Meet our Happy Steps Crew

Michelle Tan, Senior Physiotherapist, Director, Clinical Operations Manager

(B.Physiotherapy, University of South Australia, APA, AHPRA Registered)

“Dedicated to empower you to transform your movement experiences and enhance your well-being.”

Seeing clients achieve their goals for 10+ years, from regaining daily function to maximizing their mobility, is what truly inspires Michelle. She combines a caring approach with evidence-based practice to provide the highest quality of care.

Michelle’s expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including:

  • Geriatric Physiotherapy and Dementia Care (Community and Residential)
  • Falls Analysis and Prevention Strategies
  • Clinical Mat and Equipment Pilates (Adults & Children)
  • Neurological and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
  • Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
  • Chronic Pain Education & Management
  • Assistive Technology Assessments
  • Functional Capacity Assessments

Other languages spoken: Malay, Hokkien

Holding a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia, Michelle is committed to a holistic and functional approach. She empowers her clients to actively participate in their recovery, working collaboratively to establish meaningful goals and develop effective strategies to achieve them.

With extensive experience working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and Work Cover clients, Michelle is passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities. She is particularly interested in neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and traumatic brain injuries. Michelle has completed the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Mat, Equipment, Children’s and Pre and Post Natal Pilates training in 2022, further enhancing her ability to provide comprehensive rehabilitation solutions.

Michele Chai, Senior Physiotherapist

(B. Physiotherapy, University of South Australia, , AHPRA Registered)

“Where there is a will, there is a way. Dedicated to empowering you on your journey to achieve your movement and wellness goals.”

Seeing clients achieve their goals, from recovering daily function to maximizing their mobility, is what truly inspires Michele. She combines a caring approach with evidence-based practice to provide the highest quality of care.

Michele’s expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including:

  • Aged Care
  • Falls Prevention
  • Pain Management
  • Musculoskeletal Injuries
  • Post-Operative Rehabilitation
  • Chest physio 
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Exercise Prescription

Other languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien

Holding a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia, Michele is committed to a holistic and functional approach. She empowers her clients to actively participate in their recovery, working collaboratively to establish meaningful goals and develop effective strategies to achieve them.

With over 11+ years experience working in various clinical settings, including hospitals, private practices, and rehabilitation centers, Michele is passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities.

Carla Zaikos, Physiotherapist

(B. Honours in Physiotherapy, University of South Australia, APA, AHPRA Registered)

“Passionate about potential, empowering every step of your journey.”

Seeing a client regain their ability to participate in activities they love, that’s what truly inspires Carla since day 1. She brings a fresh perspective and an evidence-based approach to her care.

Carla’s expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including:

  • Paediatrics, nurturing children’s development and mobility.
  • Geriatrics, supporting active ageing.
  • Orthopaedic and Neurological conditions, helping you rebuild strength and function.
  • Assistive Technology Assessments, finding the right tools for greater independence.

Other languages spoken: Greek

Holding a Bachelor in Physiotherapy with Honours in Research from the University of South Australia, Carla believes in a holistic and functional approach. She is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and empowering you to take an active role in your recovery, working collaboratively to set meaningful goals and find creative strategies to achieve them.

Speaking Greek allows Carla to connect with a wider range of individuals, ensuring she can provide culturally sensitive care.

As a physiotherapist at Happy Steps, Carla is excited to partner with you on your journey to improved movement and enhanced quality of life.

Jenna Dobberthien, Senior Physiotherapist

(B. Physiotherapy, University of Alberta, APA, AHPRA Registered)

 

“Passionate about empowering movement and enhancing your well-being.”

Seeing a client regain their ability to participate in activities they love, that’s what truly inspires Jenna. She brings a fresh perspective and an evidence-based approach to her care.

Jenna’s expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including:

  • Paediatrics, nurturing children’s development and mobility.
  • Pelvic Health, supporting individuals in this often-sensitive area.
  • Sports Injuries, helping athletes and active individuals return to their peak performance.
  • Acute Care, providing essential physiotherapy in the early stages of recovery.
  • Generalised Private Practice, addressing a wide variety of musculoskeletal and movement concerns.
  • Assistive Technology Assessments, finding the right tools to maximize independence.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta, Jenna believes in a client-centered and functional approach. She is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and empowering you to take an active role in your recovery, working collaboratively to set meaningful goals and find creative strategies to achieve them.

