ABOUT

Our Team is dedicated to helping you improve the way you move. With qualifications in Osteopathy, Women's Health/Pelvic Health, remedial Massage, & Pilates. we provide comprehensive healthcare options to our community.

group photo of recover health and performance team

Our goal is to support our clients in achieving optimal health through a collaborative, holistic approach that prioritises their well-being and empowers them with education. 

THE TEAM

maddie walsh portrait at recover health and performance pilates clinic

Maddison Walsh

Osteopathy, Women’s/Pelvic Health & Pilates

Hello, I’m Maddie, the founder of Recover Health & Performance, and I take immense pride in the business we’ve built and the incredible team I work alongside.

I’m a born and bred Gippslander, having grown up on a dairy farm near Maffra, attended Gippsland Grammar in Sale, and later pursued my university studies in northern NSW and QLD. Today, I’m grateful to call Newlands Arm home, where I live with my husband Michael and our cavoodle, Honey.

Professionally, I’m passionate about supporting women’s health, movement, and wellbeing. I’m trained as an Osteopath with additional expertise in Women’s and Pelvic Health and Pilates, and I’m continually expanding my knowledge. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Clinical Science, a Master of Osteopathic Medicine, and a Master of Women’s Health Medicine from the University of NSW.

I also hold further training in pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum care, dry needling, Clinical Pilates, and exercise rehabilitation. Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of my practice- I’m always striving to grow so I can better support my clients.

Beyond the clinic, I live and breathe health and wellness in my own life. You’ll often find me in the kitchen experimenting with nourishing recipes, in the garden, or outdoors enjoying trail running, hiking, yoga, and Pilates. This commitment to holistic wellbeing shapes how I guide others on their own health journeys, blending professional expertise with genuine care.

Millie Howlett (Pilates Instructor)

Millie Howlett Pilates Instructor portrait at recover health and performance pilates studio in paynsvillle

Introducing Millie, a compassionate and gentle soul, whose caring nature shines through in everything she does. As a local East Gippslander, having grown up in Lakes Entrance. Recently, she and her partner Dylan have built a new home in Bairnsdale and welcomed their son Alfred. In her spare time Millie enjoys walks with her dog Gigi, going to the gym/Pilates and quality time with friends and family.

After completing her secondary education at Gippsland Grammar, Millie moved to Melbourne, where her love for Pilates blossomed. Her passion and expertise, eventually earning her APPI mat and reformer certification with Unite Health in November 2021.

Driven by her desire to make a positive impact, Millie is passionate about helping clients of all fitness levels improve their strength, posture, flexibility, and overall well-being through Pilates. Alongside her role as a Primary School Teacher, she stays active in her spare time, embodying the healthy lifestyle principles she advocates for.

Millie’s warmth, encouragement, and genuine care make every session a rewarding experience.

Catie White (Administration)

Catie White portrait at recover health and performance clinic in Paynsvillle

Catie is in the clinic each Thursday keeping everything organised from bookkeeping to general administration. Recently completed Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Catie has a background in early childhood education, enjoying a career change in bookkeeping with several other small businesses based in Gippsland.

She lives in Sale with her husband Jim and daughters Norah and Joanie. They are currently building their dream home on acreage in Briagolong. Catie enjoys living a healthy and active lifestyle. In her spare time, she likes to garden, bake nutritious food, spend time at the beach, hike and run.

Kate Phillips (Pilates Instructor)

Kate has recently relocated from Darwin and is excited to share her passion for movement and wellness in this beautiful part of the world.

Her Pilates journey started in 2013 after experiencing sever hip pain, which led to a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Since then, she has undergone two hip replacements. Pilates played a critical role her recovery and return to doing the things she loves.

Through her experience, she has seen first-hand how powerful and healing Pilates can be. It not only helped her regain strength and mobility but also inspired her to dive deeper into learning and eventually teaching. 

Kate truly believes Pilates is for every ‘body’. We are all unique and no two bodies are the same. Her goal as an instructor is to create a welcoming, supportive space where movement becomes a tool for healing, growth and self-discovery. As Joseph Pilates said, ‘change happens through movement and movement heals’.

Ruby Dunkley (pilates instructor)

Ruby discovered her love for Pilates in 2023 when she started attending Recover Pilates classes. 

Having recently completed her Pilates instructor course through Unite Health she is looking forward to helping people move in a way that’s good for their body and mind. Ruby believes Pilates is for everyone and can’t wait to encourage everyone to feel their best.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her puppy Huey, going for walks, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, camping and playing netball.

Honey (Pilates Puppy)

Honey Pilates Puppy at Recover Health and Performance Clinic in Bairnsdale

Honey, the adorable Cavoodle who adds a touch of sweetness to our clinic. As our beloved receptionist, Honey welcomes every client with boundless enthusiasm and a wagging tail.

