Katie Cleary (Roth)
Director & Paediatric Physiotherapist
Katie founded Ocean Kids in 2014 to provide a unique service to Victorian children. Katie likes to 'think outside the box' and is passionate about finding what therapy works best for each individual child.
Katie loves treating babies and toddlers utilising CME techniques. She specialises in treating all babies,
children's gait and movement disorders, joint hypermobility and associated conditions.
After graduating from Monash University in 2010, Katie has travelled the world to find the best therapeutic modalities, treatments and equipment to assist babies and children to achieve their goals,
whether it’s crawling, walking or surfing!
Katie has a strong focus on supporting our amazing paediatric therapy team to provide children with an evidence based, high quality service with a big focus on family, friendships and fun!
Katie loves travel, surfing, yoga and scuba diving and spending time with her husband and 3 dogs!
Katie loves treating babies and toddlers utilising CME techniques. She specialises in treating all babies,
children's gait and movement disorders, joint hypermobility and associated conditions.
After graduating from Monash University in 2010, Katie has travelled the world to find the best therapeutic modalities, treatments and equipment to assist babies and children to achieve their goals,
whether it’s crawling, walking or surfing!
Katie has a strong focus on supporting our amazing paediatric therapy team to provide children with an evidence based, high quality service with a big focus on family, friendships and fun!
Katie loves travel, surfing, yoga and scuba diving and spending time with her husband and 3 dogs!
Desiree Frigenti
DIRECTOR & PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Desiree is a highly experienced Paediatric Physiotherapist who loves working with babies and young children.
Desiree believes Paediatric Physiotherapy should be fun, and play based, while meeting the needs and goals of the child, improving physical outcomes and quality of life.
Desiree understands that every child develops at their own pace and in their own way, she enjoys working with families and their health care team to identify and help achieve goals.
Desiree has extensive international experience working with a wide variety of paediatric conditions in public, community and private settings. Due to Desiree’s extensive training she is able to assess all aspects of your child’s health and how it may be influencing other aspects of their well-being.
With a keen interest in early childhood development; Desiree has specialised in the premature infant, reflux, babies and children presenting with developmental delays and sensory processing issues, neurological concerns and rehabilitation.
Desiree has published a book titled Play Sense. The book provides play and activity ideas to promote a baby's and child’s sensory and motor skills up to the age of 5 years. Desiree is currently penning her second book- The Sensory Rollercoaster.
Desiree enjoys being outdoors doing anything active, she loves to travel, cook and spend time with her beautiful family and friends!
Ben Hall
director & paediatric exercise Physiologist
Ben is passionate about working with children of all abilities; to help them achieve any goal, whilst having lots of FUN along the way! Ben completed his Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Australian Catholic University, following on from a Bachelor of Exercise Sports Science. Being super passionate about Paediatrics, Ben undertook further study at the University of Melbourne completing the Rehabilitation for Paediatrics subjects.
Ben has previously worked at the Royal Children's Hospital as an Allied Health Assistant within the Physiotherapy Department for 2.5 years. Ben has also worked as a swimming instructor for over 5 years and has been involved with surf lifesaving for over 10 years.
Ben loves playing football and basketball, surfing, water skiing, motorbike riding, playing guitar and spending time at the beach.
Nick Callanan
Paediatric Physiotherapist
Nick's passion for Physiotherapy developed naturally from a love of sport, exercise, and helping those around him. Nick realised at a young age he wanted to work with children; his journey through working as a swim teacher, primary and high school tutor, and a volunteer with Heads Together for ABI, led him to Ocean Kids.
Nick completed the APA Level 1 Paediatric Physiotherapy Course in March 2019, and is continually looking to expand his knowledge and expertise to make many children happy. In January 2021, Nick completed Cuevas Medek Exercise (CME) Level 1 training, and is now delivering this amazing service in clinic!
Nick loves footy, surfing, running, trying to train his Border Collie Scout, and making very bad jokes!
Nick completed the APA Level 1 Paediatric Physiotherapy Course in March 2019, and is continually looking to expand his knowledge and expertise to make many children happy. In January 2021, Nick completed Cuevas Medek Exercise (CME) Level 1 training, and is now delivering this amazing service in clinic!
Nick loves footy, surfing, running, trying to train his Border Collie Scout, and making very bad jokes!
