Evado StudiosThornbury

James McFarlane

Director | Principal Physiotherapist

Doctor of Physiotherapy
B. Exercise & Sport Science/B. Commerce (Sports Management)

James is the Director and Principal Physiotherapist at Evado Studios Thornbury and is passionate about giving all Evado Studios clients the belief and confidence they can take their health to the next level.

As a Physiotherapist, James enjoys working with individuals of all levels and ages in the prevention and management of injuries, in particular those with ongoing spinal pain. He has undergone extensive Clinical Pilates training and along with ensuring accurate diagnosis, he has an emphasis on individualised rehabilitation programs involving Clinical Pilates and Clinical Strength. He believes exercise plays a vital role in ensuring recovery from the initial injury through to achieving long term goals. He also enjoys working with post-operative patients to aid in their recovery and return to optimal health and performance.

James is currently the Head Physiotherapist for Northcote City FC. He has previously been involved with the Darebin Falcons VFLW and Melbourne Storm National Youth League Team, along with playing football at TAC Cup and VFL level.

Special interests:

• Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates for ongoing spinal pain
• Sports injury management
• Post-surgical rehabilitation

Tom Radicevic

Senior Physiotherapist

Master of Physiotherapy Practice
Bachelor of Health Science

Tom graduated from La Trobe University with a Master of Physiotherapy Practice and Bachelor of Health Science.

Tom’s keen interest in physiotherapy originated from his lifelong passion for sport, encountering his own injuries while playing football and basketball.  This resulted in a large amount of time spent on the physiotherapy table himself as a patient.

Tom has experience in dealing with a wide range of musculoskeletal and sports injuries both in their acute and chronic forms.  He enjoys working collaboratively with all his patients to achieve their health and fitness goals through the latest evidence-based techniques.  Tom recognises the importance of educating and empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery, using individualised exercise programs and Clinical Pilates in the studio.

Tom is currently the Head Physiotherapist for the Darebin Falcons VFLW. He has acquired valuable experience in injury prevention and management while also working as the Physiotherapist for the Sandringham Dragons in the AFL NAB League and De La Salle in the VAFA.

Sally Lynch

APA Sports Physiotherapist

APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist, MACP

Master of Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Sally is an APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist, which is a title awarded to those Physiotherapists who complete further study and obtain additional qualifications to become experts in working with and treating athletes and sportspeople. Sally enjoys the challenge of aiding her clients to reach their goals, and understands the need for injuries to be rehabilitated as quickly and safely as possible. She also understands the drive to continue playing, and believes in the power of keeping people participating and minimising time off wherever possible. 

While sport is her passion, Sally is highly experienced in working with people from all backgrounds, and does not exclusively see athletes. She has years of experience working in both the private practice and sporting settings, and enjoys helping all of her clients reach their goals, whatever they may be. 

Sally utilises a combination of manual therapy techniques, including but not limited to massage, dry needling, taping, joint mobilisations, and manipulations when indicated to aid any injury rehabilitation being completed. She believes in the power of exercise and will always use it to ensure the most effective and evidence-based rehabilitation of injuries. 

When Sally is not at Evado Studios, she works with Melbourne Victory's A-League Men's side, helping the players with their injury rehabilitation and in the gym. She also currently plays football in the VFLW for the Darebin Falcons and has experience playing both football and soccer at a high level. 

Ben Maher

Fitness Manager | Exercise Scientist

Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science

Masters in Strength & Conditioning (Currently completing)

Ben is an accredited Exercise Scientist passionate about working with clients towards goals whilst empowering them in the process. His training approach is based on building a foundation of strength through a combination of bodyweight and free-weight exercises. He strives to make classes both enjoyable and fulfilling, strongly believing in the power of this to help clients achieve their long-term goals. 

Ben loves all sports, in particular mixed martial arts and soccer. He has a great interest in the role of strength and conditioning to aid athletes both through performance and injury prevention. He wishes to further pursue this pathway throughout his career.

Maddie Newman

Admin Team Leader | Fitness Pilates Instructor

Bachelor Of Physical Education and Sport Science

Reformer Pilates Teacher Training

Maddie brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and passion for inclusive fitness to her Pilates classes. With a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sport Science, and currently pursuing a Master's in Secondary Education, Maddie's approach is grounded in both theory and practice.

Her Reformer Pilates certification complements her academic background, allowing her to create classes that are both challenging and accessible. Drawing from her studies in physical education, Maddie designs classes that cater to various fitness levels while maintaining a strong focus on proper form and technique. Her clients appreciate her ability to explain complex movements in simple terms and her commitment to creating a body-positive environment.

Known for her warm personality and skill in building meaningful connections, Maddie ensures each client feels seen and supported in their fitness journey. In her classes, you can expect clear instruction, personalised attention, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages progress at your own pace.

