Exercise Physiologists
Reuben started out as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with the Royal Adelaide Hospital’s Centre for Physical Activity in Ageing, before starting AEP Health Group with business partner Chris Ftinogiannis in 2006. Reuben now works predominantly on business operational tasks while also working closely with staff to ensure all of AEP’s internal processes are smooth and efficient, ultimately leading to positive client experiences and high quality service delivery.
Chris is one of the directors of AEP Health Group with over 16 years experience as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Commencing his career in 1996 at RAH’s Centre for Physical Activity in Aging, he was responsible for cardiac and stroke rehabilitation programs until 2006 when he established AEP Health Group with Reuben Vanderzalm.
Sara has been working in chronic disease management since completing university in 2006 and has developed a wealth of experience in many clinical conditions. Sara has a passion for helping people especially in areas of weight loss and bariatric surgery. She has been part of the Adelaide Metabolic and Obesity Surgery team since 2007. She understands that lack of time is one of the biggest barriers to staying active, and helps her clients finds ways to get the most out of what they can fit in.
Adam started working with AEP Health Group in 2014 after completing his post graduate studies in Clinical Exercise Physiology where he specialised in Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation and in Strength and Conditioning. Adam has continued to progress his knowledge in these areas and developed vast understanding of exercise prescription working with a variety of clientele from athletes to the elderly.
Tom has been working as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist since 2008 and started with AEP Health Group in 2009 after initially working in the Heart Failure and Cancer and Exercise programs at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre. Tom has a special interest in all things cardiac and is passionate about empowering clients to re-engage in life and be confident to undertake exercise safely, effectively and independently. Tom has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience across a broad range of conditions including cancer rehabilitation, Type 2 Diabetes, weight management, injury rehabilitation and is always happy to further his knowledge to strive for quality patient outcomes.
Keith commenced working with AEP Health Group in 2011 where he has gained experience in prescribing and delivering exercise for management of chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, PTSD and weight management. His goal is to support and empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes through implementing gradually progressive exercise routines and ensuring that exercise programs are individualised. Personally, Keith enjoys staying active, reading and spending time with his wife and 3 boys.
Sidney has been with AEP since the start of 2019, with a love for getting clients with chronic conditions back doing tasks they thought they could no longer do. Her friendly and understanding nature allows her to build great rapport to assist clients implement changes to form healthier lifestyle habits, and to improve physical and mental health. She has a particular interests in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Weight Management and Osteoporosis.
Skye has been working with AEP since 2008. She has had extensive experience working with a wide variety of clients with chronic health conditions. Skye has experience working in GP clinics, home and private consulting environment.
Sam started with AEP in 2016 after completing his studies. Sam has a special interest in treating low back pain, though he can help people with a range of complex acute and persistent pain problems.
Eleni started working with AEP Health Group at the beginning of 2019. Eleni enjoys working across a wide range of chronic conditions and is passionate about helping clients improve their health and wellbeing. Her patient and gentle nature allows clients to achieve their goals in a non-judgemental and trusting environment.
Madeline joined AEP in 2022 after gaining valuable experience working in residential aged care for several years. She has a special interest in supporting older adults, particularly those managing conditions such as dementia, osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis (OP), and other age-related health concerns. Madeline also has a strong passion for working with clients experiencing chronic pain, supporting weight loss goals, and promoting mental well-being. With her friendly and caring nature, she creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can achieve their goals at their own pace. Madeline firmly believes in the power of exercise to improve both physical and mental health, helping individuals lead fuller, more active lives.
Tom joined the AEP team in 2018 and has been able to gain experience in working with a wide variety of clients with chronic diseases, co-morbidities and rehabilitation. Tom has a keen interest in working in the Return to Work space with musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic pain and on-going strength and conditioning being his key focus of clientele. He also enjoys assisting clients with pre and post-surgical rehabilitation from total hip and knee replacements as well as sporting injuries. His friendly and positive nature allows him to build great client rapport and help set them on the correct path towards improved health levels and optimum recovery.
