The INFUSION Team
Our practitioners love nothing more than working as a team to help clients get results. Plus, they are passionate about making your experience a positive one from the moment you make contact with us.
All our practitioners are physiotherapists, holding nationally accredited Pilates qualifications and internationally accredited GYROTONIC® method qualifications. They all share a vision: a commitment to getting results by tailoring treatment to the individual and how they teach to suit the learning style of each client.
When you come to Infusion Pilates and Physiotherapy, this dynamic team of practitioners constantly integrate their expertise and knowledge as Physiotherapists and movement therapists to assess you holistically and find solutions to work for you.
Our Clinical Team
Vanessa Kirby
Principal Physiotherapist
About Vanessa
Vanessa has more than a few strings to her bow. Not only is she a fully qualified and experienced physiotherapist of 25 years, certified Pilates, GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® practitioner, she also knows firsthand the benefits of guided exercise to rehabilitate and then achieve optimal function.
After a serious accident in 2001, Vanessa used Pilates as a crucial part of her rehabilitation. She later completed a one-year Graduate Certificate in the Pilates Method at Sydney’s University of Technology and was registered with the Australian Pilates Method Association (APMA). She then taught for many years before going on to study with the internationally recognised training organisation, Polestar Pilates Australia in 2010.
Following the birth of her second child in 2010, she used the Gyrotonic exercise method to rejuvenate her body. This allowed her to cope with multiple challenges at work and at home.
Inspired by the results, Vanessa completed the Gyrotonic exercise method level 1 Foundation Teacher Training in 2012, level 2 in 2015, and is currently one of four physiotherapists in Australia with this certification.
In 2014, she was fortunate to work with the creator, Juliu Horvath at the Gyrotonic Rejuvenation Retreat in Bali. Here she was exposed to Gyrokinesis, a branch of the Gyrotonic method that incorporates all the concepts and movements whilst on the floor, sitting and standing. Vanessa went on to study the Gyrokinesis work and completed her level 1 certification in 2017. She has worked with the female dancers from the West Australian Ballet, showing them the benefits of the method for flexibility, spinal control, improving dance performance and preventing injury.
A multitude of people of all levels from novices to elite, both here in Perth, Sydney and the UK have experienced the positive benefits of working with Vanessa. She continues to practice to create successful physiotherapy treatments and programs for optimal health, wellbeing and movement function.
Her special interests include:
- lower back issues
- sacroiliac/pelvic pain
- biomechanical issues
- home visits
Vanessa spends her spare time running around with her family, she enjoys sewing, music and dance, is currently renewing her love for playing the saxophone. Her ideal holiday involves lots of snow, hot tubs and sake.
Qualifications
- B.Sc (Physiotherapy) with Distinction
- Grad. Cert. Pilates Method (APMA 2002)
- Professional Pilates Practitioner Level 4
- Certified Gyrotonic Practitioner Level 2
- Certified Gyrokinesis Practitioner Level 1
Sue Lin Kalisch
About Sue Lin
Sue Lin realised the benefits of physiotherapy as a teenager, when a shoulder injury prevented her from attending the National Swimming Championships. She went on to study at Curtin University in Perth, and upon graduation in 2000 was drawn to private practice. She focused her attention to the sporting arena, working with elite international level sports men and women in a variety of fields; Aussie Rules, Rugby League, Soccer, Tennis, Equestrian, and Martial arts.
In 2001, Sue Lin completed her 500 hour Pilates Apprenticeship then solidified her pilates training in 2006 whilst working at The Pilates Room in London. It was at this time that Sue Lin worked with some of Joseph Pilates’ original protégés and experienced the traditional method at its roots. Soon after, the Saudi Arabian Royal Family called upon Sue Lin to provide Clinical Pilates rehabilitation for one of the Princes following his back surgery, which allowed her to travel extensively throughout the world. Sue Lin is forever keen on learning the local Pilates nuances in each place she visits to expand her extensive knowledge.
Since arriving back in Perth in 2008, Sue Lin has kept up her work with WAFL and AFL players and also worked on touring Musical Theatre Shows including Mary Poppins and Les Miserables. This led her to complete her training in Vocal Physiotherapy in Performance Medicine which is a particular passion of hers. She has advanced Dry Needling qualifications and experience and is completing advanced course on the TMJ AKA “the jaw” in 2021 to further solidify her treatment knowledge on the neck and jaw.
