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.
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.
Tom has been working as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist for over 12 years and takes an education first approach to developing individualised exercise programs to aid clients in achieving both functional and health related goals. Tom specialises with those with cardio-metabolic concerns (Cardiac, Diabetes, Weight Management) and also cancer and exercise management. Most recently he has enjoyed a transition to helping those with living with disability improve confidence and lessen the impact on day to day life.
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.
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.
Eliza started working with AEP in the middle of 2018 after previously growing her clinical skills independently in the Barossa region. Eliza has a special interest in weight management, metabolic concerns and women’s health.
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.
Tom joined the AEP team in 2018 and has gained experience working with a wide variety of clients with chronic diseases, co-morbidities musculoskeletal rehabilitation throughout both clinic and hydrotherapy environments. Tom has interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and clients dealing with chronic pain. 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.
Sidney has been with AEP since the start of 2019, with a love for getting clients with chronic conditions back doing tasks they through 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.
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.
Claudia joined the team at AEP in 2021 after growing her skills in the community aged care and private sectors. She enjoys working with a variety of clients and helping each of them work towards their own goals.
Madeline joined AEP in 2022 after previously working in Residential Aged Care for 3 years. She has a special interest in chronic pain, falls prevention and neurological conditions such as Parkinsons and Demetia. Madeline believes in the power of exercise to improve not only physical but mental health.
Alexia joined the AEP team in 2022 after developing her skills in private and hospital sectors. She has a passion for helping others and is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals. Alexia enjoys working with a variety of conditions including metabolic, muscular, disability and neurological concerns. Her enthusiastic nature provides clients with the perfect environment to participate and achieve their goals.
Jemma joined the AEP team in 2023 as a new graduate and worked throughout her studies within the aged care sector. Jemma has a special interest in neurological rehabilitation, injury prevention and rehabilitation and the disability sector. Her friendly and positive nature helps her build a great client rapport and help empower clients to achieve their goals in a friendly and safe environment
Dietitians
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.
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.
Lauren joined the AEP team in 2022. Her special interests include chronic disease management, women’s health and GI disorders. She provides individualised care to help clients achieve their health and nutrition goals in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
Lauren joined AEP in 2022, with almost 10 years-experience working in hospital, community and private practice settings. Lauren primarily works as part of the Australian Metabolic and Obesity Surgery team, where she enjoys supporting clients both pre and post bariatric surgery.
Lauren also consults at AEP’s Noarlunga clinic, using Medical Nutrition Therapy for the management of a wide range of diet related conditions; including gastrointestinal health, Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol and non-surgical weight management.
Lauren has a special interest and training in the area of mindful & intuitive eating, which she believes are the key to understanding and changing eating habits, and is also a qualified yoga instructor.
Lauren also consults at AEP’s Noarlunga clinic, using Medical Nutrition Therapy for the management of a wide range of diet related conditions; including gastrointestinal health, Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol and non-surgical weight management.
Lauren has a special interest and training in the area of mindful & intuitive eating, which she believes are the key to understanding and changing eating habits, and is also a qualified yoga instructor.
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.
Mick joined the team at AEP in 2021. He completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia in 2018 and previously worked at a busy private practice alongside a Specialist Physiotherapist in the management of persistent pain conditions. His interest in Physiotherapy is to help people improve control over their health and enjoy moving again.
Mitch joined AEP at the end of 2022. He has completed a Bachelors of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra in 2020. He has a keen interest in general Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as experience working with acute post-operative injuries. He is eager to help anyone who needs assistance in returning to pre-injury function as well as helping people improve their overall health and fitness or those that are interested in developing athletic traits such as speed, power, endurance, strength etc.
Hugo Joined AEP at the start of 2022. He completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University in 2020. Hugo loves working with people and finding ways to help them achieve their goals. Clinically, he has a keen interest in Musculoskeletal and Neurological physiotherapy, as well as experience working with acute post-surgical injuries and vertigo clients.
Office Staff
Our office staff will be your first contact with AEP. They are always more than happy to assist you with any queries offering high quality, professional and friendly service.
Tanya started working with AEP Health Group in 2012 and has experience in all aspects of health administration including bookings and accessing services for NDIS Participants. Tanya manages the day to day running of the office and our friendly team of reception and admin staff.
Mel started with AEP in 2020 and manages the day to day running of the office and our friendly reception team. She has knowledge in many referral pathways including, Medicare, DVA, NDIS and WorkCover. Mel is passionate about providing clients and all visitors to AEP with quality service and care.
Sarah started working with AEP in 2021 after working in similar roles within allied health and hospital settings. Sarah handles day to day phone enquires and bookings for our four clinics.
Lisa started with AEP in 2022 and brings with her over 30 years of medical reception experience. Lisa answers daily phone call enquiries and is happy to assist with a range of appointment bookings.