ABOUT US
Gen Health is a vibrant allied health hub, combining Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Exercise Physiology and Group Reformer Physiotherapy.
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
Formally Fit Feet Podiatry, the business reinvented itself in 2015 to pioneer a unique preventative healthcare model within the Greater Hamilton Region.
Established by 4 local young women, Gen Health has now grown to employ 14 team members, attracting and retaining young professionals to the region.
Winner of the Southern Grampian’s Shire Telstra Business of the Year award in 2016 and again in 2018, Gen Health are committed to providing the latest evidence based healthcare practice and are proud to have now expanded their impact with two satellite clinics in Casterton and Portland.
Current directors Stephanie Lamont, Melanie Roll, Jessica Fishburn and Tess Lamont are passionate about providing a supportive team environment.
OUR WHY
At Gen Health we are passionately guided by our mission and values in all team, business and community decisions and commitments.
Mission: “Together strengthening the health of our local community."
Vision: “To be the largest evidence-based Allied health network in the region.”
Values:
Striving for outstanding service
Fostering proactive mindsets
Leading with Empathy
Harbouring a team environment
Translating the latest evidence into practice
Creating a collaborative community
OUR TEAM
Melanie Roll- Physiotherpist & Director
Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (UniSA) 2010
DMA Clinical Pilates Unit A + B
Musculoskeletal Dry Needling
APA Hand Rehabilitation Course
AHTA Hand Therapy Course
AHTA Hand / Wrist Orthotic Splinting
Lyn Watson Shoulder Rehabilitation
APA Temporomandibular Joint Course
APA Vestibular Rehabilitation Course
APA Elbow & Wrist Course
Hobbies/Interests/Fun Facts:
I was born and raised on a broadacre cropping farm near Rainbow in northwest Victoria (and still proudly call myself a Mallee Girl!). My parents and brother still run the family farm, and I like to get home to visit as often as I can. I commenced my education in Rainbow, but made the shift to Adelaide at age 13 to attend boarding school and then complete my university degree.
A fantastic bursary offer with WDHS led me to commence my Physiotherapy career in Hamilton in 2011. Little did I know, that I would still be in the Western District all these years later!
In my spare time, I love socialising (travelling all over the countryside to attend weddings especially!), cooking for friends, harvesting produce from my veggie patch, playing social tennis and hiking (currently in training mode for the Serra Terra!). I am also a passionate Essendon supporter, so the occasional trip to the big smoke during football season is a must! I am also very lucky to have been able to squeeze lots of travel into the past decade. With 13 Contiki tours under my belt, I still have an ever-growing list of destinations that I would love to visit one day!
Background & Experience:
I commenced my Physiotherapy career with the Western District Health Service in 2011. During this time, I was also the physiotherapist for the Hamilton Imperial Football & Netball Club. From this experience, I developed a passion for treating acute sporting and musculoskeletal injuries. This led me into Private Practice physiotherapy, where I consulted between Hamilton and Casterton each week.
In 2015, I was fortunate to be one of the 4 founding directors of Gen Health Hamilton. Since this time, I have added a multitude of skills to my Physio toolkit – including Dry Needling, Clinical Pilates, Shoulder Rehabilitation, TMJ Disorders, Vestibular Rehabilitation and more recently Hand Therapy & Splinting.
Who you enjoy treating: (including specific conditions):
I enjoy treating a wide array of patients, but have a special interest in:
Low Back Pain
Post-Op Surgical Rehabilitation
Sporting Injuries
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Hand / Wrist Injuries
TMJ Disorders
Why you chose to work at Gen Health:
I love being apart of a proactive and energetic team, where everyone is striving to continually improve. It is very inspiring to be around others that are passionate about what they do – and can offer such a broad range of services to our community. We also have a team of Masterchefs here, so birthday morning teas are always a culinary delight!
Stephanie Lamont- Podiatrist & Director
Steph graduated with her Masters of Podiatric Practice and a Bachelor of Health sciences from La Trobe University in Melbourne. In 2015, Steph went on to complete a Post Graduate unit through Deakin in Agricultural Health and Medicine. Smaller courses that have been completed since then include dry needling of the lower limb, level 1 sports training, pelvic adaptations of the lower limb, pediatrics in podiatry, the running and strength rehab program, and prolotherapy injection course for the lower limb. Currently, Steph is undertaking further study through La Trobe university to gain her prescribers rights, to become endorsed for scheduled medicines.
Steph loves being active outside. Running, hiking, playing golf, netball and spending time at the beach are things you will find her doing in her spare time. Fun fact - Steph can do the worm, although you will only see this special skill appear every so often. Art and being creative are also some other hobbies.
