Our Team

Anthony (Tony) Russo

Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Sciences

Tony is the Centre Manager and a Medical Scientist with a background in Haematology and Biochemistry. He has also had a special interest  in Nutritional and Naturopathic Medicine for many years

Tony was a competitive athlete, (and still coaching) in martial arts for many years with national and state titles to his name. In an effort to optimise his sports performance he has utilized the benefits of  nutrition and appropriate supplementation.

He is happy to help out with any Nutritional / Naturopathic based questions you may have in between consultations with Dr. Arletta Nikitiuk.

He also knows from personal experience  the value of Osteopathy, having suffered many injuries because of the full contact nature of his training (and his unfortunate personality trait of often disregarding personal welfare and not knowing when to stop in the pursuit of his goals.) The injuries varied from the merely annoying toe and finger,wrist and elbow injuries to the more serious and incapacitating back,neck,shoulder and knee injuries. Fortunately he had the wisdom and foresight to marry an Osteopath!

Tony and Arletta are happily married and proud parents to Matthew and James

Dr. Arletta Nikitiuk

Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Science)

Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)

Postgraduate Osteopathic training in Cranial Osteopathy

Graduate Diploma of Applied Science in Nutritional and Environmental Medicine

The Principal of the Practice, Arletta has had extensive experience practising in Melbourne for over ten years. With her qualifications and experience in Osteopathic and Nutritional / Naturopathic treatment modalities and a gentle empathetic manner,Arletta offers a very holistic and comprehensive approach to your health needs.

She has an interest in Womens health care such as Pre and Post Natal care, Gynaecological and Peri / Post Menopausal issues. She also succesfully treats infants and children with varied health issues such as Colic, Eczema, Allergies, Failure to thrive, Developmental and Neurological problems and Scoliosis.

She successfully treats Chronic illness such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis,Thyroid Dysfunction,Type 2 Diabetes,Digestive ailments,Food sensitivities and Weight management and many other health conditions. 

Stress related illness,Anxiety and Depression are also special areas of interest and during her career,Arletta has helped many patients manage their condition with Natural Medicine,whether they are on medications ( whose side effects can be ameliorated with Natural Therapies ) or whether they choose a more Natural path to Mental and Emotional Health.

Arletta had also worked in Fitness (personal training) and Rehabilitation for over 10 years. Acute and Chronic Back and Neck pain and Sports related injuries are also an area of expertise.

In addition she has held lecturing positions at Victoria University. She was also engaged in PhD research at Swinburne University in Cancer prevention.

Arletta is heavily booked and there is usually a 3-4 week waiting period for appointments. In the interim, if the need is for acute or urgent Osteopathic care,you are encouraged to book in with one of her excellent associates who work closely with Arletta. You can be assured of the best care always.

Dr. Alex Rachovsky

Bachelor of Applied Science (Clinical Science)

Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)

Reiki Level 1

Alex is vibrant and friendly with an intriguing life story. Having lived in 3 different countries he is fluent in 3 languages and has a basic grasp of another one or two. This cultural diversity helps Alex understand people from different cultures and backgrounds, and he is able to communicate with everyone equally, regardless of language, gender or race.

As an Osteopath, Alex believes that management is the first step to recovery. He takes the time to explain the smallest detail in a way that anyone can understand without using complicated medical jargon.Alex dedicates himself to every patient, no matter how big or small the problem may be, and is always interested in challenging himself and his patients to get better, and do it with a smile on their face.  

"Each person is different, and they should be treated accordingly" is a motto that often helps Alex to not lose sight of the ultimate goal as an Osteopath and that is to heal people.  

Back pain, headaches, joint pains, chronic injuries, sports injuries and general assessments and tune ups, have all cemented Alex's reputation as the go-to person for answers, solutions and of course treatment. 

Coming from a competitive sporting in background, Alex has learned first hand what it takes to be an athlete and the injuries that come with it. Osteopathy has only deepened his love for sport, teaching him about anatomy, bio-mechanics and body responses to training.  

An avid outdoors lover, Alex often travels inland with his wife and dog on 4x4 trips, camping in forests and near lakes, and has spent 3 weeks camping in the 

desert at The Sturt National park in QLD (where he proposed to his wife).  

When he is not out in his 4x4, he can often be found on his motorcycle riding in a group through alpine regions and back country roads.

 
Dr. Shirley Rigoni

Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Chinese Medicine)

Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Human Biology)

Internship in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at Nanjing Hospital, China

Shirley’s fondness for Chinese Medicine begun at a young age when she was successfully treated for common childhood illnesses and then later in her teenage years for migraines. She practices Traditional Chinese Medicine for a modern day lifestyle. She believes that life should be lived as stress and pain-free as possible and her treatments and herbal preparations help to achieve an optimal level of health.

Her studies and training have included a fusion of Eastern and Western medicine which complement each other in a society where patients are seeking many types of health care to combat diseases and discomfort. With a background in Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology and Pathology as well as Chinese Medicine such as Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Cupping, Moxabustion, Chinese Massage (Tuina) and Diet therapy she is able to restore the body to its correct homeostatic balance in a natural and gentle approach.

Chinese Medicine is very effective for many chronic health problems which may seem difficult to treat in the conventional way such as IBS, hay fever, migraines, chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, menstrual pain and weight loss. Shirley’s interests include gastro-intestinal conditions, mental health, musculo-skeletal pain and gynaecological disorders including fertility support.

Shirley has a calm, kind and professional manner that blends well with her bubbly nature making her easy to talk with and open to working concurrent with you and your needs making treatments as effective and successful as possible.

Cathryn Murdoch

Certified Lifeline Technique Practitioner

Ayurvedic Massage Level One Elementary

Thought Field Therapy Algorithms Training Level 1 and 2

Associate Diploma in Business (Marketing)

Reiki Level 1 and 2

Cathryn has 20 years experience working with people in different industry sectors, in the areas of coaching, development, recruitment, training and performance management. 

Using the Lifeline Technique, combined with these skills, she develops, a unique one on one process that meets each individuals needs so that they are supported and empowered during their healing journey.

As a Reiki practitioner, which is a powerful yet gentle touch activated technique,Cathryn is able to boost and balance the natural energy moving through the meridians in the body and clear blockages. During the treatment a deep state of relaxation is achieved  leading to an activation of the body's own regenerative self-healing abilitiy. Working on Physical,Mental.Emotional and  Spiritual levels Reiki can be used on Physical and /or Emotional symptoms and is complimentary to any other treatment a client is using.

She is honoured and privileged to provide a compassionate and supportive environment for her clients as they move forward and often utilises her own vast life experience and personal challenges, to relate to and inspire the people she works with.

Cathryn relishes spending time in nature often with her corgi, Becky, adores exploring and adventures and travelling. She is passionate about visual arts, colour and honouring herself and our ancestors, through ceremony, women’s circles and story telling.

 
Ingrid Stephens

Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies

Reiki

Ingrid Stephens is a Shiatsu therapist and a Reiki practitioner. She is very committed to promoting health and wellbeing, and to supporting her clients through their healing process.

She has a Diploma in Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies and is a certified Reiki Practitioner.

She is a qualified nurse,who has worked in a range of areas over a 20 year period.

Ingrid is also a parent of adult children. She enjoys meditation, yoga, Pilates, qi gong, gym work, walking and swimming, as ways to maintain her own health and wellbeing.

Dianne Lewis

Registered Nurse

Clinical Hypnotherapist

CalmBirth Practitioner

Dianne is currently working in the hospital system in a specialised area but also works privately in the natural health field. Dianne is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Natural Therapist, Registered Nurse and calmbirth® practitioner.

Throughout her years Dianne has studied and practiced natural healing and has incorporated this into her everyday life.

Dianne became a calmbirth® practitioner, as she was amazed at the wonderful inner resources our body has to create and self-heal.

During the calmbirth® program you will gain an understanding of how the birthing muscles work in perfect harmony – as they were designed to do – when your body is sufficiently relaxed.

Dianne is a mother and grandmother who believes that the greatest gift you can give to a child is love, security and self-esteem.

Jamie Ferris-May

Dip. Holistic Kinesiology

Jamie is a Kinesiologist with a passion for the holistic management of health and wellbeing through the gentle, yet powerful healing techniques of Kinesiology. 

As a mother, experienced in the challenges of her own healing journey and that of her daughter, Jamie spent many years researching natural and complementary therapies. Through her research Jamie discovered the amazing benefits of kinesiology and was inspired to help others heal in the same valuable way. Since graduating from the Australian College of Complementary Medicine with a Diploma in Holistic Kinesiology, Jamie has helped many adults and children achieve improved health and wellbeing. 

Jamie loves to guide people through their healing journeys and is able to bring a wealth of professional and life experience to each session.

Jennifer Cook

Certificate for Reflexology 2 Original Ingham Method.

Jennifer Cook is a Reflexologist who believes in the power of the natural complimentary therapies to increase our potential for living our lives in the best possible health.

Reflexology is about bringing the body to the best place it can be, working within the capabilities of each client to reach homeostasis - resulting in the best possible health. Jennifer came to reflexology through her own health crisis and has extensive first hand knowledge of the power of reflexology to assist in times of the worst and the best of health.

Jennifer uses several reflexology methods recognised by the International Association of reflexology to achieve the best result for each client. She has travelled around the world, living in Germany and Scotland  for several years with her husband and now lives in Melbourne where she hopes to remain.

She has 2 Staffordshire's and spends alot of time throwing tennis balls and receiving doggy affection. She loves her pilates and yoga, arts, theatre and reading.

Jennifer believes that there is much to learn and share in the combination of traditional western and complimentary therapies, and has a deep interest in specialising in fields of auto immune diseases and  rheumatological issues.