Meet the Stepping Forward Team

Our Approach

At Stepping Forward, our physiotherapists use their knowledge of physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics and development, to assess and treat muscle and joint dysfunction, developmental difficulties and gross motor skills.
Our approach considers each individual child’s ability to integrate sensory input, their abilities in motor planning and their interests and motivation.
Our physiotherapists combines our professional skills with a play based approach to facilitate engagement at all ages.
Our physiotherapists actively promote a multidisciplinary approach, and collaborate closely with other therapists and medical professionals
Our physiotherapists are always looking for creative ways to help our young patients achieve meaningful progress.

Audrey (she/her) brings a lively and engaging approach, backed by over 20 years experience in paediatric physiotherapy within the hospital, private practice, school and the disability sectors. Since graduating from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor in Physiotherapy (1999), she has been involved in clinical training and assessment of undergraduate physiotherapists. She has completed numerous post-graduate courses, and is committed to the being a lifelong learner.

At Stepping Forward Therapy Services, Audrey supports her team in the assessment and management of childhood conditions, from newborns to young adults. Her special interest in developmental paediatrics and movement disorders is complemented by her experience in sports and spinal physiotherapy, adding to her understanding of biomechanics and movement. Her approach includes manual therapy, assistive technology prescription and training, serial casting and dry needling - with a strong focus on meaningful outcomes.

Post-graduate training includes:

Spinal Physiotherapy Level 1 Qualification (APA)
Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 1 Qualification (APA)
Dry Needling Level 1 Qualification (APA)
Clinical Pliates Matwork Qualification (DMA)
24 hour postural support and positioning course completion (Medifab)
Wheelchair prescription course completion
Attendance at Changemakers Conference in 2021 (Kids+)
Attendence at APA Bi-annual Conference 2005, 2014, 2023
As well as attending a wide variety of seminars and lectures through the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

She is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, the National Paediatric Group, Dry Needling and Acupuncture group and the National Disability Awareness Group. She has 3 children of her own, and loves being active. She appreciates that physiotherapy programs needs to be flexible to be effective; and they need to be fun in order to motivate change.

PRINCIPAL PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Audrey Lee

With an extensive 25 year+ career in paediatric physiotherapy across Australia and Great Britain, Melanie (she/her) brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her professional journey includes significant contributions in senior positions at the Royal Children’s Hospital and various educational and community settings.

Her expertise centres on developmental and neurological paediatrics. Melanie's approach to physiotherapy is holistic and patient-centred, emphasizing collaboration with families to achieve shared objectives.

Melanie’s post-graduate training includes:

Sunrise Medical Special seating assessment course
Chailey Heritage Postural management course
Gait Analysis with Elaine Owen
Aquatic Physiotherapy Course with Dr Heather Epps
Manual Handling

Melanie leads the aquatic physiotherapy services at Stepping Forward. Melanie enjoys using the aquatic environment to further enhance the development of children’s goals.

Melanie is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the National Paediatric Group. Melanie has 2 children of her own and understands the need for therapy programs to be fun, versatile and relevant.

SENIOR PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Melanie Gibbs

Charlotte (she/her) is a Monash University honours graduate, who started with Stepping Forward Therapy Services in 2020.

She has more than 10 years’ experience in working with children and families and is dedicated to achieving the goals of children and families.

She has done a variety of post-graduate training, including:

Royal Children’s Hospital Starting Blocks Course
Sports Physiotherapy Level 1 Qualification
Dry Needling Level 1 Qualification
Attendance at Changemakers Conference in 2021
Kids Plus Fundamental Paediatric Practise Workshop
As well as attending a wide variety of seminars and lectures through the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

She has a particular interest in working with children with limb differences, amputations, and prosthetics, and finds the combination of gait training and prosthetic componentry fascinating.

She has worked with amputees within the Stepping Forward clinic, as well as lending a hand in amputee clinics such as the Ossur Mobility Clinic.

She also loves working alongside children and families with hypermobility issues, hypotonia and connective tissue disorders, and has done a variety of post-graduate study in the area.

Beyond her professional life, Charlotte he enjoys reading, practicing karate, and singing in a choir, showcasing her well-rounded personality and diverse interests.

PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Charlotte Nicholls

Dora completed her Physiotherapy degree at La Trobe University in 2011 and a Masters of Physiotherapy (General) via Coursework in 2014, at the University of Melbourne. Since this time, Dora has worked extensively in both adult and paediatric private practice, a private hospital and for a not-for-profit organisation, Scope Victoria.

Outside of her clinical work, Dora has made significant contributions to Swinburne University of Technology's curriculum design in Early Life and Specific Populations. She is due to assist in the design of the Physiotherapy course at RMIT and will impart her knowledge as a Sessional Lecturer and Tutor.

