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Our Team

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Meet Active Health Clinic

All of our team members have a special interest, training and experience working with people who live with:

Chronic Fatigue (ME/CFS)

Chronic Pain (FMS, CRPS etc)

Dysautonomia (OI, POTS etc)

Connective Tissue Disorders (HSD, EDS etc)

Post-Viral Conditions & Long-Covid

Sleep Disorders

Other associated conditions

Our Exercise Physiology Team

Assoc. Professor Nathan Butler 

Blackburn

He / Him

Director & Accredited Exercise Physiologist

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Nathan has over 20 years of experience working as the coordinator of specialist inpatient and outpatient programs at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne and at the Royal Free Hospital in London in the area of chronic fatigue syndrome as well as in cardiac, respiratory and orthopaedic rehabilitation. 

 

In 2008, Nathan established Active Health Clinic based on his values of long-term self-management through knowledge, compassion and trust. Through his dedication and experience, Active Health Clinic is now a leader in its field. Nathan also lectures Master's students at La Trobe University and Victoria University. 

 

Being able to change a person's life might sound cliché but this is what Nathan enjoys most. He believes that there is always something to learn, everyday there is something new to understand to help people even more. Having an autoimmune condition has given Nathan some insights to the struggles that invisible illnesses can have. Nathan has an interest in everything invisible illnesses! Fatigue, OI & POTS, central sleep disorders and pain. 

 

When he is not advocating to make invisible illnesses visible, Nathan enjoys chasing his two daughters Siena and Ella and spending time with his wife Lori. He is an avid Geelong supporter, with a passion for traveling and whisky. He also enjoys riding but not in lycra! Nathan recharges with random sport, relaxed cooking, cards, time with friends and mindfully enjoying whisky.

Ailisha Rose

Frankston

She / Her

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

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Ailisha is one of our EP's based in Blackburn and Mornington. Growing up in South Africa, 

 

Ailisha was always very active and knew she wanted to work in the health industry.
Ailisha’s interest in invisible illnesses was sparked when Nathan gave a lecture during her masters studies and she came to realise some of her symptoms weren’t ‘normal' which started her personal journey with hypermobility and OI. 


Since then Ailisha has worked with a great range of patients from veterans to children as young as 4 years old who are neurodiverse and those with oppositional defiant disorder. 


She is now enjoying working at Active Health Clinic and being able to help patients connect dots of their own health that they haven’t been able to in the past. Ailisha loves being a support for patients by having an understanding of what they are experiencing through her own personal journey. Ailisha enjoys working with all invisible illnesses but has a special interest in OI & POTS. 

 

In her own time Ailisha loves going for long walks, baking and spending quality time with her family and friends. Her recharge activities include a good Netflix show (sometimes trashy reality tv), building puzzles or doing crosswords.

Deb Capp

Bendigo

She / Her

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

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Deb is one of our EP's based in Bendigo. She was a music teacher for many years and was inspired to make a career change after going through a journey of supporting one of her sons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). She was inspired by the Active Health Clinic approach and wanted to learn more about the role of movement in healing.

 

Deb also has OI and hypermobility herself, and has always loved exploring movement and ‘tuning’ into her body to support this; there is a very long list of exercise and movement modalities she has explored over the years including powerlifting, yoga and aerial circus.

 

Deb gets a lot out of helping people manage their health and has an interest in all chronic health conditions. She finds that by helping others, she learns more about herself and how to support her own health. Deb has a passion for cooking, fermenting and drinking excellent coffee. She also enjoys aerial trapeze, acro circus, yoga and long walks. To recharge you will find Deb doing somatic practices and walking.

Brooke Arandt

Bendigo

She / Her

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

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Brooke is one of our EP’s based in Bendigo, Victoria. Brooke is interested in supporting people experiencing chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndromes, and dysautonomia, with a special interest in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and PASC/Long-COVID.

 

Brooke has a complex personal experience with chronic pain and various health conditions starting when she was 11 years old. At 19, Brooke was formally diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, CRPS, POTS, and her bouts of fatigue were finally validated. She understands how frustrating it can be to live with chronic illness and feel like you are not being heard or understood, which is why Brooke wants to provide people with support to help them gain control of their illness and thrive, not just survive.

 

As part of the team at Active Health Clinic, we strive to provide compassionate care to all of our patients. As someone who has lived with these conditions her whole life, Brooke gets it, and she believes you. Brooke wants to help people achieve their goals, no matter how big or small.

 

Brooke presented to the team at Active Health Clinic on Long-COVID and completed the EDS ECHO Fundamentals of the Integrated Movement Method course. Additionally, she has been nominated for Allied Health Early Career Excellence Awards.

