Staff Profiles

Meet our very professional & knowledgable team members!

Director - Merendi Leverett
Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist - Carly Ryan
Accredited Exercise Physiologist - Jessie Smith
Accredited Practising Dietitian - Christie Emsley
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Exercise Physiologist - Mitch Peterman
Physiotherapist - Kitty Chan
Remedial Massage Therapist/Baby Massage Instructor - Christie Will
Counsellor - Antonia Lockitch
Homeopath - Agimary Joseph

Merendi Leverett

Rehabilitation Consultant & Accredited Exercise Physiologist - BHMSc, GradDipHSc(ExRehab), AEP, MESSA

Merendi Leverett is our Director and founder of Merendi Health & Wellness.

Graduating from Central Queensland University in June 1998 with a Bachelor of Human Movement Science, and from Queensland University of Technology in June 2000 with a Graduate Diploma of Health Science (majoring in Human Movement with a specialisation in Exercise Rehabilitation), Merendi has been working in the areas of occupational rehabilitation, personal training and with health and well-being programs since 1999.

She has reached the highest level of accreditation with ESSA as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP), which allows her to see clients referred under the "Medicare Enhanced Primary Health Care Scheme" and "Department of Veteran Affairs". Merendi has been in private practice for 7 years working within a range of areas including Workers Compensation, Corporate Health, Chronic Disease Management and Occupational Rehabilitation.

Merendi's individually developed wellness programs are for people of all ages and fitness levels. She has a fresh and vibrant, but structured approach to her programs, thus ensuring that you stay highly motivated and focused on achieving your goals, whilst also having fun along the way.

Merendi is also an experienced Rehabilitation Consultant. She has worked for a number of Self Insured companies assisting them in returning their injured employees successfully to their pre-employment positions. Merendi has excellent skills in developing goal-orientated rehabilitation and return to work plans. She is a qualified Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator with Q-Comp and is currently a recognised rehabilitation provider with Comcare (Federal Workers Compensation).

As well as her private practice, Merendi's experience includes:

Being the current 'Chair' for QLD ESSA (formerly AAESS)
Being a Director of QLD AAESS
Being the 2009 President of the community run C&K Samford Community Kindergarten
Being an active Task Force member for the "Caboolture Mums & Little Ones Project"
Conducting Health & Fitness Evaluations and providing advice on exercise and general health for various Corporate Groups
Conducting Group Fitness Classes for mothers during pregnancy and post-birth
Conducting“Ergonomic Workstation Assessments” for a variety of Companies
Working for a number of Occupational Rehabilitation Providers developing and coordinating “Pain Management & Work Hardening" Programs, and delivering exercise programs for injured workers
Working as a Rehabilitation Consultant for a number of Self Insured Companies and Large Employers to assist in returning their injured employees back to work
Presenting a number of seminars on the benefits of exercise in improving Health and Wellbeing for special groups such as Diabetes, Breast Cancer and Pregnancy

On a personal note, Merendi is a mother to 6 year old non-identical twin boys and 3 year old daughter. Since becoming a mum in 2004 Merendi now understands and appreciates the importance of good health and exercise during pregnancy and after giving birth. Since this time she has developed a specialist interest in developing specific exercise programs for women during their pregnancy and postbirth, due to her own experiences of pregnancy, child birth and raising children. Merendi herself knows the time constraints of mothers and offers exercise programs tailored to fit in with every mother's busy life.

See Merendi's articles and her responses as an Expert Panelist and Contributor on the following websites, newsletters and magazines;

Follow Merendi on Twitter for links to great articles, tips, resources and to see what she is up to.

Follow Merendi on Facebook

Join Merendi on LinkedIn

Link to Merendi's NetworkedBlogs page

Carly Ryan

Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist - BAppSc (HMS), AEP, MESSA

Carly graduated 2005 from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement Studies and has been working as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist for Merendi Health & Wellness since February 2006.

Carly was appointed as our Project Coordinator for the Healthy Lifestyle Program (Lighten Up to a Healthy Lifestyle) in May 2007 and is responsible for developing a range of nutrition and physical activity education and intervention programs for chronic disease and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in the Gympie and Cooloola shire regions.