Steph began her career working in half private practice and half community health. Since then she has worked only at gen health and is no also one of the four directors. She has a wealth of knowledge in footwear, having worked at Bared footwear for a number of years and continuing education in running footwear.
Steph enjoys treating young children and any patient with a proactive mindset for their health and wellbeing. Special interest conditions include: Running and strength programs, injection therapy, the forefoot and anything footwear related.
I love working at Gen health, because it's the team that myself Jess, Mel & tess continue to build, grow and nurture, and everyone that joins gen health becomes a part of our family. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else!
Jessica Fishburn- Physiotherpist & Director
Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor Health Sciences, Masters Physiotherapy Practice La Trobe University. 2013
Musculoskeletal Dry Needling 2013
APA: Women’s Health Level 1 2014
Level 1 & 2 DMA Clinical Pilates 2014 & 2016
WHTA (Women’s Health Training & Associates): Introductory Women’s Health Physiotherapy: Pelvic Floor Course 2014
WHAT: Advanced Stress Urinary Incontinence 2017
WHTA: Advanced Overactive Bladder 2015
WHTA: Advanced Pain Disorders (genitourinary & anorectal) 2016
NOI: Explain Pain 2018 & 2020
Professional Certificate of Pain Science & Education, UniSA (underway 2020)
Hobbies/Interests/Fun Facts:
Together with my husband Matt, we have a little boy called Bobby and live in Port Fairy.
I am a lover of everything outdoors. From bushwalking to the beach, tennis and yoga, I get outside any chance I get. Recently purchasing a house in Port Fairy, I am now also turning my hand to renovating and maintaining our beautiful garden.
A lover of community and leadership, I hold two board member roles.
I am on the board of Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West. This is a women’s health promotion agency, advancing Gender Equity of women across the region.
I have also recently joined the board of Leadership Great South Coast. This is a brilliant organisation that runs a year-long Community Leadership Development Program, of which I am an Alumni.
I am a coeliac, a retired dancer (average at best), I love cooking and hope to join a theatre company in the near future. I am also a not-so-proud Collingwood supporter.
Background & Experience:
I have worked in Private Practice since graduating University. Previously working across the western district, I was the sole Physiotherapist at Heywood Rural Health treating inpatients, outpatients and running community therapy groups.
I have since furthered my training in Women’s Health after being completely inspired by the amazing team at the Royal Women’s Hospital.
Who you enjoy treating: (including specific conditions):
I enjoy treating proactive patients! Health is a gift and I think we can all optimise it with the right tools. I really enjoy treating female pelvic health patients, including continence, disorders of the pelvic floor, pre & postnatal presentations and specifically Pelvic Pain conditions.
I also love spending time with Paediatrics and their families assisting them to achieve their goals.
Why you chose to work at Gen Health:
I’ve been part of the Gen Health community since its conception in 2015. I love working alongside passionate, inspiring and hilarious colleagues with shared values. I enjoy that my individual strengths and passions are given space to develop and that my work mates are some of my closest friends.
Tess Lamont- Director
Born and bred on a sheep and Cropping farm just outside of Naracoorte, South Australia. Tess has worked in the Allied Health Industry since 2005 starting off as a Dental Assistant before joining Gen Health Hamilton in 2015. Country farming life is engrained in Tess, her husband Todd and their 3 boys Wilba, Chace and Cruz live and work on their Sheep and Cropping farm in Woorndoo. She thoroughly enjoys farm life with Todd and the kids and spends a fair bit of time as Todd’s apprentice or as she likes to refer to it, sheep dog. Tess is also a keen netballer, playing Netball for Lismore Derrinallum. She loves socialising with her Gen Health friends and heading to either Naracoorte or Robe to see her family and Nephew, George. Tess also has aspirations to travel all over America in the near future.
Sophie Arkun- Exercise Physiologist
Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours), University of South Australia
Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)
Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES)
ESSAM
Hobbies/Interests/Fun Facts:
I was born and raised in Adelaide, but have done lots of travelling throughout my life, with my parents taking me and my older brother on overseas holidays, mostly through Asia, as we grew up. I lived in Calgary, Canada for six months where I studied on exchange and also travelled to Europe a couple of times while studying at university. I love travelling and my dream trip is through South America!
I enjoy living an active lifestyle, playing volleyball in winter and touch footy in summer, but am always keen to give any sports a go! I love taking my family’s dogs, Banjo and Ziggy, for walks, going for hikes, running, camping, having a hit of tennis with my friends and family and getting out on the slopes to snowboard when I get the chance!
