Speakers for Conference and AGM

Dr Frank Perri

Keynote Presentation: From Isolation to Integration: Embracing Interprofessional Practice in Massage Therapy

Keynote Presentation Overview:
As healthcare increasingly moves toward collaborative and client-centred models, massage therapists are uniquely positioned to contribute to interprofessional care. However, integration into broader healthcare teams presents several challenges, including unclear role definition, communication barriers, and limited access to collaborative networks. This keynote presentation will explore these challenges and present a practical, evidence-informed model to help massage therapists transition into effective interprofessional roles. Using real-world examples and grounded research, the session will offer strategies for building professional relationships, overcoming systemic and logistical barriers, economic viability, and strengthening role recognition within multidisciplinary teams. Attendees will learn how to apply interprofessional principles to their own practice, advocate for their inclusion, and better support clients with complex needs. Whether working in solo practice or as part of a broader allied health team, this talk will empower massage therapists to move from professional isolation to active, valued participation in integrated healthcare delivery.

Speaker Profile:
Dr. Frank Perri is a Melbourne-based psychologist, academic, and healthcare consultant with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is the founder and lead psychologist at Coordinated Healthcare, where he provides psychological counselling, care coordination, and business consultancy services. Dr. Perri holds a Bachelors of Applied Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology. He completed his PhD at Victoria University, focusing on developing an interprofessional model for primary healthcare clinics in Australia. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Perri has held various academic positions, making significant contributions to the fields of psychology and dermal sciences. He played a pivotal role in advancing dermal therapy education, including the rapid expansion of the Dermal Sciences program in Australia. Consequently, he has won two lifetime achievement awards for his work in Dermal Sciences and is a lifetime member of the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians. He is also a long-standing member of the Australian Psychological Society. Dr. Perri's work bridges academic research and practical application, emphasising the integration of interprofessional practices in healthcare settings.

Becky Evans

Presentation: Booked & Blissful: Beyond the Table Business Success

Presentation Overview: How to create lasting client relationships, grow repeat bookings, and thrive without burnout. In this inspiring and practical session, Becky shares the secrets behind building a thriving massage business — without hustle, without burnout. Learn how to turn one-time appointments into loyal clients, create nurturing before-and-after care experiences, and grow your business with flow and alignment. Perfect for massage therapists who want to feel lit up by their work, create consistent bookings, and build success that feels as amazing as it looks.

Speaker Profile:

With nearly three decades of experience in health and wellbeing, Becky brings a deep, grounded understanding of what it takes to thrive — not just as a therapist, but as a woman navigating life’s challenges. From overcoming personal health issues and parenting four children, to building a successful business from the ground up. Becky is the founder of Bliss Mumma — a thriving, 6-figure, 5-star wellness clinic on Brisbane’s southside, proudly serving over 500 loyal clients. Her background spans from military discipline to the demands of the corporate world, giving her a unique edge in business strategy and mindset mastery. Now, Becky supports massage therapists and wellness practitioners to expand beyond the treatment room — guiding them to grow profitable, soul-aligned businesses without burnout. She’s passionate about helping women reclaim their energy, step into their next chapter, and create success on their own terms — with ease, clarity, and confidence.

Susan Butcher

Training Session: Manual Lymphatic Drainage – The new Approach

Presentation Overview: Autoimmune dysfunction, surgery, cancer diagnosis and obesity can disrupt the balance of the lymphatic system.

This presentation will highlight different ways we can perform manual lymphatic drainage and change the directional flow if required. Recent findings to how the lymphatic system functions as a part of the circulatory and immune system has changed the way we need to view the lymphatic system and accommodate these findings into our treatments.
 

Areas of discussion will include:

• Brief overview of the lymphatic system
• Changes in hand pressure techniques (including demonstration)
• Evidence based research around the changes
• Effective use of manual lymphatic drainage for upper and lower body conditions
• Effective use of kinesio taping to support your manual lymphatic drainage treatment

Speaker Profile:

Susan is a qualified massage therapist working in the health sector for over 25 years. She qualified as a trained lymphoedema therapist in 2010 and joined the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) in 2012, where she has held a position on the Board of Directors since 2016. Susan is the owner/operator of Lymphoedema Lipoedema Education Services, providing treatment to patients with chronic oedema related conditions. She delivers training courses and education to health professionals on Lymphoedema, Lipoedema and oedema related wound management and has been a guest presenter both nationally and internationally.

Greg Morling

Training Session 1: Relieving the Pain of Sciatica with Remedial Massage

Greg Morling:

Presentation Overview: 

Sciatica is a condition characterised by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and gluteals and down each leg and in the toes of the affected leg. It often occurs when the nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed due to factors like a herniated disc, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. Symptoms can include sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg. Remedial massage can be highly beneficial for managing sciatica.

