We are a team of experienced clinicians that believes in the power of excellence and community, and is dedicated to caring for you from the moment you walk into our space to the moment you walk out.
Caroline Peos - Physiotherapist
Wali Aman - Physiotherapist
Emily Drew - Dietitian
Josh Priest - Physiotherapist
Rebecca Barry - Physiotherapist
Melanie Cricco - Podiatrist
Darcy Sharples - Physiotherapist & Clinical Manager
Lauren McLinden (nee Campbell) – Founding Director &
APA Musculoskeletal and Sports + Exercise Physiotherapist
Michael Jephcott – Myotherapist, Bowen Therapist, Remedial Massage
Andrew Campbell – Director & General Manager
Passionate about spinal, hip and shoulder pains in all ages, in both expert conservative management and post-op care cases
Caroline graduated from Curtin University in Perth with a Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy). Caroline has strong knowledge, experience, and interest in treating all types of musculoskeletal conditions, and a particular interest in shoulder, hips and spinal presentations.
Caroline has always been fascinated by how the human body functions and its ability to heal and repair itself. Growing up in rural Western Australia participating in various sports and activities, she also saw how sports and recreation connected people and fostered a strong sense of community. Through this, she developed a passion for empowering others to improve their physical and mental health and overall well-being by helping them to recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions, as well as promoting an overall healthy lifestyle. As a physiotherapist, Caroline enjoys the opportunity to work with so many different people to help them achieve their unique goals. Being continuously presented with new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact on people’s lives is something she relishes and is what motivates her to keep helping people. Caroline is always looking to develop as a clinician and has completed various professional development courses. These include training in sports physiotherapy (levels 1 and 2), vestibular rehabilitation, treatment of the lumbar spine and pelvis, STOTT Pilates (Reformer and Mat), as well as dry needling.
Outside of the clinic, you can find Caroline swimming, at the beach, watching football, and discovering everything Melbourne has to offer. Being new to Victoria, she is enjoying exploring the many restaurants and cafés, as well as getting out of the city to the beautiful wine regions and nature escapes.
Passionate about Passionate about sports injuries, shoulder and lower limb injuries, conservative and post-surgical ACL rehabilitation
Wali grew up in New Zealand and attended the University of Otago where he completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy and his postgraduate certification in Sports Physiotherapy. Wali has worked in the southeast side of Melbourne over the last 5 years, primarily in private practice and sports (soccer, futsal, basketball, rugby, running, track and field, strength training and gymnastics).
Being the head physiotherapist for Pakenham United Football Club and NPL 1 club Dandenong Thunder this year, Wali has a passion for managing sports injuries and helping athletes manage their injuries around their training. Wali has worked with many Strength and Conditioning coaches which has driven him to complete further training, currently undergoing his ASCA level 1 (strength and conditioning qualification).
He has a keen interest in post-operative rehabilitation, shoulder and lower limb injuries, particularly ACL sprains, meniscus tears, hamstring strains, quadricep strains, calf strains, and Achilles tendinopathy. He puts a large emphasis on addressing the associated biomechanical and psychosocial contributing factors using manual therapy and strength training to get you moving pain-free and back to performance. He is also very passionate about late-stage return-to-play testing using a combination of running and functional assessments. Additionally, he emphasises the importance of adhering to an ongoing strength program to reduce the risk of further injury.
Outside of the clinic, Wali enjoys strength training, hiking, soccer and exploring the beauty of Victoria.
Passionate about gut health, oncology care, supporting chronic illness recovery, fueling for sport, osteoporosis/ osteopenia care
Emily is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Accredited Nutritionist who is committed to supporting individuals to best optimise their health and foster positive relationships with food. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science and then a Master of Dietetics from Deakin University, Emily has also completed further courses for the low FODMAP diet for the nutritional management of IBS. Emily creates a warm and open environment to tailor evidence-based nutrition treatment plans and advice to best suit you and your lifestyle through a compassionate and non-diet lens.
Having worked in a variety of clinical settings in her career, Emily has a broad range of skills to best support individuals at all stages of their health journey. She believes in empowering and guiding her clients to take charge of their own health and kick life goals! Emily specialises in the following areas: Oncology, Nutrition for Illness Recovery, Chronic and complex health conditions, Healthy ageing (namely muscle and bone health), Weight management in all ages and Gastrointestinal conditions, diseases, and gut health. As an active and sporting person, Emily highly values the combined power of movement and nutrition and has also keen interest in sports nutrition, prehabilitation, and rehabilitation. She also has experience working with disordered eating and eating disorders.
