meet the team

Get to know the passionate faces behind Move For Life

get to know the Move for Life team

Get to know the talented individuals who make up our dedicated team, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the Move For Life family.

physiotherapists

neeraj kochhar

senior physiotherapist/director

Neeraj started with SSPC after graduating from the University of Melbourne with honours in 1998. He took up Directorship in 2003 and was integral at the Parkdale/Mentone branch since Day 1 of it starting in 2008. He is now passionate about the next phase of seeing this clinic expand into bigger and better things under its new name “Move for Life”.

After spending many years providing physiotherapy serivces to elite and sub-elite sports both on and off the field, Neeraj now spends more time at junior pre-elite level sport where he feels he can influence the injury prevention and management habits of younger, developing athletes for their future. Treating football and cricket injuries remain a passion, along with treating shoulder injuries and knee injuries, in particular ACL injuries of the knee.

Neeraj also has a special interest in the prescription of exercise for injury prevention.

Outside sporting interests include cricket, squash and tennis and he will usually be seen on weekends at his kid’s sporting activities.

neeraj@moveforlifephysio.com.au

zoe lorenzo

senior physiotherapist/director

Zoe is an experienced physiotherapist who loves working closely with the individual and family to problem solve a tailored solution to your pain and limitations. Having completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2003, she started her career working in general physiotherapy and quickly moved to semi-professional sport, running the WA Rugby League Physiotherapy Program. After travelling interstate with various teams and working in sports physiotherapy for 7 years, she relocated to Melbourne taking up a position with the Melbourne Storm Physiotherapy Team and undertook a directorship position with the clinic at Parkdale/Mentone.

Having worked in the local community throughout, she recognised the limited specialised services available for the greater family unit and has since done extensive further post graduate study, including her Masters specialising in Paediatrics and Women’s Health Physiotherapy.

She is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of the whole family and improving all areas of quality of life. Zoe specialises in early years movement from 0-4 years old and believes in empowering the parent and upskilling the family to be able to engage in fun and achievable therapy in the home and community environments. She can also assist with any bowel, bladder or pre/post natal advice from teens to post menopausal and everyone in between.

Zoe strongly believes in working with the individual to tailor a specific approach to their needs, current life circumstances and empowering and educating each person to be able to take control of their wellness and activity levels. When she isn’t at work, Zoe enjoys adventures with her young family, hosting dinners with friends and being active and engaging with her local Kingston community.

zoe@moveforlifephysio.com.au

georghia giannopoulou

senior physiotherapist

Georghia completed her bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2009 from Melbourne University.

Georghia has a broad range of musculoskeletal expertise, having worked in private practice for the bulk of her career, both in Australia, and the UK. Georghia has also worked in elite and sub elite sport for many years, particularly in Netball, as well as basketball; and has recently spent time working abroad as a touring Physiotherapist with Cirque du Soleil.

Georghia is experienced in seeing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions and sports related injuries, and has a particular interest in both non surgical + surgical spinal conditions & back pain.

Outside of Physio life, you’ll usually find Georghia on a beach, travelling, and spending time with her friends & family, always with her beautiful dog Louis in tow.

georghia@moveforlifephysio.com.au

jess cogley

senior physiotherapist

Jess is an enthusiastic physiotherapist who enjoys working in both a one on one and group setting to assist clients to treat, manage and prevent injury. Jess completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, followed by a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours. Throughout her training and during her time as a physiotherapist she gained exposure to a wide range of musculoskeletal and sports injuries, along with extensive Pilates training. 

As a teenager, Jess was focused on working towards a career in the performing arts industry training intensively in dance. On leaving school, Jess trained full time as a dancer before injury put a stop to her performance career. During this time, she spent a large amount of time rehabilitating with her physiotherapist which ignited an interest in injury rehabilitation and prevention. This led her to pursue higher education in this area, whilst still teaching dance and running a local dance studio. 

When not working as a physio, Jess is still involved in the dance industry, currently teaching at a local dance studio and spending many weekends at dance competitions and concerts. In her spare time, Jess enjoys going to the gym or a Pilates class, spending time with her golden retriever Lucy, heading to the beach or exploring the Melbourne foodie scene.

jess@moveforlifephysio.com.au

sebastian luppino

physiotherapist

Sebastian graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). He is passionate about helping people to overcome injuries and return to living an active and healthy lifestyle as well as facilitating ongoing injury prevention.
 
