About Us

About Dr. Sam Dyer | Osteopath

Sam completed his studies at RMIT University, following completion, Sam moved to Queensland where he worked rurally treating a wide range of patients for the first 18 months of his career. Following his time in QLD, Sam returned to Melbourne and has been working in private practice for the last 3 years.

Sam developed his passion for Osteopathy by pursuing the holistic principles of health care that Osteopathy is founded on. Sam’s treatment is strongly guided by the idea that the body is a unit, combining hands-on treatment, dry needling, exercise and education to reach the best possible outcomes for his patients. Sam also has a passion for treating and managing patients suffering from scoliosis related pain since completing the “Schroth Best Practice” course in April of 2023.

Outside of the clinic, Sam thoroughly enjoys exploring his interest in human movement and biomechanics in both his own training and by continuing to educate himself in this area with books and podcasts. He also thoroughly enjoys being outdoors, especially anywhere you can do a bit of fishing.

About Dr. Stephen Vickery | Osteopath

Steve is a passionate and progressive Osteopath with a passion for achieving outstanding patient outcomes. Put simply, he just wants to get you back to what you love doing pain-free.

With several years of clinic experience in private practice and elite sporting clubs, Steve has developed a thorough skill set that enables him to provide personalised care for every patient.

Steve’s holistic approach to treatment fundamentally focuses on returning your body to its optimum state. A typical session with Steve will aim to get to the root of your issue and provide high level manual therapy techniques such as manipulation, dry needling, joint articulation and massage, in conjunction with exercise prescription.

Whether your goal is to achieve pain-free movement, improve posture or enhance sporting performance, Steve will work alongside you to achieve your desired results.

Outside of the clinic, Steve is a keen sports fan. In particular, Steve is an avid Essendon supporter, but he also enjoys basketball, soccer and Formula 1. On weekends, you’ll find Steve being active, spending time with friends and family or relaxing with a beer.

About Dr. Samara Melder | Osteopath

Samara joined the team at By Design Holistic Health in 2014 and as an Osteopath she assesses patients using a structural (muscle and joint medicine) approach. Samara is keenly interested in amateur (and professional) sporting injuries, particularly, dance, gymnastics, running and athletic endevours. Her interest in Pilates and Yoga for rehabilitation and overall health are a passion of hers.

Samara utilises her diagnostic and treatment skills in sports injury management, acute spinal/limb pain syndromes and rehabilitation. Samara integrates Rehabilitation Pilates, offering one-on-one rehabilitation sessions for spinal injuries, along with individualised and specific strengthening and toning exercise programs for the prevention of problems.

Samara has a history in top-level dancing and has completed a half marathon – 21kms! She has spent most of her years growing up in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne with her mum and brother. She has a young son and a keen interest in nutritional health and exercise prescription.

About Dr. Jess White | Osteopath

Jess graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science) and Master of Health Science (Osteopathy).

From a young age, Jess has had a keen interest in all things health and sport related. After seeking treatment for her own sporting injuries, Jess was drawn to Osteopathy because of the profession’s holistic philosophy and patient-centred approach.

During her Osteopathic studies, Jess volunteered at a number of not-for-profit community clinics, where she worked alongside other health professionals, providing treatment and education for people who were experiencing homelessness or disadvantage. This experienced further enhanced her belief in the importance of an individually tailored approach to treatment.

Jess has also gained significant experience with acute injury management and treatment in both junior and senior athletes, having worked as a Sports Trainer for the Eastern Football League and at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.

Jess is a strong advocate for empowering her patients to take an active approach in their own health and enjoys combing hands-on treatment with exercise rehabilitation where appropriate.

About Dr. Rebecca Feakes | Osteopath

Dr Rebecca Feakes Rebecca graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Osteopathy. During her early years, Rebecca frequently accompanied her father to receive frequent osteopathic treatments. She was intrigued by the holistic, caring, and empathetic nature of the profession and was amazed at the success osteopathy had in helping her father. It was this experience that ignited her passion to help people and began her on her osteopathic journey.

Rebecca is highly motivated to help her patients achieve their health goals through holistic, osteopathic care. During university,Rebecca worked at several community clinics across the Yarra Valley and participated in a student exchange to the University College of Osteopathy in London. These experiences have led Rebecca to love treating all types of conditions with a particular interest in pregnancy-related conditions, headaches, lower back pain, osteoarthritis and shoulder pain.Outside of the clinic, you will find Rebecca keeping fit at pole dancing and aerial silks. She is constantly pushing her body to the extremes as she hangs upside down, flips and back bends into positions.

