Melissa is a clinician, educator, author, entrepreneur and thought leader. Recognised as a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist in 2010 by the Australian College of Physiotherapists, she holds this title as one of only 9 in Australia. Academically, she also holds a Master of Health Science (Neurological Physiotherapy) and Grad. Certificate in Public Health and is an Adjunct Lecturer at Macquarie University.

Melissa is passionate about health innovation, advocacy and raising the bar globally through health education. Melissa is founder and CEO of Advance Rehab Centre, a multi-site and community neuro rehab service in Sydney as well as PD Warrior®, an education and training program for people living with Parkinson’s licensed across 10 countries globally.

Melissa currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and is President-Elect for International Neurological Physiotherapy Association (INPA), a subspeciality of World Physio.

Melissa has been recognised widely for her contribution and impact in the rehabilitation space and was recently awarded as Most Outstanding Neurological Physiotherapist 2025 (Enablement Awards) and the President’s Award in 2024 (INPA). In 2022 she was awarded the HESTA Impact Award as well as the Small Business Champions Australian Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020 and Australian Physiotherapist of the year in 2019.