Our team
Be Inspired. Be Strong. Be Active
Physiotherapy
Ex. Physiology
Administration
Physiotherapy
Shira Kramer
Physiotherapist, Founder & Director
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Melbourne University) (Honours), Post Graduate Certificate (Exercise for Women) (Melbourne University).
Shira is one of Australia’s leading women’s health and fitness professionals. An experienced physiotherapist, founder of BeActive in 2006 and creator of the Restore Your Core online program for new mums, Shira has supported thousands or women through their pregnancy, motherhood and beyond. She is a sought after women’s health and fitness commentator appearing regularly in the media. She designs and delivers education programs to both physiotherapists and fitness professionals, presenting at conferences and in university settings. Shira is a mum of two active boys (just like their mum!) with motherhood only furthering her passion for keeping women active in all ages and stages of life.
Best thing about being a Physio: Being able to support and empower women through such a life-changing time of their life…and being able to wear leggings and runners to work – so lucky!
Favourite way to Be Active: Running, scootering, climbing or swimming alongside (or behind!) my two boys. Marathon training of course!
Guilty Pleasure: Wine, cheese, ice cream, or soaking up some vitamin D reading the weekend paper or trashy magazine.
Caroline Johnson
Physiotherapist
Post Graduate certificate (Continence and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation), Post Graduate Certificate (Exercise for Women).
Caroline has over 20 years experience in the Physiotherapy world, building her incredible knowledge base with previous roles at the Mercy Hospital for Women and Cabrini Hospital, working across obstetrics, gynaecology, outpatients and childbirth education before continuing her passion for pelvic health and pre/postnatal care in private practice settings. Caroline is passionate about getting her clients moving, and draws on her many years experience leading pre/postnatal and over 50’s classes. She particularly loves helping women with Pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal separation (DRAM) and pelvic girdle pain.
What she loves most about being a Physio: Helping people feel better, and getting them back to the activities they love.
Favourite way to Be Active: Hitting the beach with my kids, bush-walks and Pilates.
Guilty Pleasure: Good Coffee.
Tanya Szylkrot
Physiotherapist
Bachelor Physiotherapy (University of Melbourne), Clinical Pilates (DMA), Good Life With Arthritis Denmark (GLAD).
Tanya has worked extensively in both private practice and elite sporting clubs, treating a diverse clients base before focusing on women’s health related physiotherapy at BeActive. Tanya has a wealth of knowledge and experience in pre and postnatal pain and dysfunction, sports injuries, pre and post-operative rehabilitation, general musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, falls/balance, spinal pain and arthritis management. Tanya enjoys working with other health care providers including obstetricians, GP’s and allied health professionals to ensure her patients receive a holistic model of care. As a mum of two, Tanya understands how life-changing pregnancy and motherhood can be and is passionate about supporting her clients through this transition, with a focus on building strength, stability and that feel-good factor.
Best thing about being a Physio: First and foremost, helping people! I am truly passionate about diagnosing, formulating plans and then assisting my clients in living a happier, healthier and more comfortable life.
Favourite way to BeActive: Running, dancing, Pilates and exercising the mind with a good book or podcast.
Guilty Pleasure: Coffee (all the coffee!), day spa with friends and online shopping.
Bonnie Youl
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) (Monash University), Clinical Pilates (DMA).
Bonnie has worked in private practice settings across Melbourne, treating a diverse client base. She has experience in musculo skeletal conditions, Clinical Pilates, pre-& post-natal exercise classes, sports injuries and general, with a special interest in thoracic pain, acute and chronic knee conditions and pelvic girdle pain. She has a keen interest in Women’s Health and is passionate about treating women through the pregnancy and postnatal period to help optimise function and prevent pain.
What she loves most about being a Physio: Working with and getting to meet new people in an active role.
Favourite way to BeActive: Pilates, hiking, weight training.
Guilty Pleasure: Red wine and chocolate.
Sophie Bappayya
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Charles Sturt University), Post Graduate training in Women’s Health (Womens’ Health Training Association), Clinical Pilates Instructor (DMA & APPI).
Sophie shares her time between BeActive and the maternity ward at Cabrini Hospital, with a passion for caring for women in all stages of their pregnancy and postpartum journey. She has extensive experience in the assessment and management of pelvic floor dysfunction and rehabilitation, and has been fortunate to work alongside some of the most renowned specialists in the field. Sophie is an experienced Pilates instructor and brings this knowledge into all of her Clinical Exercise and Pre/Postnatal classes at BeActive.
Best thing about being a Physio: Being able to support women throughout their pregnancy, seeing all their hard work and dedication pay off when they come back for postnatal recovery – witnessing that joy and meeting their babies is the best!
Favourite way to Be Active: Running, aerial yoga, and Pilates.
Guilty Pleasure: Glucojel jelly beans and caramel jerseys.
Louise Mitchell
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy University of Canberra, Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy), Dry Needling, Clinical Pilates (APPI).
