Invited Speaker

Melissa is a paediatric physiotherapist who has worked in the area of children’s health and disability for the past 34 years. Melissa graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 1985 and was the first physiotherapist in Australia to be awarded Fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapists via the clinical specialisation pathway in paediatrics (in October 2008). She is one of five Paediatric Physiotherapy Fellows in Australia.

Melissa owns Movement Solutions with Nick Draheim and leads clinical governance for the practice plus consults on complex cases. She is passionate about improving the quality of life and health outcomes for babies, children and young people of all abilities, whilst assisting them, their families and support workers to navigate the best course for their individual needs and ongoing independence.

Melissa is the current Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC), which assesses overseas qualified physiotherapists wishing to practice in Australia and accredits Australian University physiotherapy programmes for the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. The Council’s current strategic plan prioritises a safe and culturally aware workforce and is proud to have re-established the Physiotherapy Leader’s Think Tank Meetings where the APC meets with the College Of Physiotherapy Deans Australia and New Zealand (CPDANZ), the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (PhysioBA) to collaborate on key current issues impacting on Physiotherapy education, regulation, accreditation and service delivery.

She is the Vice Chair of World Physiotherapy and Chair of its Finance Committee. World Physiotherapy is the peak body for physiotherapy globally.

Melissa’s is passionate about global physiotherapy workforce portability to keep physiotherapists within the profession and ensure they are able to work where most needed. She is also committed to developing young leaders within the profession.

Melissa’s loves her two adult children to bits and thoroughly enjoys their company. She wants to live in a tiny home off grid in the future and set up a fully accessible and supported holiday experience for families of children with a disability.