When she's not in the studio or hitting the books, Maddie enjoys staying active at the gym, going for runs, chatting about AFL (Collingwood only) or unwinding with the latest Netflix series.

Seb Mather

Exercise Scientist | Personal Trainer

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Currently Completing)

Master in Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning)

Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science

Seb has worked as a Personal Trainer since 2011 and thoroughly enjoys connecting with each of his clients whilst working hard towards their goals. Since completing his Masters in Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning) he has worked with athletes at Oakleigh Chargers Football Club, the Victorian Women’s Cricket Team & the Melbourne Stars. In 2021 he returned to university to study Physiotherapy at Latrobe.

He loves to stay active, regularly running and wanting to be as strong as he can be in the gym. Some new hobbies of his include cycling and golf and he can’t wait to travel around the world again (currently up to 45 countries).

Jake Pitruzzello

Exercise Scientist | Personal Trainer

Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Currently Completing)

Certificate III and IV in Fitness

Jake is a certified Personal Trainer and an Exercise Science student who has worked with both groups and individuals. He applies the latest scientific research to design effective and personalized training programs for his clients. He helps them achieve their short-term and long-term fitness goals, whether they are related to health or performance.

Jake is a fitness and sports enthusiast who has participated in various activities such as cricket, football, soccer, tennis and athletics. He plans to pursue a Master of Physiotherapy and specialise in injury prevention and rehabilitation. He is eager to share his knowledge and passion with his clients and help them improve their quality of life.

Belle Ash

Fitness Pilates Instructor

Diploma of Clinical Pilates

Cert IV in Pilates Matwork and Reformer

Doctor of Philosophy: Neuropharmacology

Bachelor of Health Sciences: Human Anatomy & Physiology (Hons)

Yoga Alliance YTT200 Certified Yoga Teacher

Cert III & IV in Fitness

Belle began her career in the fitness industry at age 19 and immediately jumped in head-first to run her own personal training business. Over the years she has worked as a group exercise leader teaching everything from Yoga and Pilates, to high-energy Les Mills classes and freestyle aerobics. As her career evolved, Belle's thirst for knowledge led her on to tertiary studies in the area of Human Anatomy & Physiology. She went on to complete a PhD by research at La Trobe University, then took up an academic teaching appointment as a lecturer in Human Biosciences.

Belle is no stranger to injury, aches and pains, having experienced chronic back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury in her former profession. She is a big believer in the pilates method after experiencing first-hand the improvements that it has brought to her life.

In a class with Belle, you can expect to be challenged to reach new limits and discover the amazing things that your body is capable of doing.

Belle is a self-confessed gym junkie and enjoys powerlifting, yoga loves to get out in nature for bushwalks in her spare time.

Irina Pichueva

Fitness Pilates Instructor

Certificate IV in Pilates (Matwork & Reformer)

Irina started doing Pilates in 2014 as a hobby and very quickly became addicted to the benefits and empowerment that she felt through the exercise.

Irina is a Certified Pilates instructor who has experience teaching across Europe and Australia. She brings this unique experience to her Pilates teaching at Evado Studios.

Her style of Pilates is a combination of intense training mixed with the fun of Pilates in order to provide her clients with healthier minds, bodies, and souls.

Simone Bergamin

Fitness Pilates Instructor

Polestar Reformer Pilates Certificate

Simone brings 18 years of dedicated Pilates practice and 2 years of teaching experience to every class. Specializing in classical Pilates, she emphasizes precision, alignment, and time-honored techniques that have benefited clients for decades.

Simone's classes reflect her commitment to authentic Pilates principles, tailored to help each client achieve their personal best. Her teaching style is attentive and encouraging, ensuring a challenging yet accessible experience for all levels. Her clients appreciate her keen eye for alignment and her ability to guide them towards noticeable improvements in strength and flexibility.

Outside the studio, Simone finds joy in bouldering, where she challenges herself on the climbing walls, and in spending quality time with her beloved fur babies, who are always ready for a cuddle.

Sylvia Mai

Admin Assistant

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Currently Completing)

Sylvia loves the fun and uplifting environment consistent at Evado Studios. She is passionate about health and fitness and encourages others to push their physical limits in order to reach individual fitness goals and the associated benefits.  

Outside of work, Sylvia is currently completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at LaTrobe University. She is also a consistent gym-goer and recently discovered the world of Pilates. 

Sylvia is part of the admin team, working on the front desk. She is welcoming and always keen for a chat, so do not hesitate to approach her in the studio.

Rory Marquette

Admin Assistant

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Currently Completing)

Rory loves to see the passion and enthusiasm at Evado, and assisting others to meet their fitness goals. She is always happy to answer your questions or have a chat about how to best approach your journey at Evado. 

In her spare time, Rory enjoys taking aerial circus classes, reading, seeing live music and going to the gym. 

Rory previously studied Biomedicine and is currently completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at La Trobe University.