Her physiotherapy mission is to help clients reach their full potential through the use of movement as therapy, and empowering them through knowledge.
Sue Lin’s areas of special interest are:
- Vocal Rehabilitation
- Jaws, neck and headaches, vertigo
- Chronic Low Back pain, Spinal Surgery Rehab
- Children and teens
- Women’s Health
In her spare time, Sue Lin loves cooking, food and wine matching, her dogs, checking out interesting fitness like aerial yoga, circus training, Lagree, Xtend Barre, caring for her indoor plants and adventuring in her four wheel drive.
Qualifications
- B.Sc (Physiotherapy)
- Certified Pilates Instructor (Lifecare)
- Certified Vocal Physiotherapist (Performance Medicine)
- Gyrotonic Practitioner Level 1
Amy Anderson
About Amy
Amy spent her childhood in the country before moving to Perth to further her education. Her interest in human biology and participation in athletics drew her to Physiotherapy. Amy completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Notre Dame in 2009 and now has over 10 years experience in private practice. She then completed her Stott Pilates training in Melbourne with international Pilates Guru Melanie Byford-Young and has never looked back.
Analysis of posture and movement for optimal function and prescription of appropriate exercises are paramount in Amy’s care. She loves teaching in the studio as an adjunct to her manual therapy, which includes dry needling and lots of hands on care.
Amy’s strong interest in Women’s health and exercise has led her to complete APPI Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Pilates. In addition to this, she is currently training in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® to further her knowledge in movement. Amy is a passionate Physiotherapist who likes to treat a variety of conditions and enjoys combining her skill set to assist clients to achieve their goals and optimal physical condition.
Amy’s areas of special interest are:
- children
- pre and post natal care
- upper and lower limb concerns
In her leisure time Amy loves to keep active. She enjoys running with her dog Koda, yoga, cooking Mediterranean cuisine and spending time with her husband, daughter, family and friends. Amy has recently returned from maternity leave.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Certified Stott Pilates Instructor
- Gyrotonic Practitioner Level 1
Ron Lo
About Ron
Ron began his career as a clinical physiotherapist working in the hospital setting, some 25 years ago, initially Bathurst, NSW, then at a leading private hospital in Sydney’s south. He then went on to work as Senior Neurological physio at The Whittington, in North London. His special interest at that time was orthopaedic and neurological rehab.
Upon returning to Australia, Ron saw a gap within the occupational health sector, with an opportunity to work to modify and change working environments, to improve comfort and efficiency and to prevent people getting injured. It was at this time he completed his post graduate degree in Ergonomics.
Having worked in this arena for several years, he decided to enrol in a Masters degree in Human Factors, which was completed at the end of 2017. Ron loves nothing more than working with the Infusion team to assess and modify work stations to improve comfort and posture. Often it is the tiniest of changes that bring on the most improvements.
In his spare time, Ron enjoys hanging out with his ‘girls’, walking the family dog, and jetting off to enjoy snow filled holidays, whenever the opportunity arises.
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
- Graduate Diploma (Ergonomics)
- Master of Human Factors and Safety Management Systems
David Lilly
About Dave
Dave has been practising Physiotherapy for 15 years since graduating from Curtin University, Perth. He has gathered a broad base of experience in a variety of fields including private practice, neurological rehabilitation and aged care.
Early in his professional career he learned firsthand through a shoulder injury, the hurdles associated with rehabilitation. Like all challenges, injuries hold great potential for learning, and this led him to Pilates both as a means of optimal recovery of his own injuries, and to progress his interest in human movement.
Dave loves combining hands on therapy with dry needling. He has trained in Polestar Pilates both for professional and personal growth.
His work in chronic pain has been instrumental in developing an interest in the mind body connection, investigating and applying the bio-psycho-social model we all bring to injury rehabilitation, from the perceptions we hold regarding our injuries, to the values with which we relate to the rest of the world. These present an important piece of the puzzle when ascertaining where a client is on their rehab journey and is instrumental in applying biomechanical principles optimally for each person as an individual.
Integrating all these elements Dave brings a personalised treatment experience that holistically addresses each client as a person with individual needs.