I am an average piano player at best, but like to teach myself new songs and also enjoy doing art and being creative in my spare time.
Background & Experience:
Most of my experience comes from the four placements I completed in my final year at university. I have experience in hospital settings, private practice and aged care, completing placements at Flinders Medical Centre, AEP Health Group and Helping Hand Aged Care.
At the end of last year I had the opportunity to do a placement in Taipei, Taiwan, where me and two other students helped teach workers in the aged care setting what Exercise Physiologists do (as they don’t have Exercise Physiology in Taiwan) and how our services can help people living with dementia.
Who you enjoy treating: (including specific conditions):
I enjoy treating patients who have a positive mindset to treatment and enjoy seeing the benefits of exercise for them! I enjoy treating patients with chronic disease and neurological conditions as exercise can have such a positive impact on patients with these presentations.
What you chose to work at Gen Health:
Gen Health offers everything that I was looking for in a clinic to work at: there is room to develop your own interests, a great supportive team environment, opportunity for professional development and it is run by a group of intelligent women! I am looking forward to working in Hamilton and learning the ropes of rural practice!
Carl Joyce- Podiatrist
Qualifications & Skills:
Degree:Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Podiatric Practice
Skills: Taping, Orthotic prescription, Orthotic Modifications, Dry needling, Prolotherapy (Dextrose Injections), General Foot care, Gait Assessments.
Hobbies/Interests/Fun Facts:
Cricket is my first love and I captain/coach the A grade team for Grampians Cricket Club. Started playing footy when I first moved to Australia and have only missed 2 seasons in 14 years of living here.
I speak 3 languages fluently. Mom is German South African and father is Dutch South African, so German, Afrikaans and English. Used to be able to speak Zulu fluently but forgotten a bit too much now to be fluent.
Background & Experience:
Who you enjoy treating: (including specific conditions): I enjoy diagnosing conditions and then working with the patient tailoring an individual rehabilitation plan according to their needs.
Why you chose to work at Gen Health: I love working in a dynamic and fun work place. A big variation in conditions comes through the door which keeps me on my toes. I also love my colleagues to bits and the beautiful setting of Gen Health is 2nd to none.
Alice Saunder- Physiotherapist
Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Monash University (2012)
Graduate Certificate in Exercise and Women’s Health, The University of Melbourne (2017)
Graduate Certificate in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne (2017)
APPI Matwork Pilates Levels 1 & 2 (2013, 2014)
APPI Ante & Post Natal Pilates (2014)
APPI Equipment Pilates Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4 (2015)
APA Spinal Physiotherapy Level 1 (2017)
GLA:D Training 2017
DMA Clinical Pilates Unit A (2017)
Neuromuscular Dry Needling, Beginner-Intermediate (2017)
APA Mastering the Lower Limb Tendinopathy Course (2018)
NOI Explain Pain & Graded Motor Imagery (2018)
Lactation for Health Professionals Level 1 Course (2019
Hobbies/Interests/Fun Facts:
I moved to a farm just outside of Casterton two and a half years ago with my boyfriend James. We now have two kelpies, two horses and chickens to keep us busy outside of work, and I love spending time in the garden - planning my veggies, harvesting and of course eating, cooking and preserving them as well.
I have always been a keen netballer, but have gone into early retirement due to injury, so am getting my netball fix being involved in the Casterton Sandford Football and Netball Club as netball secretary. I have also recently gotten back into running training to fill the exercise void.
I still like to get back to Melbourne throughout the year to watch Essendon (hopefully) win a few games, go to the ballet with my mum and sisters, and catch up with old friends over dinner, brunch or a wine.
Background & Experience:
After graduating from Monash University in 2012, I worked at Cabrini Hospital in a rotating position covering acute wards (orthopaedics, cardiac and abdominal surgical wards), inpatient rehabilitation (orthopaedics and neurological) and outpatient rehabilitation (orthopaedics, chronic pain management and hydrotherapy). After a couple of years working as a rotating physiotherapist, I was given the opportunity to be based in outpatient rehabilitation permanently, which involved leading and reviewing the Breast Cancer Recovery Program, and establishing a clinical Pilates program. These opportunities tied in perfectly with my completion of APPI Pilates matwork and equipment courses, as well as commencing a postgraduate certificate in Exercise and Women’s Health at The University of Melbourne. During this time I also worked as an Aquamums Physiotherapist, guiding pregnant and post-natal girls in aquatic exercise. My enjoyment of seeing outpatients and using Pilates led me to a part-time job at Dynamic Stability, a private practice in Melbourne specialising in clinical Pilates, where I was able to work with a variety of clients, and be mentored by experienced physiotherapists. My fifth year at Cabrini saw me move into the new allied health private practice service, where I saw a variety of injuries and conditions, taught pregnancy and postnatal exercise and education classes, review postnatal girls on the ward, and was able to establish a clinical Pilates class. It was at this time that I completed my second post graduate certificate in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy at The University of Melbourne. In 2017 I started working at Gen Health in Hamilton, which has again given me a broad spectrum of clients to treat in age, injury and differing conditions.
