EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST & DIRECTOR
Kyle Richardson
Kyle started his exercise & sport science career with a Bachelor of Exercise Science at ACU with a minor in Psychology and finished his post graduate studies in Exercise Physiology in 2008. He commenced his career at Epworth Hospital, Richmond, exposed to a wide range of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions and has spent the last 10 years working in private practice on the Mornington Peninsula, in the eastern suburbs and now as co-director of PXP. Kyle recently completed accreditation as a level 1 strength and conditioning coach to further his own professional development.
Kyle has developed a very personal connection with patients who struggle to deal with the limitations and barriers that come with long term pain, injury and disease. He has worked with patients as young as 5 and as old as 95, giving him a real perspective of health and wellbeing across one’s lifespan. Kyle is a huge Melbourne Demons supporter and loves going to the footy. For exercise Kyle likes weights, yoga, rock climbing, cycling and kayaking. He lives with his wife Danielle and their two cats Juliet and Daisy.
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST & DIRECTOR
Beth Chiuchiarelli
Beth completed an Undergraduate degree in Exercise Science in 2008 at Victoria University. She was selected to work in the Sport Science sector as a trainee at Victorian Institute of Sport until 2010 whilst studying for her Masters degree in Exercise Physiology. During her studies Beth ran a cardiovascular and metabolic exercise clinic at Victoria University and worked as a Personal Trainer until 2012. Beth has a drive for excellence and education for both her patients and peers.
Beth has now been an Exercise Physiologist working in private practice for 10 years and recently completed accreditation as a level 1 strength and conditioning coach to further her own professional development. Beth is a passionate netball player and spends as much time outdoors riding dirt bikes camping and travelling. This record of challenging herself has inspired her ability to challenge others in their rehabilitation, strength and performance goals at any level. She loves time with her family, her friends, and her border collie Millie.
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST & STUDENT PLACEMENT SUPERVISOR
Emma Abfalter
Emma completed her Masters of Exercise Physiology at ACU after many years of coaching and personal training. She grew up in a very active family and this fostered her passion for wanting to improve people’s health and wellbeing through exercise.
Emma is enthusiastic and motivating in her approach to exercise therapy and strives to help people have positive movement experiences. Emma enjoys working in all areas of health across all age groups. She has a particular interest in musculoskeletal conditions, mental health and invisible illnesses including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) as well as working with older people to help maintain their functional capacity, enabling them to continue to do the things they enjoy.
When she isn’t working she likes to be at the beach, practicing yoga and creating all sorts of art works.
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Chris Kardaras
Chris has completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Health science and a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at ACU. He has since continued with Research at ACU investigating the effect of exercise on metabolically associated fatty liver disease.
Chris has many interests relating to all areas of health with particular interest in metabolic conditions and employing high intensity interval training in a clinical setting. His belief in the benefits of exercise and his commitment in helping others live a better quality of life is the primary motivation for working as an exercise physiologist. Chris has played soccer for over 12 years and spends most of his time outdoors, camping, hiking, snowboarding and surfing. He enjoys testing his limits and using his experience to understand himself and others better.
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Sonja Cornes
Sonja is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who completed her degree in 2021 at the University of Sydney. Sonja has a long standing passion for exercise and movement. She began as a personal trainer in 2017 and quickly sought to engage in further study to support people on their health journey.
Upon completing her degree, Sonja moved to Melbourne and started working as an Exercise Physiologist. She has experience working with a diverse range of people and conditions.
Sonja is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to develop the skills to manage their condition and to build their confidence in their bodies through movement.
Outside of work, you’ll find Sonja reading, training or going out for hikes!
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Shawn Connor
Shawn has been working in gyms since 2006 and completed his Masters in Clinical Exercise Science in 2013 at Victoria University (and even had Beth as a teacher).
Shawn has worked in a variety of environments, including Elite Sports (both Junior and Senior), private clinics with physios, gyms, and even ran his own gym for 7 years. His passion for strength training was discovered after suffering a variety of injuries sustained during representative level basketball. His passion involves helping others find the positive impact that strength training can have on their life.
In his spare time Shawn enjoys smoking meats, woodworking, and spending time with his wife Bree and their kelpie Millie.
Receptionist
Tanya Ferraro
Tanya completed a Bachelor of Science degree, with honors in Anatomy, in 1995 at Monash University. Since then she has worked as a Forensic Officer with VicPol, before moving into public health as a Renal Physiologist with both Melbourne and Northern Health for 21 years.
On the way she completed a graduate certificate and diploma in Occupational Health Safety and Environment, enjoyed many overseas holidays, and met and married her wonderful husband Dave.
When she isn’t taxiing her two children to their many extracurricular activities, she enjoys working out at the gym, good expresso and the occasional glass of red.