About BeActive

Empowering Women’s Health Through Key Life Stages

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At BeActive, we’re
more than a clinic 
 


We’re a community dedicated to empowering women to lead active, healthy lives through every major stage. From preparing for motherhood to navigating menopause and embracing healthy aging, our services are built to support women’s unique needs with expert care, compassionate guidance, and evidence-based practices. Founded by Shira Kramer, a leading physiotherapist in women’s health, BeActive is Melbourne’s go-to destination for 18 years.

Our highly qualified and experienced team, with postgraduate qualifications in women’s health, works closely with obstetricians, GPs, and Melbourne’s leading obstetric hospitals to provide exceptional care tailored to women at every stage of life.

 

Our mission

BeActive supports and empowers women to lead an active life through every stage. 


Who we support
 


Expectant and New Mothers: Comprehensive prenatal and postnatal support, helping women prepare for and recover from childbirth.

Healthy women – Feel energised,and strong. This is for all women who want to move their bodies, boost their fitness and feel good — whether you’re starting out, returning to exercise or simply making movement a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle. Our expert-led classes and programs make staying active easy, fun and sustainable.

Active women – Programs designed for women entering peri-menopause and menopause, focusing on strength, mobility, and balance.

Embracing Healthy Aging – Tailored services that promote independence, confidence, and vitality in later years.


Why choose BeActive? 


BeActive stands out for its specialised approach, which combines advanced clinical care with an understanding of women’s life stages and health goals. Here’s what sets us apart:

Clinician-Led Expertise: Our team of highly qualified physiotherapists and exercise physiologists bring extensive knowledge, skill, and a compassionate approach to each client.

Tailored Health Plans: Each treatment plan is carefully personalised, ensuring that every session addresses your specific needs and supports your long-term health.

A Supportive Community: We foster a warm, inclusive environment where women feel understood, supported, and motivated to reach their health and wellness goals.

Established in 2006 with over 20,000 women supported, BeActive has earned a trusted reputation in Melbourne for exceptional women’s health care.

Our values 


Impact: We create meaningful change by taking a personal interest in each individual, delivering customised care and unwavering support to empower them on their journey.

Community: We foster trust, intimacy, and connection, building a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Collaboration: We thrive on teamwork and empathy, bringing together expertise, adaptability, and accountability to deliver exceptional care and outcomes.

Build Momentum: We inspire progress through personalised growth experiences that challenge comfort zones without overreaching, balancing where someone is today with what’s achievable for them in the future.

Meet our team 


Our team is made up of dedicated professionals passionate about women’s health and wellness. With specialised training in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and pelvic health, we bring a wealth of knowledge and empathy to every client interaction. Led by Shira Kramer, our clinicians are committed to supporting your health journey with a blend of expertise, warmth, and understanding.

Shira Kramer

Physiotherapist, Founder & Director

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours, Melbourne University), Postgraduate Certificate in Exercise for Women (Melbourne University).

Shira Kramer is one of Australia’s leading women’s health and fitness professionals. A highly experienced physiotherapist and passionate advocate for women’s wellness, Shira founded BeActive in 2006 to inspire and empower women to stay active through every stage of life. Together with her dedicated team, Shira has supported over 20,000 women in achieving their health and fitness goals. She is also the creator of the Restore Your Core online program, which has helped thousands of women regain strength and confidence post-pregnancy.

A recognised leader in her field, Shira has worked with elite athletes, high-profile professionals, and respected organisations to advance women’s health and fitness initiatives. She is also a sought-after media commentator and educator, regularly contributing to publications, podcasts, and programs, including Bec Judd’s Baby Bible and Australian Birth Stories. With extensive experience designing and delivering education for physiotherapists and fitness professionals, Shira has presented at conferences, universities, and industry events.

As a mother of two active boys, Shira understands the importance of maintaining health and energy while embracing the fulfilling journey of motherhood. Shira enjoys playing tennis, running marathons, and embarking on adventures with her family—living out her passion for an active lifestyle.

Shira embodies the BeActive philosophy: that all women deserve to feel strong, supported, and empowered at every age and stage.

Physiotherapy

01

Caroline Johnson

Clinical Lead - Pelvic Health

Qualifications: Postgraduate Certificate in Continence and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, Postgraduate Certificate in Exercise for Women.

