About instinct

Gerry Lokic

Physiotherapist

Gerry is a dedicated physiotherapist who is passionate about helping people move better, recover from injury, and return to the activities they enjoy most. After completing a Bachelor of Nursing at Queensland University of Technology, Gerry went on to complete his Master of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University of Technology. His background in both professions has given him a broad understanding of healthcare and the importance of treating the whole person, not just the injury.

Originally from Brisbane, Gerry moved to Melbourne in 2010 and has since gained experience across private practice, hospital, and occupational rehabilitation. He enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, with particular interests in spinal conditions, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, bone health, bone stress injuries, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis.

Gerry believes the key to successful rehabilitation is helping people understand their condition, the underlying pathology, and working together to develop a clear plan to optimise recovery. He combines thorough assessment, manual therapy, tailored rehabilitation, and education to help clients build confidence and achieve lasting results. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, managing a long-term condition, or returning to work or sport, Gerry enjoys guiding them through every stage of their rehabilitation.

Proud of his Polish heritage, Gerry values the strong family values, resilience, and work ethic his parents instilled in him, which continue to influence both his personal life and clinical practice.

Outside the clinic, Gerry enjoys spending time with his partner and their two pre-teen children. You’ll often find him cycling around The Boulie, jumping on Zwift or a spin bike, strength training, reading biographies, or catching up on the latest tabloid headlines. A Brisbane native at heart, he still proudly follows the Wallabies, Brisbane Broncos, and Brisbane Lions.

Gerry’s goal is simple: to help people stay active, feel confident in their bodies, and get back to doing the things they love.

Taylah Bourke

Physiotherapist

Taylah graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Master of Physiotherapy Practice.

Taylah has worked in private practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne for the past 5 years. She loves working with a range of different clients and their various injuries. She has a special interest in foot and ankle injuries and post-operative rehabilitation. She also loves working with the spine, in particular low back pain, neck pain and headaches.

Taylah grew up playing competitive basketball, which is where her passion for Physiotherapy and Strength and Conditioning started. In addition to her clinical work, Taylah is still active in the gym - taking both group classes and 1:1 personal training clients.

Outside of clinic, Taylah enjoys going to the gym, playing basketball and visiting her family and friends back in her native Tasmania.

Richard Taylor

Senior Physiotherapist

Richard Taylor B.Physio. BSci. (Sports) studied Physiotherapy at Melbourne University and Sports Science at Edith Cowan University (WA).

Richard has worked with a number of elite sporting bodies including the Hawthorn Football Club, & AFL Victoria Metro Under 18’s Team. He has also worked with VAFA clubs including Old Carey and St Mary’s Salesian Football Clubs. He has also starred as a player, and physio of the Marcellin Bald Eagles Football Club.

Richard has a clinical interest in the management of a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries including cervical and lumbar spine dysfunction, lower limb injuries and overuse injuries.He is currently completing a Master in Physiotherapy, researching risk factors associated with acute and recurrent hamstring injuries in the AFL.

Sophie Rubira

Physiotherapist

Sophie is a women's health and pelvic floor physiotherapist with a special interest in supporting women across every stage of life, from pregnancy and the postpartum period through to managing pelvic pain, endometriosis, incontinence, and sexual pain. She is deeply passionate about this work and committed to helping women feel heard, understood, and empowered in their recovery.

Sophie completed her Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science before graduating with her Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney in 2017. Since then she has pursued advanced training in pelvic floor and women's health physiotherapy, building the specialist expertise to guide women through some of the most significant physical transitions of their lives.

Alongside her women's health focus, Sophie brings extensive experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Her background spans private practice, football clubs, and Clinical Pilates instruction. As a former competitive swimmer at state and national level, she understands firsthand the physical and emotional demands of recovering from injury and returning to the sport or activity you love.

Sophie takes a holistic, patient-centred approach, tailoring every treatment plan to the individual and their goals. Outside the clinic, you'll find her cheering on the Cats, exploring new corners of the world, or chasing the nearest beach.

Erin Noble

Physiotherapist

Erin completed her Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney. During this time she also taught Clinical Pilates classes and was a Physiotherapist for the North Sydney Bears.

Following her graduation, she relocated to rural Queensland to gain an unbeatable experience as a New Graduate Physiotherapist.

It was through this pathway that she was able to complete her Sports Physiotherapy Level 1 Course and attend the national Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Conference in Perth.

Growing up competing in Calisthenics, paired with her involvement in running national dance competitions, allowed her to develop a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of human movement.

Mitch Cunningham

Senior Physiotherapist & Clinical Mentor

Mitch completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy at University of South Australia and holds a Master's in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy from La Trobe University. Mitch’s earliest interest in becoming a physio came from his own personal experience after two knee surgeries (both ACL reconstructions). He learned a lot from this as a client himself, and continues to take pride in guiding his own clients through their rehabilitation journeys.

