Meet Our Team
Tanmayi (Tammy)
Principal Paediatric Physiotherapist
Tanmayi (Tammy) is the Principal Paediatric Physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience in the field. She is passionate about providing play-based physiotherapy that is tailored to the individual children's needs.
Tammy completed her Masters in Paediatric Physiotherapy from the University of Indianapolis, USA. She has gained experience working in early intervention, private practice, schools, and the disability sector in Chicago and Melbourne.
At First Step Therapy Services, Tammy provides assessment and management of children from new-born to young adults with orthopaedic, cardiorespiratory, neurological, and developmental conditions. She is particularly interested in developmental paediatrics, equipment prescription, pelvic floor in children, and sensory motor integration. She received certification in Sensory Integration from the University of South California, USA.
Tammy believes in a multifaceted approach to treatment and works closely with other therapists and medical practitioners to help children achieve their physical goals. She is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the National Paediatric Group. She is also a volunteer member of the Victorian Paediatric Group and supports arranging Professional Development courses. She is a clinical supervisor for physiotherapy bachelor and master’s students from Monash and Melbourne Universities.
In her spare time, Tammy enjoys hiking, spending time with her two children, and a glass of single malt on occasion.
Pinakin
Senior Sports Physiotherapist
Over a decade of experience as a physiotherapist post-masters, Pinakin brings a wealth of expertise to the table. As a Para Badminton National Classifier and a passionate advocate for para sports, Pinakin is deeply involved in promoting inclusivity and empowerment through sports.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Pinakin finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid reader, enthusiastic hiker, and dedicated gardener, he believes in maintaining a balanced and holistic approach to well-being. Explore this space to learn more about Pinakin's journey, services, and contributions to the world of physiotherapy and para sports.
Alyssa
Senior Physiotherapist
Alyssa is an experienced paediatric physiotherapist who is passionate in developing strong relationships with families to help achieve meaningful outcomes for their child. As a mother of two young children, Alyssa connects deeply with parents seeking to help their children maximise outcomes by adopting play-based therapy to keep them engaged and motivated towards reaching their goals.
Alyssa has worked across the lifespan and has expertise in working with babies, preschool and school-aged children within community and private practice settings.
Inaya
Physiotherapist
Inaya is a physiotherapist with a strong passion for paediatrics. She is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with children and families through a family-centred approach, working collaboratively to support each child to achieve their individual goals in a fun, functional, and supportive way.
Inaya brings extensive experience working with children through her roles as a national camp organiser and counsellor, community youth volunteer lead, and kindergarten volunteer. Through these experiences, she has developed strong communication, creativity, and collaboration skills, and values supporting children and families in a holistic and empowering way.
She is committed to ongoing professional development, keeping up to date with current research, and continuing to grow her skills across all areas of paediatric physiotherapy.
Outside of work, Inaya enjoys cooking, pilates, travelling, and spending time at the beach with friends.
Dhanashree (Dhanu)
Physiotherapist
Dhanashree is one of our dedicated physiotherapists at FSTS – Starting Blocks. She holds a Master’s degree in Paediatric Physiotherapy from India and brings valuable experience working with children across early intervention, neurodevelopment, motor delays, musculoskeletal conditions, and functional skill development.
Dhanu is passionate about supporting children and families through meaningful, goal-driven therapy. She works collaboratively with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to create personalized and engaging therapy programs that promote confidence, independence, and participation in everyday activities.
With a strong interest in early intervention, gross motor development, and neuro-rehabilitation, she is committed to making therapy fun, functional, and truly family-centred.
Outside of the clinic, Dhanu enjoys painting, building LEGO and miniatures, cooking, travelling, and exploring new places with curiosity and creativity.
Erin
Allied Health Assistant
Erin (they/them) is passionate about supporting children in reaching their goals and believes in celebrating every achievement - no matter how big or small! They take great pride in adapting to children’s needs and wonderful imaginations to facilitate learning in an engaging and comfortable environment, or even just great fun.
Prior to their new journey in allied health assistance, Erin garnered a decade’s worth of experience in the hospitality industry creating unforgettable connections with all walks of life.
If you ever ran into Erin outside of work, you’d find them curating recipes for their next culinary feast, watching the newest animations and movies, excitedly rolling dice in an exceptionally intense D&D (Dungeon and Dragons) session or playing classic JRPG games like Monster Hunter and Final Fantasy.
Xyan
Allied Health Assistant
Xyan is a motivated physiotherapy student who is passionate about helping people move better, build strength, and work towards meaningful goals. He takes a personalised, evidence-based approach and enjoys supporting individuals of all abilities in a positive and encouraging way.
Xyan brings experience across strength and conditioning, disability support, and sports rehabilitation, working with children, adults, and athletes in both one-on-one and group settings.
Outside of work and study, Xyan enjoys training at the gym and keeping up with the latest in sports and exercise science.
Melissa
Allied Health Assistant / Disability Support Worker
Melissa is passionate about supporting children and their families in achieving their developmental goals. She enjoys working with children and creating an engaging environment where they feel comfortable and supported.
Before transitioning into disability support work, Melissa worked as an accountant, where she contributed to health promotion and prevention initiatives across various organizations.
Currently a student, she balances her studies while working as a dedicated Allied Health Assistant and Disability Support Worker. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, Pilates, hiking, and spending time outdoors.
Jordan
Disability Support Worker
Jordan is a dedicated Disability Support Worker who has been working with FSTS for the last 3 years. She provides support for children, working alongside their family and the therapy team to follow individualized programs and help children reach their full potential.
Jordan has experience working with neurodivergent children from diverse cultural backgrounds, and is passionate about promoting growth, confidence, and independence. In her spare time, Jordan enjoys spending time with family and friends, Pilates and reading.
Basir
Disability Support Worker
Basir is passionate about working with children and creates a calm, encouraging space where they can learn, grow, and feel supported. Working closely with families and the therapy team, he helps deliver individual programs that build everyday skills and confidence.
Basir values respectful, child-centred care and focuses on supporting each child’s strengths and goals. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and working on a story project.
KC
Admin
KC, a dedicated administrator at FSTS, plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the organization. With a focus on managing administrative tasks, she supports the team by preparing documents, handling invoices, maintaining up-to-date records, assisting with onboarding new employees and clients, and overseeing email marketing and social media.
KC’s attention to detail and commitment to providing excellent service help create a seamless experience for both staff and clients. Outside of work, KC spends most of her time with her family, exploring different places through food and coffee. She also enjoys crafting, especially crocheting and knitting outfits for her loved ones.
Ken
Admin
Ken is a friendly and dependable administrator at FSTS, where he helps keep things running smoothly every day. He enjoys making sure everything is in order so the team can focus on what they do best—helping others.
Outside of work, Ken is actively involved in youth ministry, where he finds joy in reaching out to young people, teaching, organizing retreats, and creating meaningful experiences that help them grow in faith and community. His heart for serving others is evident in both his ministry and the care he brings to his work.