Hi, my name is Monika and I am O-health’s newest Exercise Physiologist. 

I grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Every summer since I can remember, my family along with friends would drive up the Hume Hwy to our annual holiday destination of Lake Hume.  So, if you ask me, I like to call myself a summer local here in Albury. 

I completed my Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) and Masters of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation at Victoria University and have worked with a diverse clientele from older adults, fall risks, post knee/ hip replacements, differing neurological conditions and children. 

My love for exercise physiology comes from my love of supporting people to build confidence in both themselves and their own abilities. Whether that’s being able to do something they could do before or finding their new normal post injury. 

Netball is my sporting passion. I have played and coached netball at various levels. I have played and coached locally in Altona and Werribee, represented Werribee at the Rep Squad level, played in the Victoria State Title for ELMER region, represented Victoria University at several University Competitions and Victoria University Western Lightning / Melbourne University Lightning in the Victoria Netball League and most recently, the Diggers Rest Burra’s A grade team, in the Riddle District Football Netball League.                                 

Coaching came quite easily. I have always enjoyed working with passionate kids trying to be the next “Australian Diamond” even if they were only 10. My biggest coaching achievement has never been the trophies my girls secured, but the look in their eyes when fitness testing to do their best, teaching them a new skill and seeing them put it into practice in a game and seeing them become more confident in the team, but more importantly themselves. No matter the age, everyone always needs someone to believe in them. I would always find myself saying to any team I coached, you wouldn’t be out there if you couldn’t do it. The same goes in the gym or exercise rehab space. The hardest thing is showing up, the rest might be hard, but will become easier. 

                   

I’ve been fortunate to coach with Bianca Chatfield in Victoria University’s Bianca Chatfield Netball Academy. Working alongside like-minded individuals always created a great working environment. When I was 14, I first stepped on the Victoria University Footscray Park campus and joined the first ever VU Netball Academy. Four years later I found myself studying at the same campus, representing the Uni in national competitions, leading the representative squad and then coaching back in the academy I first started in.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, getting dressed up and having a dance, watching Disney films, eating food and travelling. 

I would describe myself as a team player and community minded and love to give back whenever I get the opportunity. I cannot wait to embrace all things Albury and all things O-health. To be able to work with so many amazing allied health professionals I can now call my colleagues and most of all, I’m excited to meet all of you. 

 

Monika, 

Exercise Physiologist.