Our Team

Peter Le-Nguyen
Service Manager | Senior Physiotherapist

Peter graduated from La Trobe University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. He has a diverse clinical background having worked in major acute and subacute hospitals, local council community health centres and numerous residential aged care facilities. He also has experience in the compensatory/insurance rehabilitation landscape.

Amongst all the various settings, the constant common theme has always been to deliver holistic patient centred care with personal connection and empathy at the centre of everything. This includes strong rapport, at tentative listening, clear and easy to understand communication, patience and persistence demeanour and unrelenting advocacy for those in need.

His years of experience and exposures to various settings ensures that Peter has the knowledge and skills to treat a broad range of conditions from paediatric to gerontology, neurological conditions to musculoskeletal pain and everything in between.

He is also fluent in Vietnamese and feels honoured to be able to help those of the Vietnamese community wherever possible.

He’s a keen cyclist as well as going out to new places with his wife (Cher) and his son (Matthew) and daughter (Estelle).

Dee Tran
Service Coordinator | Administration

Dee is our admin and service coordinator at Optimum Healthcare.
She holds a certificate III in Hospitality and has been in customer service for over 20 years.

Dee is responsible for our client relations and keeping everything going behind the scenes.
She loves taking the time to chat with clients (as well as their families) over the phone and enjoys taking an active role in client’s journey to better health. Dee loves the unique challenges that come with the role and she is excited to join those in the homecare and NDIS space.

Dee has a partner and two young daughters who like to keep her on her toes.
In her spare time, she is also a plant lady and foodie.
Available Monday to Friday, Dee is ready to attend to your calls and answer any questions you may have.

Madeleine Wrigley
Operations Manager | Senior Physiotherapist

Madeleine graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Doctor of Physiotherapy and has extensive experience working in the community. Her years of experience in this specialised area allow Madeleine to confidently work with clients who have complex cognitive, physical and social needs. Madeleine is able to support individuals not only in their own homes (aged care, retirement or community), but also in the gym and hydrotherapy pool.

Madeleine has a keen interest in long-term musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation. She knows the importance of individualised therapy and loves to understand what is important to her clients and their families. Madeleine is passionate about working together with her clients to achieve their life-long goals that they previously thought were impossible!

Outside of work, Madeleine loves spending time with her young family, exploring the outdoors and trying new cafes!

Sonali Vaidya
Senior Physiotherapist | West Physio Team Lead

Sonali is a AHPRA registered Senior Physiotherapist with a diverse and extensive background in the field. She completed her Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy in India and further pursued her Masters in New Zealand, specializing in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Having worked in private practice, aged care, and as a community physiotherapist in Australia, Sonali brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her professional journey has allowed her to work with individuals across various age groups, honing her ability to tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient

With a keen interest in musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, Sonali adopts a holistic approach to her clients, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. This approach aligns with her belief that addressing all aspects of a person’s health is essential for achieving optimal outcomes. She is known for her compassion and commitment to evidence-based practice, ensuring that her interventions are not only effective but also personalized to the specific needs of her clients.

Sonali is particularly passionate about hydrotherapy, clinical Pilates, and dry needling, constantly upskilling herself to stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field of physiotherapy.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Sonali is an avid traveller and outdoor enthusiast.

Holly Thorp
Senior Physiotherapist | North Physio Team Lead

Holly is a senior physiotherapist who graduated from Otago University (New Zealand) with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2014, and has since gained extensive experience across private practice, aged care and community physiotherapy. With a keen interest in falls prevention and frailty management, Holly is passionate about maximising the independence and quality of life of the clients she works with. She brings her compassion, excellent communication skills, and easy-going nature to every session. Focussed on gaining genuine understanding of each client’s needs, Holly strives to create a supportive environment where clients from all backgrounds feel heard and valued. Through clear and open communication, Holly ensures that her clients fully understand their treatment plans, empowering them to take an active role in their physiotherapy journey. She is committed to guiding her clients towards ‘Optimum’ health with empathy, clinical expertise, and a smile! After spending the past 6 years in London, Holly has recently moved to Melbourne with her partner Jay to be closer to family. She loves to travel and is a keen cook, and thinks the best way to experience a new culture is through its food! On the weekends you will find her hiking the trails around Melbourne, and exploring her local cafés and food markets.

