Blackburn

Pete Graver

Clinical Director and Senior Physiotherapist

Pete is an energetic and passionate physiotherapist, dedicated to empowering clients to take control of their life. Having completed his initial studies at La Trobe University, Pete has completed further studies in Strength and Conditioning Coaching, Powerlifting and Clinical Pilates to take a functional rehabilitation approach to physiotherapy, focussing on building strong, stable bodies to recover from injuries and prevent recurrence. Pete’s clinical specialties include low back and neck pain, Clinical Exercise Classes and all levels of sport-specific rehab, from dancers and gymnasts to footballers and weightlifters.

Pete is also our clinical lead for the NDIS with a particular passion for interventions for adolescent and young adults with disabilities.

In his spare time Pete loves training, exploring Melbourne with his wife Emma and Boss the Staffy, brewing beer, building furniture or tinkering with his beloved car. 

Troy Sandley

Consultant Physiotherapist

Troy, our Practice Co-Director, developed his love for Physiotherapy while growing up in a household of healthcare professionals. Prior to his Physiotherapy endeavours, he lived in the U.S.A. playing College basketball in Colorado, where he was plagued by a string of injuries, further developing his passion for the profession. He is focused on the holistic health and well-being of others, particularly those presenting with sporting injuries and general orthopaedic conditions. Troy is an avid student of physiotherapy and has completed multiple post graduate courses in order to continuously develop and improve himself professionally for the benefit of his clients. In order to achieve great long-term results, Troy incorporates many treatment modalities including manual therapy, dry needling, Clinical Exercise, and individualised rehabilitation programs.

He still picks up the basketball from time-to-time as a hobby, goes to the gym, and enjoys any chance to get away to the beach with his friends and family. However, having a Chiropractic father sets the scene for plenty of dinner table banter.

Ellie Gavalas

Senior Physiotherapist

Ellie’s love for physiotherapy was established at a young age. Taking part in a variety of sports including AFL, soccer and running, Ellie truly understands the significance of maintaining your health and wellbeing. Ellie completed her Master of Physiotherapy Practice and a Bachelor of Applied Science at La Trobe University. Ellie’s clinical interests involve treating and preventing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including the neck, back and sporting related injuries.

Growing up in a big Greek family, Ellie loves being surrounded by people. With a strong passion for helping and empowering others, she channels her energy into providing the best possible care for each and every client.

Ellie values the importance of living a happy and active life and combines her professional physiotherarpy along with a professional AFLW player for North Melbourne Kangaroos. In her spare time, Ellie loves to appreciate the simple things in life like a delicious souvlaki and hanging out with her friends and family.

Rebecca Chi

Senior Physiotherapist

Bec is passionate about helping and empowering patients through their rehabilitation journey to achieve life-long outcomes. She graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor degree in Science and a Doctor of Physiotherapy.

Her interest in physiotherapy developed at a young age after sustaining various injuries herself from tennis, netball and swimming. Her passion in rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries was further developed after working for Old Xaverians in the Amateurs, where she managed a broad range of sporting injuries. Bec believes in a combined approach of manual techniques, optimising movement control, strengthening and patient education to achieve the best possible outcome for every patient that walks through the door. Bec is also able to speak Cantonese and Mandarin.

Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, walking her big Doberman dog, travelling, exploring the Melbourne food scene and catching up on NBA or NFL games (Go Warriors/Packers!). 

Holly Smart

Associate Physiotherapist

Holly, who graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy, is a passionate and energetic physiotherapist who values an individualised and holistic approach to injury management. Holly enjoys utilising education, manual therapy techniques and functional exercise rehabilitation, with the goal of providing the best care to every patient through her own love of living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Her love for physiotherapy developed at a young age after sustaining a knee injury from netball, which led to numerous hours spent with her physiotherapist back home in Tasmania. Holly has developed special interests in managing acute sporting injuries through her previous experience working for the Carlton VFL team over a number of years, as well working in the area of women’s health.

