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 8 in Australia. Academically, she also holds a Master of Health Science (Neurological Physiotherapy) and Grad. Certificate in Public Health. Melissa has previously chaired the Neurology Chapter in NSW and was the NSW National Representative for the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

 

Melissa established Advance Rehab Centre in 2006 as a specialist neurological outpatient and home based rehab facility and she has grown this to a team of 39 staff with an outstanding clinical track record and team culture. The centre is dedicated to clinical excellence and innovation and has produced some world class programs, least of all, PD Warrior which became an independent entity in 2015 and is now taught and licensed internationally to other physiotherapists and health professionals. Melissa is an active CEO of both companies.

 

As a thought leader, Melissa has led the way creating exercise programs incorporating intensive neuroplasticity training principles for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke and brain injury and in 2014 published the Amazon Best Seller “The New Parkinson’s Treatment: Exercise is Medicine” which has since gained distribution rights with Simon and Schuster and is into her second edition. In 2018, Melissa coordinated the first online global Summit for Parkinson’s disease, using cutting edge technology, this 3 day summit was streamed live into people’s homes removing the need for travel and accommodation expenses. This summit raised $27,000 for the Shake It Up Foundation and had nearly 1000 people register.

Who is Melissa

Melissa is a clinician, educator, author, entrepreneur and thought leader with a passion for neurological rehabilitation and a special interest in stroke and progressive neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, MS, Polio and MND. Since 2000, she has built a career, four businesses and authored a book, all dedicated to helping people with neurological conditions. She is currently the CEO of both Advance Rehab Centre and PD Warrior, wife and mother of two. Melissa lives in Sydney and enjoys ocean swimming and pretending to jog when she gets a chance.

What does she believe in

Melissa believes in innovation and clinical excellence. Both Advance Rehab Centre and PD Warrior have demonstrated these qualities and both have a strong reputation for being innovative, ethical and effective because of her leadership and the culture her team have established.  She has created several programs based on the latest research and evidence to support patients; Upper limb boot camp, Functional Neurological Disorders Intensive, and Stand. Walk. Run which are all examples of identifying a gap in patient care combined with the latest effective evidence approach to deliver outstanding patient results. She currently spend most of her time as an educator, developing the businesses further as well as coordinating and speaking at engagements and running courses and lectures.

Professional Memberships

  • 2018/01 – Australian Physiotherapist Board of Registration Australia
  • 2018/01 – Australian Physiotherapy Association Australia
  • 2013/05 – APA National Neuro. Committee member Australia
  • 2012/08 – APA NSW Neuro. Committee Chair Australia
  • 2006/02 – HPC Physiotherapy Board of Registration UK
  • 2006/04 – Chartered Society of Physiotherapists UK