Michelle Nguyen
Senior Physiotherapist

Michelle graduated in 2007 from the University of SA and practiced as a physiotherapist in Melbourne since 2008 with clinical experience in acute, subacute, community, and residential aged care.

Michelle’s passion lies in aged care, working with seniors to maximise their independence and safety.  She is fluent in Vietnamese and especially enjoys working with Vietnamese seniors who may have limited access to therapy due to language barriers.

Outside of work, Michelle loves spending time chasing after her two human babies and one fur baby. She also loves gardening and travelling, hoping to have more road trips with her family in the future.

Zakeya Zaman
Senior Physiotherapist

Zakeya has thirteen years of work experience in residential aged care facilities. She has a special interest working in Gerontology, especially with dementia residents and is participating in ongoing education in this area. Zakeya has also worked in rehabilitation services for torture survivors for three years in a human rights organisation based in Asia just after graduation in 2002.

Zakeya is dedicated to improving the lives of residents living in aged-care homes; she has extensive knowledge in assessment and management of a variety of health conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and chronic pain. She is well-versed in areas such as:

– Common age-related functional decline
– Falls prevention strategies
– Environmental safety assessment
– Manual therapy and soft tissue massage
– Safe and effective manual handling techniques

Zakeya enjoys working in a team environment, and believes ongoing collaboration between the participant, families and care-givers creates meaningful relationships and provide best quality of care. She believes deeply on manifesting a positive outlook about our bodies and capability no matter the health condition.

Zakeya is an avid tennis fan and loves travelling around Europe

John Ho
Physiotherapist

John graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Masters of Physiotherapy Practice.

John strives to provide positive outcomes for his clients. He believes in empowering the client in their recovery journey by providing them with a supportive environment and collaborating with his clients to give them the best opportunity to achieve their goals. John utilises a combination of treatment modalities including manual therapy, exercise, and education.

John’s current experience as a private practice and aged-care Physiotherapist have allowed him to:

– Gain valuable insight into musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions.

– Be a well-rounded health practitioner and supporting people in their homes as well as out in the community.

– Implement exercise programs for a range of patient populations including teens, adults and NDIS participants.

His passion for learning have also led him to work in in sport teams at a local and professional level. John has also gained valuable experience working within a multidisciplinary chronic pain team to assist clients with chronic pain at the North Eastern Rehabilitation Centre in 2021.

Outside of work, John can be found participating in a variety of sports including volleyball, table tennis, and badminton. He enjoys incorporating calisthenics and strength training, and he also loves food and can be found exploring different cuisines in his spare time!

An Le
Physiotherapist

An is one of our graduate physiotherapists. She graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy.

Through more than 1000 hours of clinical placements, she has delivered physiotherapy care in many different settings including: major hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, ICU/CCU, in the community and in aged care homes.

An is passionate about helping people from all walks of life to enjoy a fuller life with therapy that focuses on what matters to you!

In her spare time, you’ll find her at the Docklands Icehouse carving out the ice as a figure skater.

Catherine Nasr
Physiotherapist

Catherine Nasr graduated from La Trobe University, School of Physiotherapy in Bundoora in 2004. She has over 19 years experience in the public and private heath sectors, including hospitals, private practices, domiciliary based rehabilitation, occupational rehabilitation as well as aged care.

Catherine is keen for ongoing education and development. She has completed many short courses to further specialise in Neurological and Vestibular Physiotherapy.

Catherine has a passion for home based therapy to help people maximise their mobility and abilities in their own environment, where it makes the most sense. She has many years experience in this field and continues to grown and achieve great results for her clients.

Outside of work, Catherine enjoys spending time with family and friends, travel, as well as volunteer work with different organisations.

Chloe Smyth
Physiotherapist

Chloe is a passionate and highly motivated physiotherapist dedicated to helping her clients achieve their therapeutic goals and improve their quality of life. She holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Master of Physiotherapy from La Trobe University, blending a strong academic foundation with a genuine commitment to patient care.

