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.
Sarah Mulling
Exercise Physiologist
Sarah graduated in 2005 and has had over fifteen years of clinical experience as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. She has worked in Melbourne, Perth and Bendigo across various streams including neurological, musculoskeletal, orthopedic, cardiac, pain management, corporate health and return to work.
Since joining the team at The Neuro Practice, Sarah has enjoyed furthering her understanding of the complexities and potential of our amazing brain and nervous system. She recognizes that each patient has their own unique experience and aspects of their condition. Utilizing her health coaching background, sessions involve listening, encouraging, and empowering individuals to maximize their mobility, function, and independence.
Functionality and specificity are key elements of Sarah’s evidence-based exercise prescription. She loves seeing her patients improve their strength and confidence to return to activities they never thought possible. Her particular interests include spinal cord injuries, stroke, falls and balance disorders and pain science.
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
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 in the neurological niche of physiotherapy. Jess moved down to Bendigo from sunny Mildura in June 2021 to expand her physiotherapy experience.
Jess has an interest in all areas of neurological physiotherapy and is devoted to broadening her knowledge within the adult population. She believes developing a rapport and working as a team with her clients is paramount to achieving goals and optimising the clients therapy experience.
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.
Samantha Leung
Physiotherapist
Bernadette Strawhorn
Exercise Physiologist
Bernadette, graduated from La Trobe University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Exercise Science/Masters of Exercise Physiology. Prior to joining our team Bernadette has gained experience through working in the community with exercise prescription in DVA, TAC and WorkCover clientele as well as work in occupational rehabilitation and return to work planning. With passion and fresh eyes she has dedicated her time to the realm of chronic diseases and treatment, prevention and maintenance specifically interested in spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and ageing conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Laura Myles
Allied Health Assistant
Laura graduated from Bendigo TAFE in 2015 with a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance. Prior to joining the Neuro practice team, Laura worked as an Allied Health Assistant for 11 years in a regional public hospital in community rehabilitation services. These services included a Neurological program in which Laura gained experience and developed her interest in Neurological conditions. Prior to working as an AHA, Laura worked as a disability support worker for 4 years specifically with clients with Neurological conditions.
Laura is originally from Melbourne, and after a ‘tree change’ to Castlemaine 12 years ago, has now moved to Greater Bendigo, and is thrilled to now be working so much closer to home.
Laura is committed and enthusiastic about expanding her skill set working alongside the lovely and very experienced team at the Neuro Practice. And she also relishes in this opportunity to work with this local community in supporting individuals to achieve their goals.
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.