Outside of work, you can find Emily exploring exciting new restaurants, running along the Yarra River, or planning a new cultural getaway.
Passionate about complex cases in spinal and hip conditions, and vestibular physio worries in balance skills + dizziness
Josh graduated from the University of Queensland with a Master of Physiotherapy Studies after completing and Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University. This natural progression occurred due to his interest in the human mind and human movement due to his past injury experiences mostly related to sport (soccer) involvement, recognising early on the psychological toll his injuries could take.
He understands injuries and pain can often be a worrying and confusing experience and strives to help his patients make sense of their problem and understand what their treatment options are and how they can have the power to help themselves.
Josh developed a high-level expertise in movement and exercise for high performance prior to undertaking physiotherapy study through his Exercise Science Degree, Strength and Conditioning coach work and personal passion for training. In more recent years he has invested more time in understanding and helping people with persistent pain and disability reflected by some of his recent professional development such as Explore Pain (NOI Group) and SpineCare through the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Josh has special interest in treating the Spine, Hip, Persistent pain and vertigo, dizziness and balance conditions. Josh has a very open and collaborative treatment style and believes in tailoring the treatment to the person before the condition and helping people make sense of their problem to make recovery from pain and injury more achievable and enjoyable through a thorough and clear plan.
Outside of the clinic you can find Josh Strength training in the gym, mountain biking, exploring nature or enjoying some time and activity with his dog Goose.
Passionate about lower limb conditions, neck and back pain concerns and running/ sport-related injuries
Bec graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science and Masters of Physiotherapy degree from La Trobe University. Designing a specific return to running app in her final year, Bec has a special interest in both sporting injuries and musculoskeletal conditions and loves helping patients return back to their optimal level of strength, performance and functioning.
Alongside clinical work Bec works with the Eltham Redbacks Football Club as a sports trainer and Physiotherapist where she has been exposed to various acute and longer-term injuries. Attending both training sessions and game days she has developed a good collection of preventative and rehabilitation strategies.
Bec has grown up playing sport her whole life but focusses now on distance running and triathlon. Throughout her career she has had to deal with her share of injuries where she learnt the importance of effective Physiotherapy management. Based off past experience Bec focuses on a holistic return to sport, where a combination of strength, soft tissue work and perseverance assists patients achieving their goals and regaining their fitness.
Outside of work if not training, you will find Bec off in nature somewhere, at the beach or getting coffee or dinner with friends. With a passion for travel Bec aims to one day complete a full marathon in each continent while continually helping others become a better version of themselves.
Passionate about paediatric and adult foot + ankle pains, nail-related trauma + pains and diabetes neurological assessments
Melanie first registered as a podiatrist in 2006 and has been well-known locally for most of her career. Following the completion of her podiatry qualifications at La Trobe University, Melanie achieved a high distinction in postgraduate studies on the management of chronic wounds at Monash University. Melanie completed research in Footwear for the Prevention of Falls; a study on the Efficacy of Cadexomer Iodine and Nanocrystalline Silver Wound Dressings; and a systematic review on Podiatric Involvement in Stroke Rehabilitation as part of her Master of Health Science (Podiatry) degree. Her high achievements earnt her lifelong membership with the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Melanie is also a member of the Australian Podiatry Association and values continuing her professional development skills. She is dedicated and experienced in the comprehensive provision of general and diabetic foot care, orthotic therapy, nail surgery, paediatric and geriatric foot care alike, and any biomechanical concerns of the feet. Melanie works with us on Tuesdays, and also on Thursday evenings.
Outside of work, Melanie enjoys gardening, bush walking, and spending time with her family. Her eye for detail also makes her a brilliant creator of wedding and special occasion cakes for family and friends!
Passionate about sports injuries, comprehensive post-operation rehab cases in ankle, hip, knee and shoulder conditions
Growing up in the Eltham area, Darcy has been an active member of the local community, attending high school and
participating in many local sporting teams in the area. Darcy completed a Bachelor of Health Science at La Trobe University, majoring in human anatomy and physiology, before looking to challenge himself further and undertaking a Master of Physiotherapy Practice.
Darcy grew up playing AFL, volleyball, basketball, and athletics, and enjoys heading away to Lake Eildon to engage in various water sports. He spent 6 years coaching volleyball at Eltham High School after completing his secondary education and enjoys working with athletes to improve their performance. Through experience with injuries of his own, this sparked Darcy’s keen interest in physiotherapy.