Louise comes from a strong sports and musculoskeletal background, working in private practice treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions with a special focus on back and neck rehabilitation. She also has a keen interest in assessment and management of pelvic floor dysfunction and rehabilitation.
Louise treats a variety of conditions affecting women at BeActive including pre and post natal, pelvic floor dysfunction, neck and lower back pain, as well as chronic injuries. Louise also takes pre & postnatal fitness classes and clinical exercise classes, and has a passion for keeping her clients active during this special time.
Best thing about being a Physio: Assisting people to achieve their goals and be the healthiest they can. I love seeing patients through their pregnancy journey, and then getting to meet their little ones when they come back postnatally!
Favourite way to Be Active: HIIT classes, Pilates and walking.
Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate
Elka van Miltenburg
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (La Trobe University), Bachelor of Health Sciences – Counselling (Bond University), Clinical Pilates (DMA).
Elka has been part of the BeActive team for 7 years, where her passion for treating women of all ages continues to develop. Elka loves using her dance background and 15 years experience of teaching Pilates to empower women in reaching their fitness goals in Clinical Exercise and pre and post natal classes. Elka enjoys treating pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain and pre natal / post natal musculoskeletal conditions.
Since becoming a mum herself in 2019, she understands the importance of staying active, healthy and pain free during pregnancy and beyond! She is so excited to be able to combine her clinical knowledge and personal experience of pregnancy and post natal recovery to deliver the best health care to the women at BeActive.
Best thing about being a Physio: Helping people feel their best! Being able to support a woman and feel being part of their pregnancy journey through providing Physio and exercise. Then, getting to meet their baby after they are born!
Favourite way to BeActive: Pilates, Barre classes and running around parks and playgrounds with my two boys.
Guilty pleasure: Eating cheese and cookies
Eliza Hickey
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science. Dry Needling. Clinical Pilates (DMA and APPI).
Eliza has gained experience from working in private practice settings across both Perth and Melbourne. She has treated a variety of different conditions but has a special interest in the rehabilitation of shoulder pain. Eliza is passionate about keeping pregnant women and new mums active and happy through exercise and will be taking both pre and post-natal classes at Be Active.
Best thing about being a Physio: Empowering people to live happier, healthier lives.
Favourite way to Be Active: Running, Pilates and slowly walking my sausage dog.
Guilty Pleasure: Ice cream and reality TV.
Emily Tregear
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy Practice (LaTrobe University), Clinical Pilates (DMA & Australian Physiotherapy Council), Dry Needling (APA).
Emily has worked in both private practice and elite sports settings in Melbourne. Through an active approach, she loves nothing more than getting her patients back to doing what they love. She uses a wide range of modalities such as manual techniques, client-specific exercise prescription, education and self-management strategies to help them achieve their goals.
Emily enjoys treating an extensive variety of musculoskeletal injuries, and has done further studies in neck and lower back pain. She is especially passionate about assisting women on their prenatal and postnatal journeys. Whether it be for aches and pains or to exercise safely; she loves to empower women to thrive by taking control over their own health and discover their true potential pre- and postpartum.
What she loves most about being a Physio: Building rapport with patients to help them achieve their goals and feel their happiest, healthiest self. There is also something special in learning new things from the patients too – whether it be life advice, exercise or body-related!
Favourite way to Be Active: Pilates, running, sunset and sunrise beach walks.
Guilty Pleasure: Cheese, carrot cake and fresh flowers.
Laura Cook
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (AUT University, Auckland)
Clinical Pilates Instructor (APPI)
Postgraduate Cert in Western Acupuncture & Dry needling (AUT)
Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy)
Laura has been working within Musculoskeletal private practice in both NZ and Australia since graduating in 2014. She has extensive experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions with a particular interest in conditions of the pelvis, lower limb, pre and postnatal care, and running related injuries and rehab. She has a growing interest in treating pelvic floor conditions leading her to undertake further pelvic physio study in 2023 at Melbourne University. Laura has also completed the PINC Cancer Certification course due to her particular interest in treating females with a cancer diagnosis at any age and stage in order to manage the side effects of treatment and restore quality of life.
Laura loves getting to know her patients on a personal level and following them through from their assessment, treatment, to rehabilitation in order to achieve long-term results. She guarantees you’ll leave feeling optimistic about your recovery and get a great ‘burn’ in the pilates room!
Best thing about being a Physio: How meaningful our work is, the relationships we get to form, and wearing activewear all day every day.
Favourite way to Be Active: Pilates, running, walking my dog Walter, and anything to do with the ocean.
Guilty pleasure: Wine & Cheese. You will also snap me with a Health Lab Choc chip Peanut Butter ball in hand far too often.