Carly has worked with a wide range of populations, with a particular interest in chronic diseases such as Type II Diabetes and injury rehabilitation. She currently works with clients through schemes such as Medicare Australia, Department of Veteran Affairs, WorkCover Qld, private health funds and insurance companies. Carly is qualified to perform a range of health assessments including pre-employment, functional capacity evaluations and fitness tests. She also conducts a variety of education seminars to many different populations including chronic disease support groups, general practitioners and general population, which focus on suitable exercise interventions for varying types of medical conditions including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease etc. Carly currently sees clients in the northern suburbs of Brisbane and in Gympie.

Carly is a qualified Pilates Matwork Instructor and specializes in core strength and posture from people with low back or neck pain right through to anybody looking for a fun low impact exercise alternative.

Her goal with every client is to assess all problem areas and weaknesses through a range of assessment tools and then works with the client to devise a specific, planned exercise program. Through combining a range of education and tips for motivation she loves to help all her clients with any type of goal, from improving cardiovascular fitness, to enhancing function and strength, or increasing flexibility and core stability. From self-managed programs to personal training Carly can help you get the most of your program!

On a personal note, Carly enjoys lots of spectator sports and in her spare time loves walking, reading, watching movies and listening to music.

Jessie Smith

Accredited Exercise Physiologist - BAppSc(HMS)(Hons), AEP, MESSA

Jessie graduated in 2009 from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Human Movement Studies, and first class honours. She has been working as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist since February 2010.

Prior to working for Merendi Health and Wellness, Jessie ran her own business which specialised in running falls prevention and exercise classes for over 50 and elderly populations. Running a business in these areas has given Jessie experience working in falls prevention, chronic disease management, injury management and healthy ageing and has fed her interest in working in working with clients facing these issues.

Jessie is a qualified Pilates Matwork Instructor and is able to run specific Pilates classes as well as utilising Pilate’s techniques to improve core strength and posture in her one-on-one sessions. She is also a certified ‘Lungs in Action’ Instructor having recently completed training with the Australian Lung Foundation which allows her to work with people with lung conditions such as COPD once they have completed a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Jessie currently runs a ‘Lungs in Action’ class at Caboolture and is looking to begin a ‘Lungs in Action’ class in the Annerley area soon. She currently works with clients through schemes such as Medicare Australia, Department of Veteran Affairs, WorkCover Qld, private health funds and insurance companies.

At work, Jessie loves seeing the difference that exercise makes to people’s health, ease of movement and quality of life. Outside of work hours, she enjoys socialising, eating and exercising with friends, as well as woodwork and reading.

Christie Emsley

Accredited Practising Dietitian & Exercise Scientist - BHSc(Nutr&Diet)(Hons), BAppSc(HMS)(Hons)

Christie has completed a double degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and Human Movement Studies. She entered into the university course as a result of her passion for food, exercise and healthy living. Christie is certified by the Dietitians Association of Australia as an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and a recognised Exercise Scientist (ES) with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).

As an APD Christie can:

undertake anthropometric assessments (height, weight and waist circumference)
evaluate and make recommendations regarding the nutritional quality of your diet
assist you in achieving your nutritional and health goals.

Christie works with a range of clients including:

chronic medical conditions under the Medicare EPHCP Scheme
Veterans Affairs who have heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and
Private/insurance.

She works predominantly with individuals in the areas of diabetes and weight loss. Christie also delivers Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus group nutrition education sessions. As a triathlete, she has particular interest in nutrition for exercise, sports training and competition.

Areas she covers, but not limited to include:

Diabetes management
Weight Loss
Cholesterol management
Food Intolerances and Allergies
Improving general nutrition and energy levels

Mitch Peterman

Accredited Practising Dietitian/Accredited Exercise Physiologist - BHlthSc(Nutr&Diet)(Hons)/BAppSc(HMS)(Hons), APD, AEP, ESSAM

Mitch graduated from Queensland University of Technology(QUT) in 2011 with a double degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and Human Movement Studies. Throughout his university degree, Mitch gained practical experience working in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, community clinics and schools. He has been working as an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Merendi Health & Wellness since January 2012. Prior to this he was working as an Exercise Scientist running various Fitness Classes with Merendi Health & Wellness.

