Meet Our Woonona Team
Patrick Weston
Position: BaiMed Partner Titled Sports Physiotherapist, Exercise Physiologist, BaiMed Director
Location: Woonona and Wollongong
Qualifications: Master of Sports Physiotherapy (2015), Postgraduate Master of Physiotherapy (2007 University of Canberra), Exercise and Sports Science (2004 University of Sydney)
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Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- Australian Physiotherapy Association Titled Sports Physiotherapist (2015)
- Accredited NSWIS Physiotherapist provider (2015-current)
- Head Physiotherapist to the Australian Canoe Slalom team (2008-2016)
- Team Physiotherapist at the 2012 London Olympic Games
- Clinical Pilates Instructor (2008-current)
- Dry Needling Practitioner
- Member Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Member Australian Sports Physiotherapy Association
Patrick is a highly experienced Titled Sports Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist with over 12 years of experience working with a variety of elite level athletes and teams. He has worked extensively with Olympic athletes.
His special interest lies in running and tendon loading injuries such as those of the Achilles and Patella, as well as injuries of the shoulder and thoracic spine. Applying current research to diagnosis, treatment and management, Patrick’s individualised approach ensures his patients achieve a successful return to competition or fulfil their individual goals.
Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his family, road trail running, surfing and craft beers. Patrick continues to train for various road and trail events, his goal is to continue to challenge his marathon PB in the future.
Patrick Weston
Position: BaiMed Partner Titled Sports Physiotherapist, Exercise Physiologist, BaiMed Director
Location: Woonona and Wollongong
Qualifications: Master of Sports Physiotherapy (2015), Postgraduate Master of Physiotherapy (2007 University of Canberra), Exercise and Sports Science (2004 University of Sydney)
Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- Australian Physiotherapy Association Titled Sports Physiotherapist (2015)
- Accredited NSWIS Physiotherapist provider (2015-current)
- Head Physiotherapist to the Australian Canoe Slalom team (2008-2016)
- Team Physiotherapist at the 2012 London Olympic Games
- Clinical Pilates Instructor (2008-current)
- Dry Needling Practitioner
- Member Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Member Australian Sports Physiotherapy Association
Patrick is a highly experienced Titled Sports Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist with over 12 years of experience working with a variety of elite level athletes and teams. He has worked extensively with Olympic athletes.
His special interest lies in running and tendon loading injuries such as those of the Achilles and Patella, as well as injuries of the shoulder and thoracic spine. Applying current research to diagnosis, treatment and management, Patrick’s individualised approach ensures his patients achieve a successful return to competition or fulfil their individual goals.
Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his family, road trail running, surfing and craft beers. Patrick continues to train for various road and trail events, his goal is to continue to challenge his marathon PB in the future.
Scott Muttdon
Position: Owner / Operations Manager / Illawarra Hawks NBL Head Physio
Location: Kiama, Wollongong, Woonona
Qualifications: Bach App Sc. (Physiotherapy)
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Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- St George Illawarra Dragons (2009-2015) physiotherapist as varying levels from junior reps, NYC, NRL.
- Illawarra Hawks Performance Program Manager 2015 – current
- NSW Junior State of Origin Physio 2014 – current
Scott has been with BaiMed since 2009 and is one of the owners. Originally based at the Wollongong clinic, he left to open the Woonona clinic in 2012 and then the Kiama clinic in 2015. His interest in holistic biomechanical based treatment, means Scott’s primary focus is on injury prevention and athletic development, and loves working with people in a team based environment to create positive change.
Outside work, Scott enjoys spending time with his family including amazing, supportive, understanding wife Sarah and two kids – boisterous, strong-willed, fiercely independent son Will and gentle natured, quiet, gorgeous daughter Nellie.
Scott Muttdon
Position: Owner / Operations Manager / Illawarra Hawks NBL Head Physio
Location: Kiama, Wollongong, Woonona
Qualifications: Bach App Sc. (Physiotherapy)
Professional Achievements and Accreditations:
- St George Illawarra Dragons (2009-2015) physiotherapist as varying levels from junior reps, NYC, NRL.
- Illawarra Hawks Performance Program Manager 2015 – current
- NSW Junior State of Origin Physio 2014 – current
Scott has been with BaiMed since 2009 and is one of the owners. Originally based at the Wollongong clinic, he left to open the Woonona clinic in 2012 and then the Kiama clinic in 2015. His interest in holistic biomechanical based treatment, means Scott’s primary focus is on injury prevention and athletic development, and loves working with people in a team based environment to create positive change.
Outside work, Scott enjoys spending time with his family including amazing, supportive, understanding wife Sarah and two kids – boisterous, strong-willed, fiercely independent son Will and gentle natured, quiet, gorgeous daughter Nellie.
