Our Team
JESSICA WALKER
Jess is our co-founder and Director at Fit 2 Function.
As small business goes she is also our Director of Accounts, Marketing and HR.
She is a proud mother of 3 and passionate physiotherapist.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Women’s Health Physiotherapy, Clinical Pilates and Rehabilitation are Jess’s areas of interest and she has developed Fit 2 Function’s wellness continuum model that is reshaping the way we envisage your health. Change your trajectory, stop the decline and remember how to enjoy life without limitation.
melody francis
B.Physio (Hons), MPICT, BA, APAM
In a former life Mel was a professional squash athlete and high performance coach with many accolades under her belt. Mel has previously run her own Pilates studio in Newcastle. Nowadays, you will find her in the saddle dabbling in dressage and working equitation with her young horse. Mel has moved her family including hubby & gorgeous 5 year old son to Manilla to join us.
In the clinic Mel's passion is women's health, particularly persistent pain. With a focus on holistic assessment and treatment approaches from a trauma- & psychologically informed foundation, Mel aims to work with you to achieve your goals.
Mel's interests include:
- Women's health
- Persistent pain, particularly pelvic pain
- Sporting and musculoskeletal injuries
- Paediatrics (birth and beyond)
- Equestrian specific physio
- Real time ultrasound
Mel's additional qualifications include:
- APA Level 1 & 2 Women’s Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
- APA Level 1 Women's Health Through the Life Stages Physiotherapy
- GEMT Dry Needling Level 1 & 2
Paddy Bowen
Paddy became a valued member of our team when his practice, 'Bowen Arrow Physiotherapy,' merged with Fit2Function in late 2022. With a deep involvement in rugby union, both as a player and coach on local and international fronts, Paddy possesses a profound knowledge of injuries common in collision-based sports. His focus lies in injury prevention, immediate injury care, and guiding athletes on the path from pain to optimal performance.
However, Paddy's true passion within the field of physiotherapy revolves around persistent pain, particularly complex musculoskeletal cases concerning the lower back, shoulders, hips, and knees. His primary goal remains assisting individuals in their persistent pain journey towards recovery and well-being.
In addition to his commitments in physiotherapy and rugby, Paddy warmly embraces his role as a father, treasuring moments spent with his young family and embarking on adventures across the globe.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Health & Rehabilitation Science (CSU)
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (CSU)
Master of Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport (ACU - ongoing studies)
APA Level 1 Pain Physiotherapy
Advanced Dry Needling Practitioner
Lachie Martin
B.Physio, APAM
Lachie is our newest Physiotherapist who was born and raised here in Tamworth. He now works out of our Tamworth and Armidale locations.
Prior to being a physiotherapist Lachie trained as a ballet dancer at the Australian Ballet School for 6 years where he has gained an extensive knowledge of dance training and dance specific physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Following this he has completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy through Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie. During his final year Lachie has been teaching Pilates with us here at Fit 2 Function and now runs our Junior Pilates Program.
Since finishing his Bachelor of Physiotherapy Lachie has gone on tour to Fiji with the Pacific Nomads Rugby 7s as team Physiotherapist for the Coral Coast Rugby 7s tournament. Lachie is currently working on the “Nomad’s, No Barriers” program to help provide more opportunities and pathways for Para Sports.
Lachie’s interests include:
- Musculoskeletal and sports injuries.
- Paediatrics (12 months and older) development, conditions and injuries (currently completing level 1 APA paediatric physiotherapy).
- Paediatrics neurological conditions & disability (currently completing level 1 APA paediatric physiotherapy).
- Dance specific physiotherapy.
- Adult neurological rehab & management, traumatic injuries and MVA injury rehab.
- Dry needling (Level 1 APA dry needling).
JANET MCRAE
Janet is by title our Practice manager and by nature our mumma bear.
She has a knack of wrapping everyone up in a warm hug and spurring you on when things are gloomy and murky. And really that's what injury and pain is right - murky and gloomy at times.
Her infectious, bubbly personality will have you giggling (even if it hurts) and have you leaving with a pep in your step!
Janet is also a nature lover, zen creator and absolute carer in her heart of hearts. She organises our team, our programs and YOU.
If you don't see Janet on your way into Fit2Function you will certainly hear her laughing in the background (and maybe a snort will escape).
Shaina Styles
Shaina is our Administration Officer. (AKA front desk superstar!)
With a fresh Cert 3 in Business under her belt, Shaina is our go-to guru for all things administrative. From expertly handling phone calls to managing a flood of emails, she keeps our office running like a well-oiled machine. And don't even get us started on her spreadsheet skills – she's practically a wizard!
But it's not all work and no play.
In addition to her professional achievements, Shaina also recently achieved a personal milestone by purchasing her own home!
When she's not manning the front desk, she's delighting in the simple pleasures of life – whether that’s reading, enjoying a cheeseboard by the pool or a long snuggle with her fur baby.
You can find Shaina's smiling face as you walk through our doors.