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If you’re looking for a compassionate, evidence‐based dietitian who understands the complexity of women’s health, mental health, and real‐world nutrition challenges, you’re in the right place. Alexandra Clay is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) based in Melbourne, Australia, and supports adults across the lifespan to improve their health, relationship with food, and overall quality of life.

This page is designed to help readers get to know who Alexandra is, how she works, and whether her approach to nutrition is right for them.

Journey into Dietetics

Alexandra’s pathway into dietetics was shaped by both professional experience and a deep interest in how nutrition intersects with mental health, hormones, and long‐term wellbeing. Before becoming a dietitian, she spent over five years working as a medical receptionist in GP and allied health clinics, and a year in disability support work. In this role, she gained first‐hand insight into the healthcare system, patient triage, and the importance of truly listening to people’s concerns.

Working on the frontline of healthcare exposed her to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, living with complex physical and mental health conditions. It also highlighted a recurring gap: many people were receiving nutrition advice that felt unrealistic, overly restrictive, or disconnected from their lived experience.

Her motivation for becoming a Dietitian was shaped by growing up in a culture that equated thinness with health. During the rise of social media, constant exposure to dieting trends, influencer comparisons, and restrictive messaging normalised disordered relationships with food. Understanding the complexity and long-term impact of this environment has been a key
driver behind her passion for supporting a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to nutrition. Through her own personal journey navigating conflicting health advice, trends, and societal expectations, she is driven to help others develop comfort, self-acceptance, and optimal health.

As a neurodivergent person with ADHD, Alexandra also brings lived experience of navigating a world – and a healthcare system – that is not always designed with neurodiversity in mind. Her own experiences with conflicting health advice, rigid expectations, and overwhelm have deeply influenced how she practices. Alongside her dietetic work, she has supported neurodivergent individuals in her role as a disability support worker, providing practical assistance with food planning, shopping, cooking, and eating in ways that respect sensory needs, executive functioning challenges, and individual capacity. This perspective allows Alexandra to deliver nutrition care that prioritises comfort, autonomy, self-acceptance, and sustainable health – rather than perfection or compliance.

Clinical experience and areas of expertise

Alexandra have worked across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospital, community, and private practice environments. This breadth of experience allows her to tailor nutrition support to each individual’s medical history, lifestyle, and personal goals.

Hospital and clinical experience

During her clinical placements, Alexandra worked with oncology patients, as well as individuals managing chronic disease, fatigue, and treatment‐related side effects. This experience strengthened her ability to interpret clinical data, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and provide nutrition care in complex medical contexts.

Mental health and community nutrition

A significant focus of her work has been within community mental health services, where she support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, severe mental illness, and the physical health impacts of psychiatric medications. She is particularly passionate about:

• Reducing shame and fear around food
• Addressing weight changes related to mental health treatment
• Supporting energy levels, gut health, and metabolic health
• Delivering group education, cooking sessions, and practical skill‐building

She strongly believes that nutrition care should feel supportive, not punitive—especially for those navigating mental health challenges.

Women’s health and hormones

Women’s health is one of her core clinical interests. She works with clients experiencing:

• Perimenopause and menopause
• Menstrual cycle irregularities
• Fatigue and low energy
• Iron deficiency and micronutrient concerns
• Stress‐related eating and burnout

Her approach to women’s health nutrition is grounded in education, validation, and sustainable strategies that work alongside hormonal changes—not against them.

Her philosophy: practical, personalised, and compassionate

Nutrition is not one‐size‐fits‐all. Alexandra takes a non‐diet, weight‐inclusive approach, focusing on health‐promoting behaviours rather than rigid rules or short‐term fixes.

When you work with her, you can expect:

• Individualised nutrition plans tailored to your lifestyle, preferences, and cultural background
• Evidence‐based advice grounded in current research and clinical guidelines
• A collaborative approach, where your experiences and goals are central
• Realistic strategies that fit into busy, imperfect lives

She is especially mindful of clients who have had negative experiences with dieting or healthcare in the past. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive space where food becomes a tool for nourishment and empowerment, not stress or guilt.

