We’re passionate about Women’s Health
We’re a women’s health clinic with a special interest in
pregnancy & postnatal
cancer rehabilitation
women’s health & pelvic floor conditions
invisible illnesses
We are here to help bridge the gap between injury, illness, birth or surgery and returning to exercise.
Founded in 2014 by Esme Soan, Pear is an allied health studio, and our team are the leading experts in Australia on exercise and health to support women through all stages of life. Our multidisciplinary team offers:
Exercise Physiology
Physiotherapy (Pelvic Health & MSK)
Remedial Massage
Reformer Pilates
We have a great understanding of the changes in women’s bodies at all stages of life.
In particular we are experts in:
Pregnancy, birth and postnatal care
Breast, bowel and gynaecological cancers
Injury rehabilitation and chronic complex musculoskeletal conditions
Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain
Prolapse and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.
Rehabilitation pre and post surgery
Osteoporosis
Invisible Illnesses (CFS-ME, POTS, h-EDS, fibromyalgia)
Chronic Disease Management including diabetes & neuromuscular disease
Our Studio
We are located on Brisbane’s Northside in Wavell Heights (close to Nundah Village & Sandgate Road) with plenty of easy parking (street and carpark) available, and our sister cafe Apricot Coffee next door.
Our studio is quiet, private and air conditioned, with reformer pilates equipment, strength equipment, gym, private consultation and massage rooms.
We are a child and family friendly studio so children, babies and partners are always welcome.
Our Values
We aim to break down the barriers of taboo and stigma in Women’s Health, by providing specialist services from our friendly studio, and helping all women to use exercise as medicine and to prioritise self-care in all stages of life.
We recognise there can be a lack of support & social stigma for women who experience pelvic floor injuries, illnesses or chronic diseases, such as endometriosis, and want to help bridge the gap with our specialist training & multidisciplinary team between diagnoses, acute rehabilitation and long-term management.
We aim to support our clients with the following values;
Empower, Educate, Support, Care.
Our Namesake
From our Founder, Esme.
I’m often asked, why are we called Pear? Because it brings to mind the shape and curves of a woman’s body! I tried to consider a few elements with the design of our logo - the position of the pips in the pear are in the same position as ovaries, there are 3 pears together as often women’s health conditions come in 3 stages (like the trimesters of pregnancy, or stages of menopause). I also love our cheeky use of the Pear, with our “Nice Pear” breast cancer charity shirts in 2019 - these became instantly recognisable and even adopted as uniform for a few years as we loved them so much.
Meet our friendly team of women’s health experts
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Esme Soan
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Principal Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AES, ESSAM)
Director at Pear Exercise Physiology & Physiotherapy
Women's Health Media Expert (ESSA)
Cancer Exercise Specialist (Ex-MED Cancer)
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Hons)
International Women's Day Award Winner 2018Special Interest Areas
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), Breast Cancer Rehab, POTS, hypermobility/h-EDS, Hydrotherapy, Return to Intensity Exercise (Cycling/Running).Esme is passionate about working with women, helping improve the care that women receive through pregnancy, early postpartum, in rehabilitation after cancer and in chronic pain management.
Esme opened Pear Exercise Physiology in 2014 to provide specialist exercise physiology services in women’s health in Brisbane. She has now grown her vision to include multidisciplinary services to further support Brisbane women with their health goals.
When Esme isn't working (she is a typical Capricorn) she is triathlon training, riding her bike (to get coffee) and looking after her house plants!
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Amanda Ravenswood
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Women's Health Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AES, ESSAM)
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Cancer Exercise Specialist (Ex-MED Cancer)Special Interest Areas
Pregnancy, Postnatal Recovery, DRAM Rehab, POP, Chronic Pain, CF, Multiple Sclerosis, & HydrotherapyAmanda has been an AEP since 2014 and is a strong advocate for women prioritising their health and wellbeing to be the happiest, healthiest and strongest version of themselves. She loves encouraging, educating and working with women to help them understand the importance of looking after their health, both body & mind, through the use exercise.
Amanda has a special interest in pregnancy, postnatal recovery, DRAM rehab, POP rehab, chronic pain, POTS, CFS, MS, mental health, and using hydrotherapy as an exercise treatment.