Hirumi ranabahu
PAEDIATRIC physiotherapist
Hirumi graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Masters in Physiotherapy Practice from La Trobe University. She completed her final university placement at Ocean Kids where she fell in love with the inspirational families, the amazing team and the rewarding work she is now able to do everyday!
Hirumi has previously volunteered her time in Vietnam offering physiotherapy to babies and children with a variety of physical and intellectual special needs, as well as in the physiotherapy department at a special developmental school. More recently, she worked for a health service providing physiotherapy services to NDIS participants in their homes and in the community.
Hirumi enjoys reading, baking delicious sweets and going on adventures with her family and friends.
Hirumi has previously volunteered her time in Vietnam offering physiotherapy to babies and children with a variety of physical and intellectual special needs, as well as in the physiotherapy department at a special developmental school. More recently, she worked for a health service providing physiotherapy services to NDIS participants in their homes and in the community.
Hirumi enjoys reading, baking delicious sweets and going on adventures with her family and friends.
Derry O'Meara
PAEDIATRIC exercise physiologist
Derry has always loved anything sport and recreation, which sparked an interest in a career focused on improving people’s function and physical activity levels.
Derry became passionate about helping children during her Undergraduate degree when she realised how beneficial participating in exercise was from an early age for all kids. Derry also participated in paediatric programs whilst at University and was a swim teacher.
Derry completed a Bachelor of Exercise, Sport and Rehabilitation at Curtin University, followed by her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Victoria University.
Derry loves to travel, exercise and spend time outdoors, whether that is exploring or relaxing.
Derry became passionate about helping children during her Undergraduate degree when she realised how beneficial participating in exercise was from an early age for all kids. Derry also participated in paediatric programs whilst at University and was a swim teacher.
Derry completed a Bachelor of Exercise, Sport and Rehabilitation at Curtin University, followed by her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Victoria University.
Derry loves to travel, exercise and spend time outdoors, whether that is exploring or relaxing.
Nikita O'Brien
PAEDIATRIC Exercise Physiologist
Nikita was raised in a small country town where exercise and sport always played a big role in her life.
This encouraged her to become an Exercise Physiologist with a passion for assisting people with
chronic conditions improve their function and quality of life.
Nikita completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Masters of Exercise Physiology at La Trobe University Bendigo.
During her university degree Nikita had the opportunity to work with children at The Bendigo Academy of Sport which developed her passion paediatrics and was only further fostered while working as an AustSwim teacher.
Nikita enjoys playing netball, tennis, going to the gym, camping and hiking.
This encouraged her to become an Exercise Physiologist with a passion for assisting people with
chronic conditions improve their function and quality of life.
Nikita completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Masters of Exercise Physiology at La Trobe University Bendigo.
During her university degree Nikita had the opportunity to work with children at The Bendigo Academy of Sport which developed her passion paediatrics and was only further fostered while working as an AustSwim teacher.
Nikita enjoys playing netball, tennis, going to the gym, camping and hiking.
molliana unusu
paediatric exercise physiologist
Molli has a passion for creating healthy sustainable lifestyles which led her to study a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and later her Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology at ACU.
Whilst studying, Molli volunteered at RDA (riding for the disabled), trained teen athletes across a variety of sports and enjoyed her long term role of being a Primary School teacher's aid, which led her to join Ocean Kids team
which is the perfect combination of everything she loves!
Molli is now living out her dream of helping people find their best version of life using exercise!
Molli enjoys water skiing, going to the gym with friends, relaxing at the beach and hiking."
Whilst studying, Molli volunteered at RDA (riding for the disabled), trained teen athletes across a variety of sports and enjoyed her long term role of being a Primary School teacher's aid, which led her to join Ocean Kids team
which is the perfect combination of everything she loves!
Molli is now living out her dream of helping people find their best version of life using exercise!
Molli enjoys water skiing, going to the gym with friends, relaxing at the beach and hiking."
Caitlin Maloney
PAEDIATRIC EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Caitlin grew up participating in as many sports she could fit into her weekends and followed this passion into study by completing a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science and a Masters degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology both at Deakin University.
Caitlin has a love for providing the best possible care for all her clients to reach their own individual goals and health outcomes, using fun and evidence based exercise programs.
Caitlin still loves to play sports, cook and enjoy great food with friends and family, as well as a good book.
Caitlin has a love for providing the best possible care for all her clients to reach their own individual goals and health outcomes, using fun and evidence based exercise programs.
Caitlin still loves to play sports, cook and enjoy great food with friends and family, as well as a good book.
