Meet the Back Into Health Team
Dr Liz Ritter
Director + Chiropractor - Bachelor of Applied Science (Comp Med), Masters of Clinical Chiropractic RMIT, Chiropractic Australia Member
Liz is our senior Chiropractor, whose expertise and interests lie in the treatment and optimisation of the musculoskeletal system. Liz grew up in the Doncaster area, and since completing her Masters of Chiropractic at Melbourne RMIT in 2008, she has been working within the Blackburn and Doncaster communities to provide the very best chiropractic care to people of all ages and backgrounds. Liz maintains the highest level of professional knowledge and works collaboratively with other health practitioners including myotherapists and podiatrists. Liz has extensive experience in working with athletes of all levels, from local competitors to international athletes, and she has a strong interest in pregnancy care and vertigo treatment. Liz wants to make sure these services are available to the community at large through Back Into Health.
Dr Broderick Gordes
Chiropractor - Bachelor of Health Science (Chiropractic), Masters of Clinical Chiropractic RMIT, Chiropractic Australia Member
A chiropractic enthusiast from a young age, Broderick loves helping his patients to not only recover from sickness and injury, but to reach a new level of health and wellness. Brod understands that everybody is different, and incorporates a range of assessment and corrective techniques to help his patients find pain relief and identify the root cause of their unique problem to prevent recurring incidents.
Dr Clare Coleman
Chiropractor - Bachelor Of Applied Science (Comp Med), Masters Of Clinical Chiropractic RMIT, Chiropractic Australia Member
Clare has been a chiropractor for 12 years, and enjoys working with a variety of people with their needs and goals. Clare has refined her chiropractic approach to be quite gentle when needed, yet thorough by checking joints from head to toe. Clare incorporates massage (soft tissue) techniques into each appointment. Using a combined musculoskeletal approach to assess and address joint movement plus muscle function and performance, and the connective tissues which connects, supports and helps to stabilise the body. The aim of Clare’s treatment is to restore optimal function and form and easing pain and discomfort, so the musculoskeletal system is performing its job to support your lifestyle. “Everything is connected, no one thing can change by itself.” Paul Hawkin
Dr Athanasia Hasapis
Chiropractor - BHSc, BAppSc Chiropractic
Athanasia has been involved in the health and fitness industry since 2010. Starting off as a Personal Trainer, Ath developed a passion and greater understanding of the human body, which led her to studying Chiropractic at RMIT University. Ath enjoys watching the health of her patients improving through chiropractic care. She offers a range of techniques through her treatments including manual and low force adjustments, with special interests in Applied Kinesiology and SOT which she has completed extra studies. She enjoys working with people through all stages of life. Ath looks forward to meeting you, and seeing how you can work together to reach your health goals.
Dr Gayathri Nanayakkara (Gaya), On Maternity Leave until 2023
Chiropractor - Bachelor of Applied Science (Comp Med), Masters of Clinical Chiropractic RMIT, Certified in Applied Kinesiology (ICAK)
Gaya graduated as a Chiropractor at RMIT University in Melbourne in 2008 after completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Complementary Medicine) and a Master of Clinical Chiropractic. Gaya is also a certified Applied Kinesiologist and has achieved her certification in the Webster Technique. She enjoys working with people of all ages and walks of life. She has a special interest in working with children, and helping women during their pregnancy journey. Gaya uses a variety of techniques to help restore and maintain your health and wellbeing, including Applied Kinesiology, Retained Neonatal Reflexes, Webster Technique, Craniosacral Therapy, Diversified Manual Adjusting and Activator Technique. She looks forward to helping you achieve your health goals by not only treating your symptoms, but aiming to manage the root cause of the issue at hand. Gaya is available Mondays and Wednesdays.
Dr Marcus Starr
Chiropractor - BHSc, BAppSc Chiropractic
Marcus has completed a Bachelor of Health Science followed by a Bachelor of Applied Science at RMIT Melbourne. He graduated with distinction upon finishing his double degree. Marcus cohesively combines his hands-on skillset with exercise prescription to provide long-lasting results for his clients. Marcus’s treatment techniques include massage, joint mobilisation, manipulation, movement with mobilisation, and low force techniques. His passion for all things health has driven Marcus to focus on how he can help the body function at its best by giving advice and providing encouragement to each patient in a wholistic manner. Having grown up in country Victoria, Marcus has learnt first hand the benefits of being part of a community, and he looks forward to welcoming you into the Back Into Health community.