Who you enjoy treating: (including specific conditions):
Given my extra study in pelvic health, I really enjoy treating people with issues such as pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain, postnatal recovery, incontinence, and pelvic pain. I also have an interest in sporting injuries, particularly acute knee injuries. I really like to work with people who are motivated to get better and learn about how to manage their injury or condition, or even be proactive about their physical health before they even injure themselves!
Why you chose to work at Gen Health:
I chose to work at Gen Health because the team members and business hold similar values to myself: working in a team, prioritising education and further learning, and supporting the community. Having now worked at Gen Health for over two years, I am very happy with my decision as it is a great team to work with, and I have made great friends as well!
Christopher Harris- Physiotherapist
Cassie Franklin- Practice Manager
Qualifications & Skills:
Advanced Diploma of Tourism and Event Management
Hobbies/Interests/Fun Facts:
Cassie and her partner Kieran along with their daughter Elka, love the close knit community Hamilton offers and are slowly renovating their a Californian Bungalow which they share with their spoilt feline, Rex and Golden Retriever, Hughie.
Currently a volunteer with the Australian Breastfeeding Association Cassie enjoys spending time within the Hamilton branch and their welcoming and supportive community. Training to become a Breastfeeding Counsellor/Community Educator with the ABA Cassie is looking forward to chatting mother to mother and offering support & evidence-based guidance to all mothers once qualified.
Background & Experience:
Born and raised in Hamilton, Cassie’s background is in Tourism, Event Management and Wedding/Event Coordination.
Who you enjoy greeting:
As a receptionist she loves interacting with patients to help them with their health needs. As reception manager Cassie loves organising Gen Health behind the scenes, with working on the day to day running of the clinic and empowering the reception team in their tasks and to take responsibility.
What you chose to work at Gen Health:
Gen health is a unique, supportive workplace, where your colleagues are a very supportive family. The flexible, dynamic team make it a pleasure to come to work, especially when you have a young family.
The spread at morning tea and chats over a cuppa are also a highlight!
Rebecca Doheny- Reception Team Leader
Prior to becoming a mum and starting work at Gen Health Bec spent 11 years around Australia and the world as a Nanny. Along the way she has also completed a degree in Event Management.
Bec lives on a small property on the outskirts of Hamilton with her husband Chris, boys River & Zephyr, Cocker Spaniel Loki, along with the 4 alpacas, 18 chooks and rooster Bucks.
Bec loves the slow life out in her garden (it’s a work in progress), making a mess with her boys, cooking up a storm or de stressing on her yoga mat.
Bec loves that no two days or patients are the same at Gen Health. Between fabulous morning teas, great chats and social events there really is never a dull moment at Gen Health.
Tracy Clarke- Receptionist
Tracy Clarke, or as she is commonly referred to ‘TC’, lives on a sheep farm just out of Hamilton. Tracy loves the small town vibe and community of Hamilton, which has been the perfect place to raise her two daughters Georgia & Lucy with husband Andrew.
Tracy enjoys spending her weekends out and about with her girls, who are at Uni in Geelong and boarding school in Ballarat. Most commonly watching them play a range of sports – including Georgia, as she lines up for Geelongs AFLW Team and Lucy, Netball in Ballarat.
Tracy’s favourite ‘time out’ is chasing the heat to Sunny Queensland and her bucket list is full of seeing as much of Australia as possible.
Tracy is enjoying her Reception job within the health industry immensely, the chats with the girls and the wide range of people who come into the clinic.
Emily Pertzel- Receptionist
Qualifications & Skills:
Certificate 3 in Business Administration
Emily’s hobbies include playing netball, cooking and spending days at the beach. She also enjoy reading a good book and loves spending time with friends and family while sharing good food and wine.
Emily is currently completing my Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin Uni.
Emily began working at Gen Health Hamilton after completing year 12 in 2018 as she was interested in pursuing a career in healthcare but was unsure of what at the time.
Grace Kearnery- Receptionist
Currently completing Year 12 Gracie is our after school reception wizz.