Peter Vitale - Senior Physiotherapist & Practice Principal
Peter is a highly experienced and respected physiotherapist, recognised for his clinical expertise, diagnostic skills and ability to manage complex conditions. As Clinical Director of Essendon Physio Group, he brings over 20 years of experience and is highly regarded by medical specialists and surgeons for his thorough assessment, clinical reasoning and effective treatment approaches.
With particular expertise in vestibular rehabilitation, jaw pain and dysfunction (TMJ), dry needling and respiratory physiotherapy, Peter is the founder of our dedicated Dizziness and Balance Clinic, Jaw Pain Clinic and Breathing Clinic. His passion for these specialised areas has helped establish services that support people experiencing dizziness, vertigo, balance disorders, persistent jaw pain and breathing difficulties.
Beyond his clinical practice, Peter is passionate about advancing the physiotherapy profession, delivering extensive professional development. As Clinical Director, he also plays a key role in mentoring our team, service innovation and maintaining the high standards of care that underpin Essendon Physio Group.
Samantha Shirley - Senior Physiotherapist
Samantha is a highly skilled physiotherapist with a reputation for her excellent diagnostic skills, attention to detail and friendly, approachable nature. With particular interests in post-concussion syndrome, headaches and vestibular rehabilitation, she enjoys helping people understand complex symptoms, regain confidence and return to the activities they love.
Samantha focuses on identifying the underlying causes of symptoms and developing practical, sustainable strategies that support long-term recovery.
Known for her genuine care and ability to make people feel at ease, Samantha builds strong relationships with her clients and is a favourite among patients and colleagues alike.
As Clinical Practice Coordinator, Samantha also plays an important role in mentoring and supporting the clinical growth and development of our physiotherapy team, helping maintain the high standards of care at Essendon Physio Group.
Cooper Aisen - Associate Physiotherapist
Cooper enjoys helping people overcome pain, restore confidence in their movement, and get back to the activities that are important to them. He has a particular interest in neck pain, headaches, and jaw-related conditions. During his physiotherapy training, he developed a strong interest in understanding the complexity of these presentations and how they can impact everyday life.
Known for his approachable nature and clear communication, Cooper enjoys working with people from all walks of life and believes that great outcomes start with listening and understanding each person's individual goals.
At Essendon Physio Group, Cooper works across a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions and is part of our Jaw Pain Clinic, helping clients move more comfortably and confidently.
Brendan Canham - Associate Physiotherapist
Brendan is a Physiotherapist with a strong interest in musculoskeletal injuries and helping people get back to moving comfortably and confidently.
He enjoys treating a broad range of muscle and joint conditions, including back, neck, shoulder, hip and knee pain, as well as sporting and everyday injuries. Brendan is naturally engaging and takes a genuine interest in the people he works with, taking the time to listen and understand not only what is causing a problem, but how it is affecting their day-to-day life.
Brendan has a strong hands on approach to physiotherapy and enjoys using manual therapy as part of his treatment to help reduce pain and restore movement. He combines this with a practical, individualised approach, helping clients understand their injury and what they can do to support their recovery.
Whether your goal is getting back to sport, returning to the gym, keeping active or simply moving through everyday life more comfortably, Brendan will work with you to determine the right treatment approach and next steps in your recovery.
Lydia Soo - Associate Physiotherapist
Lydia is a warm and enthusiastic physiotherapist who genuinely enjoys helping people move better, feel stronger and return to the activities they love. With experience across musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, she brings a positive and personalised approach to helping people overcome pain, recover from injury and regain confidence in their movement.
With a strong interest in injury rehabilitation, Clinical Pilates and exercise-based therapy, Lydia combines hands-on physiotherapy treatment with tailored exercise programs to improve strength, mobility and long-term function. Her experience extends to managing back and neck pain, post-operative rehabilitation, balance difficulties and neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease.
Lydia holds a Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne and has undertaken additional training in Clinical Pilates. Her friendly and encouraging nature allows her to build genuine connections with clients, taking the time to understand what matters most to them and creating practical rehabilitation plans that support their individual goals.
Lydia is also fluent in Mandarin and offers physiotherapy consultations in both English and Mandarin.