Annie Busby
Remedial Massage Therapist, Diploma of Remedial Massage
Annie practices a holistic massage approach, treating the whole body, not just the area of complaint. This assists her clients to achieve their desired outcome whether that be reduced pain, increased mobility, maintenance &/or relaxation. Annie is also trained in Reiki and is currently undertaking studies in Kinesiology. Member of AAMT Private Healthcare rebates available Clinic hours: Monday 1pm-7pm; Tuesday & Thursday 10am-4pm
Liz Clarkson
BA (Hons) Psych; Master App Psych (Clinical) Member Aust Clin Psych Assoc
After completing her training at Murdoch University in Perth, WA, Liz worked for state government including Family & Children’s Services and the Health Department in both metropolitan and rural locations. Alongside her work at a tertiary gynaecology & obstetrics hospital, Liz began a private practice in 1995. Liz now works exclusively in private practice with her expertise being in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adults with anxiety and panic disorders, depression and mood disorders, perinatal mental health issues, post traumatic stress disorder and psychotherapy for childhood trauma.
Ebony Collins
Clinical Psychologist – Bachelor Behavioural Science, Post Grad. Psychology, Master of Psychology Clinical, MAPS
Ebony is a registered Clinical Psychologist and member of both the Australian Psychological Society and College of Clinical Psychologists. Additionally, Ebony is a registered Clinical Supervisor. Ebony began her journey working under a rehabilitation model of care for public mental health organizations. Through this work she has treated people with complex psychiatric conditions and behavioural disturbance. This has built her passion for working with adults and adolescents suffering from a range of different psychological disorders including personality disorders, schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders. Additionally, Ebony works with Kobe, her therapy dog, with all clients to provide an extra element to the therapeutic process.
Tom Kenny
Psychologist – Bachelor of Psychology, Post Graduate Diploma od Psychology, Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental), MAPS.
Tom has a warm, empathetic, non-judgemental and down-to-earth style, offering respect and open-mindedness to every client. Tom’s therapeutic approach is tailored for each individual’s needs and personal goals, while drawing upon the principals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy. Tom Kenny is a fully registered psychologist who provides individual counselling and structured psychological intervention to adults, young people, and children from twelve years of age. Tom enjoys working with people experiencing ADHD, men’s health issues, gender and sexually diverse people, grief and loss, as well as relationship issues.
Suzanne Mealing
Clinical Psychologist- Bachelor Arts/Bachelor Science, Bachelor Science (Honors), Masters in Clinical Psychology.
Having worked as a psychologist for the past 8 years in a variety of public and private mental health settings Suzanne has devoted herself to helping others understand themselves and improve their wellbeing. Suzanne has an accepting and compassionate approach and strives to build a therapeutic relationship based on hope and trust. She collaborates with clients so that they feel heard and supported whilst identifying their difficulties and goals for therapy. Suzanne works with Individuals experiencing difficulties with Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Stress and Adjustment Issues, Personality Disorders, Problem Behaviours, and Stage of Life difficulties. In addition, she is a board approved clinical supervisor.
Joseph Ferraro
Naturopath and Acupuncturist
Joseph qualified as a Naturopath in 1993 and as an Acupuncturist in 1996. He is dedicated to firstly finding the cause of your ailment and then treating your condition naturally and effectively. He combines natural medicine and laser Acupuncture - a modern, non invasive and painless form of Acupuncture to care for a wide range of ailments and pain conditions. Joseph also utilises low level laser therapy (LLLT) to care for a wide range of pain conditions and skin disorders.
Kobe
Therapy Dog – Alpha Caine Group, Animal Assisted Therapy
Kobe is a King Charles Cavalier. After completing his training in 2015 Kobe commenced working as a therapy dog with our clinical psychologist, Ebony Collins, to provide animal assisted therapy as an additional element to the therapy process. During the session Kobe is available to engage with clients who may find his presence a calming and reassuring part of treatment. Kobe is a very friendly member of the team and thoroughly enjoys the attention he receives through his work.
