Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science)
Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
Member, Australian Osteopathic Association
Shane undertook his studies at Victoria University, and his Masters of Osteopathy final year thesis examined ‘Common Injuries in Elite Tennis Players.’
Shane’s motivation to become an osteopath was fuelled by personal experience. As an injured adolescent tennis player looking for a treatment solution, he was put through a merry-go-round of specialists. What finally proved helpful to Shane was osteopathy, and in particular the osteopathic principle of treating the whole body, and not just the injured ‘part.’ Shane applies this same principle in the treatment of his own patients.
Shane has a long held love of sports (he is currently learning to surf and training for triathlon) and treats many sporting injuries. His areas of specialisation include chronic postural problems and the role of pelvic function in low back and leg injuries.
Dr Michelle Funder - Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science)
Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
Member, Australian Osteopathic Association
In partnership with Dr Shane Bennett, Michelle owns and manages Chapel Street/ Hawthorn Osteopathy.
After completing a Bachelor of Clinical Science and Masters in Osteopathy at Victoria University, Michelle moved to Ireland where she practiced for a number of years at a privately owned Osteopathic clinic.
On returning to Australia, she extended her professional development into the field of Clinical Pilates. Both she and colleague Dr Laura Jennings use real time ultrasound in their Pilates consultations to examine how the muscles are functioning. Michelle is available for individual or small-group Clinical Pilates sessions, all held in the studio at Hawthorn Osteopathic Clinic.
Michelle is also a dry needling practitioner, and can employ this technique as part of her osteopathic consultations. Dry needling stimulates specific reactions in target tissues for a therapeutic effect.
Michelle is passionate about all sports, particularly rowing. She was a member of the Melbourne University Boat Club and has competed for Victoria at a national level. It was her rowing interests that subsequently led to completing her Masters research in ‘schoolgirl rowing injuries’. Michelle’s other sporting interests include golf, tennis, swimming, running, and netball.
Having grown up in Hawthorn, Michelle has a strong affiliation with and interest in the local community.
Dr Jessie Wood - Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science)
Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
Member, Australian Osteopathic Association
Jessie Wood graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Clinical Science Degree and a Masters of Osteopathy. Prior to this, she had completed an Arts and Science double degree at Monash University where she majored in Anatomy, Physiology and German.
It was Jessie’s personal experience of debilitating headaches and neck pain, which propelled her into osteopathy. Having found that osteopathic treatment was the one therapy that really worked for her, Jess was motivated to enter the field herself – helping others as she had been helped. An empathetic practitioner, Jessie works hard to ensure positive long-term outcomes for her patients.
Jess has a professional interest in the treatment of neck pain, headaches, and pregnancy-related conditions. Jessie regularly attends pregnancy seminars to keep her up-to-date with developments in this area.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys cooking, exercising with her puppy, and barracking for Geelong.
Dr Laura Jennings - Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science)
Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
Member, Australian Osteopathic Association
Laura is also a qualified Clinical Pilates instructor through D.M.A and sports trainer through S.M.A.
While studying for five years, Laura completed a Masters project on the measurement of transversus abdominis (core stability muscle) using real time ultrasound. Having become a Clinical Pilates instructor
Laura is able to incorporate a wide range of Pilates exercises into her patient’s prevention and rehabilitation from injury.
Laura has been head sports trainer and Osteopath for the Caulfield Grammarians Football Club for the past five years, and also has a keen interest in running and triathlons having participated in many events.
Because of this she has had a wide range of experience and enjoys treating all types of sports injuries
ranging from the weekend warrior to the elite athlete.
Laura also enjoys treating foot, ankle and knee injuries, as well as children and pregnancy related conditions.
Dr Cathryn Leszczynski - Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science)
Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
Member, Australian Osteopathic Association
Cathryn is a fully qualified Osteopath , having completed a double degree at Victoria University. Cathryn has a passion for helping educate her patients on their bodies and the way Osteopathy together with healthy living can maximize health.