Supporting active individuals and athletes

Alongside her clinical work, Alexandra have a strong interest in sports and performance nutrition, particularly for individuals involved in endurance training and combat sports. She supports clients with:

• Fuelling for training and competition
• Recovery and injury prevention
• Managing gut issues during exercise
• Avoiding under‐fueling and low energy availability

She aims to help active individuals perform well while maintaining a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. She is also the Dietitian for the Williamstown Football Club (VFL), where she works closely with players to support adequate fueling, recovery, and performance across training and game days. Her role focuses on ensuring athletes meet their energy and nutrient needs to optimise performance, reduce injury risk, and sustain long-term health.

Journey into Dietetics

She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice. Beyond clinical work, she have contributed to research through participation in studies exploring dietetic practice and nutrition interventions, particularly within mental health and community health settings. This involvement allows her to remain critically engaged with emerging evidence and translate research into meaningful, real-world care.

She regularly undertakes further training and professional education to ensure her practice reflects current best evidence. This includes completion of specialised courses such as the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet for IBS, as well as continued education in eating disorders and disordered eating, neurodivergence-affirming nutrition care, chronic disease management,
autoimmune conditions, and women’s health across the lifespan.

By combining research engagement with ongoing learning, Alexandra strives to provide nutrition care that is current, thoughtful, and responsive to the evolving needs of the individuals and communities she works with.

How she works with clients

She offers individual nutrition consultations, as well as group education and collaborative care with other health professionals. Sessions are practical and conversational, focusing on:

• Understanding your health history and current challenges
• Identifying realistic nutrition priorities
• Developing flexible strategies you can sustain long‐term
• Reviewing progress and adapting plans as your needs change

Whether your goal is to improve energy, manage symptoms, support mental health, or simply feel more confident around food, she works at a pace that feels right for you.

Who she works with

Alex supports adults who are:

• Navigating hormonal changes and life transitions
• Looking to support their mental health
• Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice
• Wanting to improve their relationship with food
• Seeking evidence‐based, compassionate nutrition care

You do not need to be at a crisis point to benefit from working with a dietitian. Many clients come to her simply wanting clarity, reassurance, and a more balanced approach to eating.

A final note

Nutrition should enhance your life – not control it. Her role as a dietitian is to support, educate, and empower you to make informed choices that align with your values, health needs, and lifestyle.

If you’re looking for an Accredited Practising Dietitian who takes a thoughtful, whole‐person approach to care, Alex would love to work with you.

You can learn more or book an appointment via her website, or connect with her on Instagram for practical nutrition insights and education.

Anna Lawther graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physiotherapy, followed by a Master of Science in Sports and Exercise Medicine from the University of Ulster. She has also completed postgraduate modules in medical imaging, lumbar spine management, along with qualifications in sports massage and hydrotherapy.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Anna has been practising as a physiotherapist since 2018. She has worked extensively with elite athletes, including distance runners, sprinters, and field athletes through Athletics Northern Ireland (and the odd Olympic athlete). Her experience also includes supporting county-level Gaelic teams, the Northern Ireland U19 women’s soccer team, UEFA referees during international matches, and top-division rugby clubs. In addition, she has extensive clinical experience in managing post-operative knee ligament reconstructions and fractures, with a particular focus on optimising recovery and return to sport. Anna also has a special interest in bone health and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).

Her passion for sports physiotherapy began after her own injuries as a teenager. This experience shaped her approach to helping athletes not only return to their sport but often achieve higher performance levels than before injury by adapting training methods. She integrates taping and strapping, electrotherapy, manual therapy, and tailored activation and strength programmes into her treatment, while working closely with coaches and performance teams.

Anna is also an accomplished athlete. She is a keen triathlete and runner, having recently completed the Sydney Marathon, in 2024, she became the Irish National Sprint Triathlon Champion for her age group and has represented Ireland in three World Championships and one European Championship at age-group level. Anna would be known for successfully encouraging people to try a tri(athlon).

Outside of her professional and athletic pursuits, Anna enjoys travelling, dining out, and spending time outdoors.

Dr Oscar Taylor is an Australian osteopath with a strong background in both clinical practice and elite sport. He graduated from RMIT University with a Bachelor of Health Science and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy), equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of human movement, biomechanics, and evidence-based musculoskeletal care. Oscar also currently works as the Head Trainer for Essendon Football Club’s AFLW program, a role that allows him to operate at the highest level of performance sport while staying closely connected to athlete health, injury management, and return-to-play decision making.