 

Brooke enjoys going to the gym, cooking, walking her Mini Dachshund Arnold, and hanging out with family and friends. She recharges by sitting on the couch with a blanket, heat packs, essential oils, Arnold and re - watching Greys Anatomy.

Leanne Popov

Essendon

She / Her

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

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Leanne is one of our EP's based in Blackburn and Essendon. She loves working with people and helping them to improve their health and wellbeing. Leanne's favourite part of work is being able to support people in progressing towards their goals, and empowering them to understand and manage their invisible symptoms.
 

While Leanne enjoys working with all invisible illnesses, she particularly enjoys working with people who have fatigue syndromes, pain sensitisation and fibromyalgia, orthostatic intolerances and women's health issues and has an interest and background in working with neurological conditions.
 

Outside of work, you'll find Leanne outdoors and exploring new places, going for walks with her dog. spending time with friends and family, enjoying good coffee or reading a good book.
 

Leanne recharges by having a cup of tea, cuddling her dog, listening to music, mindful movement and sitting outside to get some sun and fresh air.

Raeya Bognar

Blackburn

She / Her

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

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Raeya is one of our EP's based in Blackburn. She has a background in Pilates, Yoga, Meditation & Health Coaching and uses these skills with her holistic treatment approach. 

 

Raeya comes with personal experience of complex invisible illnesses from her teens and early adulthood that drove her goals and passions towards helping others.
 

She knows what it's like to have these illnesses, and how much the right help and right team can make such a difference. Raeya enjoys working with paediatrics and neurodiversity most, and has a special interest in chronic fatigue syndromes, dysautonomia and hypermobility spectrum disorders.
 

Raeya enjoys outside time, exercising, reading and audiobooks, and socialising with loved ones, oh, and dogs too. To recharge, Raeya likes to have quiet time to herself, sometimes exercising, sometimes reading, sometimes outside time. She's also now kept on her toes with her little girl who generally keeps her busy but smiling.

Emily Cochrane

Blackburn

She / Her

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Browse Bio

Emily completed a Degree in Exercise & Sport Science as well as a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Deakin University in Australia, and has worked in the Australian Football League (AFL) in both strength & conditioning and high-performance management roles.

 

Her main interests, however, lie in her clinical work which she has passionately pursued due to her personal motivations of being diagnosed with PoTS, ME/CFS, Endometriosis, and Neurodivergence.

 

Emily has also lived in the UK where she noticed that her profession was able to help fill a gap in the healthcare system, and this led to the creation of her own UK based physiology clinic.

 

Emily also supports the training of practitioners across the UK, Ireland, and Australia to upskill in the area of PoTS, hEDS, and fatigue, while volunteering with PoTS UK and the Ehlers-Danlos Society and completing her Doctoral studies in PoTS & fatigue research.

 

Outside of work, Emily loves getting lost in research, reading, and playing video games. To recharge, she spends time with her dog Kai, enjoys a good nap, and unwinds with 1950s films, anime, and K-dramas.

 

If you want to learn more about Emily's experience with invisible illnesses, you can check out her LinkedIn bio below.

Meet Emily on LinkedIn

Kester Corby

Blackburn

He / Him

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Browse Bio

Kester is one of our EP's based in Blackburn. His passion for movement and sport led him to a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Through his placement experience, he discovered what truly made him tick was connecting with people and using movement as a vessel to improve wellbeing.

 

Kester was an audience member in one of Nathan’s University visits and was intrigued by invisible illnesses and the work of Active Health Clinic. He organised to visit the clinic and quickly developed a passion for the field and identified with the clinic’s values and beliefs. He values the power of holistic treatment and believes compassion and empowerment are key to continued health.

 

While Kester has a passion for all things invisible illness, he is especially interested in the role of mental health and influence of mindfulness in the management of these conditions. Kester has experienced the ebbs and flows of his own mental health and engages in introspection and exploration of mindfulness techniques to improve his headspace.

 

Kester enjoys going to the gym, social sport when his body permits it, music events, and spending time with friends, family, and furry pets.
 

Laura Dobson

Blackburn

She / Her

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Browse Bio

Laura is one of our EP’s at our Blackburn clinic. Laura was first introduced to Exercise Physiology during her undergraduate studies where she completed a placement at a spinal cord injury rehabilitation clinic. 

 

Laura was inspired and amazed by the power of exercise as medicine and from that moment on knew it was the career path she wished to pursue. She was first introduced to Active Health Clinic through listening to an EP Podcast Nathan was a guest on and reached out shortly after.

 

Laura is passionate about invisible illnesses and mental health where she strives to build strong and positive relationships with patients to empower them to understand their own individual health journey and help achieve their goals. She highly values collaborative healthcare and working within a team to continue to learn and grow as a practitioner.
Prior to working within the industry Laura worked as a disability support worker, a role she found extremely rewarding as she collaborated with clients to reach their goals and build connections within the community.