Sebastian has a particular interest in weightlifting for strength and hypertrophy, frequenting the gym 5-6 times a week both recreationally and for performance. He has also played soccer for over 10 years in which he has suffered and overcome many injuries himself and spent hours as a physiotherapy patient in his younger years, stemming his interest in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Therefore, he is keen to help others do the same and return to their chosen sport or hobbies.
 

alisha jagtap

physiotherapist

Alisha is a dedicated and dynamic physiotherapist with a strong passion for helping aspiring athletes reach their performance goals through an integrated and enjoyable approach. Her expertise extends to treating clients with musculoskeletal and sports-specific needs, backed by a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from India and a Master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Sports Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia. 

Alisha’s skill set also includes clinical Pilates, which she seamlessly incorporates into her comprehensive treatment plans. She specializes in managing soccer and footy injuries, currently also serving as the physiotherapist for the senior women’s National Premier League (NPL) team at Bayside United Football Club, with a strong commitment to injury prevention, particularly at the junior level. 

Beyond her professional life, Alisha enjoys outdoor activities, following soccer, tennis, and Formula 1, and exploring Melbourne’s diverse culinary scene.

alisha@moveforlifephysio.com.au

Ayrton Giarrocco

physiotherapist

Ayrton completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at Monash University.  He is passionate about physiotherapy as he constantly found himself injured through his keenness for the gym and running and pushing his own performance boundaries.
 
Having first hand himself experienced the frustrations of an athlete, Ayrton began researching and “thinking outside the square” to formulate management plans for his patients. He has kept advancing his learning about human anatomy, physiology, injuries, rehabilitation and performance and is passionate about sharing this knowledge with his patients so that they could be in control of their own health and able to make educated decisions about their rehabilitation.
 
Ayrton thoroughly enjoys being a physiotherapist, there is nothing more satisfying than helping a patient work through an injury, getting back to doing what they love. In his spare time, he continues training for athletics, getting out in nature with his partner, going to the movies, and learning about all things science – whether it is quantum physics, biology or psychology, it’s all fascinating!
 

 

massage + myotherapists

elicia brennan

myotherapist/remedial massage therapist

Elicia is a qualified Myotherapist and remedial massage therapist. She also has massage qualifications in lymphatic drainage massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage and holistic therapies Aromatherapy and Reflexology.  Elicia received her first qualification back in 2003 certificate of Massage therapy at Melbourne Collage of Natural therapies now called Endeavour Collage where she also received her diploma of Remedial massage 2004, diploma of Aromatherapy 2005 and Diploma of Reflexology 2006. Elicia Completed her advance diploma of Myotherapy at Melbourne in institute of Massage 2008 and has worked throughout. Elicia has worked across many health areas in physio, multi discipline clinics, aged care to even working a managing a day spa.

Elicia has also been able to experience working as a myotherapist for the AFL with the Essendon Football club for 8 years, Melbourne Rebels for 5years, Triathlon Victoria, Lacrosse Australia and English Rugby League Team.

Elicia became passionate in both health and wellbeing after experiencing her own health issue when she was teenager and learning more about healing ourselves physically and mentally. 

Away from her work life Elicia is a mum of 2 young boys. Both are full of energy and keep her on her toes. Spending her weekends at children activities or watching her other half play lacrosse.  Through her aromatherapy she makes her own massage blends, and oils. Her passion is Art. Recently getting back into canvas painting and drawing. Might also see her around bike riding. 

Maria nikolitsis

myotherapist/remedial massage therapist

Maria graduated from Endeavour College in 2012 as a Musculoskeletal Therapist. Maria has a great passion for sport having played Basketball for many years and working with numerous football clubs including Richmond FC for two seasons. 

Within the clinic, she enjoys treating all musculoskeletal injuries with a particular interest in neck and shoulders. Her treatments focus mostly on hands on therapy and corrective exercises for rehab, as well as being qualified with cupping and dry-needling.

She has recently become a new mum and in between her busy schedule is also training as a pilates instructor to be able to add further value to the treatment of her clients.

podiatrist

hazel rauch

podiatrist

Hazel obtained her Honours Degree in Podiatry from La Trobe University in 2001 and has worked for 23 years in Podiatry. She joined the team at Move for Life in 2016. 

Hazel has extensive experience treating a wide range of foot problems. Her goal is to eliminate pain and improve the functional performance of her patients’ feet – with an emphasis on sustainable, cost effective and efficient solutions. She prides herself on attention to detail and working collaboratively with her patients and other health practitioners.

When not being fascinated by feet in clinic Hazel keeps active with mountain bike riding, hiking, swimming and yoga. She has quirky hobbies like collecting seashells and keeping small fluffy animals. She has three kids and lives in nearby Bayside. 