Joanne Buchan
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: BaAppSci(Phty) Sydney University
Jo has extensive physiotherapy experience and has been practising for over 20 years. You’ll find her treating out of our Woonona clinic, she enjoys working on any injury/condition but has a special interest in lumbar spine, pelvis pain and working with our senior population.
Jo has been involved with numerous local athletes at both amateur and professional levels. Jo has a love for travel and snowboarding, these passions took her to live in the UK for over two years and a winter season in Jindabyne where she treated all manner of snow sport injuries from the weekend warrior to professional Australian and International skiers and snowboarders.
Outside work you’ll find Jo spending time with her husband and her two children or drinking at coffee at her favourite café.
Joanne Buchan
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: BaAppSci(Phty) Sydney University
Jo has extensive physiotherapy experience and has been practising for over 20 years. You’ll find her treating out of our Woonona clinic, she enjoys working on any injury/condition but has a special interest in lumbar spine, pelvis pain and working with our senior population.
Jo has been involved with numerous local athletes at both amateur and professional levels. Jo has a love for travel and snowboarding, these passions took her to live in the UK for over two years and a winter season in Jindabyne where she treated all manner of snow sport injuries from the weekend warrior to professional Australian and International skiers and snowboarders.
Outside work you’ll find Jo spending time with her husband and her two children or drinking at coffee at her favourite café.
Tiarne Ayres
Position: Remedial and Pregnancy Massage Therapist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre & Woonona
Qualifications: Partner Training & Massage for Pregnancy – Pregnancy Massage Australia (2014), Diploma of Remedial Massage – Shellharbour TAFE NSW (2013), Certificate of Pregnancy Massage – Pregnancy Massage Australia (2013), Certificate IV Massage Therapy Practice – Shellharbour TAFE NSW (2012), Member of Massage Association of Australia (MMA) and Pregnancy Massage Australia.
After four years as a Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer, Tiarne became qualified as a Massage Therapist. She is passionate about working with various types of clients including elite athletes to help them achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Outside work, Tiarne is an avid fan of the Cronulla Sharks and Illawarra Hawks. She also couldn’t live without her running shoes, having completed Half Marathons and Trail Running, including the Coastal Classic. This fun-loving lady is married with three children, and loves spending time with family and friends.
Tiarne Ayres
Position: Remedial and Pregnancy Massage Therapist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre & Woonona
Qualifications: Partner Training & Massage for Pregnancy – Pregnancy Massage Australia (2014), Diploma of Remedial Massage – Shellharbour TAFE NSW (2013), Certificate of Pregnancy Massage – Pregnancy Massage Australia (2013), Certificate IV Massage Therapy Practice – Shellharbour TAFE NSW (2012), Member of Massage Association of Australia (MMA) and Pregnancy Massage Australia.
After four years as a Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer, Tiarne became qualified as a Massage Therapist. She is passionate about working with various types of clients including elite athletes to help them achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Outside work, Tiarne is an avid fan of the Cronulla Sharks and Illawarra Hawks. She also couldn’t live without her running shoes, having completed Half Marathons and Trail Running, including the Coastal Classic. This fun-loving lady is married with three children, and loves spending time with family and friends.
Jodie Hirst
Position: Dietitian
Location: Wollongong / Woonona / Shoalhaven / Kiama
Qualifications: Masters of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics), Bachelor of Science (Nutrition), Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Accredited Sports Dietitian
Jodie passionately believes health and nutrition work hand in hand. She loves working with people to help them achieve their health goals – by offering them a new perspective on nutrition, one that works for them. Mum to two busy, active (hungry) young boys, Jodie enjoys keeping fit in her ‘spare’ time by running and going to the gym. She also loves (would you believe it) food, whether it be cooking and entertaining at home, or eating out with friends.
Jodie Hirst
Position: Dietitian
Location: Wollongong / Woonona / Shoalhaven / Kiama
Qualifications: Masters of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics), Bachelor of Science (Nutrition), Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Accredited Sports Dietitian
Jodie passionately believes health and nutrition work hand in hand. She loves working with people to help them achieve their health goals – by offering them a new perspective on nutrition, one that works for them. Mum to two busy, active (hungry) young boys, Jodie enjoys keeping fit in her ‘spare’ time by running and going to the gym. She also loves (would you believe it) food, whether it be cooking and entertaining at home, or eating out with friends.
Nikki Courtney
Position: Osteopath
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: : Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters degree in Osteopathy from the University of Western Sydney.
Nikki has been practicing for 10 years. Prior to her Osteopathic studies Nikki completed a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance at the University of Western Sydney (Nepean) and taught various styles of dance for 12 years. Nikki has a passion for treating dance injuries and educating young dancers in how to manage and prevent injuries through safe dance practices and correct technique.
Nikki’s other special interest is the treatment and management of chronic musculoskeletal pain including lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain and headaches.