Darcy enjoys treating a large variety of musculoskeletal conditions, and has a particular interest in the lower limbs,
dizziness, running, and sporting-based injuries. His specific interests involve knee osteoarthritis, concussion, ACL injuries, and late-stage return to sport rehabilitation. Darcy has had a wide variety of experience, working with the Lower Plenty Football Club (AFL) for 6 years as their Head Physiotherapist, and Melbourne Football Club as an intern for the AFLW team.
Darcy is an accredited GLA:D physiotherapist and ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning coach. He thoroughly enjoys working with adolescent athletes and helping guide them through strength programs, training, and managing their bodies as they build into a higher-level competition of any kind. Darcy has a strong belief in educating patients on how to best manage their injuries ongoing, preventing further injury, and getting the best out of themselves throughout their rehabilitation process.
Outside of the clinic, you can find Darcy running, mountain bike riding, water skiing, doing photography, and out walking with his wife and Golden Retriever Stanley.
Passionate about being an elite second opinion for clients neck, back or hip pains, and acute injuries the spine, shoulder and foot.
Lauren founded the Optimal Health Lab in 2017, alongside her brother Andrew, with a vision of bringing the best sports and rehabilitative medicine to her local community. Lauren continues to live and work within the Diamond Valley with young family.
Clinically, Lauren is warm, passionate and engaging, and she is an true expert in musculoskeletal assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning - and this has earned her the reputation of being a sought-after physio brain.
Fuelled by an ongoing desire to keep improving her physio brain, Lauren proudly holds two clinical masters from La Trobe University, which has earned her the titles of APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (2017) and APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist (2022). Her post-graduate study saw her learn from and work with the Australian Ballet, Geelong Football Club, Austin Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital Emergency Department, and St Vincent’s neurosurgical clinic. These experiences have also seen Lauren become a presenter on the 'lower back pain' course run by Australian Physio Association.
Currently, Lauren consults in-rooms and in the OHL Strength Lab. She has a specialty in hip, pelvis and lower back conditions, in both the sporting and community populations. Lauren has also developed significant experience in post-operative care, especially in spine, shoulder and hip surgeries, and she is passionate about supporting clients with invisible illnesses related to persistent pain, rheumatological disorders and fatigue conditions.
Over her last decade of physiotherapy work, Lauren has worked in various sporting roles. These roles range from local football clubs (Lower Plenty Football Club, Old Eltham College Football Club, Montmorency Football Club), hockey teams at Australian Masters Games, FINA Short Course World Championships, and Women’s TAC Cup U18s with the Northern Knights Football Club. Lauren has also been the physiotherapist to cast members of touring national musical theatre shows, including Strictly Ballroom, Dirty Dancing and Georgy Girl, as well as the resident physiotherapist for full-time dance programs and supporting elite athletes living locally.
Passionate about seeing soft tissue therapy helping clients to manage stress, improve post-op cases and reduce back pain
Michael has been in clinical practice as a Myotherapist since 2014, and his qualifications extend back to remedial massage and personal training. Competing at high-level sport and suffering aches and pains in his younger years, Michael has a great understanding of those in a similar boat, which inspired him to where he is today.
Michael’s main objective is to identify the source of his client’s pain and resolve the problem quickly, with thorough clinical assessment, movement screening, corrective exercise and a wide range of manual techniques. This enables a quick, efficient and long lasting result.
The active population will find great benefit from his skill set and style of work as his true passion lies with helping those who strive to move better. He has a strong interest in shoulder, hip and lower back complaints.
Michael’s clients see him for Myotherapy, Remedial Massage, Functional Movement Screening, Personal Training, Corrective Exercise Training, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Dry Needling & Cupping.
Passionate about building and continuing to elevate OHL into a health care destination for best care, happy + healthy teams and a sustainable clinic for his local community
Andrew comes into his position as Business Manager with both big and small business experience, after completing a Bachelor of Business at La Trobe University. Andrew has been involved in the initial concept of OHL with his sister Lauren, and has been involved with each stage of growth since day one.
He formally comes onto the team to build OHL into the most efficient business and streamline administration processes to enable the team of clinicians to provide the best level of service.
Andrew looks forward to the growth of this exciting family-owned business venture, whilst also making time to travel, spend time with his family + friends and getting out on the tracks cycling!
Lindy Hartley, Jenni Sexton, Emily Palermo, April Woodward & Mady Conlan comprise our caring and diligent administration team.
This amazing team helps every patient find their entire OHL experience stress-free and enjoyable, whilst also providing information to patients and support our OHL clinicians.