 

psychology

dean

psychologist

Dean is a Doctoral candidate and full registered psychologist with training and experience in both Sport & Exercise as well as Clinical Psychology.

Dean is passionate about removing the stigma surrounding mental health and hopes to increase the accessibility of mental health services to the community. Throughout his career Dean has had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including public health, schools, professional sport teams as well as private practice. In his roles he has completed assessment and diagnoses of mental health conditions as well as neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dean has a particular interest in anxiety and depression. Dean’s practice takes a humanistic and behavioural approach, making therapy informal and conversational whilst still using evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT, ACT and mindfulness.

In his spare time, he coaches representative basketball in the VJBL and NBL1. He enjoys regularly working out and maintaining an active lifestyle. On the weekends he enjoys exploring the food and wine culture of Melbourne with his family and friends.

dietitian

chris rauch

dietitian

Chris graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics with Honours and is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian. Chris is committed to helping you achieve results, whether you are aiming for:

  • Weight loss or weight gain;
  • Managing diabetes;
  • Heart disease;
  • Gastrointestinal / digestive conditions;
  • Food allergies / intolerances.

 

Being a family man with young children of his own, he works with people at all stages of life from parents of infants introducing solid food, up to older adults that may need help to maintain body weight. Chris will help you to come up with practical and realistic strategies that you can incorporate into your busy lifestyle. Chris has also been involved in research at Monash University investigating ‘Gut Training in Endurance Athletes’ and is aiming to further his credentials to become a Sports Dietitian. He remains physically active regularly playing beach volleyball and cycling. Strength training however is his lifelong passion, 25 years of which has given him a deep understanding of the complex relationship with goal attainment.

receptionists

lyn

receptionist

Lyn joined SSPC in 2009 at the Parkdale rooms shortly after they opened & now heads our reception team with 14 years of experience with the clinic. Previously working in medical reception for over 20 years she has a vast knowledge & experience in reception/admin fields. 

Outside of the clinic she enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys catching up with friends & entertaining with them @ the Platt home as she enjoys getting in the kitchen & cooking up a storm. Any excuse for a get together! 

When Lyn is not travelling she will be planning for her next trip somewhere on the other side of the continent, or relaxing on the banks of the Murray or pottering in her garden. Lyn enjoys the outdoors- walking or bike riding her way around the local community. 

Since facing a battle against Breast Cancer in 2021, Lyn has become passionate in raising awareness about Breast Cancer & holds a yearly Fundraiser Event every October to raise funds for vital research in this field in hope that in the future others will not to endure what she did. 

jenni

receptionist

Jenni joined our Reception Team in early 2022 after 40 plus years of experience in administration, real estate and hospitality. The common factor with all her past employment is communication and assisting people. She is the first face or phone call that our patients are greeted with in helping with care and consideration.  Having lived locally in the area for 40 years there is more often a familiar face that she greets upon arrival and totally adheres to being part of our team.

mel

receptionist

Melanie joined move for life physio recently in April 2024. She has over 20 years experience in Customer service, working for Immigration, Retail and medical receptionist.

Mel is also a qualified Personal Trainer of 9 years, Pilates instructor of both Mat and Reformer Pilates, spin instructor and group fitness. She loves meeting new faces and a friendly chat  making clients  feel welcome. 

At home Melanie is a mother of 4, 2 girls, 2 boys and 2 gorgeous Cavoodles! In her spare time she loves spending time with family and her puppy dogs with outings to the coffee shop for puppy chinos! 

Melanie is a keen marathon runner or likes to link her marathons to overseas travel, as most of her marathons have  been ran overseas. She is about to complete her second “6 star Abbott’s World Marathon Major” challenge. She recently has also got herself into Triathlons competing in the half Ironman distance. 

So outside of work she is busy running, cycling and swimming and fitness being a big part of her life! 

laura

receptionist

Laura joined our Parkdale reception team in August 2021. She joined us with over 14 years experience in customer  service  &  administration  within  the Corporate Travel Industry. Prior to that Laura worked  as  a Division 2 Nurse assisting us in reception with her knowledge and assistance with b

Laura loves a friendly chat with all our regular patients when the come in, as well as welcoming and getting to know all new patients to the clinic!

At home, Laura has young kids, a 7 year old daughter and twin 4 year old boys, which means work is more like a little holiday!

Any free time Laura enjoys Pilates, catching up with friends for a dinner, and the occasional shopping spree!

At Move For Life, we’re more than healthcare;
we’re your partners in getting back to the activities you love most.