Jemma joined the AEP team in 2023 bringing invaluable experience in the aged care sector. With a keen focus on neurological rehabilitation, injury prevention and rehabilitation, particularly in the realm of lower-limb and sporting injuries, Jemma brings a specialized expertise that enriches our team’s capabilities. Her passion for making a tangible difference extends seamlessly into the disability sector, where she is committed to empowering individuals through tailored exercise programs and unwavering support. Jemma’s warm and upbeat personality fosters an environment of trust and positivity, laying the foundation for meaningful client relationships. Through her genuine care and encouragement, she cultivates a sense of empowerment within her clients, guiding them towards achieving their goals in a friendly and safe environment.
Alexia joined our esteemed AEP team in 2022 bringing with her a wealth of experience garnered from both private practice and hospital settings. Alexia’s journey is driven by an unwavering passion for aiding others, coupled with a dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals. Alexia’s professional repertoire spans a diverse range of conditions, including metabolic, muscular, disability, and neurological concerns. Her comprehensive skill set enables her to adeptly address a array of health challenges, ensuring tailored solutions for each unique case. What truly sets Alexia apart is her vibrant and enthusiastic demeanor, which creates an inviting atmosphere for clients to engage fully and pursue their goals.
Tom is a passionate exercise physiologist dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Graduating from the University of South Australia in 2023, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to his practice. With a genuine affinity for working with individuals in the disability sector, Tom strives to empower his clients through tailored exercise programs and personalised support. His commitment to improving physical health and overall well-being is matched only by his unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of his work. Tom’s boundless enthusiasm and genuine care make him a trusted ally in the journey towards optimal health and vitality.
Sarah joined our AEP team in 2024, bringing over 8 years of experience in the fitness industry. She is dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their goals, focusing on strength and conditioning, injury rehabilitation, and chronic disease prevention. Sarah takes a holistic approach, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of well-being. She develops personalised, evidence-based exercise strategies for clients, ensuring they feel motivated and supported throughout their health journey. Sarah’s compassion and practical expertise make her a valuable asset to our team.
Rylan joined our team in 2024 after completing his degree in at the University of South Australia in 2023. With a strong commitment to supporting individuals on their health and wellbeing journeys, Rylan creates a welcoming and supportive environment where clients can confidently work toward achieving their goals. Rylan’s approach to exercise physiology is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to each individual’s unique needs. By combining the latest research with practical, achievable strategies, he empowers clients to achieve optimal health outcomes. Whether helping clients manage chronic conditions, recover from injury, or improve overall fitness, Rylan’s focus is always on creating personalised plans that promote health and well-being.
Lauren joined the AEP team in 2025 after completing her Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Charles Sturt University. With over four years of experience in the fitness industry, she has a strong interest in the disability sector, neurological conditions, and injury prevention and rehabilitation. Lauren works across a variety of conditions, including metabolic and muscular concerns, creating tailored exercise programs that focus on enhancing movement, reducing injury risk, and supporting recovery. Her compassionate, client-centered approach empowers individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals, making her a valued member of the team.
Dietitians
Kathleen joined AEP in 2021 and has experience in aged care, weight management and healthy meal development. Kathleen’s interests lie in women’s health, building a healthy relationship with food, malnutrition, and lifestyle disease such as diabetes, high cholesterol and weight management. Kathleen is passionate about food, mindful eating and having a diet sustainable for the long term.
Matt started working with AEP in 2016. Matt believes in evidence based, individualised nutrition advice with specific expertise in weight management, diabetes, performance sports nutrition, irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular disease and weight gain in malnourished individuals. Matt is currently the Dietitian for Adelaide United’s W-League team and Research Dietitian in the intensive care unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, with a strong interest in nutritional recovery following acute illness.
Lauren joined the AEP team in 2022 after completing her Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics degree at Flinders University. Lauren provides individualised care to help clients achieve their health and nutrition goals in a safe, non-judgemental environment. Her aim is to put clients at ease and work with them to develop personalised nutrition plans that provide desired results but are also achievable and sustainable in the long-term. Lauren specialises in bariatric surgery (pre and post operative management) and has special interests in GI disorders, women’s health, Type 2 diabetes and Hyperlipidaemia.
Brianna joined the AEP Health late 2024 with the attainment of a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics from Flinders University. Driven by a passion for empowering individuals of all ages and stages about evidence-based nutrition, Brianna assists individuals implement sustainable long-term habits. Her main areas of interest include weight management, gut health, cardiovascular disease, and chronic disease management, particularly diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes). Brianna is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in diabetes care, including technologies like continuous glucose monitoring systems. Above all, she strives to empower individuals to take control of their health journeys by providing tailored recommendations and practical strategies tailored to their goals.
