Lauren joined the team at Hoppers Crossing Physiotherapy in 2002, following graduating with honours from Melbourne University. She then joined the partnership with Michael and Andrew in 2005, and thoroughly enjoys this challenging role of leadership and education. In addition to treating sports and spinal injuries, Lauren manages the Clinical Pilates Program at our centre and is especially interested in post-natal, women's health and sporting injuries. Outside of work, Lauren participates regularly in Triathlons, Swimming, Squash and Basketball. She has also completed her masters in Animal Physiotherapy and is available for canine and equine consultation off-site.
Andrew Ronchi
Physiotherapist
Andrew started this practice in 1991 and has enjoyed watching the centre grow from a single Physiotherapist centre to what it is now. Andrew’s long-term passion has been to provide a centre with facilities with a multi disciplinary approach to improving health and recovering from injuries. Andrew’s keen interest in sport allowed him to work with Melbourne Football Club and the Saint Kilda Football Club, as well as a number of Olympians. Happily married to Tania with three young sons Jackson, Indiana and Isaac, Andrew also enjoys the beach, tennis, golf and building projects. He has recently completed a PHD researching a back strain monitor device to reduce ongoing aggravation of lower back injuries for return to work.
Michael Tricarico
Physiotherapist
Michael joined the centre in 1998 and in 1999 became a partner. He completed his Post Graduate training in 1998 whereby he completed a Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Physiotherapy. This has added a new dimension to his expertise in the musculoskeletal and sports field. He has a strong interest in the treatment of headaches, jaw dysfunction and low back pain. He has two beautiful children, Lara Grace and Aspen. Michael has continued his ongoing commitment to further education as well as continuing his strong input to the Western Jets Football Club.
Laura Gentile
Physiotherapist
Laura has recently joined the HCPC crew, having competing her Physiotherapy degree at LaTrobe University in 2007. She has a keen interest in Pilates and is heavily involved in our Pilates 4 Mum's classes. She has completed post-graduate courses in exercise during pregnancy, which gives her a sound knowledge of this important stage of life. Her outside work interests include watching the football (Bombers of course!), Dancing and Kayaking (in preparation for the team Anaconda Race this year!)
Anesa Robinson
Physiotherapist
Anesa graduated from Otago University, NZ in 2002. She has worked in private practice ever since with a focus on sports physiotherapy. Anesa has worked with various elite sports teams over the years including rugby union, netball, softball and more recently footy. Anesa joined the partnership in 2007, and is thoroughly enjoying this new leadership role. She has also completed her nutrition course, which enables her to give comprehensive nutrition adivce on weight loss and staying healthy. Anesa’s personal interests include squash, tennis, running, triathlons, adventure racing, bike riding and travelling.
Annabelle Wettenhal
Physiotherapist
Annabelle completed her Physio degree with honours at Melbourne University in 2007, joining the HCPC in early 2008. With an extensive background in sports, she has a strong interest in prevention and treatment of sports related injuries. Annabelle is also involved in the watermum's pre and post natel classes, and has completed her pilates qualification to complement rehabilitation. Away from work, Annabelle's intersts include long distance running, playing the guitar (learning!) and spending time at the beach.
Matthew Licastro
Physiotherapist
Matthew grew up and went to school in Werribee. Having graduated from La Trobe University in 2005, he joined HCPC in early 2006. Matthew has developed a strong interest in sports injuries and works closely with local football teams. He utilises hydrotherapy and our Clinical Pilates program in your rehabilitation. In his spare time, Matthew does karate twice a week and is a big football and basketball fan.
Sara West (Hutchens)
Physiotherapist
Sara has recently rejoined the team at HCPC after a year abroad, where she worked in canada as a pilates intructor. Graduating in 2004, she has done
further training in Pilates and Dance physiotherapy. Sara has been
involved in a number of sporting events including the under 18 State
Hockey Championships, Corporate Games, Commonwealth Games and
Deaflympic games. With interests including skiing, ballet, basketball
and hockey, Sara believes that exercise therapy is an integral part of
rehabilitation and pain prevention. At HCPC Sara is involved in
Pilates and has a special interest in Pediatric physiotherapy for children.