Oscar has a particular clinical interest in sporting injuries and chronic pain management, and is passionate about helping people move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities that matter most to them. Whether working with elite athletes, weekend warriors, or individuals dealing with long-standing pain, Oscar takes a practical, patient-centred approach to care. He believes that effective treatment should not only address pain and injury, but also empower patients with a clear understanding of their condition and the confidence to manage their bodies long-term.

His interest in osteopathy developed early, shaped by his own experiences with injury while playing junior football. Like many young athletes, Oscar spent time on the sidelines managing a range of musculoskeletal issues, which sparked a curiosity about how the body heals and adapts under physical load. These early experiences gave him a firsthand appreciation of the frustrations that can come with injury, as well as the importance of clear communication, reassurance, and tailored rehabilitation. This perspective continues to influence his approach today, allowing him to relate closely to patients navigating pain, setbacks, or a return to sport.

Oscar brings extensive experience from the elite sporting environment, having previously worked with both the West Coast Eagles and Brisbane Lions across their AFL and AFLW programs. Through these roles, he has been involved in injury prevention strategies, acute injury management, rehabilitation planning, and collaboration with multidisciplinary medical and performance teams. Working in high-pressure, high-performance settings has refined his ability to assess movement, identify contributing factors to injury, and implement evidence-based treatment strategies that balance performance demands with long-term athlete health.

In his current role as Head Trainer for Essendon’s AFLW team, Oscar is responsible for the day-to-day management of player musculoskeletal health across the season. This includes injury assessment, hands-on treatment, load management, rehabilitation programming, and return-to-play planning. He works closely with coaches, strength and conditioning staff, and medical professionals to ensure players are supported holistically and can perform at their best throughout the season. Oscar values the collaborative nature of elite sport and believes that the best outcomes occur when communication and trust sit at the centre of the care team.

In the clinic, Oscar applies the same principles used in elite sport to everyday patients. His treatments are tailored to the individual and may include manual therapy, movement-based rehabilitation, exercise prescription, and education around posture, training loads, and recovery. He has a strong interest in chronic pain management and understands that persistent pain is often influenced by a combination of physical, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors. Oscar takes the time to listen to each patient’s story and works with them to develop realistic, achievable plans that support sustainable progress rather than quick fixes.

Oscar is particularly passionate about keeping people active. He believes movement is a powerful tool for both physical and mental wellbeing, and aims to help patients return safely to sport, exercise, and daily activities they enjoy. His approach focuses on building resilience, improving movement quality, and reducing the risk of recurrent injury. Patients often appreciate his clear explanations, practical advice, and relaxed, supportive manner, which help make treatment and rehabilitation feel approachable and achievable.

Outside of his professional work, Oscar maintains a strong connection to creativity and balance. He enjoys playing live music on both guitar and drums, and regularly performs in bands. Music provides an important outlet outside of the sporting and clinical environment, offering a different way to engage, express, and unwind. Oscar is also an avid vinyl collector, with a growing appreciation for the ritual and craftsmanship of analogue sound. He believes maintaining interests outside of work is essential for longevity, perspective, and overall wellbeing.

Oscar’s diverse experiences across elite sport, clinical practice, and personal athletic pursuits allow him to connect with a wide range of patients. He understands the demands placed on the body at different stages of life and across varying levels of activity, from high-performance athletes to individuals simply wanting to move without pain. His goal is always to provide high-quality, evidence-based care in a supportive environment, helping patients feel confident in their bodies and capable in their movement.

Through his work, Oscar remains committed to ongoing learning and professional development, staying up to date with current research and best practice in osteopathy, sports medicine, and pain science. He values curiosity, adaptability, and open communication, and brings these principles into every consultation. Above all, Oscar is driven by the belief that good healthcare should be collaborative, empowering, and centred around the individual.

Nick Naimo is a Melbourne-based chiropractor with a background in exercise science, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation. He works primarily with active individuals, gym-goers, and people experiencing persistent low back pain, neck pain, and gym-related injuries, helping them return to training and daily life with confidence.

Nick’s approach combines evidence-based chiropractic care, manual therapy, and exercise-based rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on education and long-term outcomes. Rather than chasing short-term symptom relief, his focus is on understanding why pain is present, addressing contributing factors, and building resilience so problems don’t keep recurring.