Craig Harrison - Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Craig is a highly experienced clinician with a reputation for his clinical expertise, attention to detail and positive and results-focused approach. With extensive experience managing low back pain, tendinopathies, and complex musculoskeletal conditions, Craig combines thorough assessment with targeted, evidence-based corrective exercise programming. His practical approach focuses on identifying the underlying challenges and building strength and confidence to achieve meaningful and long term outcomes.
Craig also has considerable expertise in occupational rehabilitation, workplace assessments and manual handling training. He works closely with individuals and employers to support safe, sustainable return-to-work outcomes following injury.
As Director of Allied Health, Craig plays a key role in developing our clinical team and maintaining high standards of care. Craig brings a wealth of experience to every stage of the health care journey.
Nicole French - Founder | Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Nicole is a driving force behind Essendon Physio Group and a recognised leader in healthcare. With over 20 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes, advancing the role of exercise in healthcare and building high-quality, multidisciplinary allied health services.
With a strong commitment to improving access to healthcare., Nicole has contributed to national health initiatives, collaborated with leading organisations including Diabetes Victoria, and championed the role of exercise physiology in managing diabetes, obesity and chronic disease. Her work extends beyond clinical practice into education, professional leadership and advocacy,
Nicole's contributions to exercise physiology and healthcare have been recognised through numerous national awards, including the 2024 Australian Exercise Physiologist of the Year, the 2025 Diabetes Victoria Impact Award and the 2020 National Female Leaders in Exercise & Sports Science Award. Her business leadership has also been recognised, with Essendon Physio Group receiving the 2023 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Award. Nicole was named a finalist for the 2025 Australian Women's Small Business Female Icon Award.
Taylah Costa - Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Taylah has a passion for helping people take control of their health and build healthier, more active lifestyles. With special interests in weight management, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and chronic disease management, she focuses on achieving meaningful and sustainable health improvements.
With a particular interest in medical weight loss, including GLP-1 medications and very low calorie diets (VLCDs), Taylah develops personalised exercise programs to preserve muscle mass, build strength and support long-term weight management.
A great listener and natural problem-solver, Taylah takes the time to understand each person's challenges and provide clear, practical guidance. Her positive and encouraging approach helps people overcome barriers, regain motivation and feel confident making lasting changes to their health and wellbeing.
Alissa Norman Buck - Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Alissa has a passion for helping people improve their balance, build strength and maintain independence as they age. With special interests in falls prevention, dizziness, balance rehabilitation and healthy ageing, she enjoys helping people regain confidence in their movement and everyday activities.
Working closely with our Dizziness and Balance Clinic, Alissa develops personalised, evidence-based exercise programs to improve stability, mobility and physical function. Her gentle and reassuring approach makes her particularly well suited to supporting older adults and those who feel uncertain or anxious about exercising.
Alissa also has a growing interest in lymphoedema and lipoedema management and is completing advanced training to become an accredited lymphoedema practitioner.
Known for her patience, kindness and genuine care, Alissa takes the time to understand each person's needs, helping them feel supported and confident as they work towards better health, greater independence and an improved quality of life.
Jasmine Palumbo - Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Jasmine has a passion for helping people move better, build strength and return to the activities they enjoy.
Combining gym-based rehabilitation with Clinical Pilates, Jasmine develops tailored exercise programs to improve strength, mobility and overall physical function. Whether you're recovering from injury, progressing from physiotherapy or looking to establish a more active lifestyle, she provides clear guidance and a structured approach to help you achieve your goals.
Known for her patience, professionalism and attention to detail, Jasmine takes pride in providing consistent, individualised care. Her excellent communication and commitment to following through ensure clients feel informed, supported and confident throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Jasmine also leads individual and group Clinical Pilates sessions, runs a weekly type 2 diabetes exercise circuit and works within our Respiratory Rehabilitation Clinic.
Kirsty Comley - Remedial Massage Therapist and Clinical Pilates Instructor
Kirsty is dedicated to helping you alleviate pain, improve movement and promote overall wellness through Remedial Massage and Clinical Pilates. She works hand in hand with our Physio's and Exercise Experts and her experience in using a range of techniques ensures that whatever your presenting problem, she will be able to help.
In addition to managing injuries and reducing muscle tension, a massage session with Kirsty can also focus on relaxation - so spoil yourself and book in, you deserve for your body to feel amazing.