When Amanda’s not at Pear, she’s exploring the outdoors with her family through camping & beach trips, as well as staying active with her Triathlon training.
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Jess Vincent
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AES, ESSAM)
Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology,
Bachelor of Health Science (Sports &
Exercise Science)
Diploma of Remedial MassageSpecial Interest Areas
Active Ageing and Falls Prevention, Chronic Disease Management, Postnatal Recovery, Return to Intensity Exercise (Powerlifting)Jess has spent the last eight years working and studying within health science, gaining experience with a variety of clientele from strength and endurance athletes, acute rehabilitation, chronic health and ageing populations.
Jess has a passion for women’s health, finding joy from helping woman of all ages feel strong and confident within their own bodies. Being a mother of two young girls herself, Jess strives to help other woman experience the many benefits that exercise and a healthy lifestyle can have for women pre and post-natal, including improved mood states, energy levels, and body confidence.
Jess’s background in sport includes soccer, touch football, rugby union and representing Australia in powerlifting. From these experiences, Jess has developed a sharp eye for technique and ensures all clients she works with are confident with basic movement patterns before progressing exercises, to avoid injury and set the foundations for optimal strength and function.
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Natasha Bohmert
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Accredited Clinical Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AEP, ESSAM)
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Hons)Special Interest Areas
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Pregnancy, Postnatal, Neurological conditions, Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, Return to Intensity Exercise (Running/Rock climbing)
Tash is dedicated to advocating for and empowering women within their healthcare journey, through education. She strives to create a space where patients can feel heard, understood and safe to be open about symptoms, alongside well supported through thorough clinical assessment and care.
She is passionate about utilising exercise as a means for improving function, quality of life and performance. She strives to support you in doing what you love doing, whether that be intrinsic to the exercise and performance setting or interwoven into other facets of life.
In her spare time you'll find Tash running with the impromptu neighbourhood run club, bouldering (so mostly falling off walls), exploring the hinterlands or gradually making her way through a non-fiction read.
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Emily Lockwood
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AES, ESSAM)
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Special Interest Areas
POTS, CFS/ME, Chronic pain, Endometriosis, HSD/EDSEmily enjoys meeting individuals from all walks of life, but takes a particular interest in those affected by invisible illnesses. In her practice, she is motivated by the stories of her clients, emerging research and her personal experience with invisible illness. She endeavours to support her clients in taking back control of their health and enjoy the process of doing so!
Her objective when working with clients is to meet them where they’re at. She loves supporting people with exercise, no matter their entry level, guiding them to confidently implement movement into their daily life. She is particularly fond of helping people find balance within the nervous system to aid in their return to- or easing of activities they love. Emily looks forward to becoming a trusted part of your healthcare team.
When Emily isn’t at work she is practicing what she preaches, playing around with some clay or lapping up nature from a surfboard, on a hike or from a camp chair.
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Patrice Todhunter
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Member of APA & WHTA
Special Interest Areas
Pregnancy, Postnatal Care, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, HydrotherapyPatrice started her career as a physiotherapist working in Hydrotherapy treating a diverse range of patients including orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, neurological, antenatal and complex pain conditions.
She has had a passion for women’s heath since graduating in 2016 and has dedicated the majority of her post-graduate training in this area. During this time Patrice has also become a mum herself which was a strong driver in motivating her to pursue a career in women’s health.
Patrice feels strongly about a holistic approach to healthcare and believes in empowering her patients with knowledge and giving them the confidence to take charge of their health and achieve their wellness goals.
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Lauren Reynolds
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons), Member of APA and WHTASpecial Interest Areas:
Pregnancy, Post-natal, Pelvic girdle pain, Pelvic floor dysfunctionLauren commenced working as a physiotherapist in private practice in 2005 after graduating from the University of Queensland. She spent many years working in a musculoskeletal/sports clinic before devoting the past 6 years to the area of women’s health, in particular the pre- and post-natal period. This coincided with the birth of her second child.
Lauren is very passionate about empowering women to live their best life. She believes in taking the time to really listen to her patients concerns and needs, taking a ‘hands on’ approach to treatment and nurturing them in their journey to achieve their goals.
Lauren has a particular interest in pelvic girdle pain and pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy and post-natal recovery.