Nick grew up on a farm in regional New South Wales, where being active and spending time outdoors was part of everyday life. He enjoyed a wide range of sports, but squash quickly became a focus, eventually competing at a state level. Through squash, Nick developed a strong appreciation for conditioning, movement quality, and performance.

As competition increased, so did his interest in strength training. Weight training began as a way to improve performance and physique, but soon became something he genuinely loved. Progressing lifts, improving movement, and seeing tangible improvements sparked a long-term passion for training.

Like many motivated gym-goers, that enthusiasm also led to early injuries. Shoulder pain from pushing bench press volume too aggressively and lower back pain from ego-driven deadlifts were Nick’s first experiences with gym-related injuries. His early interactions with healthcare were frustrating, often centred around prolonged rest, avoiding heavy lifting, or being told certain movements were inherently bad.

Rather than stepping away from training, Nick became curious. Why did these injuries occur? Why did some people recover quickly while others struggled for months? And why did the advice often feel disconnected from real training and sport?

This curiosity led him to extensive self-education before enrolling in a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. During his degree, Nick became increasingly interested in strength and conditioning, particularly how athletes train, recover, and manage load.

He attended workshops and seminars, volunteered with sporting clubs, and completed his ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning qualification. Through these opportunities, he gained exposure to high-performance environments, including working alongside NRL and State of Origin teams. While elite sport was fascinating, it also highlighted a gap between professional athletes and everyday people when it came to access to quality healthcare and clear guidance.

At the same time, Nick was working as a personal trainer. Personal training introduced Nick to what would become one of the most rewarding aspects of his career – helping everyday people make meaningful changes to their health and confidence. He worked with clients balancing work, family, stress, and long-standing pain, many of whom wanted to train but felt limited by recurring injuries.

Nick found that he enjoyed this work more than elite sport alone. By combining principles from high-performance training with practical, realistic programming, he was able to provide a high level of care to people without professional sporting support systems.

Over time, however, a familiar frustration resurfaced. Many clients were improving their fitness but continued to struggle with pain, flare-ups, or conflicting healthcare advice. Nick found himself increasingly drawn toward rehabilitation-focused education, exercise-based pain management, and performance rehab, which ultimately led him to pursue a Master of Chiropractic Science.

Nick chose chiropractic to bridge the gap between rehabilitation, performance, and evidence-based care. He was frustrated seeing clients receive outdated advice that discouraged movement, promoted fear around lifting, or failed to account for individual goals and lifestyles. He wanted to provide reliable, modern care that helped people stay active rather than stepping away from what they enjoyed.

Chiropractic training allowed Nick to combine:

• Clinical assessment and diagnosis
• Manual therapy for short-term symptom relief
• Exercise-based rehabilitation for long-term change

Throughout his postgraduate training, Nick continued to educate himself beyond university, with a particular focus on gym-based injuries, load management, and active rehabilitation.

Nick’s first role as a chiropractor was in a multidisciplinary clinic closely connected with CrossFit and powerlifting gyms. This environment exposed him to complex, high-load injuries and reinforced the importance of understanding training demands and gym culture.

It also shaped a core belief: healthcare providers should be part of fitness communities, not separate from them.

Nick volunteered his time running workshops, providing free treatment days, and supporting gym members on the floor. This approach built trust, improved outcomes, and helped keep people training safely rather than sidelined by fear or confusion.

After several years practising in Sydney, Nick got married, and shortly after, his wife became pregnant with their son. With family in Victoria, they decided to relocate to Melbourne.

Since moving, Nick has established himself as a sports-focused chiropractor in Melbourne, working with active individuals, gym-goers, and people managing low back pain, neck pain, and persistent musculoskeletal issues. He continues to build strong relationships with local gyms and fitness communities, supporting members through education, rehabilitation, and practical care that fits real life.

At the core of Nick’s approach is a simple belief: pain deserves an explanation, not just treatment.

Many patients seek care after months or years of recurring pain. Nick focuses on identifying contributing factors such as:

• Movement and biomechanics
• Training errors and load management
• Occupational and postural demands
• Previous injuries
• Strength, mobility, and tissue capacity
• Stress, sleep, and recovery

Pain is rarely caused by one structure alone. By addressing these factors and gradually improving capacity, Nick helps patients move away from feeling “broken” and toward confidence in movement again.

