All our osteopaths are fully registered and members of the Australian Osteopathic Association.
All our clinicians are engaged in ongoing professional development in the form of conferences, seminars, and reading. Please ask them about their current areas of interest and education.
Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science)
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
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.
Dr Nick McEniry - Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
Nick has been working at Chapel Street Osteopathy since November 2008, after working for several years in the regional Victorian town of Bendigo.
Initially a student of myotherapy, Nick was drawn to the holistic ‘whole body’ approach of osteopathy and so continued his studies to become an osteopath. He completed his Masters in Osteopathy at RMIT University, with his final year project focusing on the thoughts and perceptions of second year medical students vis-à-vis complimentary and alternative medicine.
Nick recently underwent further training to become a dry needling practitioner.
Nick specializes in the treatment of sporting injuries, helping his patients to perform at optimum levels – or simply to enjoy their sporting activity of choice. As a keen and competing cyclist, he takes a particular interest in the treatment of cycling injuries. He also has broad experience treating shoulders, knees, lower backs and headaches. Nick’s patients appreciate his enthusiasm for sports & his cheerful and friendly manner.
When not working or cycling, Nick enjoys scuba diving and good coffee.
Dr Sarah Hand - Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Applied Science (Clinical Science)
Sarah has been working at Chapel Street Osteopathy since 2007. Sarah completed her degree at RMIT in 2002.
Dr Sarah Hand is passionate about Osteopathy and she has a particular interest in the ways Osteopathy can help to improve women's health as well as the benefits for both babies and toddlers.
To this end, Sarah has undertaken further research and study to develop her understanding of the issues and associated symptoms of dysmenorrhea, pelvic floor dysfunction, PCO and PCOS as well as pregnancy and childbirth. She particularly enjoys assisting women to experience as comfortable a pregnancy as possible by helping the body to accommodate for postural, biochemical and weight changes.
Sarah has a thorough understanding of the physiology of childbirth which makes her a great resource for women aiming for a natural birth, but also for women who have experienced complications during or after labour.
Sarah compassionately and gently treats both mothers and babies and is able to assess and treat babies and children for a wide variety of common ailments including:
- reflux and digestive issues
- wry neck
- feeding and attachment problems
- colic
- sleep issues, and much more.
Sarah employs an extremely gentle hands-on approach to treatment, coupled with discussion and advice to help patients manage their health in an ongoing way.
Dr Rebecca Hay - Registered Osteopath
Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science)
Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)
Member, Australian Osteopathic Association
Dr Rebecca Hay undertook her studies at Victoria University and joined the team at Chapel Street Osteopathy in 2009. Prior to this, she had practiced both in Melbourne and in Ireland.
Rebecca's passion is health and fitness and she enjoys treating treating all sports related injuries. A keen runner and cyclist herself, Rebecca enjoys the challenge of treating athletes, helping them return to sporting activities pain free. Over the years she has been involved with many sporting teams, including football, soccer, netball and dance assisting helping them to perform at optimum levels.
Rebecca also enjoys treating neck pain, headaches, sciatica and assisting women through pregnancy.