Nikki Courtney
Position: Osteopath
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: : Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters degree in Osteopathy from the University of Western Sydney.
Nikki has been practicing for 10 years. Prior to her Osteopathic studies Nikki completed a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance at the University of Western Sydney (Nepean) and taught various styles of dance for 12 years. Nikki has a passion for treating dance injuries and educating young dancers in how to manage and prevent injuries through safe dance practices and correct technique.
Nikki’s other special interest is the treatment and management of chronic musculoskeletal pain including lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain and headaches.
Alex Verass
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre and Woonona
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation at University of Canberra
Alex grew up in Canberra, always playing and being passionate about sport. He was heavily involved with my rugby club which included him helping run a high performance strength and conditioning program during the off season. He also completed an internship with a top end rehab provider in Canberra.
Alex enjoys consulting with clients, running physical assessments, prescribing, explaining and demonstrating rehabilitation exercises, & athlete development.
Outside of work, Alex likes playing and watching rugby, taking his dog to the beach, bike rides, running, travelling and exploring, spending time with his friends and family
Alex Verass
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Location: BaiMed Performance Centre and Woonona
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation at University of Canberra
Alex grew up in Canberra, always playing and being passionate about sport. He was heavily involved with my rugby club which included him helping run a high performance strength and conditioning program during the off season. He also completed an internship with a top end rehab provider in Canberra.
Alex enjoys consulting with clients, running physical assessments, prescribing, explaining and demonstrating rehabilitation exercises, & athlete development.
Outside of work, Alex likes playing and watching rugby, taking his dog to the beach, bike rides, running, travelling and exploring, spending time with his friends and family
Callum O’Brien
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: BAppSc (Sport & Exercise Science), Masters (Physiotherapy)
Callum O’Brien
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: BAppSc (Sport & Exercise Science), Masters (Physiotherapy)
Melinda Sandon
Position: Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: BAppSci (Physiotherapy) Sydney University / Postgraduate studies (WHTA) Women’s Health Training Association
Melinda has worked in a variety of public and private settings since her graduation in 2004 across the Sydney, Illawarra and Central Coast Health districts.
In 2015, Melinda commenced advanced training in pelvic floor management and established a Women’s Health Physiotherapy clinic at Bateau Bay Medical Centre, whilst living on the NSW central coast.
Melinda is thrilled to be joining the BaiMed team, practicing out of our Woonona clinic. Having recently settled at Thirroul with her husband and four young children, she’ll often be seen running around the local beaches, playgrounds and coffee shops trying to keep up with the many commitments of her busy family.
Melinda Sandon
Position: Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: BAppSci (Physiotherapy) Sydney University / Postgraduate studies (WHTA) Women’s Health Training Association
Melinda has worked in a variety of public and private settings since her graduation in 2004 across the Sydney, Illawarra and Central Coast Health districts.
In 2015, Melinda commenced advanced training in pelvic floor management and established a Women’s Health Physiotherapy clinic at Bateau Bay Medical Centre, whilst living on the NSW central coast.
Melinda is thrilled to be joining the BaiMed team, practicing out of our Woonona clinic. Having recently settled at Thirroul with her husband and four young children, she’ll often be seen running around the local beaches, playgrounds and coffee shops trying to keep up with the many commitments of her busy family.
Claire Nicholls
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Science Wollongong University, Masters of Physiotherapy Curtin University
Claire has always been passionate about sport and as a teenager she was a competitive swimmer and her highlights include national medals for under 17 and 18yrs, 5km and 10km open water swims. In 2017 she completed the Rottnest Channel Swim in 5hrs 57min. In her second last year of her undergraduate degree she went on exchange to North Carolina University and decided to try out for the crew team. This was an experience to be a division one athlete for 6 months in an American college.
After graduating in Curtin, Claire moved to the Snowy Mountains to Cooma and took up snowboarding and league tag. Claire worked as a sports trainer for 5 years with various sporting codes at all different levels including rugby union, rugby league and soccer. She has taught clinical Pilates for 2 years and enjoys seeing people learn to appreciate how strong and amazing their bodies are.
Outside of work you’ll find Claire playing social touch and netball, hiking and spending time with her 8 month old Kelpie who keeps her very active!
Claire Nicholls
Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Science Wollongong University, Masters of Physiotherapy Curtin University
Claire has always been passionate about sport and as a teenager she was a competitive swimmer and her highlights include national medals for under 17 and 18yrs, 5km and 10km open water swims. In 2017 she completed the Rottnest Channel Swim in 5hrs 57min. In her second last year of her undergraduate degree she went on exchange to North Carolina University and decided to try out for the crew team. This was an experience to be a division one athlete for 6 months in an American college.
