Practitioners

Our Team

‘It's our level of care that sets us apart’ - Lisa Thomson, Senior Partner

Click on the links below to learn about the CSSM team.

Strength and Conditioning Physiotherapist Peter Stath
  • Peter StathSenior Physiotherapist

    Senior Physiotherapist

     

    As a physiotherapist, Peter relishes the opportunity to help his clients return to the things that mean the most to them, whether that’s sport, work or family. “A strong and healthy body maintains a healthy mind, which allows us to perform and work to the best of our ability.”

     

    Peter promotes an active approach to rehab and has a passion for treating sports injuries such as new and recurrent muscle strains and injuries of the shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.

     

    With a unique understanding of the demands of high level competition, Peter has worked with Melbourne Victory FC Academy as well as with the A League Men’s team. He is currently the Head Physiotherapist for Bentleigh Greens Soccer Club in the National Premier League Victoria competition and also part of the Football Victoria program as a physiotherapist for their state and representative teams.

     

    Peter is also a great advocate for the involvement of children and adolescents in sport, helping them develop healthy habits as they grow. He has a particular clinical interest in working with adolescent athletes.

     

    “It’s so important to stay at the forefront of the industry in terms of latest techniques, advancements, patient care and rehabilitation and use this information to continue to play a key role in patients’ recovery.”

     

    Peter has valuable experience in pre- and post-operative care and has developed expertise in using Clinical Pilates to facilitate optimal recovery and performance.

     

    “The challenge of pre and post-surgery and the journey between physiotherapist and patient to integrate them back into daily activity or sport in an even better condition than before their injury is what drives me.”

     

    Whether it’s an acute injury or simply wanting to optimise performance, Peter has the expertise to diagnose and prescribe a program to get you back on track to achieving your goals. His unique combination of physiotherapy and high level coaching skills is a valuable asset in both the prevention and rehabilitation of injury – particularly in the areas of sports performance in the younger athlete.

     

    Away from CSSM, Peter has developed a keen interest in golf, enjoys attending sports events, training in the gym and keeping up with the latest research and advancements within the physiotherapy industry.

     

    Senior Practitioner consultation fees apply to this practitioner.

Experienced Camberwell Physiotherapist Caroline Szafranski
  • Caroline SzafranskiSenior Physiotherapist

    Senior Physiotherapist

     

     

    Senior physiotherapist Caroline Szafranski was drawn to physio during her four years spent living in the United States on a tennis scholarship at Arkansas State University. “I was training six days a week and spending a bit of time in the medical rooms!”

    She studied Exercise Science and then spent 6 months working in California.  “I think my involvement in tennis and triathlons has helped me enormously with treating patients and understanding their emotional ride as well.”

     

    After completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University back home, Caroline has worked with various sporting organisations including the AFL Umpires Association in addition to grass roots football clubs.

     

    “I’ve also worked in various roles both in private practice and in a hospital environment, both in the UK and Australia, giving me extensive experience in treating patients with both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions,” she said.

     

    Caroline has a special interest in biomechanics, rehabilitation and Clinical Pilates training having completed mat and equipment Level 1 Certificate in Pilates and Level 1 Dry Needling Certificate, and several other courses. “I treat all areas but but enjoy treating backs, neck and doing pilates, plus post surgery rehab especially total hip and knee replacements.”

     

    Away from the clinic, Caroline continues to play tennis and still has that competitive nature participating in ironman triathlon and marathon running, competing in several races including the half ironman and long course world championships and completing two Melbourne marathons! “I’d like to say that my competitive spirit is a little more tame these days but I can’t help myself sometimes!”

     

    Caroline is at CSSM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    Senior Practitioner pricing applies.