Caroline Johnson

Qualifications: Postgraduate Certificate in Continence and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, Postgraduate Certificate in Exercise for Women.

With over 25 years of experience, Caroline is a highly respected physiotherapist with a wealth of knowledge in women’s health. Her career spans roles at Mercy Hospital for Women and Cabrini Hospital, where she worked in obstetrics, gynaecology, and childbirth education.

Caroline is passionate about helping women with pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal separation (DRAM), and pelvic girdle pain. She leads pre- and postnatal fitness classes and over-50s classes, inspiring women to move confidently through all life stages.

12

Tanya Szylkrot

Clinical Lead - Physiotherapy + Professional Development

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of Melbourne), Clinical Pilates (DMA), GLAD (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark).

Tanya Szylkrot

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of Melbourne), Clinical Pilates (DMA), GLAD (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark).

Tanya’s broad expertise spans women’s health, sports injuries, chronic pain, and arthritis management. She works collaboratively with other healthcare providers to deliver holistic care for her clients.

As a mum of two, Tanya understands the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and motherhood. She is passionate about empowering women through strength, stability, and functional movement during this life-changing transition.

13

Bonnie Youl

Physiotherapist

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours, Monash University), Clinical Pilates (DMA).

Bonnie Youl

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours, Monash University), Clinical Pilates (DMA).

Bonnie has extensive experience treating musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, and pre- and postnatal concerns. She has a keen interest in thoracic pain, knee conditions, and pelvic girdle pain.

Bonnie is passionate about supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum, helping them optimise function and prevent pain through tailored care and clinical exercise.

11

Louise Mitchell

Physiotherapist

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of Canberra), Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, Melbourne University), Clinical Pilates (APPI).

Louise Mitchell

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of Canberra), Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, Melbourne University), Clinical Pilates (APPI).

Louise is an experienced physiotherapist with a special focus on women’s health. Her background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, particularly back and neck rehabilitation, complements her expertise in treating pre- and postnatal injuries and pelvic floor dysfunction, including pessary fittings. Louise is passionate about empowering women to stay active and healthy during pregnancy and beyond, offering clinical exercise and pre- and postnatal fitness classes.

07

Elka van Miltenburg

Physiotherapist (Prahran & Elsternwick Locations)

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (La Trobe University), Bachelor of Health Sciences – Counselling (Bond University), Clinical Pilates (DMA).

Elka van Miltenburg

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (La Trobe University), Bachelor of Health Sciences – Counselling (Bond University), Clinical Pilates (DMA).

Elka brings extensive experience from private practice in Melbourne and Hong Kong. Since joining BeActive in 2014, she has been integral in growing the team and leading the expansion to Elsternwick in 2023. With a background in dance and over 18 years of Pilates teaching, Elka empowers women of all ages to achieve their fitness goals.

As a mum of two young boys, Elka combines her personal experience and clinical knowledge to specialise in pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and postnatal recovery. She loves helping women stay active, pain-free, and confident throughout pregnancy and beyond. Outside of work, you’ll find Elka with her boys at construction sites, farmers markets, or enjoying the outdoors!

09

Eliza Hickey

Physiotherapist

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (University of Notre Dame), Post-Graduate Certificate in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Melbourne University), Clinical Pilates (DMA & APPI), Dry Needling.

Eliza Hickey

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (University of Notre Dame), Post-Graduate Certificate in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Melbourne University), Clinical Pilates (DMA & APPI), Dry Needling.

Eliza is a dedicated women’s health physiotherapist with expertise in pelvic health, pregnancy care, and postpartum recovery. She is passionate about helping women return to running safely after childbirth through evidence-based, personalised rehabilitation programs.

Eliza combines her clinical expertise with a holistic approach, focusing on education and support to promote long-term strength and vitality. Outside of work, she enjoys running, catching up with friends over coffee, and walking her sausage dog, Winnie.

10

Amelia Dentesano

Physiotherapist

Qualifications: Doctor of Physiotherapy (University of Melbourne), Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Monash University), Certified APPI Clinical Pilates Instructor.

Amelia Dentesano

Qualifications: Doctor of Physiotherapy (University of Melbourne), Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Monash University), Certified APPI Clinical Pilates Instructor.

Amelia is a dedicated physiotherapist with a strong focus on musculoskeletal and women’s health. She is passionate about supporting her clients through a variety of conditions, with a particular interest in guiding individuals on their journey back to sport.

