Monique Davies

Owner & Senior Physiotherapist

My journey into neurological physiotherapy began back in high school when I volunteered to assist individuals with disabilities. This experience ignited a deep-rooted passion for helping people with disabilities lead full, meaningful lives.

One of my earliest roles as a Physiotherapist was on a Stroke Unit in a Perth hospital, where I discovered my love for Neurological Rehabilitation. This early experience set the foundation for my career, and since this time I have worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals across Australia and the UK, private practice clinics, and community disability providers. 

My passion for neurological rehabilitation has driven me to pursue advanced learning. I am endlessly fascinated by the brain and its capacity for recovery, and I believe in creating a collaborative environment where clients feel encouraged to ask questions and share in the learning journey.

Monique’s Journey

  • I grew up in the countryside, but for most of the past 12 years, I’ve called Perth home. These days, you’ll find me in Fremantle, where I’ve recently settled into my own house, learning quickly how serious those mortgage rates can be! I share my space with my two cats, Dora and Boots, who bring a lot of personality to my daily life.

    Outside of physiotherapy, music is a big part of who I am. I love to sing and jam on my guitar and saxophone, and I’m often roped into playing at friends’ and family members' weddings, something I’m always happy to do! I’m also passionate about Latin dance, especially salsa, bachata, and kizomba, which keep me connected with a lively community and always moving to the beat.

    Staying active is important to me, so you’ll often find me playing sports like netball, Australian Rules football, or volleyball. I’m also up for just about anything that gets me moving, like a session at the gym, a bike ride, a swim at the beach, or a paddleboarding adventure.

    • Graduate Certificate of Neurological Rehabilitation | July 2020 – Nov 2021, Edith Cowan University (Joondalup)

    • Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) with Distinction | Mar 2011 – Dec 2014, Curtin University of Technology (Bentley Campus)

    • Current Member of Brain Bytes (Online Health Professional Community with monthly PD on FND and complex Neurological conditions)

    • Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Boot Camp (1 week course), by Re-Active PT, Sept 2024

    • Brain Imaging Course - 'Walk on the Ward with Me' (2-Day Course in Brisbane) by Dr Ettie Ben-Shabbat, August 2024

    • Basic Bobath (3-Week In-Person Course) by IBITA (Shauna Picard and Jon Bagnall), June 2024

    • Postural Control and 24-Hour Positioning (2-Day Course) by Postural Care Australia, June 2022

    • Brain Imaging for Rehabilitation Clinicians (8-Week Course) by Ettie Ben-Shabbat, Completed July 2022

    • Brain Function for Rehabilitation Clinicians (8-Week Course) by Ettie Ben-Shabbat, Completed October 2022

    • Dry Needling (Introductory and Advanced Courses) by CPD Health Courses, June 2021

    • Upper Limb Casting for Spasticity and Contracture (22 Hours CPD – Theory and Practical) by Kathy Kuipers (PhD Neuro OT), March 2021

    • Bobath Normal Movement (2-Day Course) – Upper limb, scapula, and trunk by ABTA, Alena Scurrah, Feb 2021

    • Bobath Normal Movement (2-Day Course) – Pelvis, trunk, spine by ABTA, Alena Scurrah, Feb 2021

    • Rehabilitation of the Neurological Upper Limb – Intermediate (1-Day Course) by NeuroDirect, November 2020

    • Preparing the Upper Limb for Function (1-Day Course) by NeuroDirect, October 2020

    • Physiotherapy for the Ataxic Patient (2-Day Course) by Katrina Williams, March 2019

    • Advanced Clinical Reasoning in Neurological and Vestibular Rehabilitation (2-Day Course) by James McLoughlin, June 2019

    • Upper Limb Rehabilitation Post Severe Stroke (1-Day Course) by Paulette van Vliet, April 2017

    • Pilates for the Neurological Population (2-Day Course) by Jane Costello and Shoni Le Nepveu - APA, November 2017

    • Neurology Level 1 (2-Day Course) by the APA, 2016

    • Explain Pain and Graded Motor Imagery (3-Day Course) by David Butler and Tim Cocks, 2016

    • Gait, Running, and Re-training in the Neurological Population (2-Day Course) by Gavin Williams, November 2015

Virginia Jones

Senior Physiotherapist

Virginia’s Journey

My passion for working in the neurological rehabilitation field was sparked as a physiotherapy student, working with an acute stroke client whose name I still remember. I did something a little different in alignment work and suddenly his arm shot forward in active reach—something he hadn’t been able to do! We were both so excited. That was a life changing moment for me in discovering how to access untapped potential. It shaped the next 15 years of my work, and continues to impact me today in working alongside survivors in neurological rehabilitation.

I have worked in a variety of neurological fields both in the hospital and in the community. I have worked predominantly with adults with stroke, spinal cord injury, myelopathy, traumatic brain injury, ataxia. I also consult for neurological needs for paediatric cases. I have experience in respiratory and oncological physiotherapy which often assist the holistic treatment approach. The determination and potential I have seen in such survivors is so inspiring.