     

     

     

  • Theodora DafinisPhysiotherapist
    Theodora’s path to physiotherapy began on the soccer field, where years of playing fostered a deep appreciation for movement, performance, and the resilience of the human body. After experiencing the impact of physiotherapy during her own injury rehabilitation, she was inspired to pursue a career where she could help others regain confidence, function, and enjoyment in their sport and daily life.
    She completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at La Trobe University and has developed a strong interest in sporting injuries, lower limb conditions, adolescent injuries, and pre‑ and post‑operative rehabilitation. Theodora particularly enjoys the problem‑solving nature of sports physiotherapy—understanding the demands of each sport, tailoring rehabilitation to the individual, and guiding athletes safely back to their best. She is especially curious about overuse injuries and hopes to further explore how training loads and volumes can be optimised to prevent them.
    Outside the clinic, Theodora works as a physiotherapist with the senior women’s team at FC Bulleen Lions in the NPLW, where she supports athletes in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment. Away from work entirely, she enjoys staying active in the gym, going for the occasional run, watching soccer, and discovering new restaurants with friends and family.
    Theodora is passionate about continuing her professional development and aspires to become a titled Sports Physiotherapist, with the long‑term goal of working in professional sport—ideally within soccer.
    What she values most about Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine is the supportive, collaborative environment. She appreciates the genuine connections between staff, practitioners, and patients, and the shared commitment to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care.
  • Adele AgiusSenior Myotherapist

    Senior Myotherapist – 

     

    After 15 years of international competitive Taekwondo, Adele sustained several injuries. “I was always so fascinated by how the human body functions and heals – seemingly myotherapy was the perfect fit.  An enthusiast about health, fitness and being the best version of yourself is a key factor”. 

     

    Adele feels that analysing the main components of people’s everyday lifestyles and interests allows her to identify and provide specialised ways for a specific individual to help aid in strengthening, rehabilitating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adele enjoys working with people “to help get them back to the activities they love”.

     

    Adele executes this through a “hands-on approach”, which includes trigger point therapy, dry needling, cupping, myofascial release and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Adele is a firm believer on educating her clients about their condition and what their recovery process will entail to improve their ability to manage, maintain and overcome their injuries.  

    Adele has worked with NICA (National Institute of Circus Australia) and amateur basketball, netball and football leagues across Melbourne. 

     

    In Adele’s spare time, she loves to participate in pilates, rock climbing, hiking, baking and spending time with family and friends.

     

    Senior practitioner pricing applies for consultations with Adele.

Nadia Schipano Osteopath Camberwell
  • Nadia SchipanoOsteopath

    Nadia Schipano is a passionate and highly skilled osteopath who brings a holistic, evidence-informed approach to patient care. With a double degree from RMIT University in Health Science and Applied Science (Osteopathy), Nadia combines deep anatomical knowledge with a genuine commitment to helping people move better, feel better, and live better.

    Her clinical interests span a wide spectrum—from chronic pain management and sports injuries to low back and neck pain, as well as headaches and migraines. Nadia thrives on the diversity of her caseload and is particularly drawn to the evolving science of pain. She is dedicated to expanding her expertise in chronic pain management, always seeking new ways to empower her patients through education, movement, and hands-on care.

    Outside the clinic, Nadia is a certified yoga teacher and an avid runner who values balance in all aspects of life. Whether she’s travelling, teaching, or spending time with loved ones, she brings the same energy and mindfulness to her personal life that she offers her patients.

    At CSSM, Nadia is proud to be part of a supportive, collaborative team that prioritises high-quality, patient-centred care. Her goal is to continue growing as a clinician, confidently managing a wide range of cases—including the most complex—while helping every patient take charge of their health journey.

  • Vaughan AcklandSenior Podiatrist

    Educated at the University of South Australia, Vaughan has gained a wide range of clinical experiences since completing his studies and moving to Melbourne in 1998. Sporting and family commitments helped to shape his core range of clinical interests.
    Originally drawn to Podiatry after having his own knee pain cured by orthotic management, Vaughan values how much more enjoyment can be gained from sports when you have no pain associated with playing them. Likewise through watching his three children’s development, Vaughan is determined to minimise any pain associated within childhood development.