It helps by:

• Reducing muscle tension: Loosening tight muscles around the sciatic nerve can alleviate pressure and reduce pain
• Improving circulation: Enhanced blood flow promotes healing and reduces discomfort.
• Addressing alignment issues: Massage can help correct lumbar and pelvic misalignments that may contribute to nerve compression.
• Trigger point therapy: Targeting specific areas of tension can provide relief along the nerve pathway.
• Promoting relaxation: Stress reduction through massage can also help manage chronic pain.

This practical presentation will demonstrate several techniques that you may use to address the pain and discomfort of sciatica.

Speaker Profile:

Greg Morling has been a remedial massage therapist for over 35 years. He has lectured and given many workshops Internationally and locally over that time. He is published widely in Britain and Europe, writing and lecturing on a broad range of topics including research methods for complementary therapists, visceral massage, the iliopsoas, headaches and successful, innovative approaches to treating musculoskeletal disorders. He has developed massage and various treatment protocols for leading Spas in Australia and guided many groups of therapists to international destinations in order to learn new massage styles. He has deep respect for the medicines of indigenous cultures, especially those of our First Peoples. Greg believes that ‘care’ is at the heart of massage therapies irrespective of the approach.

Training Session 2: Addressing Headaches and Migraines with Massage Therapy

Greg Morling

Presentation Overview: 

Headaches and migraines are common conditions that can significantly impact daily life. While headaches often involve a dull or throbbing pain in various parts of the head, migraines are more intense, often accompanied by symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances. Remedial massage can be an effective part of the treatment regime for both, although the common characteristic of migraine may we contra-indicated to massage work. Remedial massage helps by targeting muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and scalp, which are common contributors to tension headaches and migraines. Techniques like trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, and craniosacral therapy can improve blood flow, reduce muscle tightness, and promote relaxation. This not only alleviates existing pain but can also help prevent future episodes by addressing underlying stress and tension. This practical presentation will demonstrate several techniques that you may use to address the pain and discomfort of headaches and migraines.

Speaker Profile:

Greg Morling has been a remedial massage therapist for over 35 years. He has lectured and given many workshops Internationally and locally over that time. He is published widely in Britain and Europe, writing and lecturing on a broad range of topics including research methods for complementary therapists, visceral massage, the iliopsoas, headaches and successful, innovative approaches to treating musculoskeletal disorders. He has developed massage and various treatment protocols for leading Spas in Australia and guided many groups of therapists to international destinations in order to learn new massage styles. He has deep respect for the medicines of indigenous cultures, especially those of our First Peoples. Greg believes that ‘care’ is at the heart of massage therapies irrespective of the approach.

Luke Troiani and Vinay Srinivasan 

Training Session: Rethinking Overhead Pressing: Identifying and Addressing Hidden Movement Limitation

Presentation Overview:
In this presentation, we’ll dive into the often-overlooked mechanics behind shoulder dysfunction in overhead pressing. While many clinicians treat impingement and bursitis as isolated conditions, this session challenges that view by tracing the root causes to faulty ribcage positioning, limited shoulder flexion, poor scapular mechanics, and compensatory movement patterns that ripple through the entire kinetic chain. Backed by over 20 years of combined clinical and movement expertise, this session gives therapists a new lens to view stubborn shoulder pain, one that connects soft tissue dysfunction, rib positioning, and neuromuscular control. Attendees will walk away with an evidence-informed rehab flow that integrates manual therapy, breathing drills, and functional strength exercises for long-lasting change, not just temporary relief. To keep it dynamic, we'll blend theory with real-time demonstrations using props. Volunteers from the audience will experience firsthand techniques such as the hooklying dumbbell pullover, foam roller wall slides, and hands-on assessment for lat and subscapularis restriction. Through active participation, clinicians will gain an understanding of each intervention and be equipped to bring these methods back to their clients with confidence. This isn’t just a talk, it's a skill-building lab designed to improve client outcomes and refresh the way we approach overhead dysfunction.

Speaker Profiles:

Vinay Srinivasan  
Vinay is the head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Avia Performance. His journey started back when he was 19 years old working in a commercial gym. From there he realised the best decision you can ever make is to invest in yourself. He did an internship based out of AAMI Park for 12 months and was then offered a full-time role with them as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. During the next couple of years he was working and getting experience with teams such as Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Storm, World Athletics Center and the Australian Basketball Company. Vinay has worked with hundreds of athletes and in recent times has been heavily involved in strength sports such as powerlifting and field-based sports such as cricket, AFL and soccer. Alongside Vinay’s passion for athletic development and strength sports, is his interest in injury rehabilitation. He works alongside Luke, the head clinician at Avia Performance, with a variety of rehabilitation clients. This ranges from pre and post operative injury rehab, chronic back pain, hip impingement and shoulder pain. Getting general population clients and athletes out of pain and moving around freely is of grand importance to Vinay and the entire team at Avia Performance.

