Mary-Anne Xenitelis

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Mary-Anne founded Paediatric Physiotherapy Centre in 1990 and Moore Intensive Therapy Studio in 2021. She has over 30 years of experience as a neurological and paediatric physio so she is also very familiar with the services and supports families may need in the Greater Melbourne Area. Mary-Anne has a special interest in supporting accessible healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Mary-Anne combines a variety of research-backed assessments and physio techniques to achieve results. Mary-Anne's approach is shaped by her extensive experience of over 30 years with children. The following are a few highlights:

• Interviewed on Acquired Brain Injury on 3AW Radio Station 
• Awarded the Research Design and Development award at the National Press Club, Parliament House, Canberra
• Presented as an expert witness in the Supreme Court as well as prepared Medical-Legal reports

Mary-Anne earned her post-graduate degree in Health Research Methods for Physiotherapy. Mary-Anne's approach is constantly developing as an active member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Paediatric Physiotherapy National Group and the Neurological Physiotherapy National Group. She continues to develop her innovative and evidence-based physiotherapy techniques through professional development courses. The following are a few highlights:

• The Specialised Treatment of Cerebral Palsy & Neurological Conditions - Bobath Neuro-Developmental Course
• Hydrotherapy in Paediatrics - Halliwick Method
• Lower Limb Biomechanics - APA

On the weekends, you'll find Mary-Anne creating things in her craft room or tending to her flowers in her garden. Feel free to contact her at m.xenitelis@paediatricphysiotherapycentre.com

Stephanie is our senior paediatric physiotherapist, team leader and student clinical educator working primarily at our Paediatric Physiotherapy Centre location. Stephanie is one of the leads for our Bike Club and Baby Moves & Massage Program. Stephanie has a special interest in infant conditions, early intervention for developmental delays and neurological conditions. 

Stephanie takes a holistic, family-centred approach; she works closely with each child’s multidisciplinary team and uses fun, goal-oriented activities to support each child. Stephanie’s evidence-based approach has been underpinned by engaging in ongoing professional development. The following are a few highlights:

• DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) Trained - Level A 
• Paediatric Physiotherapy Course - Royal Children's Hospital
• Paediatric Physiotherapy Level I & II - APA
• Plagiocephaly Technology Advancements and Management - Orthokids & Serkle
• Neurodevelopmental Treatment for Young Children – APA
• Mobility and Gait Re-Training – APA 
• CHAIN Bike Riding Program – University of Melbourne 

Stephanie's practice was first shaped at LaTrobe University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy Practice degree. Stephanie's approach is constantly developing as an active member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Paediatric Physiotherapy National Group. 

Stephanie enjoys travelling the world and was fortunate enough to complete part of her physio studies in Denmark. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and fur babies. Feel free to contact her at stephanie.c@paediatricphysiotherapycentre.com 

Matthew works in both clinics and his focus is on individual therapy sessions. 

Introducing Matthew (Matt) Chisari, who is our locum physiotherapist for the next 6 months while Sonia Rechichi takes extended annual leave.

Matt is a physiotherapist who will be seeing clients at both Tasma House and Moore street locations. He has a keen interest in 

• musculosketal injuries, 
• sports injuries and 
• strength training for neurological conditions.

Matt’s approach to physio is very active and engaging ensuring that his clients can have fun in physio all the while making progress in their rehabilitation.  He has a background of working in previous musculoskeletal clinics dealing with many sport related injuries in children. 

Matt graduated with a doctor of physiotherapy from the university of Melbourne in 2021. 

Matt grew up on a vineyard in Mildura growing grapes with his family before moving to Melbourne. His hobbies are playing football, playing guitar and supporting his beloved Collingwood Magpies. Matthew  can be contacted at matthew.c@paediatricphysiotherapycentre.com

Isabella sees on-going clients at both our Tasma House and Moore Street location. Isabella is one of the leads of our group exercise program. Isabella has a special interest in youth athletic development, early intervention for developmental delays and Cerebral Palsy.  

Isabella combines a variety of manual techniques, modalities, games and evidence-based clinical reasoning to individualise physiotherapy sessions. Isabella's approach comes from the ongoing professional development she has completed. The following are a few highlights:

• DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) Trained - Level A 
• Paediatric Disability Management (Working with NDIS) - APA
• Physical Activity in Paediatric Neuromuscular Disease - APA
• Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy - APA
• Postural Control and Pilates in Children with Cerebral Palsy - APA

Isabella built the foundation of her clinical skills at LaTrobe University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy Practice degree. Isabella's practice is constantly developing as an active member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Paediatric Physiotherapy National Group. 

Isabella was a competitive artistic gymnast and coach; she has lots of experience making strength and balance training fun! Feel free to contact her at isabella.ph@paediatricphysiotherapycentre.com

Julia will be working at both Moore Intensive Therapy Studio and Tasma House seeing children in intensive therapy as well as individual sessions.  In the past 2 years Julia had been working as an Allied Health Assistant for Paediatric Physiotherapy Centre while studying Physiotherapy. 

Julia is keen to assist children of all abilities to make positive changes to children's lives using techniques practiced at Paediatric Physiotherapy Centre. 

Julia is a Graduate Physiotherapist who completed her studies at La Trobe University. Julia graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy Practice. During her degree, Julia gained experience at The Royal Children’s Hospital working with children with cancer and neurological conditions. Additionally, Julia worked as an Allied Health Assistant at Paediatric Physiotherapy Centre throughout the last two years of her degree. As an AHA, Julia was able to help her clients achieve their goals by assisting them with their exercise programs, both at home and in the pool.

Julia is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the National Paediatric Group. She is keen to continue to develop her skills and expertise as a physiotherapist, and is looking forward to delivering individualised physiotherapy programs to children of all abilities.  Feel free to contact her at julia.r@paediatricphysiotherapycentre.com

Nurlan manages all aspects of the operations, finance, and human resources at Paediatric Physiotherapy Centre and Moore Intensive Therapy Studio. She also is our social group organiser. Her dream is to continue our social group for our teen clients and help them to form close friendships and bonds between each other. 

Nurlan is very experienced in caring for a kid and young adult with extra medical needs as a parent and a service provider. Nurlan's daughter has required extra supports, including physiotherapy since she was six years old. As a result, Nurlan understands the complexities of our healthcare system as well as the NDIS and TAC funding systems. She also understands the bliss of seeing your kid achieve small wins. Nurlan has made it her mission to provide the highest quality of care at our clinic. The key components this involves are:

• Understanding unique needs and circumstances of each family and providing them with information to navigate NDIS and our health system
• Ensuring appointment waitlists are short
• Timely and clear communication between physiotherapists, administration, external health practitioners, assistive technology suppliers, families and more

Nurlan loves to do puzzles, go for walks with her dog and bake. She also enjoys a chat over cake, coffee and/or tea! Naturally, Nurlan also organises our Biggest Morning Tea event. Feel free to reach out to her at admin@paediatricphysiotherapycentre.com