Outside of work, Holly enjoys going to the gym, spending time outdoors going for walks or heading to the beach. Holly also loves to explore Melbourne’s café and restaurant scenes whilst catching up with friends. 

Chris Honey

Associate Physiotherapist

Chris’s love for diagnosing and rehabilitating tricky conditions developed in his younger years after sustaining several injuries across his junior football career. In particular, he has a special interest in treating lower back, neck and shoulder pain – all of which are areas he has injured himself and rehabilitated! Chris has completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at RMIT University followed by a Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne – providing him with an extensive background in health and fitness, lifestyle coaching and injury prevention and management.

Chris’s approach to physiotherapy centres on understanding each client’s individual needs, utilising hands-on therapy, exercise prescription and lifestyle changes to ensure each and every client can become the healthiest and best version of themselves. Whether it is elite footballers trying to return to the field or grandparents wishing to play with their grandchildren pain-free, Chris strives to help each client achieve their personal goals. 

Outside of work, Chris is very active and enjoys going to the gym and playing football and golf on the weekends. He also has a fine appreciation for food (often eaten in excess), watching Richmond win flags and spending time with family and friends.

Ye-Eun (Ellie) Kim

Associate Physiotherapist

Ellie is a dynamic and enthusiastic physiotherapist with a passion for helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve their best physical health. Ellie’s treatment philosophy is centered around treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. She loves to take the time to listen and understand each patient's unique story, lifestyle, and goals to empower patients with knowledge and tools to take an active role in their own recovery process. 

Ellie graduated from LaTrobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy Practice. As a lifelong learner, Ellie strives to step outside the boundaries to always learn the best ways to help her patients achieve their desired outcomes. Ellie has developed interests in various perspectives of physiotherapy through her previous experience as a sports trainer for a rugby union team and as a community physiotherapist doing home visits for numerous patients with various needs within the community.  

When Ellie is not in the clinic, she is often spending time with her family or friends exploring new hiking spots, brunch cafes, or discovering fun activities to do in Melbourne or sitting in the cinemas for her popcorn.  

Fiona Bartha

Senior Practice Manager

Many of you will know Fiona's smiling face as she has been the Practice Manager at Back In Motion Blackburn for many years. She takes great pride in getting to know as many of our amazing clients as possible and is always happy to help with any questions you may have.

Fi lives with her husband Bert and gorgeous son Spencer. She loves to spend her spare time (as if she has any with a busy job and toddler running around the house!) reading, exercising and chasing chickens around the back yard!

Danni Jones

Client Services Specialist

We welcomed Danni to our Client Services team in 2021. Danni and her husband have both been long time clients of Back In Motion Blackburn so know what we're all about and Danni is keen to contribute to our purpose. Danni is friendly, kind and helpful and will always be certain to ensure our clients are comfortable and happy when visiting the clinic. Outside of work, she has two beautiful children, loves the outdoors and camping, staying active and a great coffee. 

Jordana Leki

Client Services Specialist

Jordana is a lovely, kind and motivate Client Services team member and is always sure to offer our clients top shelf support when visiting the clinic. Jordana is here on a casual basis alongside her Psychology studies. 

Louise Conway

Client Services Specialist

Louise is our newest new addition to the team and will starting soon!

Elena Hill

Client Services Specialist

Elena started at Back In Motion Blackburn in late 2021 and is a bubbly, bright and helpful contributer to the Client Services team. Elena will greet you warmly in tthe clinic on a casual basis as she is also studying Physiotherapy. In her spare time she is very keen on staying fit with netball and gymnastics. Make sure to say 'Hi!' when you're next visiting!  

Mia Maguire

Client Services Specialist

Mia is our newest addition to the team and will be sure to welcome you with her bright and bubbly personaility. Mia is here on a casual basis alongside her Physiotherapy studies at University. Outside of work, Mia is an avid netball player and enjoys staying active!