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.

Camberwell Podiatrist Adam Chalmers
  • Adam ChalmersSenior Podiatrist

    Senior Podiatrist

    Dr Adam Chalmers (Podiatrist) is a highly experienced Senior Podiatrist, bringing over three decades of clinical expertise to at Camberwell Sports and Spinal Medicine. With a career spanning private practice ownership, elite sporting environments, health leadership, and complex clinical care, Adam offers a depth of knowledge and perspective that few practitioners can match.

     

    Adam’s decision to pursue podiatry was driven by the profession’s uniquely broad and dynamic scope of practice. He was drawn to its ability to assess, diagnose and manage a wide range of complex musculoskeletal and foot-related conditions, often requiring a detailed understanding of biomechanics, load management, and rehabilitation.

     

    After graduating from La Trobe University, Adam went on to build an extensive and varied career. He has owned and led podiatry businesses for over 24 years, working across all aspects of podiatric care while developing a reputation for comprehensive, patient-centred management.

     

    Adam has a particular clinical interest in biomechanics, rehabilitation of ankle injuries, heel and plantar fascial conditions, and complex nail injuries and pathologies. He is especially drawn to challenging cases, enjoying the process of working closely with patients through the step-by-step journey required to achieve meaningful, lasting outcomes.

     

    His experience also extends into elite and professional sport. Adam provided podiatric care and advice to the AFL Under‑19 Greater Western Victorian Rebels for six years, supporting developing athletes through injury management, rehabilitation and performance optimisation.

     

    Beyond private practice and sport, Adam has held senior leadership roles within the profession. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the Podiatry Association and spent six years as National Allied Health Manager for Medibank, where he worked at a strategic level to help shape access to high‑quality, evidence‑based care across Australia. This experience gives Adam a rare understanding of healthcare systems, clinical governance, and what truly supports best‑practice patient outcomes.

     

    Adam is deeply committed to the collaborative model of care that defines Camberwell Sports and Spinal Medicine. He values working alongside a broad team of health professionals, believing that a truly multidisciplinary approach leads to better clinical decisions and superior outcomes for patients.

     

    Outside the clinic, Adam is passionate about staying active, with road cycling playing a key role in his own fitness and wellbeing. He is an enthusiastic follower of sport, including AFL, NFL, cricket and Formula 1, and places high value on spending quality time with his wife and two children.

     

    Adam’s professional philosophy is simple yet powerful:
    “No matter how much time we spend together, I aim to have you leave feeling better than when you arrived.”

    This mindset underpins everything he does—delivering thoughtful, evidence‑based care with a strong focus on patient outcomes, long‑term function and confidence in movement.

Camberwell Osteopath Jordan Wylie
  • Jordan WylieOsteopath

    Jordan Wylie is a passionate osteopath driven by a love for movement and a desire to help others return to the activities they enjoy most. With a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Health Science in Osteopathy from Victoria University, Jordan brings a strong academic foundation to his practice at CSSM.

    His personal experience with injuries and recovery sparked his interest in osteopathy, and he now channels that insight into supporting patients in achieving their fitness goals and personal bests. Jordan has a particular interest in exercise-based rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and performance care, though he values variety in his caseload and enjoys tailoring treatment plans to each individual.

    Outside the clinic, Jordan leads an active lifestyle—training for triathlons, surfing, and playing indoor soccer. His philosophy is grounded in consistency, progressive overload, and showing up with purpose: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

    At CSSM, Jordan appreciates the multidisciplinary environment, access to gym facilities, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. His long-term goal is to build a strong client base and eventually run his own clinic, continuing to make a meaningful impact in the community.

  • 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.

Myotherapist Adele Agius
  • 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.

Camberwell Physiotherapist Grace Rutter
  • Grace RutterPhysiotherapist

    Physiotherapist

    Golf Injury Program Coordinator

     

    Physiotherapist Grace Rutter believes patients should feel supported whilst being provided tailored education and a comprehensive management plan based upon their rehabilitation and lifestyle goals.

    Grace has a particular interest in lower limb soft tissue injuries, women’s health and knee rehabilitation.

    “I love being able to have the opportunity to help people do what they love, no matter their stage of life. My aim is to help people feel empowered about their rehabilitation journey to achieve their goals.”

    With an additional degree in sports and exercise science, Grace also worked with various high performance athletes in a range of different settings, including the Port Melbourne VFL club.

    Grace has experience working in acute hospitals (cardio/ musculoskeletal/neuro), subacute settings (geriatric evaluation and management), and women’s health (acute, private, continence clinic).

    Away from the clinic, you’ll find Grace on the driving range, reading a good book or out for dinner with friends.

Physiotherapist Theodora Dafinis
  • Theodora DafinisPhysiotherapist
    Theodora’s path to physiotherapy began on the soccer field, where years of playing fostered a deep appreciation for movement, performance, and the resilience of the human body. After experiencing the impact of physiotherapy during her own injury rehabilitation, she was inspired to pursue a career where she could help others regain confidence, function, and enjoyment in their sport and daily life.
    She completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at La Trobe University and has developed a strong interest in sporting injuries, lower limb conditions, adolescent injuries, and pre‑ and post‑operative rehabilitation. Theodora particularly enjoys the problem‑solving nature of sports physiotherapy—understanding the demands of each sport, tailoring rehabilitation to the individual, and guiding athletes safely back to their best. She is especially curious about overuse injuries and hopes to further explore how training loads and volumes can be optimised to prevent them.
    Outside the clinic, Theodora works as a physiotherapist with the senior women’s team at FC Bulleen Lions in the NPLW, where she supports athletes in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment. Away from work entirely, she enjoys staying active in the gym, going for the occasional run, watching soccer, and discovering new restaurants with friends and family.
    Theodora is passionate about continuing her professional development and aspires to become a titled Sports Physiotherapist, with the long‑term goal of working in professional sport—ideally within soccer.
    What she values most about Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine is the supportive, collaborative environment. She appreciates the genuine connections between staff, practitioners, and patients, and the shared commitment to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care.
Physiotherapist Caroline Szafranski
  • Caroline SzafranskiSenior Physiotherapist

    Senior Physiotherapist

     

     

    Senior physiotherapist Caroline Szafranski was drawn to physio during her four years spent living in the United States on a tennis scholarship at Arkansas State University. “I was training six days a week and spending a bit of time in the medical rooms!”

    She studied Exercise Science and then spent 6 months working in California.  “I think my involvement in tennis and triathlons has helped me enormously with treating patients and understanding their emotional ride as well.”

     

    After completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University back home, Caroline has worked with various sporting organisations including the AFL Umpires Association in addition to grass roots football clubs.

     

    “I’ve also worked in various roles both in private practice and in a hospital environment, both in the UK and Australia, giving me extensive experience in treating patients with both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions,” she said.

     

    Caroline has a special interest in biomechanics, rehabilitation and Clinical Pilates training having completed mat and equipment Level 1 Certificate in Pilates and Level 1 Dry Needling Certificate, and several other courses. “I treat all areas but but enjoy treating backs, neck and doing pilates, plus post surgery rehab especially total hip and knee replacements.”

     

    Away from the clinic, Caroline continues to play tennis and still has that competitive nature participating in ironman triathlon and marathon running, competing in several races including the half ironman and long course world championships and completing two Melbourne marathons! “I’d like to say that my competitive spirit is a little more tame these days but I can’t help myself sometimes!”

     

    Caroline is at CSSM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    Senior Practitioner pricing applies.

     

     

     

Physiotherapist 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.