Chloe takes a patient-centered approach to physiotherapy, tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual’s unique needs and abilities. She is particularly skilled in working with Home Care Package (HCP) clients and NDIS participants, focusing on personalized strategies that promote independence, mobility, and overall well-being.

Her diverse placement experiences have equipped her with expertise in both exercise-based rehabilitation and manual therapy techniques. Chloe’s hands-on training has shaped her holistic approach to recovery, addressing not just physical health but also the confidence and motivation needed for long-term success.

Committed to continuous learning, Chloe stays up-to-date with the latest physiotherapy research and techniques, ensuring her clients receive the highest standard of care.

Outside of work, Chloe’s love for movement extends to her personal life. She is actively involved in the gymnastics community, occasionally coaching, and has a keen interest in Formula 1. Chloe believes in the importance of staying active for both physical and mental health, and she’s passionate about inspiring others to embrace an active lifestyle.

Chloe looks forward to supporting her clients on their journey to better health, empowering them to live more active, fulfilling lives.

Paul Ople
Physiotherapist

Paul is a dedicated Physiotherapist from the Philippines with 8 years of experience since graduating in 2014. His career has been diverse, starting in private practice where he specialized in treating Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Neurologic cases. As a sports Physiotherapist, Pail focuses on MSK conditions, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and helping athletes return to sports post-injury. 

His experience extends to aged care in Victoria, where he treats a variety of conditions including MSK, cardiopulmonary, and neurologic issues. Paul believes in personalized care, understanding each client’s strengths and weaknesses as the foundation for achieving our shared goals.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys playing basketball and walking for excercie.

Amanda Chan
Occupational Therapist Lead

Amanda completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from ACU.
She has a diverse set of skills and knowledge from her time completing Occupational Therapy research work as a research assistant to clinical experience working in aged care and community care under HCP, DVA and SWEP funding systems.
In more recent times, Amanda has been working extensively with NDIS participants, starting from as young as 3 all the way up to 65 years old with a wide range of complex disabilities (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury, ASD, Rett’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, etc.)
She has special interests in home modifications, pressure care, postural support, seating and assistive technology to support clients with their needs, delivered within a holistic framework to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Outside of work, she lives a busy mom life with her husband, miniature schnauzer (Einstein) and 2 young, active daughters (Elizabeth and Eva) who keep the family on the move. Hobbies include art and crafts, knitting, crocheting, growing sunflowers, hiking gentle trails, travel, food (massive foodie) and baking.

Rayirai Moyo
Occupational Therapist

Ray completed a Master’s in Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra. Rayirai has been working in the community NDIS sector and has experience working in paediatrics, mental health, home modifications and assistive technology. Ray has developed a passion for Home Modifications. She loves helping people to feel more safe and more secure within their living environments.

Hobbies:

Ray moved from Canberra in 2021 and since then she has enjoyed exploring everything Victoria has to offer. During her spare time, Ray enjoys travelling and eating out (She’s a big foodie!). In her downtime, Ray enjoys listening to music and watching movies.

Jenny Nguyen
Occupational Therapist

Jenny graduated from Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy; with experience working in a broad range of settings including hospitals, community, and a school setting from her clinical placements.

Jenny is dedicated in supporting her clients to get back to participating in daily life activities that they enjoy doing the most. Jenny believes in empowering her clients through skill building therapy or assistive technology prescription to maximise their fulfilment and satisfaction in everyday life activities.

Outside of work, Jenny enjoys watching the AFL with her friends and can be found at Marvel Stadium or the MCG, with a pie in her hand. Jenny also enjoys completing 1000-piece puzzles.

Felix Chu
Occupational Therapist

Felix graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Masters of Occupational Therapy. He was born in Hong Kong and came to Australia during Year 7. He is multilingual and fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Felix has experience working with the community NDIS, paediatric, and hospital settings from his clinical placements. Through placement experiences, he has gained skills and knowledge on home modifications, assistive technology, and pressure injuries prevention techniques. He has learnt how to best utilise them to achieve the most optimal and efficient way to provide therapy.

Outside of work, Felix enjoys participating in various sports such as, soccer, badminton, table tennis and running. He enjoys being in a team environment and have been in the La Trobe Soccer Club for 5 years now.

