Belconnen
Belconnen Staff Members
Director; Principal Physiotherapist
B.Sc.Grad.Dip.Phty
MAPA Sports Physiotherapist
Julian completed a Bachelor of Science (anatomy major) at the University of NSW in 1983. He then completed his Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy in 1984. He became a titled Sports Physiotherapist in the 1990s.
He has worked with football from local to international level, working with teams such as Sydney City in the old NSL, Canberra Vikings Rugby Union, Canberra Raiders Rugby League, the Matildas, ACTAS, Canberra United, and local Premier League clubs.
He is particularly interested in knee injuries, especially Anterior Cruciate Ligament ruptures, in their mechanism, prevention and rehabilitation. He also is interested in the progress of health and exercise from school age to retirement.
He still pretends to kick a football around the park and loves the freedom of motorcycling on road and dirt. He also spends time in the gym to assist in longevity.
Julian Russell-Jones
Michaela Thornton
Director; Principal Physiotherapist; Strength & Conditioning Coach
Bachelor in Exercise Science
Master in Physiotherapy, MAPA
APA Level 2 Sports Physiotherapist
FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine
ASCA Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Coach
APA Accredited in Neuromuscular Dry Needling
Michaela joined our team in 2014 after completing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra. In addition, Michaela holds Certificates III and IV in Fitness, Level 1 and 2 Sports Physiotherapy, a Diploma in Sports Nutrition, a FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine, Level 2 Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Coaches Accreditation and holds an AFC/FA C License. She is also currently finalising her accreditation as an Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Accredited Exercise Scientist.
Michaela has a heavy background in Football (soccer) and Futsal so her professional interests in private practice lean towards acute sporting injuries, particularly of the ankle and knee. However, she has worked for a number of years in aged care as part of a multidisciplinary team as well as in the hospital setting at Calvary Hospital, gaining experience in the ICU, Orthopaedic and Medical wards providing cardiorespiratory and neurological Physiotherapy.
Michaela is the current Team Physiotherapist for the NRLW Canberra Raiders as well at the Canberra Raiders Junior Representative teams in the UNE Harold Matthews Cup and UNE SG Ball Cup. Michaela is also overseeing the care of multiple clubs across Canberra’s Men’s and Women’s National Premier Leagues and Capital League including Canberra Olympic FC, Canberra Croatia FC, Canberra Juventus FC, Majura FC and Radford College.
Previously, Michaela has worked with the Canberra Cavalry in the Australian Baseball League (ABL), Canberra United in the A-League Women’s, the Canberra United Academy squads, Canberra United Youth League team, Capital Footballs Talented Sports and Elite Programs as well as Belconnen United FC, Tigers FC and Monaro Panthers FC in the Men’s National Premier League and Canberra White Eagles FC in the Capital Premier League.
Physiotherapist; PhD Candidate
BHSc. (Physio)
MSc (Anatomy)
Dan comes from a sporting background of Soccer, Tennis and Amateur Boxing. He is currently an avid climber, runner and Boxing ACT official.
Dan graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) in 2012 from the European School of Physiotherapy program at Amsterdam University of Applied Science in The Netherlands. After graduation, he returned to Sydney to work in private practice as a Physio, Hydrotherapist, Pilates instructor and group fitness instructor, while also completing his Diploma in Remedial Massage.
In 2016, Dan returned to university to complete a Masters degree in Human Anatomy at the University of Dundee, Scotland and spent the following year demonstrating Anatomy to Medical, Dental and Anthropology students. During Dan’s stay in Scotland, he worked part time as a private practice Physio and for the University of Dundee Rugby Union club.
Dan currently teaches Anatomy and Biomechanics at the University of Canberra and is undertaking a PhD in injury prevention alongside his part-time clinical work at the Belconnen Performance Edge Clinic. He is also team physiotherapist for the woman’s Belconnen United football club (the best team in Canberra).
Dan Tait
Alex Tang
Physiotherapist
B.H.Sc.(Nursing)
M.Physio
GLA:D Qualified Physiotherpist
ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach
Alex graduated with a Master of Physiotherapy from the University of Canberra in 2024. Before moving into physiotherapy, he completed a Bachelor of Nursing in Hong Kong and worked clinically for several years. His background in both nursing and physiotherapy gives him a strong foundation in holistic, patient-centred care.
Fluent in both English and Chinese, Alex is skilled at building rapport with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Alex has a strong interest in managing general and sports-related injuries, as well as developing long-term injury prevention strategies to support clients’ overall mobility and health. He is qualified to deliver the GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) program, helping individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis through structured education and exercise. Alex also holds a Level 1 Dry Needling qualification and Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coaching Accreditation (ASCA).
He is currently the team physiotherapist for the Canberra Croatia Football Club (NPLW), providing on-field care, rehabilitation, and performance support.
Outside the clinic, Alex enjoys staying active through soccer and the gym.
