Our Team
Melanie Taheny (Kastelein)
Melanie is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and the Owner of Vitality Health and Rehab.
Melanie studied a Bachelor of Exercise Science (Rehab) and later went on to complete her Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2013. She has a keen interest in Women's Health, Mental Health and Oncology. Melanie enjoys the challenge of working with individuals of a diverse medical background and applying clinically relevant treatment to develop a tailored exercise programs.
"I have a passion for helping individuals achieve better health and a better life through movement and exercise. I believe that exercise shouldn't have to be difficult or strenuous, it just needs to be a part of your everyday life, and ENJOYABLE. I love to introduce people to exercise they never thought they would be able to do and seeing them achieve their goals. I believe that exercise and movement are key factors to maintaining good health in conjunction with a good diet and mental health. Healthy body = healthy mind!"
We provide services for Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), Workover, Medicare, NDIS. Private health rebates apply.
Hillary Grubb
Hillary is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based at our Coconut Grove and Yarrawonga locations.
Hillary studied a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Human Movement, followed by her Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2017. She holds a strong interest in Neurological Rehabilitation, having experience working with clients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and more. Hillary also has over 6 years of experience working with adults with intellectual and physical disabilities and prides herself on her ability to engage with and build rapport with individuals from all walks of life. She enjoys the challenge of tailoring exercise programs to everyone's specific needs.
"I have a passion for helping people improve their quality of life through activity and exercise. I strongly believe people of all ages and ability’s should be able to lead a healthy and active life style. I enjoy collaborating with all allied health professionals to achieve the best outcomes for our clients as I believe a holistic approach to health and well being is crucial!"
We provide services for Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), Workover, Medicare, NDIS. Private health rebates apply.
Emma Labessa
Emma is an Exercise Scientist based at our Coconut Grove clinic and is our Clinic Manager for both our Yarrawonga and Coconut Grove clinics.
Emma graduated her Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science in 2015 and has been working and managing businesses in the fitness industry ever since. Emma is also an International Tennis Performance Specialist and whilst loves working with athletes, loves working with individuals in a clinical setting and individuals living with disability more.
“I have a true passion for helping individuals improve their health and well-being in every aspect. Working in an industry knowing that you are making a difference every day is exactly where I want to be.”
Reni Hicks
Reni is an Exercise Scientist based at our Coconut Grove Clinic.
Reni moved up from country Victoria for football and an opportunity to work in the health industry. She completed a 3-year Bachelor degree of Exercise and Sports Science and is now completing her Masters in Exercise Physiology. Reni has always been around sport and exercise, through coaching juniors and senior women's football teams and playing sport herself
"I love the ability exercise has on being able to improve client's quality of life, both physically and mentally. I'm excited for a career in this line of work."
Alex Lean
Alex is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based at our Coconut Grove and Yarrawonga clinics.
Alex is originally from rural South Australia and studied a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at UniSA, before completing his Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology through Flinders University in 2023. He has a keen interest in neurological & musculoskeletal conditions and brings an array of play-based activities into the gym environment. Alex enjoys building rapport with his clientele and getting to know their interests and hobbies. This helps him prescribe tailored exercise programs which assist clientele to perform their activities of daily living and reach their goals.
Alex is passionate about many different sports including AFL, cricket, basketball and NRL. He is an avid Adelaide Crows supporter but don’t hold that against him. Other interests of Alex’s include camping, travelling, quiz nights, bargain-hunting and socialising with his mates.
“I love that there are so many health benefits from participating in regular exercise. I find it very rewarding helping clientele incorporate physical activity into their daily lifestyles so they can stay healthy and independent, feel better about themselves and do more of the things they love”
We provide services for Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), Workcover, Medicare and NDIS. Private health rebates apply.
alex@vitalityhealthrehab.com.au
Calvin Bithell
Calvin is an Exercise Scientist based at our Coconut Grove and Yarrawonga clinics.
Calvin studied a certificate III and IV in fitness and has worked in the fitness industry for several years before graduating his Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science from Charles Darwin University in late 2021. Calvin holds a keen interest in strength and conditioning, whist also eager to assist those with a range of physical and mental challenges.