Physiotherapists
Jonathon started working with AEP in 2020. He completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia in 2017. Jonathon is passionate about helping people in pain achieve their goals and get back to doing the things they love. He has a special interest in persistent pain conditions but enjoys helping anyone who is eager to see a change in their current function.
Gary joined the AEP team in 2024 and holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Teesside University in the U.K, graduating in 2013. My journey in physiotherapy began in a private clinic and various sporting clubs, including a notable stint at Sturt Football Club spanning three years. Additionally, I had the privilege of serving as a performance medicine therapist for Cirque du Soleil in the USA for one year. Upon my return to Australia in 2020, I’ve been actively engaged in Occupational Rehabilitation and lending my expertise to local football clubs. My professional focus lies in guiding individuals with muscle and joint-related injuries back to optimal health. I derive great satisfaction from crafting tailored rehabilitation programs that precisely cater to each patient’s unique needs and aspirations.
Eddie joined the AEP team in 2024. He holds a Master of Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia and has a strong clinical focus on musculoskeletal conditions. Eddie is passionate about helping individuals manage their aches and pains, and believes in providing physiotherapy solutions that are tailored to each client, ensuring lasting improvements. He finds great satisfaction in supporting people to achieve their health goals and regain control over their well-being.
Gabrielle joined AEP Health Group in 2024, bringing a wealth of expertise and a passion for helping others. She earned her Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam in 2017 and completed a Master’s Degree in Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia in 2019. Additionally, Gabrielle is a certified Advanced Holistic Lifestyle Nutrition Coach, further enhancing her comprehensive approach to care.
With a special interest in managing persistent pain, spinal cord injuries, radiculopathy, and tendon-related conditions, Gabrielle is committed to empowering her clients. She takes pride in helping individuals overcome challenges, achieve their personal goals, embrace healthy lifestyles, and return to the activities they love.
Outside the clinic, Gabrielle enjoys quality time with her family, nature walks, and staying active through cycling classes.
Leander has been a valued member of AEP Health Group since 2019, combining extensive expertise with a compassionate approach to care. After graduating in 2010, Leander completed a Master of Science in Manual Therapy in 2014, followed by a Master of Science in Sports Physiotherapy in 2017.
Currently, Leander divides time between AEP Health Group and the Pain Management Unit at Flinders Medical Centre, bringing specialized knowledge to both roles. Leander has a particular interest in treating clients with persistent pain, supporting return-to-work (RTW) clients, and managing sporting injuries.
Outside of work, Leander enjoys spending quality time with family, cycling, and running.
Lachlan joined the AEP team in 2025 after completing his Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia in 2024. He has a particular passion for the management of sporting injuries, focusing on rehabilitation and exercise to promote longevity and optimal health.
Lachlan takes a holistic approach to care, combining manual therapy to alleviate pain and improve function with individualized exercise programs tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. His extensive experience as a current West Adelaide Football Club player and his role as a physiotherapist for their 16s-18s Centre of Excellence program provides him with invaluable insight into the complexities of sports-related injuries and recovery.
Having personally overcome multiple long-term injuries, Lachlan brings a compassionate, empathetic approach to rehabilitation. His commitment to helping patients achieve their health and fitness goals makes him an integral part of the AEP team.
Magnus graduated from the University of South Australia in 2021 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. He returned to his home town of Adelaide in late 2024 after practicing interstate for 3 years in remote Northern Territory and Tasmania, where he worked across a number of clinical areas in the public and private sectors. He has a special interest in managing lower limb osteoarthritis, but enjoys helping anyone to improve their function and become more active. He especially enjoys seeing a person surprise themselves with what they didn’t think they were capable of doing.
Office Staff
Our dedicated office staff are here to make your experience at AEP Health Group as smooth and as welcoming as possible. As your first point of contact, they are committed to providing a friendly, professional, and compassionate service from the moment you reach out. With diverse knowledge, our team is here to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering your questions, guiding you through our intake processes, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you are a new client or returning client, our office staff are here to make your experience positive from start to finish.
