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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.