Mary Rizkalla
Occupational Therapist

Mary has been an occupational therapist for over 20 years.

She has worked in acute hospitals, rehabilitation settings. return to work consulting and ran her own school readiness program.

More recently, she has worked within the NDIS program delivering services to adults who need assistance with the daily functions.

Mary speaks fluent English and Arabic.

A mum of two girls, Mary also has a keen interest in photography.

Kathryn Chan
Occupational Therapist

Kathryn graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy. During her studies, she gained valuable experience across various settings, including paediatrics, acute hospitals, geriatric rehabilitation, and hospital-in-the-home programs. These diverse clinical placements have equipped her with expertise in self-regulation, assistive technology, pressure injuries, and falls prevention.

Kathryn is deeply committed to promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for her clients. She emphasises understanding each client’s unique needs and aspirations to effectively address physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.

Outside of work, Kathryn has a passion for arts and crafts, baking, and crocheting. She also loves exploring Melbourne’s vibrant restaurants and cafés and enjoys adventurous road trips, including activities like ziplining (despite her fear of heights!).

 

Tim Nguyen
Osteopath

Timothy graduated from RMIT University in 2023 with and Bachelor of Applied Science and Osteopathy. He has always had a keen interest in health and sports which naturally led him down this path, allowing him to combine his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and manual therapy to address musculoskeletal issues and promote overall well-being.

During his studies, Timothy completed internships at multiple clinics, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills while working with a diverse patient base. Through these experiences, he’s developed into a dedicated osteopath with a keen focus on delivering a holistic treatment using personalized care plans to optimize patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being.

In his spare time, Timothy maintains an active lifestyle. You can often find him at the gym or engaging in recreational activities such as volleyball and bouldering with his friends.

Pedro Gallego
Administrative Assistant | Reception

Pedro is a valued member of our admin team at Optimum Healthcare. As a Customer Service Representative, he excels in managing inquiries with a keen focus on ensuring customer satisfaction. Pedro is dedicated to being client-focused, consistently going the extra mile to meet and exceed client expectations. He handles each inquiry with care and attention, ensuring that every client feels heard and valued.

Additionally, Pedro supports our clinical team, enabling them to focus on delivering the best possible care to our clients.

Outside of work, Pedro enjoys immersing himself in movies and TV series marathons, taking virtual museum tours, and playing online games. He also stays active through hiking, jogging, camping, and exploring new places on walking tours.

May Lai
Massage Therapist

May was born and raised in Malaysia, with a Malaysian Chinese background. She is proficient in multiple languages and dialects, including English, Bahasa, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew and Hakka.

In 2017, May graduated from her Diploma in Remedial Massage course at Queensland Gold Coast. She is a dedicated and experienced remedial massage therapist, driven by a passion for enhancing the well-being of her clients through therapeutic touch. With over eight years of hands-on experience in the field, May has refined her skills and expertise to deliver effective and personalised massage treatments.

Throughout her career, May has catered to a diverse clientele, addressing various musculoskeletal issues while promoting relaxation and healing. Her commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest massage techniques and developments in the field ensures that her clients receive the highest quality care. May continues to positively impact the lives of her clients, aiding them in achieving a better quality of life, reduced pain, and improved mobility.

During her free time, May enjoys cycling and exploring restaurants in search of culinary delights.

Chris Tan
Massage Therapist

Chris is a passionate and skilled massage therapist with professional experience since 2019. She has worked in various settings, providing personalized treatments to help clients manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance their overall well-being. Her commitment to client care and tailored treatment plans effective and lasting results.

Chris‘ expertise includes remedial, deep tissue, Swedish, pregnancy, relaxation massage, and trigger point therapy. With a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology, she can focus on addressing the root causes of discomfort and creating customized treatments to meet each client’s unique needs.

In her personal time, she enjoys exploring and dining at new and unique restaurants, finding joy in discovering great food. She also loves staying active through walking and hiking with her partner. Touring and exploring different places is another passion of hers, as it allows her to embrace new experiences and cultures.

Chis is deeply interested in holistic health and wellness, always seeking ways to expand my knowledge and skills in therapeutic practices. She enjoys connecting with clients and supporting their journey toward better health and relaxation.