Having done many performances and competitions, Rebecca is continually pushing herself to become a stronger athlete. When she is not doing pole or silks, you will find her somewhere in the gym, lifting weights, stretching, or participating in a Pilates class.

About Dr. Danielle Taumoefolau | Osteopath

Danielle graduated from RMIT University with a Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Applied Science in Osteopathy.

A welcoming, compassionate and approachable professional, Danielle has a real passion for the human body and its diversity. Danielle takes this passion and integrates it with a clinical framework in the assessment, treatment, and management of your acute and chronic neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

Danielle has a particular interest in your chronic pain management and your sports related injuries.

In particular, Danielle utilises the adjunctive intervention of Rock-Tape as a therapy and this is often used in patients treatment protocols.

Danielle also volunteers her time as the Principal Osteopath at Croydon Rangers Gridiron Club where she facilitates the athlete’s rehabilitation and their return to sport after injury.

Away from the clinic, Danielle is a busy mum who winds down by attending art exhibitions, watching sport highlights, researching and you may bump into her and her family as they day trip around all that Victoria has to offer, with a particular love for the Yarra Valley.

About Dr. Mark Pica | Osteopath

Mark completed his studies at RMIT University, graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy). Ever since he was little, he has always been devoted to helping those in need, be it through physical or emotional support. This has followed through to his osteopathic practice where he is able to utilise techniques such as massage, mobilisation and manipulation to reach his patients’ health goals, and gets great satisfaction from seeing them happier and healthier. Mark has gained further experience through observations with other allied health practitioners including chiropractors, myotherapists, and physiotherapists.

Having grown up with an Italian upbringing, Mark has learnt the importance of family and supporting those around us with love and care. Outside the clinic, Mark enjoys spending time camping with his family, as well as supporting the East Ringwood Football Club where both of his brothers played.

Having joined the BDHH team in 2021, Mark is excited to help treat the wonderful people of Lilydale and surrounding suburbs!

About Dr. Stephanie Morstead | Osteopath

Steph graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Osteopathy. As a kid Steph was heavily invested into basketball and developed an interest in Osteopathy through her own experiences with injuries and illnesses. This sparked a wish to help others as she had been.

Steph is passionate to leave a positive impact on peoples lives, aiming to empower her patients with the knowledge, tools and care to help achieve their own health goals. In particular, Steph has an interest in treating headaches, neck, shoulder and upper back pain. She utilises a wide-range of techniques, including dry needling, to reach the best outcomes.

When Steph is not at the clinic you can find her on the basketball court, or enjoying a good book or movie.

About Dr. David Salisbury | Osteopath

David completed his osteopathic studies at RMIT University in 2010, with his Masters thesis investigating the effects of pelvic function on hamstring muscle strength. Having suffered from a major back injury as a teenager, he is passionate about correct injury treatment and rehabilitation, especially with lower back pain.

David also has a particular interest in the effects of workplace and lifestyle factors on people’s complaints. He has completed a Certificate in Global Posturology, allowing him to assess and fit insoles that assist with better posture and lower limb function.

Outside of work David has enjoyed playing a variety of sports including basketball, indoor soccer, tennis, mixed netball, running and inline skating. He now gets the majority of his exercise from chasing his daughter and son around the house! He and his wife live in Boronia and are expecting their third soon.

David is passionate about helping people from all walks of life achieve better health and has found the successful Osteopathic treatment of patients a very rewarding experience. He treat people of all ages, from infants through to seniors.

About Dr. Jonathan Baker | Osteopath

Jonathan began his Osteopathic practice in 2003 with a vision to create a holistic health centre that cares for the whole person – body, mind, soul and spirit. Jonathan’s approach works from the inside-out and the outside-in, utilising Osteopathic hands-on techniques and Nutritional Medicine/health coaching advice, sometimes involving gene profiling. Jonathan is deeply passionate about his own health and will apply that passion to your health too.

Jonathan’s expertise also branches into Nutritional Medicine/Health Coaching, where he has enjoyed the rewarding benefits of helping frustrated, but motivated people to simplify their lives, find purpose and activate their health potential.

Along with his wife and 3 children, Jonathan lives in Montrose and is involved in his local church (Discovery Church), enjoys running, gardening and golf at Gardiner’s Run Golf Course and enjoying the peace and tranquility of the Dandenongs, while living a healthy and simplified life.

