Practitioners

Our Team

‘It's our level of care that sets us apart’ - Lisa Thomson, Senior Partner

Click on the links below to learn about the CSSM team.

  • Vaughan AcklandSenior Podiatrist

    Educated at the University of South Australia, Vaughan has gained a wide range of clinical experiences since completing his studies and moving to Melbourne in 1998. Sporting and family commitments helped to shape his core range of clinical interests.
    Originally drawn to Podiatry after having his own knee pain cured by orthotic management, Vaughan values how much more enjoyment can be gained from sports when you have no pain associated with playing them. Likewise through watching his three children’s development, Vaughan is determined to minimise any pain associated within childhood development.

    Vaughan’s philosophy regarding treatment is to address the cause of the pain biomechanically, and instill a treatment plan that will enhance every patient’s enjoyment of life’s endeavours.

PAula ALarcon Podiatrist Camberwell
  • Paula AlarconPodiatrist

     

    CSSM Podiatrist Paula Alarcon become interested in Podiatry after an ACL reconstruction. “I visited a Podiatrist who helped me stabilise my knee after I had noticed the changes that orthotics made in my running cycle when I went back into sports.”

    “I have always led an active lifestyle, growing up with sports and dancing. This inspired an interest in how the body moves, and a passion to help people move.”

    Paula’s sporting background has provided her with a particular interest in the recovery and management of foot and ankle injuries.

    “Our feet are what keep us moving every day, they are the wheels in our daily journey, and they work very hard all year around. Therefore, prevention and proper management of foot problems are essential for our mobility, comfort and health.”

     

    Joining CSSM, Paula says she enjoys being able to work with a great variety of health professionals allowing patients to have a more holistic approach as well as contributing to her own learning process by exchanging opinions and ideas from other practitioners.

    While Paula believes Podiatry enables her to choose her own pathway from rehabilitation of the foot and ankle, biomechanics, running gait analysis to skin conditions, she hopes to specialise in the rehabilitation of injuries and sports Podiatry.

    A true believer that movement is medicine, Paula is an elite Ultimate Frisbee player having participated in the under 24’s championships world cup with the Colombian team in 2018 held in Perth and the under 24’s Australian team in 2019 held in Heidelberg, Germany. Away from the clinic you will likely find Paula training with her Ultimate frisbee team called Spicy Chilly!

    If she has any time left, Paula also enjoys going for hikes on the weekends or going to the beach as well as Salsa dancing thanks to her Latino background.

  • Adele AgiusSenior Myotherapist

    Senior Myotherapist – 

     

    After 15 years of international competitive Taekwondo, Adele sustained several injuries. “I was always so fascinated by how the human body functions and heals – seemingly myotherapy was the perfect fit.  An enthusiast about health, fitness and being the best version of yourself is a key factor”. 

     

    Adele feels that analysing the main components of people’s everyday lifestyles and interests allows her to identify and provide specialised ways for a specific individual to help aid in strengthening, rehabilitating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adele enjoys working with people “to help get them back to the activities they love”.

     

    Adele executes this through a “hands-on approach”, which includes trigger point therapy, dry needling, cupping, myofascial release and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Adele is a firm believer on educating her clients about their condition and what their recovery process will entail to improve their ability to manage, maintain and overcome their injuries.  

    Adele has worked with NICA (National Institute of Circus Australia) and amateur basketball, netball and football leagues across Melbourne. 

     

    In Adele’s spare time, she loves to participate in pilates, rock climbing, hiking, baking and spending time with family and friends.

     

    Senior practitioner pricing applies for consultations with Adele.

Daniel Skaer Osteopath
  • Daniel SkaerOsteopath

    Daniel Skaer was drawn to study Osteopathy through his personal experiences with sporting injuries, a fascination with the science behind the human body and a passion for helping people achieve quality of life.

     

    “The complexity in the human body won’t adapt to change unless you create a change,” he says. “Treating injuries for their causing agents can become a preventative rather than a band-aid approach.”

     

    Daniel is a strong believer in Osteopathy’s philosophy of treating the body as a whole, rather than simply treating the dysfunctional region. “No two patients are the same, which is why it’s so important to work with each patient to create a tailored management plan, empowering them through education and support.”

     

    He prides himself on his ability to communicate and comfort every individual that may find seeking an Osteopath daunting as well as educating patients to help them achieve their goals.

     

    Daniel has a specific interest in chronic pain management, hypermobility dysfunctions and structural strength assistance and uses a range of techniques including soft tissue, manipulation and mobilisation techniques.

     

    Daniel hopes to continue to develop his skillset and contribute to research. He is also currently completing a Diploma in Equine Osteopathy with the London College of Animal Osteopathy.

     

    Away from the clinic, Daniel loves running, going to the gym, travelling, going for walks, working with equine athletes and spending time with friends and family.

