Blackburn

Pete Graver

Clinical Director and Senior Physiotherapist

Pete is our clinical director and an energetic and passionate physiotherapist, dedicated to empowering clients to take control of their life. Having completed his initial studies at La Trobe University, Pete has completed further studies in Strength and Conditioning Coaching, Powerlifting and Clinical Pilates to take a functional rehabilitation approach to physiotherapy, focussing on building strong, stable bodies to recover from injuries and prevent recurrence. Pete’s clinical specialties include low back and neck pain, BPPV, TMJ and high level resistance training modalities.

In his spare time Pete loves training,camping and exploring Melbourne with his wife, daughter and staffy, brewing beer, building furniture or tinkering with his beloved car. 

For initial consultations with Pete please call the front desk team.

Troy Sandley

Consultant Physiotherapist

Troy developed his love for Physiotherapy while growing up in a household of healthcare professionals. Prior to his Physiotherapy endeavours, he lived in the U.S.A. playing College basketball in Colorado, where he was plagued by a string of injuries, further developing his passion for the profession. He is focused on the holistic health and well-being of others, particularly those presenting with sporting injuries and general orthopaedic conditions. Troy is an avid student of physiotherapy and has completed multiple post graduate courses in order to continuously develop and improve himself professionally for the benefit of his clients. In order to achieve great long-term results, Troy incorporates many treatment modalities including manual therapy, dry needling, Clinical Exercise, and individualised rehabilitation programs.

He still picks up the basketball from time-to-time as a hobby, goes to the gym, and enjoys any chance to get away to the beach with his friends and family. However, having a Chiropractic father sets the scene for plenty of dinner table banter.

Ellie Gavalas

Senior Physiotherapist

Ellie’s love for physiotherapy was established at a young age. Taking part in a variety of sports including AFL, soccer and running, Ellie truly understands the significance of maintaining your health and wellbeing. Ellie completed her Master of Physiotherapy Practice and a Bachelor of Applied Science at La Trobe University. Ellie’s clinical interests involve treating and preventing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including the neck, back and sporting related injuries.

Growing up in a big Greek family, Ellie loves being surrounded by people. With a strong passion for helping and empowering others, she channels her energy into providing the best possible care for each and every client.

Ellie values the importance of living a happy and active life and combines her professional physiotherarpy along with a professional AFLW player for Western Bulldogs. In her spare time, Ellie loves to appreciate the simple things in life like a delicious souvlaki and hanging out with her friends and family.

Chris Honey

Senior Physiotherapist

Chris’s love for diagnosing and rehabilitating tricky conditions developed in his younger years after sustaining several injuries across his junior football career. In particular, he has a special interest in treating lower back, neck and shoulder pain – all of which are areas he has injured himself and rehabilitated! Chris has completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at RMIT University followed by a Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne – providing him with an extensive background in health and fitness, lifestyle coaching and injury prevention and management.

Chris’s approach to physiotherapy centres on understanding each client’s individual needs, utilising hands-on therapy, exercise prescription and lifestyle changes to ensure each and every client can become the healthiest and best version of themselves. Whether it is elite footballers trying to return to the field or grandparents wishing to play with their grandchildren pain-free, Chris strives to help each client achieve their personal goals. 

Outside of work, Chris is very active and enjoys going to the gym and playing football and golf on the weekends. He also has a fine appreciation for food (often eaten in excess), watching Richmond win flags and spending time with family and friends.

Samm Koe

Physiotherapist

Samm is a passionate and energetic Physiotherapist who graduated from Curtin University in Perth with a Bachelors of Science. His love for physiotherapy developed from a young age through the exposure to different sports and exercises which helped him to gradually gain an in-depth understanding of the importance to lead an active lifestyle for health optimisation.

Samm has a keen interest in preventative care in those with musculoskeletal and sporting related pain. No matter who the patient is, Samm believes in putting the patient at the forefront of their care to achieve their goals through an individualised and holistic approach. Samm is also conversational in Mandarin.

Outside of work, you can find Samm at the gym, cooking up a storm in the kitchen or exploring the diverse food scene in Melbourne.