Luke Troiani
Luke is the head clinician and co-director of Avia performance. He began his journey in 2011 opening his first single room clinic after graduating with his Bachelors in health science (Musculoskeletal Therapy). Luke’s thirst for knowledge and drive to be at the forefront of the industry saw him graduate with his Masters in applied science (Acupuncture). Luke’s unique blend of Western and Eastern medical knowledge is revolutionising the way we are helping clients at Avia Performance, Luke’s passion to get people back to what they love to do is what drives him to become a leader in the industry, as well as having future ambitions to educate and mentor a new generation of therapists.

 Gloria Spratt 

Presentation: Opportunities and Pathways for Massage Therapists

Presentation Overview:

• Enhancing outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration – Addressing the growing impact of stress-related conditions through integrated care.
• Embracing the evolving role of massage therapists in clinical pathways – The value of therapeutic touch within healthcare settings.
• Supporting patients with autoimmune conditions – Examining the increase in prevalence of autoimmune conditions and highlighting evidence-based practice to enhance patient care and promote long-term wellbeing.

Speaker Profile:
Gloria has been a practising physiotherapist for nearly 25 years. She graduated from the University of Sydney in 2000 and completed further studies in Hand Therapy -Master of Health sciences in 2006. She is both a Certified Hand Therapist (USA) and an Accredited Hand Therapist in Australia. In addition to hand therapy and physiotherapy, she is also a trained Clinical Pilates instructor and leads strengthening classes at Zone34, a vibrant sports physiotherapy clinic in Sydney’s Inner West. 
Gloria divides her time between private practice and her role as a rheumatology physiotherapist in a tertiary hospital, collaborating closely with rheumatologists to support individuals living with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. She is passionate about empowering patients to take an active role in managing complex musculoskeletal and systemic health challenges. 
A strong advocate for collaborative care, Gloria believes in uniting disciplines to support the whole person - not just the condition. She has delivered educational training to rheumatologists and advanced trainees and is dedicated to fostering ongoing professional development.
As a mother of three who finds joy in challenging both the mind and body through marathon running, Gloria deeply values the harmony between physical and mental wellbeing. Guided by gratitude and a strong commitment to care, she strives to ensure every person she encounters feels seen, supported, and empowered on their journey to health.
 

Jennifer Taylor

Training Session: Indian Head Massage for Relaxation and Clarity

Presentation Overview: 
Indian Head Massage, also known as Champissage, is deeply inspired by Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. This rejuvenating therapy aims to release tension, reduce stress, and promote a profound sense of relaxation. Focusing on the head, neck, and shoulders, Indian Head Massage combines gentle strokes, kneading, and acupressure techniques to soothe the body and mind. It is a highly sought-after spa treatment that can be comfortably performed in both luxurious spa settings and professional treatment rooms.

This presentation will introduce you to the guiding principles of the techniques, key target areas, benefits, and the Ayurvedic approach to balancing the body. We will also explore your Dosha type with a simple Dosha assessment to personalize your understanding of Ayurvedic wellness. Additionally, you will experience a practical demonstration covering the full Indian Head Massage treatment, including:

• Shoulders and upper back massage
• Facial pressure points
• Head, hair, and scalp massage techniques

This treatment is a valuable addition to a massage therapist’s menu, offering clients a deeply restorative and holistic experience.

Speaker Profile:
Jennifer Taylor is a Massage, Beauty, and Spa Therapist, as well as an esteemed industry mentor, coach, trainer, and speaker. With over four decades of clinic and industry experience, Jennifer has successfully integrated her expertise into business ownership, management, and over 20 years of vocational industry training. She is a specialist trainer and an advocate for wellbeing and balance.
Jennifer has presented at conferences and expos across Australia and internationally, particularly throughout Southeast Asia. Her leadership roles in accredited colleges—including Principal, Head Teacher, Head of Faculties, and Academic Manager—reflect her commitment to education and professional development in the industry. A dynamic motivational speaker and presenter, Jennifer is passionate about enhancing industry standards, client care, and creating new career pathways for massage therapists. She has authored articles on business networking and client loyalty for beauty magazines and has co-hosted a popular Sydney radio talk-back program discussing skin health, beauty, and relaxation. Well-connected within the industry, Jennifer fosters strong business networks, collaborating extensively to promote and elevate the profile of massage therapy within salons and spa businesses.