About Us

Lauren graduated in Physiotherapy with honours from Melbourne University in 2001. She then completed her master's in Animal Studies through Queensland University in 2007, a 2-year concentrated program focusing on learning animal anatomy and movement patterns. She then launched Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy because of her love for Animals and for giving them a better quality of life. Laurens’ goal is to provide the best quality of care available to all small animals in Melbourne and the Geelong region, by growing an inspired team of highly skilled and caring animal therapists.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys keeping fit with running, mountain biking, adventure racing and pilates and has represented Australia at the World Triathlon in 2010 and 2012.

Albert (aka Alby) completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne in 2012. He has since worked in the community setting, but after volunteering for Wildlife Victoria, found his calling in caring for animals, great and small, and went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with distinction at the University of Liverpool in 2023. Alby has continued on to study the Master of Veterinary Physiotherapy program with the dream of conducting research into the rehabilitation of IVDD patients, his particular area of interest. Outside of work, Alby enjoys art and barracking for the Essendon Bombers. Alby grew up with a Maltese x Shih-tzu x Jack Russell Terrier called Coco, whom he misses very much. He has also fostered a couple of dogs who have since found their forever homes.

With over six years of experience working with animals in the pound and local government sector, Alicia has developed a strong interest in animal rehabilitation. This interest has guided her toward further studies. She is now completing a Diploma in Exercise Science, with the intention of progressing into a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at ACU. Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time with her two dogs and cat, Ray, Daisy, and Rory, as well as staying active and connecting with others through Pilates and social time with friends.

Bianca has always had a love for both animals and movement. Originally aspiring to become a veterinarian, her path led her to complete a Master’s in Physiotherapy, where she developed a strong focus on strength and rehabilitation in private practice. Combining her expertise in physiotherapy with her lifelong passion for animals, Bianca is now pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy, working towards her dream career of helping dogs move, recover, and thrive. She is dedicated to supporting dogs through their rehabilitation journey and believes every dog deserves the highest quality of care. Outside of work, Bianca loves spending time with her dog Calvin, enjoys keeping strong through powerlifting and boxing, and is always up for a travelling adventure.

Georgie is a dedicated veterinary nurse with eight years of experience in the field. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep passion for animal care and well-being. Currently, Georgie is advancing her expertise by studying to become an animal rehabilitation practitioner, aiming to further enhance her ability to support and improve the lives of animals in need. Outside of work, Georgie loves to travel, explore new walking trails with her dog, and enjoy live music, which she finds to be a perfect balance to her professional life.

Jes graduated from La Trobe University with a Master of Physiotherapy Practice in 2019 and has been dedicated to helping people recover ever since, working in private practice. Her lifelong passion for animals inspired her to expand her expertise into animal physiotherapy, enabling her to offer compassionate care to both people and small animals. Jes is committed to guiding your pets through their recovery with the same care and attention she brings to her human clients. When she's not working, Jes enjoys playing badminton and spending quality time with her husband and their beloved fur baby, Buzz.

Josephine works as a canine and equine myofunctional therapist, a role she pursued after completing her studies at the Animal Naturopathic Medicine Educatum. She is also currently completing studies through the University of Tennessee in CCRP. Growing up around sporting horses and dogs, she developed a passion for enhancing her team's body maintenance, preventing injuries, and managing workload and recovery effectively. Her interest in hydrotherapy blossomed as she witnessed its benefits in maintaining and conditioning animals of all sizes. Outside of work, she stays active by participating in dog sports with her Bull Arab mix and enjoys spending leisure time with her horses.

Kate earned her Bachelor of Physiotherapy from La Trobe University in 2009. She has completed an internship through Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy, allowing her to transition to animal physiotherapy, motivated by her personal experience rehabilitating her dog, Barkley, following a sudden progressive neurological condition. Kate has a special interest in small animal rehabilitation, including hydrotherapy, dry needling, and assistive technology. She is a welcome addition to our growing Geelong team. At home, she enjoys the company of her lively crew, which includes three kids, a relaxed bearded dragon, a few chickens, two pampered cats, and an energetic Labrador.

