03 9397 3263
Meet the team
Julie Hjorth (she/her)
Advanced Paediatric Osteopath
Bachelor Applied Science (Comp Med), Master of Osteopathy, GradDip Public Health, GradCert Health Economics
Julie graduated from RMIT University in 2010 with a Master of Osteopathy. Her first few years in practice were spent in Fremantle, WA while completing a post graduate diploma in Public Health at Curtin University. In 2014, Julie moved back to Victoria and founded Ferguson Street Osteo.
Julie sees a wide variety of clients, but has a special interest in pregnancy, post-natal health, and paediatrics for which she was certified in 2021 as an Advanced Paediatric Osteopath. She believes that the best healthcare comes from creating a safe space and working through the therapeutic relationship to make every consult beneficial for the client.
In 2018 Julie completed Leadership Victoria’s Health Sector Leadership Program and was recently on a Steering Committee developing the strategic plan for osteopathy 2030. In 2022 she undertook the AICDs Non-For-Profit governance course.
Alongside clinical work, Julie works as a clinical supervisor and sessional lecturer at RMIT, sits on the board of The Water Well Project, (a non-for-profit organisation who deliver health education to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers), is a member of cohealth’s Human Ethics Advisory Group and volunteers as an osteopath at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. She is also undertaking studies in Health Economics at Deakin University.
On the weekends Julie can be found on hiking, climbing or biking trips in the wilderness, with Tassie being her favourite place to play.
Jacqueline Roy (she/her)
Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy)
Jackie brings a brightness and enthusiasm to her practice that lightens up the clinic. She believes in the body being a whole functioning unit of mind, body, and spirit. She loves being an osteo and working at FSO, often commenting on how great all of our clients are. Jackie’s treatments are bliss and you will feel completely at ease with her presence.
Jackie has completed training in clinical pilates which she often integrates with her patient management, particularly when helping in the recovery of sporting injuries or chronic lower back pain.
She offers one-on-one mat pilates sessions as part of ongoing patient maintenance. She brings experience to management of sports injuries having rowed competitively for many years, worked as a rowing coach, swim teacher and sports trainer.
When not osteo-ing Jackie is often getting brunch with her housemates and catching a film down at the Sun. She tries to journal and tarot every morning but her cat, Mouse, likes to sleep on the cards. She is also a self-proclaimed dancer with dancing being her creative outlet, exercise, and therapy.
Appointments available Wednesday and Thursday.
Indigo Bunbury Smith (she/her)
Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy)
Indigo is passionate about osteopathy and being able to help people. She has a holistic approach to osteo, and acknowledges how each facet of a person’s life can impact their physical and overall health.
Indigo has undergone further training in trans & gender diverse health, pregnancy, headache & migraine, biodynamics and chronic pain. Previously she worked as an allied health assistant, in sports training and massage. Indigo likes to treat a range of different conditions in people of all life stages.
Indigo centres her consults on patient centred care, whereby your needs are most important. She believes in treating what is needed and ensuring you are comfortable throughout.
In her free time, Indigo loves to be outside, gardening, going for bush walks, playing netball and swimming in rivers with friends. However, when she’s confined indoors she loves cooking up a storm, reading many books at one time, hanging out with her cat Bertie and in recent years honing her skills at crochet, sewing, punch needling and candle making!
Ellen Anchen (she/her)
Registered Osteopath
Bachelor Biomed Science, B Health Science / B Applied Science (Osteopathy)
Ellen has a treatment and management approach that compliments the active lifestyle of people in the community we serve. She has a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (focusing on pathology, physiology, and allied health) as well as her osteopathic qualifications – Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) so is well versed in the workings of the body.
Ellen is passionate about helping others and is always eager to learn new things to further her development as an osteopath, having completed training in pilates, rocktaping, and dry needling (not yet available at FSO).
Wanting to see you back out there doing what you love, Ellen has a strong focus on rehabilitation and correcting lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your complaints. This includes exercise prescription, posture education and ergonomic advice.
When not at work, Ellen can be found kicking ass at the ice hockey rink or on the field playing some other sport, so she fully understands the importance of moving without pain or limitation and tailors her treatments to match the individuals needs.
Jade Chand-Aldous (she/her)
Practice Receptionist
Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical)
Our lovely receptionist Jade is the friendly voice you will hear on the phone and the welcoming face you will see behind the front desk. Jade is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment and keeping the clinic running smoothly. She is always up for a long chat with our patients!
In 2021 Jade completed a Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical). She found studying while homeschooling during lockdown quite challenging, but all the more rewarding once finished. When not working at the clinic, Jade is very busy parenting her primary school-aged child and in her free time, she loves to read a good book, go for long walks around her new city home, bake or catch up on the newest TV shows.