Sara Emmanouilidis
PAEDIATRIC EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Sara has always loved helping people and has a passion for working in a team to assist individuals meet their goals, especially when it involves physical activity and sport.
Sara studied her Bachelors of Exercise Science and Masters of Exercise Physiology at La Trobe University. During this time, she worked as a carer which sparked her interest and passion for working with kids. Sara loves having fun and playing about, bringing this energy into sessions.
Sara enjoys playing soccer, listening to music and going camping with family and friends.
My spirit animal is a dolphin. I LOVE the water! I’m always exploring and seeking adventures and like to do it with friends and family, just like dolphins are always in their pods.
Sara studied her Bachelors of Exercise Science and Masters of Exercise Physiology at La Trobe University. During this time, she worked as a carer which sparked her interest and passion for working with kids. Sara loves having fun and playing about, bringing this energy into sessions.
Sara enjoys playing soccer, listening to music and going camping with family and friends.
My spirit animal is a dolphin. I LOVE the water! I’m always exploring and seeking adventures and like to do it with friends and family, just like dolphins are always in their pods.
SyLvia La
PAEDIATRIC Physiotherapist
Sylvia graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Monash University. She has always wanted to work with kids after volunteering at special development schools doing PE. She met Ocean Kids amazing team and families while on her university placements and is excited to now be part of the journey.
Sylvia has previously worked for health services providing home exercise programs to NDIS participants in their homes.
Sylvia enjoys crafting, reading, dancing, and going on adventures with her family and friends to find the next best aquarium.
Sylvia has previously worked for health services providing home exercise programs to NDIS participants in their homes.
Sylvia enjoys crafting, reading, dancing, and going on adventures with her family and friends to find the next best aquarium.
Sarah Whitchelo
Paediatric Physiotherapist
Sarah graduated from Otago University, in New Zealand, in 2012. She moved to Australia to work in neurological physio in Bendigo and then Melbourne. Sarah and her partner have recently returned home after 2.5 years traveling the UK and Europe. She had the incredible opportunity to work in Paediatric Physiotherapy, across inpatient, outpatient and maternity settings, while living in London.
Sarah is a ‘big kid’ and is very passionate about helping children and their families. She loves making therapy fun and enjoys the challenge of finding new and fun ways to assess and treat each individual child. Sarah has a special interest in working with babies and their families.
Sarah enjoys cycling, paddle boarding, swimming, and spending lots of time at the beach.
Sarah is a ‘big kid’ and is very passionate about helping children and their families. She loves making therapy fun and enjoys the challenge of finding new and fun ways to assess and treat each individual child. Sarah has a special interest in working with babies and their families.
Sarah enjoys cycling, paddle boarding, swimming, and spending lots of time at the beach.
alana mayes
PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Alana is a wonderful and caring Physiotherapist with over 11 years experience in Private Practice across a wide range of areas including Paediatrics, Women’s health and managing childhood sporting injuries. Alana has always had a love for working with children, starting her first job at 14 years old as a gymnastics coach
and running sports classes for primary school children!
She continued to pursue this passion into her Physiotherapy practice and loves using fun, play based strategies to assist children and their families to achieve their goals. Alana has a special interest in working with infants and their families.
Alana loves spending time with her family and is kept very busy with her two beautiful boys! She also loves running, camping, spending time with friends and going to the beach.
and running sports classes for primary school children!
She continued to pursue this passion into her Physiotherapy practice and loves using fun, play based strategies to assist children and their families to achieve their goals. Alana has a special interest in working with infants and their families.
Alana loves spending time with her family and is kept very busy with her two beautiful boys! She also loves running, camping, spending time with friends and going to the beach.
Connie Hernandez
PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Connie graduated from the Master of Physiotherapy Practice in 2018 and went on to complete various orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, chronic pain and neurological rotations in acute and rehabilitation settings.
Connie has always loved being around children, has volunteered at the Monash Children’s Hospital during her university years and found her calling during her final placement at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Connie loves spending time with her daughter and baby boy, exercising, dancing and holidaying with friends and family.
Connie has always loved being around children, has volunteered at the Monash Children’s Hospital during her university years and found her calling during her final placement at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Connie loves spending time with her daughter and baby boy, exercising, dancing and holidaying with friends and family.
Emma Lynas
Practice Manager
Emma began her career in the health and wellness industry as a Nutritionist, working in clinics across bayside and then moving into clinic management.