Physiotherapist
B.Physio
APA Accredited in Neuromuscular Dry Needling
Tyree graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Canberra in 2024 and holds additional qualifications including a Level 1 Sports Trainer Certificate and Dry Needling Accreditation. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve their recovery, health, and performance goals through personalised, evidence-based care.
Tyree enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, with a particular interest in sports-related conditions – especially those affecting the ankle and knee. With a holistic and collaborative approach, she supports clients through every stage of injury management and performance optimisation. As an active soccer player with a background in softball, netball, and hockey, she understands the physical and mental demands of sport, fuelling her commitment to helping athletes recover, prevent injury, and perform at their best.
With a strong passion for women’s health, Tyree also offers lactational mastitis consultations and is trained in the use of therapeutic ultrasound to help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
Outside the clinic, Tyree enjoys staying active at the gym, walking her dog, painting, reading, and spending time with friends. She’s also currently trying to learn to waterski and ice skate.
Tyree Senaratne
Russell Khaw
Physiotherapist
B.Physio
APA Accredited in Neuromuscular Dry Needling
ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach
Russell graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Canberra in 2024. Throughout his studies and work, he gained valuable experience working with athletes across a range of sports, including football, AFL, rugby league, and rugby union.
Russell’s experience includes working with the following clubs:
- Canberra Raiders Junior Representative Team
- Canberra Olympic Football Club (National Premier League Women’s)
- Canberra Deakin Football Club (National Premier League Men’s & Women’s)
- Canberra Royals Rugby Union Club
- Uni-Norths Owls Rugby Union Club
- Wests Lions Rugby Union Club
- Eastlake Demons AFL Club
- Majura Football Club (National Premier League Women’s)
He is currently the team physiotherapist for Canberra Juventus Football Club (National Premier League) and a physiotherapist with the Canberra Raiders Junior Representative team.
With a strong sporting background, Russell has played local Premier League football and has a deep passion for bodybuilding and powerlifting. Having personally worked through injuries and rehabilitation from both football and bodybuilding, he has developed a particular interest in managing ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder injuries.
He holds a Level 1 Dry Needling certification, a Level 1 Sports Trainer certification, and Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coaching Accreditation with ASCA.
Outside of work, Russell enjoys training in the gym and can often be found playing or watching football.
Remedial Massage Therapist
Tammy is our highly sought after PEP Remedial Massage Therapist, where she enjoys treating a variety of patients.
Tammy completed her Diploma of Remedial Massage in 2014, she then when on to gain further qualifications in cupping, oncology 1, Taping, pregnancy and Sports massage and she has recently completed her Introduction to Dry Needling.
Tammy uses a variety of massage techniques specifically tailored to meet your individual needs.
Tammy is a HICAPS provider.
Tammy McCall
Michelle Hollis
Director; Business Manager
Michelle has been a Director and business manager of Performance Edge physiotherapy since 1994.
She is also passionate about mind / body health, working in the health industry of over 30 years as a Personal trainer & Pilates mat work instructor both in the clinic and with Leicester Tigers Rugby Union club.
In her spare time Mich enjoys working out in the gym, motor bike rides & hanging out with the fam.
Practice Manager
Mikayla joined the PEP family back in 2020 and has been our Practice Manager for the past few years. She manages the day-to-day operation of our clinics whilst also manning the reception desk.
Occasionally, you might see her covering sport on the weekends as she also holds her level 1 sports trainer certificate.
Outside of work Miki loves doing puzzles and playing with her dog Alfie!
Mikayla Hedditch
Lewis Robertson
Receptionist
Lewis is currently studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at UC, he works for our admin team and is also a sports trainer for PEP.
Outside of work and uni, Lewis can be found on the cricket field or outside riding his bike and running.
Receptionist
Hamish is currently studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at UC and is a member of our admin team.
He is a Level 2 Sports Trainer with Tuggeranong Vikings Rugby Union and has gained valuable experience working with various sports teams through PEP.
Hamish McGuire
Tom Williams
Receptionist
Tom completed his Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science in 2024 and is now studying a Masters of Physiotherapy. You can find Tom at the reception desk and on the field as part of our sports trainer team.
If he’s not at work or studying, he’s often seen playing water polo or basketball.
Receptionist / Strength & Conditioning Coach
ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach,
Australian Weightlifting Federation
Sports Power Coach Level 1
Nikita is a dedicated strength and conditioning coach and sports power coach with a passion for optimising performance and helping athletes of all levels reach their full potential. With a background as a high-level football and futsal player, Nikita combines her firsthand athletic experience with growing knowledge of anatomy and rehabilitation to shape her coaching style.
Nikita holds ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning and Australian Weightlifting Federation Sports Power Level 1 certifications, as well as Certificates III and IV in Fitness, which provide a strong foundation for her coaching. Her interests surround optimising performance, preventing injuries, enhancing both athletic capabilities and everyday functionality, and growing knowledge of rehabilitation as she continues studies in physiotherapy.
Outside of coaching, Nikita loves music—whether it’s writing, singing, or playing the piano.
