TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
STEPHANIE NOVAK
Physiotherapist
Stephanie graduated from La Trobe University in 2011 and is both a physiotherapist and DMA trained Pilates instructor with an experienced background as a Checetti method ballerina.
As a long term dancer herself, she understands the importance of correcting compensatory movement patterns, often adopted by those with injuries, before they become a long term problem. She puts a key focus towards looking at the body holistically whether it be general posture, injury management or pre/post natal.
Stephanie has worked locally and nationally with a variety of different sports including local football clubs, dance groups, netball and cross fit. Internationally she has toured Canada and the United States with a dance ensemble and has worked for several years in the private sector in London.
Stephanie is available for hands on physiotherapy appointment at the clinic or pilates appointments at the studio.
HARRY NGOO (Hui Le)
Physiotherapist
Harry (Hui Le) completed his Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. He previously has obtained a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Human Structure and Function. Hui Le has done additional training in dry needling.
With a keen passion for musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, Harry is a strong believer in a combination approach of hands-on manual therapy, education, evidence-based management, and a large focus on client-tailored exercise prescription. In addition to working at the clinic, Harry has been and continues to be involved with local footy teams.
In his downtime, Harry enjoys doing all things active including weight training, playing basketball and exploring the outdoors. Harry loves travelling and is fascinated by different cultures - he wishes to finally visit Europe in the next few years. As a Malaysian-born Chinese, he also speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.
Harry offers hands on physiotherapy, clinical pilates, dry needling, hydrotherapy and exercise based rehabilitation at In Stride. He is available most weekdays including before/after work and Saturday mornings.
LOUISE HATELEY
Physiotherapist (Women's Health)
Louise has been working as a physiotherapist for over 20 years, experiencing a wide range of physiotherapy services from elite sports through to remote aboriginal communities. Louise has always been a runner and a fitness enthusiast herself, she loves working with clients to enable them to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
After settling in Ascot Vale and having three children of her own, Louise’s professional focus switched to Womens Health Physiotherapy and Pelvic Floor management, helping women maintain fitness and health throughout the journey of pregnancy, motherhood and into menopause as well, ensuring that women can achieve a full recovery and rehabilitation specific to these stages of life.
She is passionate about increasing “womens health talk” and normalising these discussions so that women seek out and receive treatment for these issues allowing them to lead a full and active life.
Lou also runs our GLA:D exercise groups, which is a program designed to help people with Osteoarthritis to reduce pain and improve functions. She is standard presence in our rehabilitation gym and is passionate in her belief that you can be fit, strong and healthy at all ages.
BROOKE BURGOYNE
Physiotherapist
Brooke completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2011 at LaTrobe University. Since then she has worked in private practice both in Melbourne and Ballarat treating numerous musculoskeletal injuries across a diverse range of clients including local sports teams.
Brooke has also completed extra training in Pilates and Hydrotherapy. She also completed her training as a GLA:D Physiotherapist in 2018. Brooke is passionate about using a combination of hands-on techniques, exercise and education to achieve client outcomes.
Brooke has a special interest in neck/back pain as well as sports injuries, women's health, and injury prevention. Her interest in women’s health has increased since becoming a mother in 2019.
Outside of work Brooke enjoys keeping fit by running and going hiking when she can. She also gets plenty of exercise chasing her toddler around.
NAOMI CRAWFORD
Physiotherapist
Naomi graduated from La Trobe University's Master of Physiotherapy Practice after completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University. She has a keen interest in the prevention of and recurrence of injury, which developed after she was plagued with recurrent shoulder problems while working as a barista for the better part of a decade. She also has a particular interest in the role of mental health in return to work and return to sport after injury. Naomi is qualified to provide dry needling.
While studying at Deakin, Naomi developed a love of strength and conditioning and its role in injury rehabilitation, as well as exercise therapy in chronic disease management. She also previously taught yoga across three studios in her home town of Canberra, and effectively applies this experience in running Clinical Pilates group classes. Her passion lies in helping people move with intention and intuition to get them back to doing what they love, whatever that means to them.
In her downtime, Naomi loves playing the drums, yelling for the Western Bulldogs in the AFL, and cuddling her cat, Bug. She primarily keeps active by lifting weights at the gym, but swears that this is the year she finally takes up running!
Naomi works full time hours at In Stride. She is available for physiotherapy and clinical pilates most weekdays including out of hours and Saturday mornings.
VANESSA D'ANDREA
Physiotherapist
Vanessa completed her Masters of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University after graduating from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science.
Her passion lies in guiding individuals on their journey to optimal health and wellbeing.
As a dedicated middle-distance runner, her personal commitment to fitness directly influences her approach to physiotherapy. The connection between athletic performance and rehabilitation enables Vanessa to provide insightful, tailored care to her clients. She is dedicated to ensuring her clients are in optimal health to achieve their peak performance, whether they are athletes or individuals working to achieve their personal fitness goals.
Vanessa enjoys gaining hands on experience working with the Western Bulldogs VFL program. In this role, she assists with injury assessment, player care and match day assistance, blending her passion for sports with professional expertise.