He has a strong interest in sports performance and has been involved with football at high levels. Mitch has worked as Head Physiotherapist for Port Melbourne in the VFLW, and has previously worked with both Carlton and Collingwood in their respective AFL and AFLW programs. Mitch was also the Head Physio for Old Carey in the VAFA and worked at West Adelaide Football club in the SANFL.

Mitch likes to help his clients achieve their goals through a combination of education, hands on treatment and self-management strategies to empower clients to take charge of their own health and well-being. He is also passionate about strength and exercise training, and believes this is a fantastic adjunct to what he is able to achieve in the clinic. Mitch believes in an adaptation focused rehabilitation strategy to restore anatomy and physiology to optimal function.

Outside of Physio, you’ll usually find Mitch immersed in sport. He has played basketball and football from a young age and has recently found a new obsession - golf. He loves to travel, especially when he is able to hit the slopes on his snowboard. Mitch adores his family and friends, and he loves a weekend winery tour. And don’t forget his unwavering support for his native Adelaide Crows!

Matt Pallozzi

Director & Senior Physiotherapist

Matt founded Instinct Health in 2017 after several years working across a number of health-care settings. He first worked as a Physiotherapist for Eastern Health and experienced work in a number of acute and rehabilitation settings including Emergency Departments, Outpatient and Fracture Clinics as well as working in neurological rehabilitation. He then pursued in a private physiotherapy clinic in Blackburn before going out on his own and starting Instinct Health.

As well as his work at Instinct, Matt works for Collingwood as the Head Physiotherapist for their AFLW program. This is a great experience to work with the most elite female athletes in the country and is a great transferrable skillset that he has been able to bring back to Instinct and adopt with his clients in the clinic. Prior to Collingwood, Matt has also worked at the Carlton and Hawthorn football clubs in their AFLW programs. As well as working with sports related injuries, Matt has a keen interested in treating neck pain and back pain. He has always been a big believer in the effectiveness of Clinical Pilates in managing these conditions and preventing their recurrence in future.

Outside of work, Matt loves keeping fit and active. He has completed triathlons, marathons and but now gets his “kicks” on the golf course as a member at the Kew Golf Club. He loves skiing in the winter, and getting away to the coast in summer. When he’s got some spare time, he’s a keen family man and loves spending time with his nieces and nephews!

Emily Cunningham

Practice Manager

Emily (Em) is one of our admin team members who can always be spotted at the front desk with a warm and bubbly presence. She loves getting to know both new and existing clients and is highly enthusiastic to help everyone in every way she can. Additionally, Em is always down for a chat and will always ask how someone's day is going.

Em is now a proud home-owner after moving from country Victoria, originally hailing from the little country town of Yea. She studied a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Deakin University. On top of her full time work at the Clinic, Emily is a Support Worker for NDIS clients. Em has a wealth of experience and knowledge in allied health, nursing and customer service areas. 

Em has a strong passion for challenging herself and has delved into a variety of community and volunteer projects both interstate and overseas. Some of her interests include painting, outdoor activities and spending quality time with her friends and family. Em loves her cat, Finn, and both she, and Finn are massive Hawthorn supporters.

Maya Martin

Admin Assistant

Maya is part of our admin team, and she loves being able to help clients while keeping the clinic running smoothly. She enjoys being a part of the friendly team at Instinct, and is always happy to answer questions, or have a chat.

Maya is currently studying at Melbourne University, pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Economics and Management. She recently returned from an exchange semester in Barcelona (but don’t ask her how her Spanish is!) and enjoys university debating, and regularly getting involved in weekend tournaments. Maya’s work experience includes a range of experience in retail and hospitality settings, as well as organising educational programs for high school students. These client-facing positions have contributed to her coordination and interpersonal skills, which make her a great fit for her role at our front desk!

Alongside her study and work, Maya enjoys making time for exploring new places. She loves road trips and has grown to like camping, setting herself a goal to see 10 new places in Victoria this year! She also loves going on walks with her beloved Labrador-cross Cocker Spaniel, Daisy.

Micaela Jacobs

Physiotherapist

Micaela graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. Inspired by her personal journey of overcoming injuries, Micaela brings a unique blend of empathy and expertise to her practice.

With 5 years of experience in private practice, Micaela is not just a physio—she's a sports enthusiast. From university rugby matches to soccer and netball teams, her passion for sports extends beyond the clinic. Micaela loves handling diverse injuries and post-operative care, showcasing her commitment to comprehensive client well-being. Trained in advanced dry needling techniques, she integrates this, and other innovative approaches into her practice.

Clients appreciate Micaela's down-to-earth style, finding comfort in her compassionate care. Her commitment to continuous learning and growth shows in her evolving practice. Micaela believes in a holistic, client-centred philosophy, emphasising the healing power of a positive mind and energy.

Outside the clinic, Micaela loves the outdoors, especially the beach and cherishing family time - believing in the importance of a balanced life for overall wellbeing. As a new comer she is eager to embrace and navigate the vibrant culture of Melbourne, especially the restaurants!

Currently on maternity leave and expected to return in 2027.