoga classes or just going to the gym.

Qualifications

Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy
Massage Therapist
Certificate of membership Massage & Myotherapy Australia

Extra Courses

Dry Needling
Cupping
Taping Techniques

Merylee joined our team in April 2016. Originally from Melbourne, she has moved out to Drouin area and loves the country lifestyle.

Having a strong passion for health & fitness, Merylee studied at RMIT to become an Allied Health Assistant (specialising in assisting Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Occupational Therapy).

Merylee has been a great part of our growing team over the years and has worked hard to become our senior receptionist and also our clinic manager. If you have suggestions, questions or feedback related to our business you can contact her directly and privately via email merylee@bawbawphysio.com.au

When Merylee is not working with us you can find her volunteering within the community. In her free time she enjoys walking, exercising and exploring new places in the outdoors.

Danielle joined our team in October 2016. She has lived in Drouin her whole life and loves the strong sense of community.

Danielle has a Bachelor in Social Science (Psychology). Minoring in Sports Psychology, she learned all about the psychological side to physical rehabilitation. Danielle is now eager to learn about the physical side to rehabilitation through working with the team at Baw Baw Physio & Fitness.

Danielle loves to keep fit by playing netball, attending personal training classes, and going on nature walks.

We were excited when Lauren joined our Reception team in 2018 after observing our Physiotherapy and Myotherapy team on Saturday mornings as part of her studies.

Lauren is currently studying to become a Clinical Myotherapist through Southern School of Natural Therapies in Fitzroy. Lauren enjoys working within the Baw Baw Physio team as she feels she is gaining more knowledge on top of her studies.

Living locally her whole life has made her enjoy the community we have and is part of a loud family of 6, which gives her a special personality.

Having a passion for fitness, she has previously been an avid basketball player and has been coaching for around 9 years.