Holly Smart

Associate Physiotherapist

Holly, who graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy, is a passionate and energetic physiotherapist who values an individualised and holistic approach to injury management. Holly enjoys utilising education, manual therapy techniques and functional exercise rehabilitation, with the goal of providing the best care to every patient through her own love of living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Her love for physiotherapy developed at a young age after sustaining a knee injury from netball, which led to numerous hours spent with her physiotherapist back home in Tasmania. Holly has developed special interests in managing acute sporting injuries through her previous experience working for the Carlton VFL team over a number of years, as well working in the area of women’s health.

Outside of work, Holly enjoys going to the gym, spending time outdoors going for walks or heading to the beach. Holly also loves to explore Melbourne’s café and restaurant scenes whilst catching up with friends. 

Layne Jansons

Associate Physiotherapist

Layne, who is graduate of  La Trobe University with a Bachelor degree in Sport and Exercise Science and a Masters of Physiotherapy Practice is a compassionate and knowledgeable physiotherapist who aims to tailor treatment towards patient-specific goals.

Her interest in physiotherapy developed at a young age after sustaining ankle injuries from a wide variety of sports including basketball, netball and footy. 

Layne has experience with acute musculoskeletal injury management after working as a sports trainer for her local AFL club (West-Preston Lakeside) but is also passionate about long-term rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies. 

She also has an interest in neurological conditions and using exercise to maintain quality of life for conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, playing local footy, going out for dinner with family and friends as well as snowboarding in the winter months.

Jeremy Faltas

Associate Physiotherapist

Jeremy is a passionate physiotherapist whose love for the profession developed after spending his younger years playing basketball, gaining an insight into the importance of an active lifestyle and optimising your health and wellbeing.

Having graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Physiotherapy Practice, Jeremy's clinical interests include neck and back pain as well as sporting injuries, stemming from his current role as a physiotherapist with the Northern Bullants in the VFL. He believes a tailored combination of hands-on therapies, exercise prescription and education lead to the best outcomes for each patient and allows them to return to their best.

Outside of work, you'll find Jeremy going to the gym, consuming excessive amounts of food, spending time with friends and family, and clinging to the hope that Essendon win a final in his lifetime. 

Fiona Bartha

Senior Practice Manager

Many of you will know Fiona's smiling face as she has been the Practice Manager at Back In Motion Blackburn for many years. She takes great pride in getting to know as many of our amazing clients as possible and is always happy to help with any questions you may have.

Fi lives with her husband Bert and her two gorgeous sons. She loves to spend her spare time (as if she has any with a busy job and kids running around the house!) reading, exercising and chasing chickens around the back yard!

Danni Jones

Client Services Specialist

We welcomed Danni to our Client Services team in 2021. Danni and her husband have both been long time clients of Back In Motion Blackburn so know what we're all about and Danni is always keen to contribute to our purpose. Danni is friendly, kind and helpful and will always be certain to ensure our clients are comfortable and happy when visiting the clinic. Outside of work, she has two beautiful children, loves the outdoors and camping, staying active and a great coffee. 

Jordana Leki

Client Services Specialist

Jordana is a lovely, kind and motivated Client Services team member and is always sure to offer our clients top shelf support when visiting the clinic. Jordana is here on a casual basis alongside her Psychology studies. 

Louise Conway

Client Services Specialist

Lou is a gorgeous and friendly part of the BIM Blackburn team who loves a chat and will go above and beyond to make sure your visit to the clinic is a happy and comfortable one. Lou is a local who runs her own alternative dog thereapy business alongside her contributions to the clinic and further studies in the canine health field, loves staying active and her beautiful pup, Maggie (named after Collingwood!).

Mia Maguire

Client Services Specialist

Mia primarily works from BIM Mitcham. When at Blackburn, Mia is always sure to welcome you with a bright and bubbly hello and a helpful attitude. Mia is a busy lady, dividing her time between working in the clinics and completing her Physiotherapy studies at University. Outside of work, Mia is an avid netball player and enjoys staying active!

Amelia Findlay

Client Services Specialist

With years of customer service experience, Amelia is full of enthusiasm and a friendly face in the Client Services team. 

Amelia loves netball, and all things active and has been a regular client at BIM over the years so she knows what we are all about.

Danica Biggs

Client Services Specialist

Danica is a kind and attentive worker who is dedicated to providing the best experience possible to clients from the moment they enter the clinic. 

She is currently undergoing a double degree studying criminology and psychology.