Brindabella Park

Brindabella Park Staff Members

Michaela Thornton

Director; Principal Physiotherapist; Strength & Conditioning Coach

B.Ex.Sc., Master in Physiotherapy, MAPA
FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine
ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach

Michaela joined our team in 2014 after completing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra. In addition, Michaela holds Certificates III and IV in Fitness, Level 1 and 2 Sports Physiotherapy, a Diploma in Sports Nutrition, a FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine, Level 1 Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Coaches Accreditation and AFC/FA C License. She is currently completing her Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Coaches Accreditation with ASCA.

Michaela has a heavy background in Football (soccer) and Futsal so her professional interests in private practice lean towards acute sporting injuries, particularly of the ankle and knee. However, she has previously worked in aged care as well as in a hospital setting at Calvary Hospital, gaining experience in the ICU, Orthopaedic and Medical wards providing cardiorespiratory and neurological Physiotherapy.

Michaela is the current Team Physiotherapist for Canberra United in the A-League Women’s, and Head Physiotherapist for the Canberra United Academy squads, Capital Footballs Talented Sports and Elite Programs as well as Tigers FC and Canberra Olympic FC in the Men’s National Premier League and Canberra Juventus FC and Canberra White Eagles FC in the Capital Premier League.

Physiotherapist; Strength & Conditioning Coach; Clinical Pilates Instructor

M.Sports.Sci., Doc.Physio
ASCA Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Coach

Josh graduated from the Macquarie University Doctor of Physiotherapy program in 2022. He has a background in Rugby Union and Strength Sports, particularly Powerlifting.

Josh has also completed a Master of Sports Science degree and is an Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Level 2 accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Josh has been involved in multiple sports, across different levels of competition, including AFL, Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Soccer. Most recently he has completed a physiotherapy internship with the Sydney Swans during the 2022 season.

He has a special interest in lower limb and sporting injuries, as well as developing long term strategies to reduce the risk of re-injury and to achieve your goals.

Josh is passionate about using his Strength and Conditioning background to help develop healthy relationships with physical activity during and after the rehabilitation process.

Josh Eastburn

Kareena Braunig

Remedial Massage Therapist

Kareena is originally from Sydney and has moved to Canberra to complete a Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra. She graduated from a Diploma of Remedial Massage in 2015 and a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at Western Sydney University in 2022. 

She completed the placement of her undergraduate degree with the Corrimal Cougars Presidents Cup team in 2022.

As a massage therapist, Kareena has experience in sports, corporate and clinical positions. She enjoys the variety of being able to perform different massage modalities and address the varying needs of her clients.

Director; Business Manager

Michelle has been a Director and business manager of Performance Edge physiotherapy since 1994. 

She is also passionate about mind / body health, working in the health industry of over 30 years as a Personal trainer & Pilates mat work instructor both in the clinic and with Leicester Tigers Rugby Union club. 

In her spare time Mich enjoys working out in the gym, motor bike rides & hanging out with the fam.

Michelle Hollis

Michelle Hollis

Mikayla Hedditch

Mikayla Hedditch

Practice Manager; Senior Receptionist

Mikayla joined the PEP family in 2020 and is now the Practice Manager of all 3 clinics. She is currently studying Interior Architecture at the University of Canberra in hopes of becoming an interior designer one day. 

When Miki is not working or studying she loves doing puzzles and playing with her dog Alfie!