As well as being an Osteopath Cathryn has also done further postgraduate education in dry needling and Level 1-4 clinical pilates training so also acts as a clinical pilates instructor within the clinic. Cathryn enjoys treating all musculoskeletal conditions but has a particular interest in headaches and jaw pain. She also has a long history in the fitness industry so applies exercise rehabilitation to much of her treatment.
She also likes to practice what she preaches with regard to exercise and wellbeing and is a keen ballet dancer in her spare time! Cathryn also has a passion for helping patients to self manage their complaints and learn coping strategies for dealing with them outside the treatment room.
Dr Joshua Davis - Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Applied Science (Complimentary Medicine)
Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
Member, Australian Osteopathic Association
Joshua Davis undertook his osteopathic studies at RMIT University and is both fully qualified and registered with the AOA. His Masters thesis examined the current involvement of osteopathy and other allied health practice in Australian sport. Josh particularly enjoys the challenge of treating sports injuries and low back and shoulder complaints as part of the spectrum of complaints he treats. Josh's experience of osteopathy after suffering sporting injuries propelled him into the profession. Having seen its usefulness, he wanted to share its benefits with the wider community. Outside of osteo, Josh enjoys playing football and cricket, cycling and running, and quality time spent with family and friends.
Josh is committed to best outcomes for his patients
Claire Ryan - Physiotherapist, Clinical Pilates instructor
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Member, Australian Physiotherapy Association
Member, Continence and Women's Health Group
Claire Ryan, a qualified physiotherapist, forms an integral part of the Clinical Pilates team at Hawthorn Osteopathy. Her career interests include exercise for women during the childbearing years, Clinical Pilates, low back and pelvic girdle pain during the childbearing years, and promoting health and wellbeing at all ages and stages of life.
In addition to her physiotherapy qualifications, Claire has completed Levels 1-4 in Postgrad Clinical Pilates and Level 1 in Postgrad Spinal. She is currently extending her professional education into the area of Pelvic Floor and continence.
On a personal note, Claire practises what she preaches - enjoying Pilates, running, and swimming in her spare time. She also values time spent with friends and family. Claire's Physio Pilates sessions are rebatable under many private health fund schemes.
Joel Olsen - Myotherapist
Adv. Dip. Remedial Massage (Myotherapist) AAMTOncology Massage Therapist (OMT)
At Hawthorn Osteopathy we offer a myotherapy service in complement to our osteopathic treatments. Joel Olsen is a fully qualified and highly experienced myotherapist, and heads up the Myotherapy Department. Joel has rich experience treating a range of different people – from babies to footballers! His treatments involve techniques such as deep tissue massage, dry needling technique and muscle manipulation.
Joel has worked with a number of elite sporting teams and professional athletes, including AFL football clubs and state level swim teams. His craft was honed working in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic where he became proficient in dry needling techniques for headaches and migraines.
Myotherapy (or remedial massage) can be used to address a range of issues, from chronic migraines to everyday stress. Joel’s relaxed and friendly demeanour will put you at ease, and you will feel the benefits of this therapy as soon as you’ve walked out our door.
More recently Joel has undertaken studies in Oncology Massage, learning to work with patients affected by cancer. Please contact reception on 9818 7738 if you have any queries about myotherapy and whether it could be of benefit to you.
Carlin Roche - Myotherapist
B.H.Sc (Myotherapy) IRMA
Carlin has completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy) and has worked extensively in private practice in Melbourne, Merimbula and in Rome, Italy.
In Italy, Carlin worked with athletes and sports medicine staff at an International level including, soccer, water polo and fencing. This provided a great insight to techniques and practices of physical therapy in Europe. Carlin's various clinical experiences has provided a platform of exposure to people from toddlers to the elderly, sports people from elite to recreational. Carlin has a special clinical interest in treating athletes that play soccer, football and hockey.
Carlin has an enthusiasm towards delivering individualised treatments. With the use of dry-needling, soft-tissue techniques, joint mobilisation and corrective excerises, Carlin aims to decrease symptoms and help you return to your activity.
Outside of the clinic Carlin enjoys running, cycling, martial arts and motorbike riding.
Support Staff
Emily Dowling Danielle Perry