The Team At Ross B. Smith & Associates Caulfield Physiotherapy
As experts in the musculoskeletal area of physiotherapy, our aim is to provide physiotherapy services that help to restore normal biomechanics so that your body moves in the way that it has been designed for – freely and without pain!
Our physiotherapists are supported by dedicated office and administration staff. Your call will be answered promptly and we send you reminders for your appointments.
Ross B. Smith - Musculoskeletal & Sports Physiotherapist
Ross Smith has over 40 years of experience in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy. Ross has worked with Australia’s leading athletes including the Australian Olympic Team, The Australian Woman’s Hockey team and AFL clubs.
Ross works with you to understand the cause of your injury, pain or problem. He provides treatments that are based on the most up to date evidence. As a qualified Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Ross treats the cause of your pain, not just the effect.
- Graduated from the Lincoln Institute of Higher Education with a Graduate Diploma of Physiotherapy 1975.
- Graduated from the Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences with a Postgraduate Diploma of Manipulative Therapy 1981.
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from the Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences 1982.
- Qualified as a Titled Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist 1998.
Sports Physiotherapists and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists have undertaken specialised postgraduate study with examination and have extensive experience in both Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Fellow of the Australian Sports Medicine Federation 1984.
- Physiotherapist for Fitzroy Football Club VFL / AFL 1978-88.
- Physiotherapist for Australian Women’s Hockey Team 1983- 2003.
- Australian Olympic Games Team Physiotherapist 1984-88-92-96-2000-04, the last four games as Chief Physiotherapist of the Australian Team.
- Awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for honorary physiotherapy services to Australian athletes particularly at the Olympic level.
- Member of the Australian Olympic Committees Medical Commission 1988-till 2014.
- Awarded the Australian Olympic Committee Award of Merit for outstanding service to the Australian Olympic Movement.
- Chief Physiotherapist Australian Commonwealth Games Team Manchester 2002.
- Director of Physiotherapy in the Village Polyclinic Commonwealth Games Melbourne 2006.
- For over 40 years has taught clinical skills to Physiotherapy students as part of their Physiotherapy Degrees from La Trobe, Melbourne and Swinburne Universities.
- A Member of the Academic and Clinical Standards Committee of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Sports Physiotherapy Australia 2009-2019.
- A Member of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (ACP) Appeals, Complaints and Grievances Standing Committee 2020.
- Ran four Marathons best time 3 hrs 54 mins.
Caroline Szafranski - Physiotherapist & Pilates Clinician
Caroline Szafranski is a passionate physiotherapist who has a degree in Physiotherapy, after graduating in the USA with an Exercise Science degree.
Before Graduating from the Latrobe University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Caroline studied Exercise Science in the USA, while representing the Arkansas State University on a tennis scholarship. She has worked with various sporting organizations including the AFL umpires association in addition to grass roots football clubs. Since then she has worked in various roles both in private practice and in a hospital environment, both in the UK and Australia, giving Caroline extensive experience in treating patients with both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Apart from her experience in Manual Therapy and Sports Injuries, Caroline’s interests include Clinical Pilates, biomechanics and rehabilitation. She has completed Equipment Level 1 Certificate in Pilates and Level 1 Dry Needling Certificate, and several courses on the back, knee and shoulder.
Caroline has been involved in ironman triathlon and marathon racing, competing in the several races including the half ironman and long course world championships.
Caroline Szafranski Qualifications
- Graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2004
- Graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Exercise Science in 2000
- Australian Physiotherapy Association Member
- DMA & APPI clinical Pilates courses
- CPD Health Courses Dry Needling Level 1
- Current work experience at Epworth Hospital in Rehabilitation
- Sports Trainer with AFL umpires 2000-2002
- Level 1 Sports Physiotherapy Course July 2021
Emma Belotti - Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist & Pilates Clinician
Emma Belotti is a titled APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist having completed her second Master’s through La Trobe University in 2023. Previously, she completed her Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and Bachelor degree in Science, also through La Trobe University.
Emma is passionate in treating sports and musculoskeletal injuries, complex conditions and developing subsequent strength and conditioning rehabilitation programs for these patients. Additionally, Emma loves the variety in private practice also treating vestibular conditions, complex pain and injury prevention.