Outside of the clinic, Vanessa enjoys keeping an active lifestyle through running and swimming, baking some tasty sweets for family and friends and getting out and enjoying the sunshine.
KATH MILLER
Podiatrist
Kath is a podiatrist with over twenty five years clinical experience. A graduate of La Trobe University, Kath’s career has spanned over elite/international sports teams (in Australia and England), working with disadvantaged/homeless communities in the public sector, research, and the high risk foot in a hospital setting.
Kath has mixed her clinical work with management (she was a founding Director of In Stride between 2007 – 2024) and for many years leading a podiatry team in community health. Having worked with North Melbourne and Carlton AFL clubs, the London Towers basketball team and other international level athletes, Kath maintains a strong interest in sporting injuries and biomechanics. She has also worked in the paediatric setting for many years and loves helping young children with foot or foot related conditions (her inspiration for being a podiatrist came from seeing one as a child herself for shin splints).
Kath is available two days a week for podiatry appointments. When not at work, Kath is looking after her two small children. Her interests outside of work is in travel, good food, wine and being in the great outdoors.
Jake completed his Masters in Podiatry from La Trobe University after graduating from La Trobe University with a Bachelor in Health Science majoring in Physiology and Anatomy. Jake has a passion for health and fitness with an extensive sporting background competing at a national level for athletics and state level for rowing. The scope of podiatry is something that has always fascinated Jake and he loves the hands-on aspect of treatment. To keep fit now, Jake is a recreational runner which has led to a special interest in biomechanics, footwear, sporting and running injuries.
Jake has extensive experience in private practice and has worked with various sporting teams including football, netball and triathlon clubs. He prides himself on his ability to set goals with patients and has a passion for junior sport and helping young athletes achieve their goals. Jake is a member of the Australian Podiatry Association.
Outside of the clinic you'll find Jake playing golf, going to the footy to watch his beloved Collingwood or catching up with friends and family at any of Melbourne's go to spots!
JAKE AYRES
Podiatrist
NICOLA GUY
Myotherapist / Remedial Massage Therapist
Nicola started working professionally in allied heath in 2001. She studied a Diploma of Health Science before she completed her Advanced Diploma Myotherapy at Victoria University in 2014. Nicola started at In Stride in 2014 and has also worked as a myotherapist at several clinics around Melbourne. She brings with her experience in Sports and deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, Myofascial release and remedial massage.
During her treatments, Nicola will include assessment of your biomechanics, along with a combination of deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and may also prescribe corrective home exercises.
Nicola is an accredited member of the Australian Natural Therapy Association (A.N.T.A) and is a registered Provider with all the major Private Health Funds.
When not at In Stride, Nicola shares her industry knowledge by teaching at a university. She feels lucky to have travelled a lot when the term global roaming meant lots of untracked exploring, not a benefit of a phone plan! Nicola enjoys swimming as a means to keep fit.
KAYLA HENNINGSEN
Dietitian
After completing a Bachelor of Health Science at The University of Queensland, Kayla made the move to Melbourne to study a Master of Dietetics at Monash University. Since then Kayla has continued her study at Monash University by undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy in Gastroenterology and Extreme’s Physiology.
During her studies, Kayla has built upon her interests in all thing’s gut health and preventative practice. This has led to Kayla researching the impact that varying nutrition interventions have on preventing gastrointestinal related disease, particularly in ultra-endurance athletes and military personnel.
Kayla’s gut health research has gained international traction and will be presented at several global conferences and events this year.
In her spare time Kayla enjoys going for a surf and a snorkel, trail running, training at her favourite powerlifting gym, oil painting, and experimenting in the kitchen!
Kayla provides dietitian consultations on Wednesdays at In Stride Health Clinic.
PAULINE CRAWFORD
Asministration
Pauline started working at In Stride in 2017 and has worked in other allied health clinics too. Pauline was born and bred in Ascot Vale and fondly remembers when there was a corner milk bar, a movie theatre & Police Station all located right on Union Road.
Pauline has loved working at In Stride from the day she started. She reports she refers to the team as her work family.
When not working, Pauline enjoys making homemade candles and travelling with her husband. The highlight of her week is Wednesday night family dinners with her sons, their partners & beautiful granddaughters Poppy and Gracie.
NICQUI MERLINO
Administration
Nicqui first joined the admin team at In Stride in 2009 for a few years and returned to In Stride in 2019. In between, she worked in events management which involved travelling all over Australia.
Nicqui has many talents including interior decorating, cooking (which the team benefit from weekly!) craft projects, travelling and she loves to shop.
Nicqui finds it exciting to see how In Stride has grown and loves working in the new premises on Epsom Road. Nicqui enjoys working with the wonderful team with a common goal of helping people and is proud to be a part of In Stride.
ALANA WERDEN
Administration
Alana joined In Stride in 2024. She is currently finishing a Bachelor of Health Sciences, and has applied for a Master of Occupational Therapy Practice. Driven by a strong passion for helping others, Alana thoroughly enjoys working at the clinic, contributing to the care and development of clients.
Outside of work, Alana loves to travel the world and play social netball with friends. She recently went on semester exchange to London, England for her studies! With a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, Alana is excited to continue working at In Stride while further pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy.