Meet the team
CAROLINE AVILA - VICE-CHAIR (Click for profile)
With experience starting a not for profit aimed at promoting better health outcomes in the community and running a successful health expo in the western district, Caroline contributes to the development of the MA strategic plan.
A strong passion in education Caroline strives to advance the research committee projects to assist MA members and the industry.
BEN RICCIUTI - TREASURER (Click for profile)
With over 12 years of experience in the accounting and finance field; and now running his own practice. Ben brings to the board a wealth of knowledge guiding and advising small business, not for profits and enterprises on how to effectively administer their business operations, set goals and manage its financial requirements.
As a father of a young family, he has a desire to give back to the medical industry, that does such an amazing job looking after our community by maintaining people’s health and wellbeing.
TOM MCLEAD - CHAIR (Click for profile)
Tom brings to the Board experience as a co-founder of a Myotherapy and Allied health clinic in Geelong which has a strong outcome approach, as well as a comfortable and positive learning culture.
He looks to increase the profile of the Myotherapy industry within the health sector as well as patient awareness of Myotherapy.
ANGELA LANGAN - DIRECTOR (Click for profile)
Angela brings legal, policy and government expertise to the Board, as well as the client perspective. Angela is a passionate advocate for the benefits of Myotherapy treatment to reduce pain, increase mobility, and keep the body moving well through life stages.
ANITA BIDDLE - DIRECTOR (Click for profile)
Anita has been practicing as an Osteopath since 2001, graduating from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Osteopathy. Anita runs a multidisciplinary allied health clinic in Melbourne’s inner north, with family health care as it’s priority. Anita was the first Osteopath to be awarded recognition as an Extended Practice Practitioner in Paediatrics by Osteopathy Australia. She works directly with a range of Allied health care professionals in the practice including Myotherapists, Osteopaths and Psychologists.
Anita joined the MA board in 2022, bringing her skills and experience to support and enrich the Myotherapy profession. She brings decades of allied health industry and small business knowledge to the board.
JOANNE PHILLIPS - DIRECTOR (Click for profile)
Joanne is a highly skilled association executive, with over a decade of experience in senior leadership and management roles, working closely with association Boards. She is passionate about supporting associations to create member experiences that deliver value, build enduring relationships and generate revenue. Joanne holds an MBA and is a Certified Association Executive with significant experience driving system improvements and finding innovative solutions that support collaboration across an organisation.
NATALIE HARTWIG - DIRECTOR (click for profile)
Natalie joins the MA board bringing 15 years of experience as a practicing Myotherapist and as the owner of a multi-modality allied health clinic in Hampton. Her objective is to promote greater recognition of Myotherapy and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
DENNICE ALLEN- DIRECTOR (click for profile)
Dennice has strong senior management experience at Board level garnered both in Australia and the United Kingdom. She is a multi disciplined individual who began her career in the Financial Services Sector obtaining a Bachelor of Business in Economics and Finance as well as a Masters in Finance. In recent years, Dennice transitioned to the Allied Health area, obtaining an Advanced Diploma in Myotherapy and a Masters in Exercise and Sports Science. Dennice was also the founding President of Mornington Peninsula Masters (2020-2023)and is currently the Vice President of Masters Swimming Victoria. Dennice actively advocates health and wellness both as a practitioner as well as continuing in research.