After graduating in Curtin, Claire moved to the Snowy Mountains to Cooma and took up snowboarding and league tag. Claire worked as a sports trainer for 5 years with various sporting codes at all different levels including rugby union, rugby league and soccer. She has taught clinical Pilates for 2 years and enjoys seeing people learn to appreciate how strong and amazing their bodies are.
Outside of work you’ll find Claire playing social touch and netball, hiking and spending time with her 8 month old Kelpie who keeps her very active!
Ellen Lee
Name: Ellen Lee
Position: Exercise Physiologist
Location: Woonona
Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation (University of Canberra – Completed 2019), Masters in Disability & Inclusion (Deakin University – Currently Undertaking)
Ellen grew up in a big Italian family, she loves to cook, eat and travel. She played softball growing up and represented the ACT from U13-U19 at a state level. She has a special interest in assisting people with disabilities to help empower peoples lives.
Outside of work you will find Ellen at the beach, spending time with her family, friends and her puppy!
Teale Vella
Position: Physiotherapist
Locations: Wollongong, Woonona and Performance Centre
Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) The University of Sydney. Currently completing specialisation training in Women’s Health with APA.
As part of the Bumps team, Teale is trained to help with:
– Back and pelvic girdle pain
– Pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joint pain
– Carpal Tunnel and Dequervains Tenosynovitis
– Abdominal separation
– Advice and education during pregnancy and the post partum period
– Returning to exercise post partum
– Mastitis and blocked ducts
Teale currently runs our BaiMed Bumps Pregnancy and Post Natal Exercise classes. She is trained in Clinical Pilates and Dry Needling.
Teale has also completed industry leading research with The University of Sydney investigating heading injuries in youth National Premier League. Her research was the first to include Australian data and has been pivotal in informing injury prevention policy with FIFA and Football NSW.
Click here to read Teale’s published research #makeheadingsafer
Teale has spent several years working in Football in the National Premier League and Illawarra Premier League. Her previous Physio experience includes working with:
– Sydney FC Juniors
– UOW Tottenham Academy
– Wollongong Wolves Football Cub
– South Sydney Rabbitohs Touch
– South Coast Flame Football Club
– Vikings Rugby Union
– Port Kembla and Fernhill Football Cubs
Teale is a lover of all animals having grown up on a farm. She has 2 fur babies – Moscow; the mischievous Beagle x Husky, and Winston; the loyal chocolate Labrador.
Outside of work, you’ll find Teale in the kitchen whipping up a storm or cuddling an animal of any sort!
Jack Mack
Name: Jack Mack
Position: Physiotherapist
Locations: Woonona
Qualifications: Exercise Science & Sports Coaching / Sports Management and Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra.
Jack grew up in Ulladulla, South Coast NSW and moved to Canberra to complete his Exercise Science & Sports Coaching / Sports Management and Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra.
Jacks career highlights have been extensive including being the sports trainer for Easts Rugby Club with Accelerate Physiotherapy Pool Lifeguard at Canberra International Sports and Aquatic Centre, Canberra Camp Counsellor at Pali Adventures Summer Camp, Los Angeles Event Management Internship with World Surf League, Teahupoo Billabong Pro Biomechanical and Competitive Analyst Internship with the University swim team and Ginniderra swim club, Canberra.
Jack enjoys treating a wide range of injuries with a specific interest in sport specific return to sport and lower limb injuries. Outside of work you’ll find Jack enjoying the outdoors Surfing, Travelling, Snowboarding, Diving and Hiking.
Brianna Murphy
Position: Podiatrist
Location: Woonona & Kiama
Qualifications: Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Western Sydney University), Dry needling clinician
Brianna graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine. She was awarded the Dean’s Award and Ted and Grace Renton Perpetual Memorial Award in final year podiatry and biomechanics. Brianna brings with her a variety of experience within the podiatry field. She has special interests in dry needling, acupuncture and musculoskeletal techniques. In conjunction to this, Brianna is also interested in general podiatry and diabetic foot care. Throughout her training, she gained experience in the many different areas of podiatry.
Outside of work, you’ll find Brianna at the gym, on hikes, trying new restaurants or spending time with her 2 dogs.
Brianna Murphy
Position: Podiatrist
Location: Woonona & Kiama
Qualifications: Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Western Sydney University), Dry needling clinician
Brianna graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine. She was awarded the Dean’s Award and Ted and Grace Renton Perpetual Memorial Award in final year podiatry and biomechanics. Brianna brings with her a variety of experience within the podiatry field. She has special interests in dry needling, acupuncture and musculoskeletal techniques. In conjunction to this, Brianna is also interested in general podiatry and diabetic foot care. Throughout her training, she gained experience in the many different areas of podiatry.
Outside of work, you’ll find Brianna at the gym, on hikes, trying new restaurants or spending time with her 2 dogs.