Emma is available to treat patients with Clinical Pilates, having completed Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (APPI) courses. Emma is also available to treat using Dry Needling, having completed courses developed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). She has also completed various professional development courses including the shoulder, knee and spine.
Emma has worked with Casey Demons VFL Football Club, Glen Eira Football Club and Ormond Football Club and focuses on an evidence based approach to rehabilitation and injury management. In conjunction with her work in private practice, Emma undertakes physical therapy with children who have disabilities. This includes hydrotherapy and intervention programs to help children achieve their optimal physical development.
Jeremy Tusia - Physiotherapist & Pilates Clinician
Jeremy graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master’s of Physiotherapy Practice. He is also a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
He is an upbeat and friendly Physiotherapist who is most passionate about working with individuals to help them achieve their physical goals.
Whether you are simply seeking a pain-free lifestyle or striving to return to your athletic and sporting best, Jeremy can ensure your physiotherapy journey is enjoyable and well-supported.
Jeremy has recently completed a comprehensive Clinical Pilates course, entitling him to conduct specific pilates and strength and conditioning for musculoskeletal conditions.
From Jeremy’s earliest memories of attending the football as a young kid, he was especially captivated by the drama of sports injuries. What started back then as a curious fascination of the human body and its mechanics, has since developed into a strong interest and passion for sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Jeremy has the experience of working with AFL and VFL footballers through his current work at the Casey Demons VFL Football Club, as well as with professional ballet dancers of the Australian Ballet Company, sparking his interest in injuries of the foot and ankle.
Outside the clinic, Jeremy enjoys regular weightlifting and walks by the beach, prioritises socialising with mates, travelling and supporting his beloved Carlton Bluebaggers.
Jeremy is available for appointments from Tuesday to Friday, as well as Saturdays from 8:00am to 2:00pm.
Senior Receptionist Sandra Wytwornik
Our receptionist Sandra has been working at Caulfield Physiotherapy since 2016. She enjoys interacting with the patients, listening to their life stories and giving advice when appropriate.
She originally worked worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years prior to working as a medical receptionist.
Sandra has 3 daughters and 11 grandchildren, of which 2 are married. She enjoys crafts such as sewing, knitting and crocheting.
Receptionist Jackie Verbuk
Our receptionist Jackie has been a part of our team since 2021. Currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Physiology, she aspires to study for a Doctor of Physiotherapy.
She finds great fulfillment in interacting with patients, listening to their stories, and engaging with them on a personal level.
Jackie is a member of a national dance team, participating in competitions across Australia in Jazz and Pom.
Receptionist Elaine Phan
Our receptionist Elaine is a friendly and compassionate individual who has been with our practice since 2022. She loves interacting with patients and is always willing to provide assistance wherever needed.
Outside of the physiotherapy clinic, she is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University and is ambitious to become a healthcare professional. Furthermore, she is an active volunteer at the Monash Children’s Hospital Walk and a first aid volunteer with St John Ambulance Services.
Receptionist Jonah De Lorenzo
Jonah is currently studying Physiotherapy, is a receptionist by day and a bartender by night. He loves interacting with everyone that comes through the clinic, whether it be about their day or the footy, especially after an Essendon win.
Jonah has a keen interest in sports such as ice hockey, basketball, darts and footy, and loves to go fishing in his spare time.
Receptionist Blake Ryan
Our receptionist Blake joined our team in January 2024 and has quickly immersed himself into the vibrant culture of the practice. He has loved the opportunity to hear patients’ stories and to bond over shared experiences.
Blake is studying to become a personal trainer before commencing university in 2025 where he will complete a double degree in Commerce Engineering.
He is also an avid sports fan and is happy to chat about anything basketball-related.
Receptionist Dahlia Brykman
Our receptionist Dahlia joined our team in January 2024. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at La Trobe University.
Dahlia loves interacting with patients and hearing their stories as well as gaining valuable experience in the Physiotherapy space.
Outside of work, Dahlia volunteers with youth movement groups and enjoys baking.
Receptionist Liam Walsh
Our receptionist Liam joined the team in 2022 after being a patient for many years.
He is currently pursuing his interest in clinical Physiotherapy, through the Bachelor of Science degree at Monash University, hoping to study the Doctor of Physiotherapy at a postgraduate level.
Outside of university, Liam enjoys both watching and playing football, basketball and soccer.