“It brings me great joy to help clients achieve their health and wellbeing goals. Assisting and making a difference to an individual’s lifestyle through exercise is very heart warming. I really enjoy building rapport with clients, whist also watching them progress in their journey. I truly believe every client is different, however each person should be treated with the same high level of respect and attention as the next. This is something that is close to me and that I strive to achieve
Nick Kastelein
Nick, an invaluable member of the Vitality team, is a seasoned professional with a remarkable 15-year career as a professional triathlete, marked by numerous triumphs in Ironman competitions.
His profound expertise in swimming, cycling, and running is the result of years of dedication and success in the field.
Transitioning into coaching as his full-time role, Nick channels his wealth of experience into specialized one-on-one and remote services. His mission is to unlock the full potential of the athletes he collaborates with, drawing on his extensive knowledge and well-honed skills honed through years of competitive racing.
A proud graduate in Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, Nick seamlessly integrates academic insights with practical experience, adding another layer of depth to the Vitality team. His commitment to optimizing athletic performance and his multifaceted approach make him an indispensable asset to both the team and the athletes he guides toward their goals.
Georgie Forrest
Georgie is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based at our Coconut Grove and Yarrawonga clinics.
Georgie studied a Bachelor of Exercise Science, followed by Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Flinders University in 2022. Georgie has had clinical experience working with people with a range of chronic conditions from neurological to metabolic, as well as experience within the vocational rehabilitation space.
Georgie is a big believer in the power of exercise as medicine and loves seeing her clients discover and reap the benefits of movement in the management of injury rehabilitation and chronic condition management. Thinking holistically about the person you are treating is key, and Georgie understands the importance of listening to client goals and working with clients collaboratively to achieve their highest quality of life.
“I love empowering people of all ages to achieve their health goals by providing them with the information and tools to lead an active lifestyle that is sustainable long-term.”
Outside of work Georgie likes to keep active by attending group gym classes, going for beach walks with friends, and playing netball and tennis socially. Back home in South Australia, Georgie loves spending time on the Murray River with friends and family and cannot wait to explore all of the outdoor activities the Northern Territory has to offer!
Taia McIntosh
Taia is an Accredited Prosthetist/Orthotist and our Allied Health Assistant based in our Coconut Grove and Yarrawonga clinics.
Taia has been in the fitness industry since 2017, working as a Personal Trainer, before graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Prosthetics and Orthotics, from the University of the Sunshine Coast. She is enthusiastic and committed to supporting individuals who use prosthetic and orthotic devices, helping them achieve independence and improve quality of life through tailored exercise programs.
Taia takes a holistic approach to health and fitness, focusing on client-centred care and long-term wellbeing. She enjoys staying up to date with the latest advancements in prosthetics and orthotics and is passionate about helping her clients reach their goals safely and effectively. Outside of work, Taia enjoys hiking, strength training, exploring new places, and taking her dog on adventures.
"Seeing individuals reach new goals and complete exercises they were previously nervous to try is incredibly rewarding. Helping someone increase their daily movement and/or walk again are the added bonuses that make the role so fulfilling"
Zali Gough
Zali is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist based at our Coconut Grove and Yarrawonga clinics.
Zali, originally from Brisbane, graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology from Queensland University of Technology. She is passionate about supporting individuals on their rehabilitation journey through evidence-based exercise interventions. Dedicated to enhancing quality of life, Zali focuses on creating tailored exercise programs that promote recovery, build resilience and empower people to achieve their health and functional goals.
Zali has a deep passion for team sports, especially field and indoor hockey. Having had the incredible opportunity to represent her country in indoor hockey, she found the experience both challenging and inspiring, further fuelling her love for the game. The teamwork, strategic play and fast-paced nature of hockey continue to motivate her both on and off the field. When she's not on the hockey pitch, Zali enjoys spending quality time with friends and family or exploring new places through her love of travel.
"This career is incredibly rewarding because I get to witness the positive transformations in people's lives firsthand. Watching a client regain their strength, confidence and independence after overcoming health challenges is truly empowering. The meaningful relationships we build and the impact we have on our clients' lives are the reasons I chose to become an Exercise Physiologist."
zali@vitalityhealthrehab.com.au