Mitch is passionate about helping people achieve better health through good nutrition and regular physical activity. He has a particular interest in providing advice on conditions that can be managed through both diet and exercise. Main areas that he covers, but not limited to include:

Diabetes management
Cholesterol management
Weight loss
Weight gain
Bone health

Outside of work, Mitch enjoys playing touch football, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Kitty Chan

Physiotherapist - B.Phty, M.Phty (Manipulative)

Kitty is a registered physiotherapist and has been working in this area for about 11 years. She has a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree, which she completed in 2001. She has also completed a Master of Manipulative Physiotherapy in 2004. Both degrees were studied at the University of Queensland.

As part of her professional development, she has completed Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling, Musculoskeletal Aquatic Physiotherapy and Aquatic Physiotherapy in Neurology and Disability.

Prior to joining Merendi, she has worked in many areas such as;

sports and orthopaedic,
neurology,
maternity,
post surgery,
respiratory and
post-injury rehabilitation settings.

Kitty provides physiotherapy services to clients with;

post orthopaedic surgery,
respiratory condition,
chronic condition under EPC program,
pregnancy related muscle and joint pain,
work-related injuries through either work cover claims or private insurance companies.

Kitty's goal with every client is to assess referred problem area(s) and administers appropriate treatment, which may cover hands-on, exercises, education, acupuncture and hydrotherapy etc, depending on their condition.

She facilitates clients to self manage their pain issues by a multidisciplinary approach, in order to help them achieve their realistic goals.

Christie Will

Remedial Massage Therapist - BA(psych), Dip Remedial Massage, Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI)

While studying psychology at the University of Queensland Christie was encouraged to try something different to keep up her interest in her university studies. So, under advice from her mother, Christie signed up for a relaxation massage course in 1998. After doing a week of ‘work experience’ at the end on 1998, she was offered a casual job as a physiotherapy assistant at a large multidisciplinary clinic at Manly West, which she started in 1999. Christie completed her Bachelor of Arts (double major psychology) mid 1999 but found massage more her style for the current time.

Finally in 2006 she went back to study her Diploma of Remedial Massage part time and graduated in January 2008. In 2009 Christie completed her Certified Infant Massage Instructors course, enabling her to teach parents and guardians how to massage their babies and children.

Christie's specialities in styles of massage include Relaxation, Remedial, Deep Tissue, Lymphatic & Hot Stone.

Christie has been a member of Australian Natural Therapists Association since March 2008 and a Professional Member of the Infant Massage Information Services since 2009.

Antonia Lockitch

Counsellor - Mst Gestalt Psychotherapy, BSW, BYW

Antonia has 18 years experience practising as a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, social worker & lecturer in hospitals, hospices, sexual assault centres, infertility clinics, schools, private practise & crisis situations. I offer a safe, confidential, respectful & caring space for discussing sensitive issues & exploring challenges.

She encourages self-care whilst facilitating change; allowing you to take control of areas of your life that feel overwhelming or stressful. Together we will explore self awareness, assess choices & make realistic changes in your lifestyle & relationships.

Antonia is a member of:

Gestalt Psychotherapy Australia
AASW (Aust Association of Social Workers)
Infertility Treatment Authority
ANZICA (Aust & NZ Infertility Counsellor's Association)

Agimary Joseph

Homeopath

Agimary Joseph is a homoeopath having more than 12 years experience in homoepathy. She has done Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgeory from India and her degree is recognised in Australia by Australian Register of Homeopaths.

She has got a passion in treating women’s and kids issues. In her 12 years of clinical experience she had successfully treated and dealt with numerous kids’ problems like Autism, behavioural problems, anxiety etc. Her vast knowledge and healing skills helped a large number of mums to adjust with the stress and strain that they undergo during and after pregnancy. The natural , side -effect free homoeopathic medicine helps to achieve a healthy conception, healthy infant and healthy childhood.

She treats all age groups and sectors and have a very good number of happy clients worldwide. She is dedicated to her profession and patient welfare and maintains high level of professional ethics and privacy policy. She is regularly updating the knowledge and skills by attending seminars and workshops.

She is a member of A.R.O.H since 2008. She holds ` A ‘class registration from Homoeopathic medical Council , India . She was a member and Doctor of Homoeopathy (H.D) from Canadian Council of Homoeopathy during the years 2001-2004.