Dave’s areas of special interest are:
- chronic pain
- neck and lower back issues
Dave has a strong love of travel, hiking, music and mountain biking and most weekends he can be seen out and about with his young daughter and wife.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) 2006
Emma Gregory
About Emma
Emma has over 20 years’ experience assisting many people in private practice, hospital and community settings. She has gained great satisfaction rehabilitating clients following falls or major surgery, working to rebuild strength, confidence and the ability to return home. Emma has worked with various sporting teams, including AFL, rugby union and basketball and enjoys assisting clients with their return to sport and meaningful activities of all levels.
Emma has worked in women’s health and particularly enjoys assisting new mums with the challenges of the postpartum period. She has also worked in injury prevention and education within the field of ergonomics in healthcare. Emma is passionate about arming clients with knowledge that will help build their awareness and create positive movement habits into the future.
Recognising the importance of effective listening, building trust and establishing client centred goals when creating a recovery plan, Emma seeks to figure out what motivates each client and uses this to achieve best results. She has years of experience conducting classes and loves the accessibility of pilates for people with a range of abilities.
Emma’s interest in physiotherapy was sparked at a young age during her violin practice, when she noticed the positive effect of a balanced posture on her quality of movement and ability to play pain free. This realization within her mind and body allowed for her to gain ease of movement and maximum efficiency, through her music of piano and violin, and carried over to her many interests and hobbies whilst avoiding injury.
Emma’s areas of special interest are:
- pre and post natal
- kids and teens
- mature aged clients
- neck and thoracic pain
At home, life is non stop with three adventurous children. Given the chance, Emma loves ocean swimming, WASO concerts, walking through unfamiliar cities without a map and Swiss saunas.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy)
Marilie Birkett
About Marilie
Originally from the East Coast, Marilie has worked both in Brisbane and Sydney in the private practice industry before moving to Perth in early 2022. She graduated in 2018 at James Cook University in Queensland with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. With a keen interest in sport as a child, she has always been drawn to movement and fitness and considers holistic care essential to each person’s wellbeing.
Whilst studying, Marilie worked as a Sports trainer for a women’s and men’s National Premier League Soccer team and has since carved a passion for working with female athletes as well as the sporting population.
In 2021 she had the opportunity to work with a renowned Olympic Physiotherapist, Trish Wisbey-Roth, where she gained invaluable experience working side by side with Trish on more complex lumbopelvic, SIJ and sporting injuries.
Marilie has an active and holistic approach to treatment and believes the body is much more capable than you think. She likes to use Pilates and functional movement in her rehab and encourages a positive mindset around activity and the right education around a person’s injury.
Marilie’s areas of interest are:
- Children, teens and young adults
- Sporting injuries and female athletes
- Lower limb and lower limb concerns
- Spinal issues
- Lower back, thoracic and neck issues
In her spare time Marilie enjoys spending time in the ocean, including paddle boarding, can often be found in her garden and spends a lot of time out and about with her husband and their Dobermann, Hera.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal Segmental & Dry Needling Certified – APA
- APPI Clinical Pilates Training in Matwork
- Skill training with Olympic Physiotherapist Trish Wisbey-Roth
Kate Trend
About Kate
Kate has 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist, working with a wide range of clients from hospital patients to elite athletes, kids to elderly. She enjoys connecting with people, and working to understand their individuality and personal goals, to create lasting relationships and results. She prioritises working collaboratively with each client to find solutions to problems, be that managing pain or mapping the pathway to a specific goal.
After studying in Perth, Kate worked a hospital, before moving to Dublin, Ireland for several years. She worked closely with the physiotherapist for the Irish Olympic team, at a Dublin private practice, and spent many a weekend travelling around Europe. Kate fell in love with Pilates in 2008, when she returned to Australia, and through her personal journey experienced first hand the therapeutic benefits, and realised the magnitude of applications for her physiotherapy clients. She is passionate about helping people discover ease and grace in their movement, and finding innovative ways to return to activities they love as soon as possible.
Kate’s areas of special interest are:
- Hypermobility
- Chronic pain
- Hips and shoulders
In her leisure time Kate can be found at the beach, in the garden or camping with her kids and husband. She also loves to sew, and cook, so if it’s raining, that’s where you will find her.
Qualifications
- B.Sc (Physiotherapy)
- Diploma of Pilates Rehabilitation (Polestar Pilates)