ABOUT
Our Team
Our dedicated team of passionate professionals have been carefully selected and managed by our highly experienced Rachael Cheesman.
Rachael Cheesman
Director / Senior Physiotherapist
Rachael graduated from La Trobe University in 1993. Throughout her physiotherapy career she has shown a strong and passionate interest in the field of neurology. Rachael is a Bobath Practitioner having completed advanced studies in the Bobath Concept. Clinical areas of specialty include management of clients with all spectrum’s of neurological disability, postural dysfunction, vestibular retraining, falls and balance disorders and gait re-education. Rachael created the Neuro Practice in 2002 and continues to expand the team focusing on a client centered and meaningful approach to all therapy interactions. Rachael has completed a Masters certificate in rural paediatric practice at the University of Melbourne.
James Brown
Physiotherapist
James graduated from La Trobe University, Bendigo in 2019 with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Physiotherapy Practice. James started his physiotherapy career in Bendigo in a sports & musculoskeletal setting, before joining us at The Neuro Practice at the end of 2022.
James loves working with clients of all ages and is passionate about broadening his knowledge with various conditions. He continues to maintain his sports/musculoskeletal knowledge by working with local sporting groups.
James believes in integrating physiotherapy into everyday life in a way that is fun, achievable, and sustainable.
Jess Potter
Physiotherapist / Clinical Lead
Jess graduated from Charles Sturt University Albury in 2019 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Jess started her health career in 2013 as an Allied Health Assistant and has since developed a passion for working within the neurological field. Jess has been working at The Neuro Practice since June 2021, further developing her neurological and leadership skills.
Jess has an interest in all areas of neurological physiotherapy and is devoted to broadening her knowledge within the adult population, tailoring her skillset to more complex presentations. She loves a good joke and believes developing a rapport with clients and working as a team is paramount to achieving goals and optimising the clients therapy experience.
Helen Davey
Physiotherapist
Helen has been in the Physiotherapy profession since 2012, first starting her career in the USA. She graduated from Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, USA in 2012 with Bachelor of Biology and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. Helen became interested in neuro physiotherapy during university and has enjoyed working with that population ever since.
Helen moved to Bendigo in 2023. She is excited to continue her career and further expand her knowledge and skillset here at The Neuro Practice.
Mikayla Tunley
Physiotherapist
Mikayla graduated from La Trobe University, Bendigo in 2025 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). Mikayla has a strong interest in neurological physiotherapy and brings this focus into her clinical practice at The Neuro Practice. She is passionate about stroke rehabilitation, progressive neurological conditions, movement retraining/strengthening/balance and gait rehabilitation, and task-specific exercise programs. Mikayla values building meaningful connections with clients and working collaboratively to help them achieve goals that enhance their day-to-day activities and overall quality of life.
Mikayla is enthusiastic about ongoing learning and developing her skills to deliver evidence-based, client-centred care.
Alongside her interest in neurological physiotherapy, Mikayla holds Learn to Swim teaching qualifications as a previous swim teacher of 4 years and continues to maintain her musculoskeletal knowledge by providing Clinical Pilates services locally.
Ella Hamilton
Physiotherapist
Anne McGann
Vestibular Physiotherapist
Anne graduated from Latrobe University in 1991, and completed a Masters of Health Science (Neurology) in Physiotherapy at Sydney University in 2000. Early in her physiotherapy career, Anne worked primarily with the older population, with a focus on falls prevention and balance assessment and rehabilitation. Anne has worked in Sydney, the UK and has been working in Melbourne for the past 23yrs.
Anne’s clinical area of specialty is Vestibular and Balance Assessment and Rehabilitation. She has been working in this area for the past 20yrs. Anne received a Churchill Fellowship in 2003, enabling her to spend time in the US and UK with renowned medical and physiotherapy Vestibular Specialists and Researchers. On her return to Melbourne, Anne developed and commenced the Vestibular Rehabilitation Service at the RMH.
Anne is passionate about sharing her vestibular knowledge and skills with fellow health professionals and has been developing and conducting regular vestibular rehabilitation courses in conjunction with the APA since 2004.
Anne is very committed to providing the best evidence-based care to clients who are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, imbalance and falls. She wants to assist in developing a clear pathway of care for these clients in Bendigo and the surrounding regions.
Tom Pontell
Exercise Physiologist
Tom is a dedicated Accredited Exercise Physiologist who has established clinical experience within the high falls risk, neurological and vestibular settings. Tom graduated from La Trobe Bendigo in 2019 with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Masters of Exercise Physiology. Tom gained clinical experience within the Swan Hill hospital for 4 ½ years and moved his way into a Specialist Falls Coordinator role for 3 of those 4 ½ years.
Tom’s standout qualities include his communication skills, his ability to connect with individuals of all backgrounds, his patient centred approach and his ability to educate his clients.
Tom has developed a passion for working within the neurological field. He finds it very rewarding in contributing to improving a client’s quality of life and understands the challenges neurological clientele face with their healthcare journey and dedicates himself to making a positive difference within their lives.
Corey Van Aken
Exercise Physiologist
Corey is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who graduated from La Trobe University, Bendigo, in 2023 with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Master of Exercise Physiology. Since completing his studies, Corey began his career in Sunbury, where he implemented play-based exercise approaches whilst working with paediatric clients. He also has clinical experience across Kyneton and Bendigo in both public and private settings, continuing to apply person-centred methods to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Corey enjoys problem-solving, making exercise enjoyable, and building strong connections with his clients. He is passionate about helping individuals manage their health, achieve their goals, and feel empowered through movement.
Lisa Canny
Office Manager
Lisa graduated from LaTrobe University , Bendigo in 1995 with a Bachelor of Nursing and nursed for several years, here and in the UK before studying Beauty Therapy at Victoria University in Melbourne – graduating in 2000. She worked in both roles for several years until 2003, when Beauty Therapy took over and eventually resulting in Lisa opening and running her own successful Beauty Therapy business for 15 years. In 2016, Lisa graduated with a Certificate of Bookkeeping and worked for a well known bookkeeping firm here in Bendigo for 3 years. Lisa soon realised she thrives off people contact and since then has taken on the role of Office Administrator. Lisa is the lovely bubbly personality to greet you at our clinic & is more than happy to help you with all your appointment & any specific needs.
