Our Team

Dr Jeb McAviney
ScoliCare CEO, Chiropractor

Dr McAviney is the owner and founder of ScoliCare and one of Australia’s leading authorities on non-surgical scoliosis treatment.

With a Masters degree in Pain Medicine as well as a Masters degree in Chiropractic, Dr McAviney brings a wealth of experience in scoliosis treatment, education, and research.

Dr McAviney oversees all cases and gives guidance to the clinical team. He drives research development initiatives to ensure patients get access to the latest and most evidence based procedures.

Scoliosis Accreditations:
- World Masters Course in Scoliosis Management
- Sforzesco TLSO Brace Provider
- Cheneau TLSO Brace Provider
- Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis
- (SEAS) Therapist – Level 3, Advanced, Basic
- SCHROTH trained
- Gomez Orthotic Systems (GOS) TLSO Brace Provider
- SpineCor Scoliosis Bracing Clinician & Instructor
- SpineCor Scoliosis Physiotherapy Instructor
- Chiropractic Biophysics Instructor
- Neuromechanical Instrument Adjusting Instructor
- Advanced Fellow of Chiropractic Biophysics
- ScoliBalance Course Developer and Trainer

Dr Juan Du Plessis
Clinical Director, Chiropractor

Originally from South Africa, with a Masters in Technology of Chiropractic, Dr Du Plessis has been a clinic director in prestigious healthcare centres in Asia, providing scoliosis rehabilitation and bracing.

He has received advanced training and certification in SpineCor and ScoliBrace bracing protocols and has completed SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) training and accreditation and ScoliBalance.

Scoliosis Accreditations:

World Masters Course in Scoliosis Management
SpineCor Scoliosis Bracing Clinician
Accredited Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) Therapist – Advanced, Basic
Certified ScoliBrace provider
SCHROTH trained

Daniel Firth
Scoliosis Clinician, Orthotist 

Daniel, BSc Hons (Orthotics and Prosthetics), is an experienced Orthotist who graduated from Salford University in the UK, with a passionate interest in the non-surgical treatment of scoliosis and spinal conditions.

As a specialist Orthotist in the UK, he has worked at the prestigious London children’s hospitals of Great Ormond Street and Evelina Children’s Hospital. In Australia, Daniel has worked at Royal North Shore Hospital helping to providing a state-wide Orthotic service for spinal cord injuries

Daniel has received advanced training and certification in ScoliBrace bracing protocols and has extensive experience in supporting families and individuals through their treatment journey ensuring they receive the best possible care available.

Scoliosis Accreditations:

Registered with the Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOP)
Certified ScoliBrace Provider
ScoliBalance Provider

Dr Joel Ackerman
Scoliosis Clinician, Chiropractor

Joel graduated McTimoney College of Chiropractic in 2018 with a Masters in Chiropractic. He started his career in London, he was introduced
to structural rehabilitation and became qualified in Chiropractic Biophysics, this is where Joel’s interest in scoliosis started.

Joel is now a registered Chiropractor in the UK and Australia and has been training under ScoliCare’s Clinical Director, Dr. Juan du Plessis.

Accreditations:
Master’s in Chiropractic (MChiro)
CBP Certified
ScoliBalance Provider

Matthew Stevens
Clinics Manager

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Health Science and a Masters of Nuclear Medicine with honours from Sydney University, as well as a Masters of Business Administration from Charles Sturt University.

He has extensive experience working in patient-oriented clinical settings within nuclear medicine, as well as practice manager and regional manager experience.

During Matthew's free time he enjoys playing hockey and taking his dog for walks along the beach.

Rebecca Phillips
Exercise Physiologist Team Leader

Rebecca is an experienced Rehabilitation Provider of the ScoliBalance program and leads the rehabilitation team at ScoliCare. Rebecca has worked extensively with adolescent, juvenile and adult patients who have scoliosis and other structural spine changes, while also empowering them to lead full and active lives.

Rebecca is one of the developers and educators of the ScoliBalance program, which provides scoliosis specific exercises to patients with scoliosis and hyperkyphosis. She is responsible for the leadership, mentoring and training of all Australian rehabilitation staff, as well as a key educator and trainer at ScoliBalance certification courses. She works closely with all clinical staff, as well as the Head of Education and Research, to ensure that all courses and treatment programs are evidence-based and clinically current.

Accreditations/Achievements:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology)
ESSA Accredited
ScoliBalance Course Developer and Trainer
EP Team Leader
SEAS Accredited and Trained

Kienan Bear
Scoliosis Rehabilitation Therapist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Kienan is a recent Master of Exercise Physiology graduate from the University of Sydney. He has a wealth of experience working in clinical, hospital, and gym based settings; as well as in professional sporting environments with elite athletes.

Kienan has taken an interest in Scoliosis rehabilitation and he is passionate about helping others.

Anna Nestoras
Scoliosis Rehabilitation Therapist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Anna holds a bachelors in Exercise Physiology from UNSW. She has experience working in clinic and home-based settings, seeing a wide variety of conditions including neurological, metabolic, mental health and cardiovascular conditions.

Anna is passionate in supporting patients to achieve their specific goals and improve their overall health.

In her spare time, Anna enjoys reading, swimming and relaxing by the beach.

Sarah Blackburn
Scoliosis Rehabilitation Therapist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Sarah has many years of experience as an accredited Exercise Physiologist. She has worked in various health care settings caring for a variety of patients including musculoskeletal, neurological, metabolic, and chronic conditions. She has undertaken comprehensive scoliosis specific rehabilitation training and provides evidence-based rehabilitation.

Sarah holds a Bachelor in Sport and Exercise Science and a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Sarah believes educating each individual is the key for positive treatment outcomes and will provide education along with physical rehabilitation throughout the Scoliosis treatment program.

Accreditations:
ScoliBalance Provider

Jacob Powers
Scoliosis Rehabilitation Therapist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Jacob holds a Bachelor’s Exercise Sport Science degree from University of Wollongong and recently received a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Australian Catholic University.

He has several years experience working with a wide-range of clients including musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, pre and post-op rehabilitation in a private-clinic setting.

In his spare time, Jacob competes and coaches high level baseball as well as adolescent and youth baseball development teams.

Accreditations:
Bachelor of Exercise Science
Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology
ScoliBalance Provider

Erin Shailes
Clinics Co-ordinator

Erin brings her warm and efficient manner to support patients and their families at our ScoliCare Clinics.

She has worked with patients and customers in various health related and educational positions in recent years.

Gwen Kirkham
Clinic Reception (Sydney North)

Gwen has worked with a wide range of doctors, including orthopaedic surgeons. She has a sound understanding and knowledge in the medical field. She has also been a Personal Trainer for the last 15 years, with a special interest in rehabilitation of injuries and chronic conditions.
Gwen is relatable and empathetic. She is a mum of two and can empathise with the struggles and stress scoliosis can cause parents and children.

Zara Eggers
Clinic Reception (Sydney South)

Zara is passionate about her role as a receptionist and supports patients, families and the wider team as much as she can. Zara has had past experience in customer service and front-facing roles and genuinely loves the nature of her role.

Veronica Bray
Clinic Reception (Sydney South)

Veronica provides professional and caring support to all our patients and their families. Veronica comes from a Dental background with 40 years experience as a Practice Manager and Dental Nurse dealing with children and adults in sometimes stressful situations. Veronica also is involved with theatre and taught dancing to children and choreographed over 20 musicals.