Appointments available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
To book, please contact Melissa:
0420 224 463
Melissa Bourchier (she/her)
Registered General Psychologist
BA (Psychology), PostGradDip in Psychology, Master of Psychology (Education & Development)
Melissa is a warm and nonjudgmental psychologist who uses humour and kindness to build a compassionate rapport with clients. She has worked in the public health system, the Department of Education, and private practice for over 10 years with infants, children, adolescents, and adults. She started her work as a Paediatric Psychologist working with other allied health colleagues to support her clients. She continues this multidisciplinary work through her Autism Assessment work. She has returned to working with adults and is now especially interested in perinatal psychology with postnatal depression and anxiety, helping parents to maintain their own identities in their changing family and keeping both the parent and infant in mind.
Melissa is a multimodal therapist, meaning that she draws on different evidence-based frameworks and theories to help clients achieve their goals.
Melissa currently sees adolescents over 12 years of age and adults and works with:
- Anxiety disorders (including Generalised Anxiety, Social Anxiety, OCD, phobias)
- Depression
- Perinatal psychology (including
- Postnatal Depression and Anxiety, infant mental health)
- Adjustment disorder
- Stress management
- Self-esteem
- Parent training
- Autism Assessment for children and adults
You will know Melissa by the usually clashing patterns and florals in her outfits. When she is not at work, Melissa is probably sitting under a tree reading or snuggling with her cat. Melissa is also a passionate musician and choir member, so you will probably hear her singing as she wanders our halls.
Appointments available Thursdays.
To book, please contact Penny:
www.pennyschleiger.com
0434 829 079
Penny Schleiger (she/her)
Gestalt Psychotherapist and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Bachelor of Social Work, BA (English/Sociology), GradCert Family Therapy, Dip Alcohol & Other Drugs
Penny is a qualified Gestalt Psychotherapist and mental health social worker. In a therapeutic relationship gestalt therapy is her primary approach with techniques from other approaches brought in when needed.
Gestalt is a relational form of therapy, in work with you there is care and focus given to the relationship between the client and the therapist as that relationship forms the basis of our work together.
Gestalt therapy is incredibly powerful in achieving increased self-awareness. It provides a structure within which it is possible to be connected, creative, and at times playful. Elements that support undertaking at times challenging but ultimately gratifying personal work.
Penny is a strong supporter of social justice, inclusion, and mutual respect. In line with these principles, her work is feminist informed and she upholds the right of people to self-determine their life/lifestyle. Her intention is to provide a safe, supportive and respectful space for all people.
Penny qualified as a social worker in 2000 and since then has worked across numerous areas, these include mental health, acquired brain injury, housing/homelessness, and older people. Her last ten years of work have been in clinical mental health supporting people experiencing a wide range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, suicidality, borderline personality disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use.
Appointments available Friday mornings.
To book, please contact Cara:
0405 001 283
Cara McMahon
Counsellor
GradDip (Counselling) / Masters (Social & Organizational Psychology) / BA (Psychology) ACA Accredited Counsellor
Cara is a Counsellor passionate about helping people recognise their personal strengths and fulfilling their potential. Her open and positive communication style facilitates an environment that allows a person to give voice to their emotional life. Counselling is not about advice giving, Cara supports the exploration of past experiences and how these shape and organise a person’s life now. She works with clients to deepen their self-awareness and find ways to resolve the issues they are facing. Cara believes in encouraging an individual’s growth through their own unique lived experience.
Cara is trained and experienced in the use of psychological focused approaches, such as – Person Centre Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT); Narrative Therapy; as well as general approaches to problem-solving, goal setting, and planning.
She is experienced in the following areas:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Family Violence – specifically focuses on psychological and emotional abuse
- Self-esteem & self-confidence issues
- Youth (12-25)
Linda Taimre (she/her)
Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar)
GDipPsych (Advanced), MPsych (Clinical), MAPS
Linda works with children and teenagers (ages 4-18) who might be experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and issues with their self-esteem or relationships with other people, their bodies, and themselves. She has a special interest and experience in working with functional neurological disorders, young people with brain injuries, and young people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Linda also works with neurodiverse young people, such as those with autism or ADHD, experiencing mental health difficulties. She works with young people (and their families) to build on their personal strengths.
She draws on evidence-based techniques including CBT, DBT, family therapy techniques, and play-based therapy, adapting them to the needs of whoever is in the room including parents/carers.
Linda believes that a supportive, collaborative therapeutic relationship is the key to creating positive change that can ripple throughout a young person’s life. If you are looking for support during this important stage of life, reach out to Linda.
When not working as a psychologist, Linda loves spending time with her two goofy greyhounds, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, and exploring her local area in the Western suburbs.