 

When she isn’t working Laura enjoys staying active, exploring the outdoors and local markets, going to the footy to watch Collingwood play and hanging out with her loved ones. To recharge Laura enjoys listening to a podcast, watching a cosy TV show, playing on her Nintendo Switch and reading.

Kai Cochrane

Blackburn

She / Her

Fully Qualified Dogter

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Kai is a fully fledged Dogtor with specialist skills in administering kisses and cuddles to people living with complex chronic health conditions.


Kai's special interests include walkies, treats, playing fetch, and rummaging through bins. She has a strong dislike for bicycles.
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Our Dietetics Team

Mel Grande

Blackburn

She / Her

Accredited Practicing Dietitian

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Mel is one of our Dietitian's based in Blackburn. She is passionate about using food as a tool to improve people’s quality of life and understands the emotional and physiological impact that food can have, especially while living with invisible illness.
 

She believes in making food easier and more enjoyable for everyone, especially those who find food challenging for any reason.
Mel has a special interest in dysautonomia, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, gastrointestinal conditions as well as eating disorders/disordered eating. She practices with a nondiet, HAES approach and particularly enjoy healing people’s relationship with food (eg: food fears, food and body trauma and history of dieting).

 

Mel enjoys cooking and sharing good meals and sweets with others and has a love for live music, travel, drawing, being outdoors and spending quality time with the important people and animals in her life.

 

To recharge, Mel likes to have some relaxing quiet time inside watching Netflix or outside soaking up the sun. Mel is also known to enjoy reading, drawing or just sitting with a good cup of tea.

 

Sakina Hashmi

Blackburn

She / Her

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Browse Bio

Sakina is one of our Dietitians based in Blackburn. She is passionate about the power of food, not only for physical health, but also for emotional well-being, connection, and overall quality of life. She believes in offering compassionate, individual-centred care that acknowledges each person’s unique story and experience, especially when living with invisible illness.


She has a strong interest in gut health (including IBS, bloating, reflux, and broader gut-related symptoms), eating disorders and disordered eating, supporting people to repair their relationship with food and working with the invisible illness population. Sakina also values creating a weight-neutral, non-judgmental space for clients, particularly for those who have experienced food or body-related trauma and overall practices with a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach.


Outside of her work, Sakina enjoys baking, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring new cafés and brunch spots. She also loves listening to music from the 80s and 90s and building magnetic block castles with her young nephew.


To recharge, Sakina likes to unwind with a good action comedy or suspense thriller, sketch classic animated cartoons like Tom and Jerry or Popeye, and spend time with friends and family in calm, joyful spaces. She also finds folding clothes into perfectly symmetrical piles surprisingly soothing.

Sophie Begg

Blackburn

She / Her

Accredited Practicing Dietitian

Browse Bio

Sophie is one of our Dietitians at Active Health Clinic. She has always been interested in the ways nutrients can benefit the body on a micro level, but her passion has grown into how nutrition can improve wellbeing and quality of life overall. Sophie’s ethos around food and nutrition is not about eating perfectly, it’s about finding an approach that works best for each individual. She believes food is not just fuel but also a source of connection and joy, and she loves supporting patients to achieve their goals and rediscover the pleasure of eating and cooking.


Sophie has a special interest in disordered eating, non-diet approaches, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), invisible illnesses more broadly, supporting neurodivergent individuals, and helping people heal their relationship with food.


Outside of work, Sophie enjoys exploring new cafes, beach walks with her dog, listening to podcasts, and the occasional at-home yoga session.
To recharge, Sophie loves curling up on the couch with a cup of tea and watching reality TV, spending time with friends and family, or soaking up the sun with a good book.

 
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Our Occupational Therapy Team

Rachel Graham

Blackburn

She / Her

Occupational Therapist

Title

Rachel graduated from Monash University in 2017 and has gained diverse experience in clinical settings, including allied health clinics, child development settings, medical practices, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, aged care facilities, and internationally in New Zealand and Bangladesh.

 

Passionate about learning, Rach has completed training with Occupational Therapists such as Kim Barthel, Kelly Mahler, and Kathy Clarkson. With experience working with Neurodivergent populations, she is excited to continue her journey of learning and growth supporting others to manage challenges and navigate daily life. Rach adopts a person-centered, strengths-based approach, endeavoring to meet people where they are and honouring their authentic selves.

 

Outside of work, Rach enjoys reading, the gym, journaling, weekend getaways, spending time with loved ones, watching footy, caring for her plants, exploring cafes and restaurants, and cuddling other people’s pets.
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Our Administration Team

Angelina Falasca

Blackburn

She / Her

Administration & Reception

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Angelina has found a passion for what she does as part of our team through being a genuine support for people that are facing challenging situations and health journeys.