Dora’s post-graduate training includes:

Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatrics (University of Melbourne)
DMA Level 1 and 2 Clinical Pilates
Starting Blocks Course of Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Kids Hypermobility
Introduction to Paediatric Pelvic Floor
Kids in Sport Symposium
Kids Plus Fundamental Paediatric Practice.

Dora is an energetic, yet calm, and empathetic individual. As a mother of two young boys, Dora understands the complexities of family life. She enjoys the challenge of incorporating Physiotherapy goals and exercises into the day-to-day lives of her patients and their families. Her special interests include misshapen heads, developmental delay, musculoskeletal and neurodevelopmental concerns. Due to her sporting background, Dora aims to pass on a lifelong love of physical activity to all of her patients, despite their age and physical ability.

In her spare time, Dora loves spending time with her family and friends, working out at the gym, running and cooking. Having been born in Hungary, Dora also loves travelling and trying different cuisines. She speaks Hungarian fluently and French at a tourist-level.

PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Dora Konya-Bonner

Nicole (she/her) earned her Doctor of Physiotherapy degree from the University of Melbourne and was honoured with ‘The Physiotherapy Research Foundation Award’ and ‘The Leadership and Management Award’ for her outstanding academic performance.

Since graduating, Nicole has pursued postgraduate qualifications including the APPI Clinical Pilates Level 1 Matwork course, further enhancing her repertoire in exercise prescription.

Within the field of paediatrics, Nicole has a passion for early childhood development where she combines her clinical knowledge with a deep understanding of child development to provide holistic care to young patients and their families. She is passionate about supporting children in their formative years, helping them to reach their full potential through personalised treatment plans and evidence-based interventions.

Nicole is proficient in providing play-based movement therapy to enhance child engagement and enjoyment in therapy sessions. She is also trained in serial casting to help increase mobility for individuals with various musculoskeletal conditions.

Outside of the clinic, Nicole loves to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines around the world. She enjoys playing piano and loves to watch her favourite AFL team Collingwood play on the weekend.

Nicole is also a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Paediatrics Special Interest Group.

PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Nicole Dimopoulos

Conrad (he/him), a LaTrobe University graduate, holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Physiotherapy Practice. His journey in physiotherapy began as a community therapist, working with both children and adults.

His passion for working with children was sparked during his university studies and placements. Conrad is a firm believer in evidence-based interventions, ensuring that both the child's and the family's goals are met.

Outside the clinic, Conrad leads an active and diverse life. He enjoys playing social futsal, video games and exploring Melbourne’s rich culinary scene. His cultural versatility extends to languages, being semi-fluent in Cantonese and understanding Mandarin. An active member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Paediatrics Special Interest Group.

PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Conrad So

Justin (He/Him) brings a wealth of knowledge with a background in both clinical practice and research. Justin holds a Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne, where he also completed his Bachelor of Biomedicine with Honors in the field of Oncological Molecular Biochemistry.

With nine years of dedicated service in various healthcare settings, Justin excels in patient-centered care.

At Stepping Forward Therapy Services, Justin employs his adaptive problem-solving skills to devise personalised treatment plans. His approach is comprehensive, encompassing innovative solutions to ensure each child receives the best possible care.

Outside of the clinic, you will find Justin out on the Baseball diamond, at his parent’s farm or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. Justin is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and also a member of both the national Paediatric and Neurological special interest groups.

Justin Gourlay

PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Administration Team

At Stepping Forward Therapy Services, we also have a great administrative team! Megan Smith is our Practice Manager and manages our funded programs. This includes NDIS funded physiotherapy, and facilitates the setting up of Service Agreements, and assisting families in accessing their plan.

Ella, Jacinta, Ashling and Elizabeth are the friendly faces at reception, who can help organise your appointments and make your visit to us easy and enjoyable.

We also have Jack and Jill, our training dolls and Facebook page contributors – in charge of shenanigans.

Megan Smith

PRACTICE MANAGER

Megan (she/her) is the practice manager at Stepping Forward Therapy Services, known for her exceptional organisational and management skills. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for efficiency, Megan ensures the smooth operation of the practice, providing an indispensable backbone to the daily functioning of the clinic.

Her role extends beyond her administrative duties; Megan is instrumental in creating a positive and productive work environment. Megan's dedication to the practice is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence, making her an invaluable asset to Stepping Forward Therapy Services.

Ella

ADMINISTRATOR

Jacinta

ADMINISTRATOR

Ashling

ADMINISTRATOR

We look forward to servicing your child’s paediatric physiotherapy needs.

Our Approach