I am in awe of the way our bodies can recover and adapt, and that it is a whole-person journey. From nutrition to sensory engagement, meaningful activities, sleep quality, bowel and respiratory function – our whole being is interconnected in recovery. I help clients engage all systems in an integrative therapy approach to set them up for success. I count it a privilege to be a part of a person’s journey, where I can apply my advanced and integrative skills to see them regain independence, develop confidence and improve their quality of life.

  • Outside of my work days, you’ll find me home-schooling my 2 children who are my delight. They certainly keep me on my toes for creativity and energy! We spend lots of time learning from the world around us including the outdoors, which has so much benefit for health and development. I love to eat from my vegetable garden which just tastes so good, and am often out there hunting caterpillars and harvesting what’s in season.

    Much of the integrative therapy style I have now has developed is a result of my parenting journey. This is reflected in whole person learning such as the need for fun and creativity to engage certain parts of the brain in motor learning efficiently, and the power of nutrition and sleep on brain health. I certainly see my continuous learning happening in every part of my life both inside and outside my work, with my clients benefiting as a result.

    • Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) | 2008, Curtin University (Bentley Campus)

    • Current Member of the APA Neurological Group | Australian Physiotherapy Association

    • NeuroDirect Mentoring Program | 2023 – 2024, NeuroDirect (Advanced Neurological Professional Development Program)

    • Electrical Stimulation and Neurological Rehabilitation Course | 2022, Elevate Neuro Rehab

    • Intermediate Upper Limb: the Shoulder Complex | 2020, NeuroDirect

    • FES Training | 2019, Rocky Bay

    • Spinal Handling Training | 2014, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Spinal Team

    • Retraining High Level Mobility | 2013, Gavin Williams

    • Advanced Bobath | 2012, Gerlinde Haase, IBITA

    • Basic Bobath | 2011, Kim Brock, IBITA

    • Neurosciences Advanced Lecture Series | 2010, Dr Brian Power

Alexis Stewart

Neurological Occupational Therapist

Alexis’s Journey

I came to Occupational therapy later in life but my passion for neuro rehabilitation started early. It was the first time in my experience of study where something made perfect sense, the stars aligned and things clicked for me and I haven’t really looked back. I found my place and have stayed in the neurology speciality over my career across all treatment contexts for neurology, being acute neurology wards, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinics at major tertiary level rehabilitation hospitals in WA as well as the community and disability sector. Specialising in assessment and intervention for Acquired brain injury, Stroke, Guillian Barre Syndrome (GBS), Spinal cord injury, Neurogenerative conditions (Parkinsons, MS, MND etc) with a special interest and expertise in Functional Neurological Disorders.

I have been very fortunate to have worked with and be mentored by some leading neuro Occupational therapist in Australia. I now feel privileged to use and teach my skills to assist others live the life they want and clinicians feel equipped and supported to assess and treat in what is considered a complex specialty area. 

  • My other major role in life is mum of two boys (aged 5 and 7) which, at times, feels like a football team! We decided early on that we wouldn’t roll the dice for a girl, and instead got a dog- her name is Jazz. Our life is very active and outdoors which leaves little room for such things as hobbies and passions however I would consider my love for being outside in nature both a hobby and a passion. I am always looking for a new hike or bushwalk to explore, my favourite place on Earth (so far) is Exmouth with my top hike recommendation being the Badjirrajirra Trail late afternoon to make it back to Thomas Carter look out by sunset. Glorious. 

    I love music (who doesn’t) and I love to sing. I sing in a choir which allows me to belt out a tune without the horror of being watched. It is my view that singing in group enhances physical and emotional health and has profound spiritual benefits. Everyone should try it once. 

    I have become a deeply spiritual person in my older age which I attribute largely to becoming a parent, with all of the unexpected trimmings, and a late diagnosis of ADHD which has taken me on a very personal journey of understanding and  self acceptance. I enjoy being able to use my experiences to connect on a deeper level with others and create authentic relationships with my clients that are truly person centred.

    • Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) – Curtin University Graduate, 2014

    • Currently studying Graduate Diploma in Counselling

    • Qualified Remedial Massage Therapist – Lymphedema management and trigger point therapy

    • Member of Neuro-Specific and Home Visiting Interest Groups and Community of Practice

    • Advanced Training in Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) – currently teaching this to clinicians in metro WA

    • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Essentials – 2-Day Course (DBT Australia) – qualified to run DBT groups in community settings

    • Presenter – Occupational Therapy Conference WA (2024): Importance of Comprehensive Understanding of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Subsequent Management

    • Partnering with Curtin University – further exploration of assessment and treatment of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in Australia

    • OT Australia Conference and Stroke 2-Day Study Day

    • TRACS WA Study Day: Embedding a 24-Hour Rehab Culture

    • High Care and Pressure Management Forum (Brightwater)

    • 12-Month Clinical Mentorship Program – under Kathy Kuipers, Principal OT at OptimiseRehab (QLD) and author of NeuroRehabilitation of the Upper Limb Across the Lifespan: Managing Hypertonicity for Optimised Function

    • Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS)

    • Mel Nott Workshop: Embedding Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategies into Function

    • Neurotek Upskilling – electrical stimulation (e-stim) for upper limb retraining

    • FND Symposium (2026) – dates TBC