    Vaughan’s philosophy regarding treatment is to address the cause of the pain biomechanically, and instill a treatment plan that will enhance every patient’s enjoyment of life’s endeavours.

Lily Taplin Physiotherapist Camberwell
  • Lily TaplinPhysiotherapist

    CSSM physio Lily Taplin is a Camberwell local.

    An active individual, Lily grew up participating in sport, fascinated by biomechanics and how the body moves.  It is an interest that grew into a profession.

    For Lily, being a physiotherapist combines the challenge of uncovering the cause of pain with the fulfilment of empowering others to manage their injuries and reach their fullest potential.

    “That is why I love it”

    “What I’m passionate about, is taking the time to really get to know the individual, their goals, interests, and expectations, and collaboratively developing a treatment plan that enables them to achieve these factors.”

    “So many people experience aches and pains in their everyday lives but there is so much we as physiotherapists can do to help and getting the right help is vital in being able to return to the activities you need to and want to do. I love being a part of the journey to help others return to what they love and lead fulfilling lives.”

    Away from the clinic, you’ll find Lily getting out in nature, whether its running, hiking or simply walking her dog.

    “I also love to travel and explore new places and beautiful scenery.”

     

     

Daniel Skaer Osteopath
  • Daniel SkaerOsteopath

    Daniel Skaer was drawn to study Osteopathy through his personal experiences with sporting injuries, a fascination with the science behind the human body and a passion for helping people achieve quality of life.

     

    “The complexity in the human body won’t adapt to change unless you create a change,” he says. “Treating injuries for their causing agents can become a preventative rather than a band-aid approach.”

     

    Daniel is a strong believer in Osteopathy’s philosophy of treating the body as a whole, rather than simply treating the dysfunctional region. “No two patients are the same, which is why it’s so important to work with each patient to create a tailored management plan, empowering them through education and support.”

     

    He prides himself on his ability to communicate and comfort every individual that may find seeking an Osteopath daunting as well as educating patients to help them achieve their goals.

     

    Daniel has a specific interest in chronic pain management, hypermobility dysfunctions and structural strength assistance and uses a range of techniques including soft tissue, manipulation and mobilisation techniques.

     

    Daniel hopes to continue to develop his skillset and contribute to research. He is also currently completing a Diploma in Equine Osteopathy with the London College of Animal Osteopathy.

     

    Away from the clinic, Daniel loves running, going to the gym, travelling, going for walks, working with equine athletes and spending time with friends and family.

  • Kim Van HoornClinical Pilates

    Clinic Lead – Clinical Pilates

    After 15 years of intensive dance training and working as on osteopath, Kim was looking for a pro-active way to help people manage their conditions.   “Pilates was the perfect fit.”

    Rather than “treat” conditions, Kim says Pilates improves movement and helps to relieve pain.  “I work to help people overcome their back and neck pain, manage restrictions with arthritis, rehabilitate joint injuries,  improve balance, build strength and increase bone mass in osteoporosis.  I also love keeping people strong throughout their pregnancies and beyond.”

    According to Kim, clients are surprised at how easily a problem area can be identified. “We have elite athletes coming in who are very strong and fit but have pain or an injury. We can find a muscle not doing its job properly and they are surprised at how quickly that muscle tires and how we can progress exercises to keep Pilates continually challenging.”

    “I love that my clients are very pro-active leading to great, long term results.  There is a huge variety in the people and conditions I see, keeping each class interesting.  I also love getting to know people and hearing about their lives.”

    Kim has first-hand knowledge in the role pilates can play in pre and post-natal health but also has extensive experience treating and rehabilitating AFL and dance injuries.

    Away from the clinic, Kim enjoys spending time with her three boys and getting involved in sports, activities, camping, and bushwalking.  She also loves walking her dogs.