Phil Brasher
Physiotherapist
Having completed my degree in 1991 I have since worked in
a broad range of areas incorporating both hospital and private practice
work. I have a special interest in spinal and shoulder problems and am
experienced with dry needling (or acupuncture) for musculoskeletal
problems. Away from work I have a strong involvement in the lives of my
family (my wife and four sons) and enjoy leisure time with them as well
as playing golf and cycling.
Danny Low
Physiotherapist
Danny completed a Batchelor of Science in 2001 and then began a
Physiotherapy Degree at Melbourne University. Since starting at HCPC he
has been involved in a variety of group exercise sessions, including
Pilates, Tai chi and hydrotherapy, as well as being involved with the
Western Jets Football Club. Danny’s interests include playing guitar,
golf, basketball and going to the beach. He has a keen interest in
sports and exercise specific rehabilitation.
Michelle Smart
Physiotherapist
Michelle graduated from the University of South Australia in 1990, and has since completed a Graduate certificate in Physiotherapy. Michelle has extensive experience in private practice, having operated her own business in Adelaide before moving to New Zealand, and relocating to Melbourne in 2003. Michelle continues to enjoy playing and coaching basketball and spending time with her family.
Tim Dettman
Physiotherapist
Tim has joined HCPC after graduating with honours from Melbourne University in
2008. He has previously worked in exercise therapy, administering training
programs for rehabilitation, strength and weight loss. Tim has a strong interest
in the role of exercise in ongoing management of sport related injuries. When
not at work, Tim enjoys playing football, hiking and running, having completed
the Melbourne Marathon in 2007.
Chris Mackenzie
Physiotherapist
Chris has joined the team after graduation from the University of Melbourne in 2008, having always had an interest in private practice. His main areas of interest are sports rehabilitation and spinal injuries. Chris is also associated with Hockey Victoria, and has acted as team physiotherapist for the junior state teams at national championships. Outside the clinic Chris plays state league volleyball, and enjoys golf and (attempting) surfing.
Susan Climie
Myotherapist
Susan is a qualified Myotherapist, graduating from NMIT in early 2007. She has since spent her time working in and managing her own business as well a working along side a naturopath. She is highly skilled in manual techniques such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and joint mobilisation. In additino to this, as a Myotherapist she is also skilled in the srt of cupping, dry needling, moxa and TENS (Transcutaneous Electical Nerve Stimulation).
Her passion as a professional resides in providing high quality treatment, with the ever present aim to relieve and rehabilitate her clients.
Susan is currently away on Maternity Leave and we look forward to her return later in 2010.
Mellany Hay
Podiatrist
Mellany has been practising Podiatry since 1998 and started
Hoppers Crossing Foot Clinic in 2000. She also has another clinic in
Sandringham. Mellany’s main interest outside of work is callisthenics
coaching, which takes up most of her spare time!
Steven Antonello
Podiatrist
Steven grew up in the Werribee area before studying Podiatry at
La Trobe University. He has worked at the centre since 2005. Outside of
work, he enjoys playing golf and basketball.
Tim Murphy
Psychologist
Tim is a Psychologist. He has
experience working with families, employees, children and athletes. He has
special interests in anxiety, depression, anger management and sports
psychology. Tim was granted a scholarship to Adelphi University, New York, USA. He then completed further studies at
Melbourne University 1991 and Swinburne University in 2001.
Tim worked for several years
in community services where he worked with parents, children and the whole
family. He currently consults to the
leading employee assistance provider of psychological services. Tim has extensive experience working within
the education sector, primary, secondary and lectured at Swinburne
University. He has also worked with
several Australian sporting teams
Tim has an active lifestyle,
has represented Australia in Lacrosse, played NCAA Div 1 collegiate sport and
played a high level of cricket and was an A grade level runner. He currently volunteers an afternoon a week counseling
at a community health centre. His passions are further studies in psychology,
bike riding and surfing.