Emma is passionate about leading health teams to provide outstanding care that positively changes the lives of the patients they care for.
On the weekends you will find Emma up at the crack of dawn, catching the worm, before spending the day hanging out with her family & socialising in the outdoors (when Melbourne weather co-operates).
Spirit Animal – The Kookaburra, because a hearty belly laugh is one of my favourite things to do.
Emma is passionate about leading health teams to provide outstanding care that positively changes the lives of the patients they care for.
On the weekends you will find Emma up at the crack of dawn, catching the worm, before spending the day hanging out with her family & socialising in the outdoors (when Melbourne weather co-operates).
Spirit Animal – The Kookaburra, because a hearty belly laugh is one of my favourite things to do.
Beth Shekel
Receptionist
Beth loves being a part of the Ocean Kids team and is excited to re-join the Admin team. She enjoys delivering an amazing service to families from the beginning of their journey with us.
Beth is passionate about helping others and making sure that everyone feels heard and welcomed.
Beth prides herself on a providing a high level of customer service with a warm and friendly attitude.
Beth has recently gone back to uni to finish off her Bachelors in Criminology and Psychological Sciences.
She is passionate about working with Youth in the criminal justice system and Volunteers for the YRIPP program where she will attend police stations to support young people during the interview process.
Beth loves spending time with friends and family and going to the gym. Beth’s favourite place is the beach, you can find her there swimming with her Golden Retriever, Ella or floating on her paddle board.
Beth is passionate about helping others and making sure that everyone feels heard and welcomed.
Beth prides herself on a providing a high level of customer service with a warm and friendly attitude.
Beth has recently gone back to uni to finish off her Bachelors in Criminology and Psychological Sciences.
She is passionate about working with Youth in the criminal justice system and Volunteers for the YRIPP program where she will attend police stations to support young people during the interview process.
Beth loves spending time with friends and family and going to the gym. Beth’s favourite place is the beach, you can find her there swimming with her Golden Retriever, Ella or floating on her paddle board.
Tahlia Bickerdyke
receptionist
Tahlia is passionate about Health and Fitness and helping people by providing the best quality and most enjoyable
service to members of the community!
Tahlia has completed her Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness and is a qualified as a Personal Trainer. Tahlia's passion in health, fitness, education lead her to Ocean Kids, to be able to help families and children!
Tahlia loves seeing people achieve their lifestyle goals and how much joy it gives them.
Tahlia loves getting out into nature, beach trips and spending time with her loved ones!
Tahlia's spirit animal is a Cat, as she loves naps and her personality can vary from hyper bubbly to laid back and quiet!
service to members of the community!
Tahlia has completed her Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness and is a qualified as a Personal Trainer. Tahlia's passion in health, fitness, education lead her to Ocean Kids, to be able to help families and children!
Tahlia loves seeing people achieve their lifestyle goals and how much joy it gives them.
Tahlia loves getting out into nature, beach trips and spending time with her loved ones!
Tahlia's spirit animal is a Cat, as she loves naps and her personality can vary from hyper bubbly to laid back and quiet!
Sarah Beaumont
RECEPTIONIST
Sarah is passionate about health and well-being and providing a welcoming environment for families at Ocean Kids.
Having worked as a Remedial Massage Therapist for over 20 years, she understands the importance of therapy to assist the body in achieving optimal function.
Sarah loves spending time with her family, drawing, beach volleyball and giving her 14 year old dog
Miss Bucket plenty of cuddles!
Having worked as a Remedial Massage Therapist for over 20 years, she understands the importance of therapy to assist the body in achieving optimal function.
Sarah loves spending time with her family, drawing, beach volleyball and giving her 14 year old dog
Miss Bucket plenty of cuddles!
elley cartwright
RECEPTIONIST
Elley is passionate about helping children and families and providing a warm and welcoming presence
within our Ocean Kids Team! Elley loves working with children and watching them grow and develop.
Elley has worked within the Pharmaceutical industry for over 6 years and has completed a Certificate II in Pharmacy.
She loves to assist and support people.
Elley loves being around her friends and family, going for walks, shopping and playing hockey!
within our Ocean Kids Team! Elley loves working with children and watching them grow and develop.
Elley has worked within the Pharmaceutical industry for over 6 years and has completed a Certificate II in Pharmacy.
She loves to assist and support people.
Elley loves being around her friends and family, going for walks, shopping and playing hockey!
