The Team
Hawthorn Osteopathic professionals work across a range of disciplines. Meet the team...
Dr Michelle Funder
B.Sc(Clinc.Sc), M.H.Sc(Osteo.)
Michelle is now the principal osteopath at the Hawthorn Osteopathic Clinic, having taken over the management in February 2009.
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. She is available for osteopathic consultations and individual or small-group Clinical Pilates sessions, all held in the studio at Hawthorn Osteopathic Clinic.
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.
Karen Gay
B.H.Sc(WHM), Ad Dip(NAT) MANTA MNHAA
Karen completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Western Herbal Medicine and an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy from the Australian College of Natural Medicine, in Melbourne. She was awarded “Most Outstanding Student” in her graduating year and also for “Excellence in Clinical Practice”.
Since completing her studies, Karen’s focus has been to work as a practitioner. During this time she has developed vast experience in the field, having worked with people of all ages and with a range of health complaints.
Before studying Natural Medicine, Karen worked for several years as a chef in some of Melbourne’s top restaurants. She brings her knowledge and passion for food and cooking to her work as a naturopath, by incorporating it with her nutritional and dietary advice.
Karen has specific interests in treating nervous system complaints, such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, addictions, learning difficulties, bi-polar and ADD. She also has an interest in working with children’s health, digestive health, and skin conditions.
Dr. Laura Jennings
B.Sc.(Clin. Sci), M.H.Sc. (Osteo.), M.A.O.A.
Laura is a fully qualified registered Osteopath, having completed a double degree at Victoria University. 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 Grammarins 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.
Matthew Pearce
Ad. Dip. Remedial Massage (Myotherapy)
Matthew undertook his study of Myotherapy at the RMIT School of Life and Physical Sciences. He graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy (Myotherapy), a Diploma of Remedial Massage and a Certificate in Musculoskeletal Therapy.
As well as treating at the Hawthorn Osteopath Clinic, Matthew is a soft tissue therapist and sports trainer at the Richmond Football Club. Prior to this, he worked for three years at the Melbourne Football Club. Matthew is very passionate about all things sports related, and is a specialist in treating injuries within this realm. In 2009, Matthew was a guest speaker at the Sports Medicine Australia Tasmanian State Conference, presenting a paper on massage for elite athletes and massage within a sporting environment.
Simone Lago
Ad. Dip. Remedial Massage (Myotherapy)
Simone successfully obtained an Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy) from RMIT. She has also undertaken further specialist studies into lymphatic drainage for massage therapists. She has a strong passion for dance and has studied this throughout her life. Her interests in this area led her to working alongside the head Myotherapist at the Australian Ballet. Simone’s therapeutic style lends itself towards a mixture of remedial and deep-relaxation, she is also skilled at cupping technique.
Erin Coffey
B. App Sc (complementary health sc/osteo)
Ba. App. Sc (wine sc)
Erin has been the remedial masseuse at Hawthorn Osteopathic Clinic since early 2008. Her first degree was a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in wine science but she soon decided she wanted to help people with their problems head-on, not just help them drown their sorrows!
Erin completed a Bachelor of Clinical Science at RMIT, but has since developed a following for osteopathy, and is currently in her fourth year of completing a Master in Osteopathy. Erin finds being a remedial therapist very complementary to her current studies.