When it comes to food, Honey is a bit of a connoisseur, with a discerning palate and a preference for nibbling on whatever Mum and Dad are enjoying. But don't be fooled by her picky eating habits—this fluffy pup knows how to enjoy the finer things in life.

Honey's favourite pastime? Basking in the warmth of the sun, soaking up its rays for hours on end. She also enjoys leisurely strolls, taking in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood, and of course, going for a ride on the Pilates reformer whenever she gets the chance.

With her infectious energy and lovable personality, Honey brings joy to everyone she meets at our clinic. Whether she's charming clients with her playful antics or cuddling up for a nap in the sun, she's an integral part of our team, spreading smiles wherever she goes.

anna (Pilates Instructor)

Anna began her Pilates journey in 2023 and was immediately captivated. The combination of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness resonated with her like no other workout. Inspired to share this joy with others, she earned her Mat and Reformer Certificate through Breathe Education in early 2024.

Anna believes fearless movement is for everyone and creates a supportive and empowering environment in her classes. For her, Pilates isn’t just exercise—it’s a lifestyle, one that leaves her feeling strong, supple, and mentally refreshed.

Anna has lived in East Gippsland for over a decade and is a proud mum of two, a lifelong horse enthusiast, and an astrology lover. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology, she is passionate about understanding the human mind and supporting others on their journeys.

RJ (Pilates instructor)

Rikki Jo was one of the first to embrace Reformer and Mat Pilates at Recover Health & Performance when classes began in 2019. As a busy mum of four, she quickly recognised that prioritising her own wellbeing was essential to her family’s health. With a background in dance, Pilates felt like a natural fit to deepen her love of human movement.

Rikki Jo holds certifications across multiple fields, including hairdressing, real estate, early childhood, recently adding APPI mat and reformer certification. Her interest in Pilates goes beyond exercise; she's drawn to its philosophy and history, as well as adult learning principles that support engaging and goal-focused classes.

When she’s not instructing, Rikki Jo enjoys brisk daily walks with her family dogs, golf, and nurturing her interests in nutrition, wellness, and mental health. She’s also a talented photographer with an eye for design.

Rebecca “BEC” Reid (Pilates Instructor)

Rebecca Pilates Instructor portrait at recover health and performance pilates studio in Paynsvillle

Bec is a dedicated Pilates instructor trained through the renowned APPI program in Melbourne. Her journey into Pilates was sparked by her background in dance, igniting a passion for movement and wellness.

Originally from Melbourne, Bec ventured to East Gippsland to complete her secondary education. Now settled in the countryside, she embraces a lifestyle focused on health and physical activity.

When she's not guiding others through Pilates sessions, you can find Bec horse riding, cherishing moments with her energetic 3-year-old son Nate, and sharing quality time with her partner Nathan on their hobby farm.

With her commitment to holistic living and a genuine love for helping others thrive, Bec brings warmth, expertise, charm to every Pilates session.

Kirsty Mead (Pilates Instructor)

Kirsty is a born and bred local who spent her youth keeping fit through gymnastics and dance. This has influenced her love for movement, in particular, keeping her body flexible and supple. She still loves to cartwheel around her back yard. This connection to her youth, combined with her many years and current employment in Education Support at Bairnsdale West Primary School, has kept her young at heart and in body, mind and soul. She has a strong belief, especially as we age, that it is imperative to continue to feel empowered by living a strong and healthy lifestyle. 

She has recently completed her Pilates Instructor training with APPI and was inspired to join the Recover Team so she could continue her love of teaching in a unique environment, while also sharing her passion for holistic health and wellbeing.

In her spare time, she loves quality time with her partner, Matt, reading a good book, writing, appreciating the bird and animal life on her property and enjoying daily walks to recharge in the natural environment.

Lynette “Netti” Cooper (Yoga Teacher)

Netti is a proud Mumma to three amazing children and has recently moved back to beautiful East Gippsland after 7 years of adventures.

She found yoga when pregnant with her first child in 2007. As the years went on, she fell in love with the teachings. Through her yoga journey she was introduced to the unconditional love of reiki and the wisdom of ayurveda. Once she combined these together her life transformed from surviving to thriving.

She is a qualified yoga teacher, ayurveda lifestyle consultant, ayurveda day spa therapist, reiki practitioner & master. In 2024 she moved into the school environment as a learning assistant. Where she is absolutely loving incorporating her holistic health modalities with the children.

With a thirst for knowledge when it comes to practices that can improve the human experience. She considers a holistic approach to health and wellbeing paramount. She has extensive experience working with individuals and groups to empower them with knowledge of their unique nature. So, they can with confidence take ownership of their own health and wellbeing.