About Daniel Berends | Psychologist

Daniel is a registered Psychologist who emphasizes client’s individual experience, values, and goals as the center of evidence-based treatment in a relaxed and non-judgmental environment.

Daniel has a personal enthusiasm for how acceptance and mindful awareness can deepen our understanding of ourselves, others, and life in general. He has training in, and practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Daniel focuses on bringing perspective to issues we face by molding the therapeutic process to you as an individual, and your world as a whole, to understand thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and then plan for improving your experience of life.

Daniel also has a special interest and over a decade’s experience in supporting families and individuals effected by Autism and/or disability and understands the importance of neurodiversity in how we experience difficulties in life.

About Dr. Tim Howden | Naturopathic Medicine

Tim Howden has been practicing Naturopathic Medicine for more than 15 years and brings a great deal of authenticity and experience into his practice. As a Naturopath and health expert Tim’s objective is to improve you and your family’s wellness in the most direct and caring manner.

His enthusiasm for paediatric and family care began almost 22 years ago when his daughter was born. His love of organic gardening and plant-based medicine was honed more formally while gaining his degree at the Southern School of Natural Therapies in Melbourne. He is a qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist and Homeopath and is well versed in environmental medicine. His clinical methods are thorough and include observation, enquiry, listening, examination and testing.

Tim has expert knowledge in allergy, immune function and development and digestive health. His work aims to help others generate exceptional health in today’s dynamic world.

About Adam Hart | Remedial Massage Therapist

Adam began in massage 13 years ago. After working as a chef for 10 years prior, he cheffed not only here in Melbourne, but overseas. Adam suffered from neck and back pain himself due to the environment in a kitchen, the long hours, split shifts, standing on his feet for 10 hours plus per day and the stress it placed on his body was not ideal. Adam had always had an interest in massage but more so as his chef career went on. After living in the UK working a Monday to Friday catering job, he moved back to Melbourne looking for another kitchen job but wasn’t overly excited about going back to weekends. From there he started his massage course with the Australian Institute of Massage, then onto working alongside the Physiotherapists with the Melbourne Tigers basketball team.

Adam is now proud to call BDHH his professional home and has done for the last 4 years, complementing the services they provide. His 11 years experience as a Remedial massage therapist is a real asset to the family/team at BDHH.

Adam says, “keeping people moving and doing the things they love is important to him - no one should have to live in chronic pain…you can cook a meal and people pay their money, but you don’t know if they have enjoyed it or not; give someone a remedial massage and 9 times out of 10 people will say, ‘that feels so much better.’ It is instant gratification and job satisfaction. Love what you do and do it for a purpose.”

About Nicole Nilsson | Myotherapist

Nicole graduated from RMIT with an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy in 2004. She discovered Myotherapy after using allied health practices in her youth, and loved the hands on approach that Myotherapy offers to help relieve people of their acute and chronic muscular conditions.

Nicole uses a range of modalities to treat common muscular conditions, including Trigger Point Therapy and Dry needling. She has a keen interest in pre and post natal (Pregnancy) care and loves to help the everyday person achieve better functional muscular health.

Nicole has always lived in the Yarra Valley and looks forward to helping her local community with muscular, soft tissue and myo-fascial aches and pains.

In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her young family, their crazy dog, and planning their next camping adventure. She has also started training her daughters in massage so that she doesn’t miss out on some hands-on love.

Nicole looks forward to meeting the patients and clients of BDHH and the local community.

About Sarah Morgan | AEP

Sarah (AEP) graduated from Deakin University in 2020 with a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science and Business (Sports Management). She has a history of working in high performance, general population and clinical population groups.

Sarah’s keen interests include oncology care, specifically breast cancer, along with women’s health, peri and pre-natal clientele. When not working alongside her BFEP colleagues, she enjoys training and walking her beautiful adopted American Staffy, Duke, and spending time with family and friends, which grew recently with the birth of their first child.

Sarah is available on Wednesday mornings @ BDHH for group class at 9am and individual appointments.