Clear explanation is central to care. Patients leave sessions understanding:

• What is contributing to their pain
• Why certain movements feel sensitive
• How rehabilitation supports long-term recovery

Nick combines manual therapy and exercise-based rehabilitation to achieve lasting outcomes.

Manual techniques may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments and joint mobilisation
• Soft tissue therapy
• Cupping
• Dry needling

These approaches help reduce pain and improve movement so patients can engage more effectively in rehab.

Exercise-based rehabilitation forms the foundation of long-term results and may include mobility work, strength training, progressive return-to-training plans, and load management strategies. Treatment evolves over time, shifting from symptom relief to injury prevention and performance support.

Nick enjoys working with:

• Gym-goers and athletes managing training-related injuries
• People with persistent low back or neck pain
• Active professionals balancing work, training, and family
• Individuals seeking clear answers and long-term solutions

Outside the clinic, Nick enjoys spending time with his young family and exploring Melbourne. He continues to train regularly and understands the realities of balancing health, recovery, and a busy life. A lifelong rugby league fan, he’s still adjusting to Melbourne’s AFL culture.

Felicity is an osteopath with a passion for helping people return to their best. She grew up in Sale, Gippsland, and after spending the last five years in Melbourne, she completed her double bachelor’s degrees in Osteopathy at RMIT University. Felicity’s journey into osteopathy began through her own experiences with sports injuries. Growing up she was always active in various sports which sparked her interest in how the body moves and heals. One of her proudest achievements was representing Australia in the Women’s Kumite (sparring) at the JKA 16th World Karate Championship in Japan, a formative experience that shaped both her athletic and professional path. Felicity is particularly passionate about treating sports injuries but she also has a keen interest in addressing headaches, postural conditions, and pre/ post natal care. In the clinic she takes a holistic approach to treatment, combining her osteopathic knowledge with her love for sport to help people move better and feel their best. Whether you’re dealing with an injury or looking to improve your performance, Felicity is dedicated to working with you to help you achieve your goals! ReplyForward Add reaction

Wei Song is a highly experienced massage therapist with over a decade of practice under his belt. He is a qualified remedial massage therapist and myotherapist, having completed his diplomas in 2012 and 2014, respectively. During this time, Wei has developed his own techniques for treating muscle pain and dysfunction, which he combines with a variety of modalities such as trigger point therapy, deep and soft tissue massage, cupping with myofascial release, and dry needling, to provide a customized treatment plan for each patient’s unique needs.

Having worked as a myotherapist, manager of a reputable clinic in South Yarra, and student’s supervisor at a massage institute, Wei has a diverse range of experience and skills that enable him to deliver the best possible treatment for every patient. He understands that every individual has different needs and requirements, and therefore tailors his approach accordingly, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care and attention.

As a passionate marathon enthusiast, Wei is especially dedicated to helping runners and cyclists reach their goals by staying on track with their training programs. He believes in the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind and is committed to supporting his patients in achieving their wellness objectives.

Dr. Matthew O’Neill graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science) and a Master of Health Science (Osteopathy).  He also holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at La Trobe University as well as a Certificate III and IV in Fitness. He has previously worked as a personal trainer.

Matthew has been with Alpha for more than 5 years and has been a practicing Osteopath since 2017. In his time as an Osteopath, Matthew has developed a dedicated interest in treating and managing shoulder-related pain, chronic pain, neck pain, and gym related injuries. (This interest may or may not have to do with his own history of shoulder pain, neck pain and gym related injuries…).

Matthew strongly believes in the power of education and movement, so he always aims to provide a tangible diagnosis to his patients, give them the education they need to understand their diagnosis and provide the tools and treatment to manage their pain. Matthew uses a combination of massage therapy, mobilisation, and movement rehab during his consults.

Matthew has a diverse sporting history. He grew up playing tennis from a young age, however martial arts were his first true sporting love. Matthew trained and taught Karate, and Kickboxing through his teens and early twenties. He also trained in boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA. In the past 5+ years Matthew has mostly focused on weight training and power lifting. Over the past year, in a surprising shift,
Matthew decided to focus his attention to Triathlon and other distance events. Matthew believes a broad sporting experience is important as a physical therapist. He aims to understand each of his sports in depth so he can better guide his patients.

In his free time, Matthew enjoys coffee, playing guitar, playing video games, and spending time with his two cats, William and Peebee.