 

She loves a chat; so she enjoys talking to and helping our patients whether it be in person or over the phone.
In her free time, Angelina likes going on road trips to the beach, taking herself out for a coffee and spending time with friends and family.

 

To recharge, Angelina goes on long walks, bake delicious treats (and eats them!) and spends time in the sunshine.

 

Cassie Jupi

Blackburn

She / Her

Administration & Reception

Browse Bio

Cassie is a friendly and compassionate member of our admin and reception team, always striving to support those living with invisible illnesses. She has a growing understanding of these conditions and loves being part of AHC, seeing the positive impact it has on people's lives.


Outside of work, Cassie enjoys walking, dancing, and unwinding with music or a good podcast. To recharge, she loves watching a romcom, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

 

Charlotte Ball

Blackburn

She / Her

Administration & Reception

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Charlotte became passionate about working with our team after experiencing the benefit of the AHC program herself as a teen with CFS and POTS.
 

Charlotte was inspired by her experience and recovery thanks to those at Active Health Clinic and quickly decided she wanted to help others like her in whatever capacity she could.
 

She is currently studying her Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University and hopes to later become an Exercise Physiologist and work with patients with invisible illnesses.

 

In her free time Charlotte enjoys playing piano, playing netball, taking a nice drive along country roads, and reading.

 

To recharge she likes to re-read her favourite books, listen to music, and stare at the garden on a rainy day.

 

Jamie Hooke

Blackburn

He / Him

Administration & Reception

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Jamie decided to join the AHC family as a receptionist to pay forward all of the support and guidance that the team at AHC provided him in his time as a patient. He was always greeted with kindness and empathy when he would visit or phone the clinic as a patient and was inspired to deliver that same sincere professionalism to clients as a receptionist.


Jamie enjoys exercising and taking nice scenic walks most days. If Jamie is not partaking in those activities, then he is likely working on some creative writing and poetry, or having a cuppa with friends. Jamie’s favourite recharge activity is listening to music or laying someplace outdoors near a stream or river to relax with the sound and sight of flowing water.

 

Jodie Keating

Blackburn

She / Her

Administration & Reception

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Jodie is a dedicated advocate for wellness, driven by her daughter's battle with chronic illness. This personal experience ignited her passion to support others on their own health journeys. Jodie offers guidance and a comforting presence to those facing similar challenges.
 

Jodie finds serenity in her country retreat by the lake, where she enjoys precious moments with her family and their two Rottweilers, Frankie and Murphy. This tranquil space allows her to recharge and reconnect, reminding her of the importance of self -care.

 

Lachie Capp

Blackburn

He / Him

Shop Manager & Administration

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Lachie experienced Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) firsthand, inspiring him to help those with similar hidden chronic conditions. He spreads awareness and advocates for support, driven by
empathy and understanding.


Besides his advocacy, Lachie loves playing guitar, enjoying music, and playing tennis or soccer. He's an adventurous cook, constantly trying new recipes. To recharge, he strums his guitar or watches favorite TV shows in a cool, calm environment.

 

Lachie's journey showcases resilience, care, and a zest for life. His story encourages others to tackle challenges with strength and positivity.
 

Laura ‘Ginny’ Elliott

Blackburn

She / Her

Administration & Reception

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Ginny loves supporting the team at Active Health and getting to know the people she talks to every day. She knows several people who have suffered from the debilitation of chronic invisible illnesses and has found the assistance of the clinic to be invaluable with her own long covid symptoms.
 

Seeing the benefits of how a holistic approach to wellness can help people is something that brings her great personal joy and fulfilment.

 

To recharge, Ginny loves to play console games, sweat through a boxing session, listen to podcasts and get in touch with nature by camping with her family.

 

Ginny will make your time visiting Active Health memorable with her friendly nature and her ability to make everyone smile and be seen.

 

Laura Fyffe

Blackburn

She / Her

Practice Manager

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Laura leads our administration team in her role as Practice Manager. Laura's all about helping individuals access the support they need to get the most out of life which is why she loves working at Active Health Clinic.
 

When Laura's not at work, she enjoys going to see live music and soaking up the sun at the beach. She's a fan of Pilates and has quite the green thumb with her indoor plants and veggie garden.

 

To recharge, Laura loves leisurely walks in nature, her favourite tunes, road trips to new places, and gardening.

 

Hannah Aquino

Blackburn

She / Her

Administration Support

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Prior to joining Active Health Clinic, Hannah didn’t have much experience with Invisible Illnesses and has learned a lot in the time she has worked with the clinic. She is now grateful to be supporting our team and our patients in their health journeys.
 

Hannah enjoys watching Korean Drama, hiking and traveling with family and friends.

 

To recharge Hannah likes visiting the beach or just simply going to a coffee shop with anyone and talking about anything.

 

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