Kelsey Thomas Dance Physio Camberwell
  • Kelsey ThomasSenior Physiotherapist

    Senior Physiotherapist

    Dance Program Coordinator

    Myotherapy Team Lead

     

     

    17 years of dance training, 12 years of tennis and 7 years of competitive rock climbing fueled Kelsey’s interest in sport and associated injuries. “I’d always been interested in health and fitness and Physiotherapy was a great transition from Personal training into the treatment and rehabilitation of a lot of the issues I saw in the gym. It came with a stronger understanding of the human body.”

    While sport is her passion, Kelsey believes that creating solid foundations of strength and rehabilitation are key components in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whether you work in an office or as an elite athlete. “Having participated in a fair few sports over the years it’s given me a better understanding of the demands the body can be put through, the movements required to succeed and the difficult task of taking time away from the sport you love when injured.”

    Kelsey employs a hands-on approach when treating muscular pains and joint dysfunction, complementing treatment outcomes with modalities such as cupping, dry needling, trigger point therapy, and taping. “Shoulder joint issues really fascinate me because they can be unpredictable and complex. I really enjoy the process of breaking down why the injury has occurred in the first place and rehabilitating the joint structures.”

    Away from work, Kelsey is an avid participator in rock climbing and has competed in both state and national events. “I can also be a great couch potato when I need some down time and enjoy meeting up with friends.”

     

    Senior Practitioner pricing applies to consultations with Kelsey.

     

     

Camberwell Myotherapist Hamish Williams
  • Hamish WilliamsMyotherapist

    From an early fascination with anatomy in high school PE classes to a professional career dedicated to movement and recovery, Hamish Williams’ journey into Myotherapy has been shaped by both passion and experience. While many saw sport as a pastime, Hamish was captivated by the invisible architecture behind every stride and jump—the muscles, the bones, the interplay that makes movement possible.

     

    Yet, it was adversity that truly defined his path. During his final year of school, a succession of injuries—adductor tendinopathy, a torn hamstring, and eventually a torn ACL—forced him off the field and into a new role: observer and student of the recovery process. Unable to participate in the sports he loved, Hamish’s focus shifted from performance to rehabilitation. He became engrossed in understanding how and why the body breaks down—and, more importantly, how it heals.

     

    This deeper curiosity led him straight to Myotherapy. What set this discipline apart for Hamish was its hands-on nature, its blend of practical rehabilitation, movement education, and personal connection. Myotherapy spoke to his love of science and problem-solving, but also satisfied a deeper drive: helping people overcome obstacles and return to the activities that enrich their lives.

     

    Today, as a dedicated Myotherapist, Hamish works with a diverse clientele—from athletes striving for peak performance to individuals seeking relief from everyday pain and restriction. He is committed to uncovering the root causes of discomfort, collaborating with each client to craft a clear, personalised plan for recovery and improved movement.

     

    Personal experience has taught Hamish that injuries don’t just challenge the body; they shape perspectives, build resilience, and open new possibilities. Now, he channels that insight to empower others—guiding them past setbacks and towards renewed freedom of movement.

Physiotherapist Camberwell Kobi Phelan
  • Kobi PhelanSenior Physiotherapist

    Senior Physiotherapist

    Kobi Phelan is a physiotherapist and a strong advocate for the role of exercise therapy in the prevention and management of musculoskeletal conditions with a particular interest in lower limb injuries.

    Kobi understands the importance of tailoring treatment and rehabilitation to each patient on an individual basis when returning to sport and activity. With this in mind, Kobi places high importance on actively involving her patients in the design and implementation of their injury rehabilitation.

    “I really enjoy seeing someone through the ups and downs of long term rehabilitation, and get a huge sense of satisfaction when these patients are able to return back to their desired activity.”

    In the future, Kobi hopes to continue to evolve armed with the latest research and treatment techniques.

    In her spare time you’ll find Kobi at the gym, taking her dog for a walk, or completing DIY jobs around the house and garden.

     

    Senior practitioner pricing applies for consultations with Kobi.

  • Kim Van HoornClinical Pilates

    Clinic Lead – Clinical Pilates

    After 15 years of intensive dance training and working as on osteopath, Kim was looking for a pro-active way to help people manage their conditions.   “Pilates was the perfect fit.”

    Rather than “treat” conditions, Kim says Pilates improves movement and helps to relieve pain.  “I work to help people overcome their back and neck pain, manage restrictions with arthritis, rehabilitate joint injuries,  improve balance, build strength and increase bone mass in osteoporosis.  I also love keeping people strong throughout their pregnancies and beyond.”

    According to Kim, clients are surprised at how easily a problem area can be identified. “We have elite athletes coming in who are very strong and fit but have pain or an injury. We can find a muscle not doing its job properly and they are surprised at how quickly that muscle tires and how we can progress exercises to keep Pilates continually challenging.”

    “I love that my clients are very pro-active leading to great, long term results.  There is a huge variety in the people and conditions I see, keeping each class interesting.  I also love getting to know people and hearing about their lives.”

    Kim has first-hand knowledge in the role pilates can play in pre and post-natal health but also has extensive experience treating and rehabilitating AFL and dance injuries.

    Away from the clinic, Kim enjoys spending time with her three boys and getting involved in sports, activities, camping, and bushwalking.  She also loves walking her dogs.