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.

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. Most recently, 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.

Gabby completed her Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in 2016 and is currently working in private practice treating musculoskeletal conditions. Gabby is now completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University of Liverpool. Gabby has a passion for helping small animals and has one very energetic Maltese Shih Tzu, Oscar, a very cuddly Cavalier, Harry, and her first cat, Alfie.

Outside of work, Gabby loves adventure, and her favourite activities are hiking, road biking, and skiing.

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.

Vasari completed her Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy Practice from La Trobe University in 2022. 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.

Emily graduated as a human physiotherapist at Brunel University London in 2018. She has worked as a human physiotherapist ever since in hospitals and private clinics and currently works in the community. Her love for animals has encouraged her to start animal physiotherapy and she will start her Veterinary physiotherapy postgraduate diploma with the University of Liverpool in September.

Since moving to Australia from the UK, Emily misses her family dog, Maya, a toy poodle, so she enjoys spending time with and looking after friends' dogs on the weekends. She also enjoys cycling, running, and going to the gym.

Zoe returned to Australia after studying and working in the UK for the past 6 years. She obtained her bachelor's degree in veterinary physiotherapy from Harper Adams University in 2021 and worked in veterinary clinics specializing in animal rehabilitation in the UK. Upon her return to Australia, she completed her level 3 certification in Canine Hydrotherapy. Zoe has a keen interest in orthopedic and neurological cases, but the ones that always steal her heart are the ‘golden oldies.’

Outside of work, you can find her crocheting — and doing her best to keep the dogs from stealing all of the wool! She also enjoys hiking, running, or settling down with a good book and a nice cup of tea.

Luke Vocale, a recent Master of Physiotherapy Practice graduate from La Trobe University, specialises in hydrotherapy and physiotherapy for dogs. Having completed a placement at the clinic, he’s ready to team up with you 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.

Josephine works as a canine and equine myofunctional therapist, a role she pursued after completing her studies at the Animal Naturopathic Medicine Educatum. 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..

Rory is currently completing her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing through Melbourne Polytechnic and has nearly 2 years of hands-on experience in a veterinary clinic. Growing up on a farm in rural Victoria, her childhood dream of working with animals has blossomed into a rewarding career path. She has a particular interest in exotic and zoo animals. Lately, she’s been exploring the world of animal rehabilitation, captivated by its amazing perks and possibilities.

When not at work, you can find Rory singing, dancing, and acting, or simply cozying up with her beloved fur babies: Harlow, a laid-back yet endearing staffy/mastiff mix, and Ivy, a spirited and affectionate staffy.

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.

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 is now deepening 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 at our reception desk and is eager to begin her journey in hydrotherapy. 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.

Alex recently graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) from La Trobe University. Her love for dogs inspired her to undertake a placement at MAP, where she developed a strong interest in animal physiotherapy. This passion led her to complete her Honours project, which involved creating a comprehensive guide for new puppy owners to optimise their dog’s health and well-being throughout their lives.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys discovering new vegan brunch spots, running, reading, and spending quality time with friends.