Following a career in the corporate world, Kathryn is now pursuing a new direction inspired by her lifelong love for animals. So far, she has earned a certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy here at Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy, and plans to further her studies. Kathryn is thrilled to be working alongside the team at Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy. She has watched her own rescue, Ruby, reap the benefits from regular Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy, and can't wait to make a difference in the quality of life of other small animals. When she's not chasing after her two German Shepherds, Kathryn enjoys reading and playing tennis in her free time.

Luke Vocale, a recent Master of Physiotherapy Practice graduate from La Trobe University, has a special interest in hydrotherapy and physiotherapy for dogs. Having completed a placement at the clinic, he’s been at MAP since 2023 and works to create a personalised treatment plan for your furry friends. With a passion for enhancing your pets’ well-being, Luke is dedicated to ensuring their optimal health and happiness.

After a successful corporate career, Melissa is embracing a new path driven by her lifelong passion for animals. With a Certificate II in Animal Studies from the RSPCA, Melissa has now deepened her expertise through studies in Canine Hydrotherapy and Remedial Massage at the Canine Health and Wellbeing Academy. Additionally, she has completed a certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy here at Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy. Melissa is thrilled to be working in hydrotherapy and massage. Committed to enhancing the well-being of pets, she is excited to bring both her corporate acumen and newfound expertise to this rewarding field. Outside of work, Melissa loves staying fit, spending time with her family, and never misses an opportunity to enjoy a good laugh and savor the lighter side of life.

Mikaela graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Science in 2023. As a former veterinary student with 3 years experience as a Trainee Veterinary Nurse, Mikaela’s professional journey has since evolved into a focused ambition for physiotherapy. She is currently completing her Diploma in Health Sciences and aims to complete her Bachelor of Physiotherapy in the coming years.

Rachael graduated with a First Class Honors degree in Physiotherapy from St Mary’s University, London, before beginning her postgraduate studies in Veterinary Physiotherapy at Hartpury University. After moving to Australia, she joined Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy to continue her veterinary physiotherapy training. She has worked in both human and animal health, treating musculoskeletal conditions in the NHS as well as caring for dogs through daycare, grooming and pet sitting. A career highlight for Rachael was the opportunity to train Paralympic dressage champion Natasha Baker, which strengthened her passion for helping both people and animals reach their full potential. Rachael’s love for animals has been lifelong, with voluntary work including horses, greyhounds and companion animals. Outside of work, she enjoys horse riding, spending time with animals, and keeping active. As a former gymnast, Rachael still has a love for gymnastics and fitness.

Who says it isn’t a good idea to work with children or animals? Not Shelley! She does both! During the week she works at Monash Health as a cardiorespiratory physio looking after kids and adults with cystic fibrosis. On weekends she is here with us looking after your furbabies. Shelley graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from La Trobe University in 2011. She completed her Post Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Physiotherapy via the University of Liverpool and hopes to go on to do her masters in the next few years. Shelley has always loved animals and has 3 of her own; 2 Birman cats Oscar and Matrix and a cheeky Australian Shepherd called Gemma.

Simone is a qualified physiotherapist who’s passionate about helping others move and feel their best. Simone has always been an animal lover, especially when it comes to big dogs. The bigger the better! Growing up there has always been at least two fur babies running around the house, and life just wouldn’t feel right without them. Simone joined the MAP family after completing a university placement with MAP, and further mentoring and training under expert guidance. Outside of MAP, you’ll find Simone treating humans in public health, scouting out coffee spots, or going to Pilates and for a long walk.

Spring is a lifelong animal lover and pet mum. She has spent her earlier years dedicated to martial arts training and Muay Thai fighting. Though she has spent her life surrounded by animals, one of her dog's Machi (pictured) in particular, has inspired her to dive deep into the world of canine rehabilitation. Over many years of searching for solutions and methods of assisting Machi, Spring has grown a deep love, passion and belief in animal rehabilitation. In October 2024, Spring completed her Hydrotherapy Certification with Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy and is now further studying CCRP with Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning, due to complete in November 2025.

Vasari completed her Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy Practice from La Trobe University in 2022, she is also currently completing her post graduate studies through the University of Tennessee in CCRP. Vasari has a love for all animals big and small, growing up with everything from dogs to bearded dragon lizards to parrots. Her passion for working with animals started when attending a work experience at the Werribee Zoo and grew with her volunteer work at the Port Philip Eco Centre. In her free time Vasari loves being outdoors, camping, hiking, and cheering on the Western Bulldogs.