With experience working as a registered physiotherapist in Canada for four years, Jenna is committed to providing the highest quality care. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree at Flinders University, demonstrating her dedication to lifelong learning and a holistic understanding of health.

As a physiotherapist at Happy Steps, Jenna is excited to partner with you on your journey to improved movement and enhanced quality of life.

Zoe Tomlinson, Senior Physiotherapist

(B. Physiotherapy, University of Brighton UK, APA, AHPRA Registered)

 

“Empowering you to take an active role in your recovery and achieve your optimal movement and wellness.”

Seeing clients achieve their goals, from recovering daily function to maximizing their mobility, is what truly inspires Zoe. With over a decade of experience in the physiotherapy field, she combines a caring approach with evidence-based practice to provide the highest quality of care.

Zoe’s expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including:

  • Specialized assessments and interventions for paediatric and adult clients in community settings
  • Supporting NDIS participants, TAC clients, and Medicare claims
  • Assistive Technology Assessments

Holding a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Brighton in the UK, Zoe is committed to a holistic and functional approach. She empowers her clients to actively participate in their recovery, working collaboratively to establish meaningful goals and develop effective strategies to achieve them.

With over a decade of experience supporting adults and children with disabilities across diverse healthcare settings in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, Zoe is passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities. Her interests include hydrotherapy, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, equipment assessment and prescription, and brain injury rehabilitation.

Stefan Norodom, Physiotherapist

(B. Physiotherapy, University of South Australia, APA, AHPRA Registered)

 

“Dedicated to getting you moving, and staying moving.”

Stefan is a dedicated and skilled physiotherapist at Happy Steps, committed to helping clients achieve their movement and wellness goals. He brings a strong focus on exercise-based therapy and a passion for helping individuals recover from musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.

Stefan’s expertise encompasses a range of areas, including:

  • Back and Neck Pain
  • Musculoskeletal Issues
  • Sports Injury Physiotherapy
  • Geriatric Rehabilitation
  • Dry Needling
  • Strapping

Holding a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia, Stefan is committed to providing evidence-based care. He believes in empowering his clients to actively participate in their recovery through exercise and education.

Stefan is passionate about helping people of all ages to overcome pain and improve their function.

Michael Zeon, Allied Health Assistant

Final Year Nursing Student, University of South Australia

“Supporting your steps to a healthier you.”

Michael is a passionate and enthusiastic Allied Health Assistant at Happy Steps, dedicated to bringing the joy and benefits of movement to our clients. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Nursing at the University of South Australia.

With a strong desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives, Michael is committed to provide support and assistance to our clients under the guidance of our physiotherapists. He is eager to apply his growing knowledge and skills to help individuals achieve their movement goals and enhance their overall well-being.

Michael’s role at Happy Steps involves working closely with our physiotherapists to:

  • Support clients during exercise sessions, ensuring they are performed correctly and safely.
  • Assist with mobility and transfers, promoting independence and reducing risk.
  • Provide encouragement and motivation to help clients adhere to their therapy plans.
  • Facilitate the delivery of high-quality, client-centered care.

Michael’s studies in nursing provide him with a strong foundation in patient care, and he is passionate about expanding his understanding of movement and rehabilitation through his work at Happy Steps. He is committed to providing a supportive and encouraging environment for clients, and he finds great fulfillment in seeing the positive impact of physiotherapy on their lives.

We’re a team as diverse as the Adelaide community we serve! Our therapists aren’t just experts in movement; they’re also fluent in English, Malay, Cantonese, Mandarin, Greek, and Hokkien, ready to connect with you in the language that feels like home. We bring our unique skills and a shared passion for helping you take those happy steps forward.

All team members participate in regular weekly peer supervision sessions and our physios receive professional development funds as a way to encourage CPD hours completion.