Zain (Zee) Oher
Physiotherapist
Bachelors of Physiotherapy
Masters of Physiotherapy (Sports)
Good Life with Osteoarthritis Denmark ( GLA:D)
Level 1 Lymphatic Practitioner
Yoga Instructor (Yoga Alliance USA)
Dry Needling Certification
Performance Specialist ( C:PS, FMS, SFMA)
Currently undertaking Masters of Pelvic health (University of Melbourne)
Zain has over 7 years of extensive experience of working in private practice across Australia and India. She enjoys the challenge of treating patients with varied conditions and has particular interest in women’s health, musculoskeletal and sports related injuries. She also loves treating dizziness (BPPV), vertigo, different types of headaches and any other neck related conditions and lymphedema in the cancer population. With her special interest in movement, training and performance, including working with athletes back in India, Zain is also a certified Performance Specialist (CPS), Yoga Instructor (Yoga Alliance USA). Functional Movement Screening (FMS) and Specific Functional Movement Assessment specialist, and integrates principles from these specialties within all her assessment and treatment. Zain firmly believes in movement and its effects on all body systems, especially mental health.
Zain is passionate towards women’s health and experienced in caring for prenatal and postnatal women with a variety of conditions over the span of her career. This passion has led Zain to enroll in the Masters of Pelvic Health from University of Melbourne, which she is due to complete in 2023 (watch this space!).
Zain’s approach is very holistic and considers the patient’s general well being, lifestyle and daily habits as well as their physical condition. She combines hands-on therapy with rehab, exercises and long term prevention strategies, with specific focus on educating and empowering her clients with self management strategies so they can better manage their health.
Best thing about being a Physio: It’s like a superpower – The power to help people make positive changes to their lifestyles and health, although comes with great responsibility. Also, one of the big perks is that it keeps me fit!
Favourite way to Be Active: Hikes, long walks to explore new areas, yoga and strength training.
Guilty pleasure: Mörk chocolate, cheese & a nice relaxing massage
Exercise Physiology
Colleen Mahony
Exercise Physiologist
Bachelor Applied Science (Exercise Science), Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, APMA Level 1 and 2 Pilates Teacher Training.
Colleen has worked in the health and fitness industry for nearly 15 years and has been a member of the BeActive team for over a decade! She has a BIG passion for helping women build strength and function through every life stage, particularly through strength training and clinical pilates.
Colleen has a special interest in; Low bone density and osteoporosis, hormonal/autoimmune conditions (incl. insulin resistance and diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, PCOS, and MS), post-viral/long covid/ fatigue syndrome (CFS), and exercise management of musculoskeletal issues such as neck and back pain, SIJ and pelvic pain, and knee and hip osteoarthritis. When Colleen is not at BeActive, she is also working within the metabolic health/weight management team at The Alfred and enjoys bringing this diverse skillset to her work at BeActive.
With two kids of her own, Colleen understands the demands of pregnancy and motherhood and aims to empower her clients with the skills and knowledge required to maintain an active lifestyle during this exciting yet challenging life stage.
Best thing about being an Exercise Physiologist: Seeing my client’s confidence skyrocket as they master exercises they previously thought were impossible.
Favourite way to Be Active: Strength training, Sunday morning walks/scooters as a family, and recently have taken up Pickleball!
Guilty Pleasure: Champagne, rom-coms and a kid-free coffee catch up with girlfriends… the one where you get to order multiple coffees and finish a sentence 😉
Samantha Murray
Exercise Physiologist
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/ Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Deakin University, Burwood), Clinical and Level 1 Mat Pilates (Pilates IQ), ESSA accredited.
Sam has a wealth of experience working in private practice both in Melbourne and Mildura. She has broad knowledge of strength and conditioning principles from her time at well-known high performance group fitness chains and elite/community level sporting clubs in tennis, cricket and AFL. Through a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, Sam is all about being creative in exercise prescription, empowering women to LOVE physical activity. Her goal is to arm every woman with the essential skills and knowledge required to maintain an active lifestyle across all life stages.
Sam’s passion is helping women with a variety of musculoskeletal and chronic conditions, with a particular interest in Oncology, Metabolic conditions (e.g., Diabetes, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), Falls prevention, Chronic lower back pain and management of musculoskeletal complaints through rehabilitation, cardiovascular and resistance training.
What she loves most about being an EP: Building a rapport with clients, empowering them to take charge of their own health and enjoy the process.
Favourite way to Be Active: Strength and Cardio training, Pilates and running with her partner.
Guilty Pleasure: Ice-cream, Reality TV and Taylor Swift.
Administration Team
Simone Vasy
Client Experience
Simone’s career has always seen her in customer facing roles, being able to connect and help clients is what she loves most.
Simone started her customer service journey in fitness industry in 2013, where she worked on reception and membership management, combining this with the personal training. Simone loves being able to help people achieve their fitness and health goals and build strong relationships with all her clients.
Simone welcomed her first child in 2019 as well as all the joys that come along with motherhood. Since then, she has been able to combine her love for health fitness at BeActive along supporting and connecting with women through every stage of life.
Best thing about being in charge of Client Experience: Connecting with so many wonderful women and playing a role in their health and fitness journey.
Favourite way to Be Active: Pilates and big long walks at the beach.
Guilty Pleasure: Playing really loud music in the car when there are no kids and a glass of Rose (not at the same time!)