Amelia embraces a patient-centred, holistic approach to health and wellbeing, working collaboratively with her clients to help them better understand their bodies and achieve their goals. As an avid Pilates-goer herself, she enjoys incorporating Clinical Pilates into her rehabilitation strategies.

Outside of work, Amelia loves exploring Melbourne’s hiking and running trails and discovering the city’s best lattes and banana bread with friends.

06

Ali Mavrandonis

Physiotherapist

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of South Australia) Level 1 APA Women's Health Physiotherapy (maybe check with Shira if she would like this one included or not) Certified APPI Pilates Instructor

Ali Mavrandonis

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of South Australia) Level 1 APA Women's Health Physiotherapy (maybe check with Shira if she would like this one included or not) Certified APPI Pilates Instructor

Ali discovered her passion for Women's Health very early on in her career. Since then, Ali has been empowering women through all of life's stages to achieve their goals and stay active. She particularly loves helping womens with abdominal separation (DRAM) and pelvic girdle pain.

Outside of BeActive, you'll find Ali going on walks with friends, cooking up a storm in the kitchen or enjoying a good book at home!

08

Orla Murnaghan

Physiotherapist

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science Hons Physiotherapy (University of Liverpool), Pilates Certification (APPI)

Orla Murnaghan

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science Hons Physiotherapy (University of Liverpool), Pilates Certification (APPI)

Experience working as a physiotherapist within various settings including public NHS + private practice across the UK/ Ireland , the Austrian Alps + now Australia!

Uses skills and clinical experience gained from various roles ranging in treatment of: various MSK conditions, acute sports injuries, hydrotherapy/chronic pain, neuromusculoskeletal + cardiorespiratory rehabilitation... brings a holistic approach to treatments and tailored health plans.

Passion for utilising clinical pilates principles and various clinical skills/ knowledge gained to support and empower clients to achieve their goals, optimise their health & potential and continue doing what they love as quickly and safely as possible.

Hobbies: Pilates, yoga, travel, cooking, running + exploring Australia's beaches!

Exercise Physiology

14

Samantha Murray

Exercise Physiologist

Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Deakin University), Clinical and Level 1 Mat Pilates (Pilates IQ), ESSA Accredited.

Samantha Murray

Qualifications: Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Deakin University), Clinical and Level 1 Mat Pilates (Pilates IQ), ESSA Accredited.

Sam brings a wealth of experience in private practice and elite sports, with a strong foundation in strength and conditioning. She is passionate about helping women embrace physical activity through creative and engaging exercise programs tailored to their needs.

Sam’s special interests include managing oncology and metabolic conditions, falls prevention, chronic lower back pain, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Her goal is to empower women with the skills and confidence to lead active, fulfilling lives across all stages.

05

Colleen Mahony

Exercise Physiologist

Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Science), Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, APMA Level 1 and 2 Pilates.

Colleen Mahony

Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Science), Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, APMA Level 1 and 2 Pilates.

With nearly 15 years in the health and fitness industry and over a decade at BeActive, Colleen is passionate about empowering women to build strength and function through all life stages. She has a special interest in managing low bone density, hormonal conditions, post-viral fatigue, and musculoskeletal issues.

Colleen’s dual role at BeActive and The Alfred Metabolic Health team allows her to bring a unique skill set to her clients. As a mum of two, she understands the demands of motherhood and strives to support women in staying active, strong, and healthy.

Mischa

Eliza O'Donnell

Exercise Physiologist

Eliza O'Donnell

Exercise Physiologist

Customer Care

04

Chanelle

Operations Manager

Chanelle

Operations Manager

03

Ali Klein

Community Manager

Ali Klein

Community Manager

16

Simone Vasy

Client Experience

Simone Vasy

Client Experience

Chanelle

Operations Manager

Ali

Community Manager

Simone

Client Experience

Jules

Client Experience

Mia

Client Experience

Mischa

Client Experience

Join Our Team

Join BeActive and work with expert clinicians in a supportive, inclusive environment. Help empower women with personalised care that’s made a difference to over 20,000 lives since 2006.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Why would you like to be part of our team?
Are you looking for a full-time or part-time role?
Are there any other commitments that might impact your availability?
Qualifications and experience
Please tell us about your most relevant and recent women's health experience.