About Jaimie Cornwell | AEP

Jaimie is an experienced Exercise Physiologist and also the owner of BodyfixEP. Jaimie graduated from Victoria University in 2013 with a Masters of Applied Science in Exercise Rehabilitation and started BodyfixEP 6 years ago. Her main areas of interest are in musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation as well as running education sessions on chronic disease management. Jaimie has a history with clinical Pilates and women’s health which is a very enjoyable field to work in. When not working at BodyfixEP she is home with her 2 year old daughter and also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

About Maddi Williams | AEP

Maddi recently graduated as an Exercise Physiologist, but has been a part of the BodyFix EP team for the last two years as an Exercise Scientist and NDIS Therapy Assistant whilst completing her studies. Maddi graduated with her Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology at ACU after finalising her Bachelors of Exercise and Sport Science from Deakin University at the end of 2019. She finished her final placements in neurological rehab, paediatrics & multitrauma inpatient and outpatient hospital rehab.
Maddi is really looking forward to working with a wide variety of conditions and injuries. Soon, Maddi will be attempting to run a half marathon to raise funds for cancer research, and also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

About Steph Bollaart | AEP

Steph is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who graduated her Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Bachelors of Exercise & Sport Science at ACU. She is highly passionate about wellbeing and health, ensuring individuals can reach their specific rehabilitation and sporting goals. Steph utilizes exercise to restore strength and improve function. she enjoys working with a variety of chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and treatment of lower limb injuries(hip/ knee/ ankle/ foot) as well as sporting injuries. Outside of work she enjoys travelling to the beach, running and paddle boarding.

About Dr. Libby Rochstein | Medical Acupuncture

Dr Libby Rochstein is an holistically minded GP trained in medical acupuncture with over 25 years experience. She graduated as a Fellow with the Australian Medical Acupuncture College in 2022 after 4 years of study.

During her many years as a GP, Dr Libby noticed a need for an alternative or more holistic approach to care. Dr Libby can support all ages of people with acute or chronic ongoing health conditions and will provide an in-depth and holistic approach to each person’s medical needs.

Dr. Libby is a mother of 5 children, who lives locally in outer east Melbourne, with a passion outside of work for trail running, while living an active and intuitively healthy lifestyle.

About Sarah King | Dietitian

Appointments available on Wednesday afternoons 12pm - 5pm in clinic.

Sarah enjoys working with anyone who would like to improve their relationship with food and their body. She has experience with those living with an eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa as well as those who have any concerns around their weight and the diets just aren't working!

Sarah works through a Health At Every Size (HAES) lense and uses a non diet approach by working through Intuitive Eating Skills, Body Image Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy as appropriate with her clients.

When she's not working, Sarah is a mamma of two boys and loves to be outside! If it's camping, hiking, or the beach - nature is the place where she feels grateful and grounded.

About Emily Hummel | Dietitian

Emily holds a Bachelor of Nutrition Science and a Masters of Dietetics, completed at Deakin University.

From a young age, Emily has longed to use her Dietetic knowledge to empower people to develop the skills needed to positively change their lives and achieve their goals nutritionally and has experience aiding those living with diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Emily takes an holistic approach to health, by looking at all factors that affect nutrition and our diet including environment, physical and mental health, and lifestyle factors. Then using a collaborative approach to nutrition counselling and intuitive eating, to achieve a client’s nutrition and health goals.

In her free time, Emily loves learning and enjoys watching documentaries on almost anything. She is a great lover of Pride and Prejudice, music and her adorable puppy and will always make time for them in her life. She also enjoys swimming and family time, when not consulting as a Dietitian.

About Ash Kayser | Naturopath

Ash holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), completed through Torrens University Australia.

Assisting clients to regain control of their health by identifying the root cause of their presenting complaint truely lights her up! Through struggling with menstrual problems of her own, Ash found how incredibly powerful and healing Naturopathy can be. It was this experience with Naturopathy that sparked her passion for natural health, and has since fuelled her love for helping people feel empowered within their bodies.

Ash is here to support, guide and nurture you along your path to nourishment, combining compassionate care and evidence based interventions, so you can heal your hormones, skin, gut + more for good.

Ash’s clinical interests lie in hormonal/menstrual health, helping support you from your first period to your last. Ash also specialises in vaginal health (UTIs, thrush, bacterial vaginosis), skin, gut & mental health.

About Kelly Bright | Lilydale's Clinical Nutritionist

Kelly, our Holistic Nutritionist, holds a BHSc in Nutrition & Dietetic Medicine, driven by passion for revealing the link between food and overall well-being. With a focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, she believes in unlocking vitality.

Kelly's approach is personalised, crafting plans tailored to individual needs, considering lifestyle, preferences, and health concerns. Stress management, self-care and positive mindset are integral to her holistic health philosophy.

As a dedicated mum to a young son, Kelly understands and empathises with the challenges of eating healthily, while juggling day to day life.