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Amanda Waldock
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Currently on maternity leave, returning 2025
Bachelor of Health Sciences, Masters of Physiotherapy, Member of APA & WHTASpecial Interest Areas
Pregnancy, Post-natal, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Chronic Pelvic Pain, Prolapse & PessariesAmanda graduated from the University of Sydney in 2014 with a Masters of Physiotherapy. She started her career working in both public and private hospitals in Sydney before relocatiing to Brisbane in 2017 and moving into the field of Women's Health. Amanda has working in Women's health both in Brisbane and London in hospitals and in private practice.
Amanda is passionate about helping women with their pelvic health throughout all stages of their life and managing conditions such as bladder and bowel dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain. Since becoming a mum herself she has developed a strong interest in helping pre and postnatal women feel empowered. She loves to educate, encouraged and support women to continue to do all the activities they love.
Outside of work you'll find Amanda hanging out with her husband and two young boys, taking a pilates class or going for a walk and listening to one of her favourite podcasts.
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Steph Bairstow
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Currently on contract in NZ (Professional Basketball) to return in 2025Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AES, ESSAM)
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Currently studying PhysiotherapySpecial Interest Areas
Pregnancy/Postnatal, DRAM Rehab, Musculoskeletal Rehab, Return to Intensity Exercise (Sports Specific)Steph is an Exercise Physiologist, who is passionate about working with Women of all ages through all stages of life. She is a strong advocate for exercise and the positive impact it can have on our lives both mentally and physically. She is driven to educate and support women who are re-engaging with exercise to help them feel their strongest and most pain-free.
Steph understands that a woman’s physiology is unique, and will therefore require a tailored approach to injuries and rehabilitation. She loves working with women who have experienced musculoskeletal injuries, whether managed conservatively or surgically. As a former professional athlete herself, she understands the demands of sport and is passionate about bridging the gap between acute injury management and long term rehabilitation and return to sport.
Outside of work and study, Steph stays active training and playing semi-professional basketball. She loves getting outdoors for walks, hikes, and beach trips with her fur babies and loves experimenting in the kitchen!
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Danielle Pegg
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP, AES, ESSAM)
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Hons)
Currently studying Doctor of PhilosophySpecial Interest Areas
Pregnancy/Postnatal, DRAM Rehab, HydrotherapyDanielle has a keen interest in compassionate rehabilitation support for individuals navigating recovery, both before and after surgical procedures affecting breast or gynaecological health. With a focus on individualised care, Danielle’s practice is dedicated towards regaining strength, mobility, confidence and quality of life. Alongside her clinical work, Danielle is pursuing a PhD exploring the effects of exercise in patients with cancer, including Multiple Myeloma, which will play a vital role in contributing to enhanced rehabilitation strategies within this population. Danielle is passionate about merging clinical practice and expertise with research in order to empower her patients towards holistic wellbeing.
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Shannon Al Samaraie
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Member of APA
Special Interest Areas
Cancer. Lymphoedema, Lipodema, DisabilityShannon has worked in the aged care, disability and oncology sectors since graduating in 2004 from Auckland University of Technology. She completed her lymphoedema training in 2016 and has developed a passion for chronic oedema and lymphoedema after cancer surgery and treatment. She firmly believes in evidence-based practice that supports early intervention to minimise the effects of lymphoedema and a collaborative approach to self management for long term success with this chronic condition.
When not working, you'll find Shannon at a potter's wheel or hand building clay vessels or enjoying family time with her husband and two teenage children.
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Nykeela Purs
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Member of APASpecial Interest Areas
Pregnancy, Postnatal, Pelvic Girdle Pain, Sporting Injuries, Musculoskeletal Injury Rehab (especially shoulders and knees)
Nykeela graduated with a Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland in 2021. Prior to that, she completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science, Human Performance and Sport. Nykeela completed her Bachelor degree in the United States, while on a soccer scholarship.Nykeela is passionate about working with women through all stages of life, to aid in their musculoskeletal injuries and help facilitate their return to sports and daily lives. Nykeela is currently completing ongoing training in the Women’s Health field, and hopes to combine her musculoskeletal and sporting background with women’s health, to provide women with hands on support and education to empower them to reach their activity and wellness goals.
Outside of work, Nykeela enjoys watching and playing sport, getting outdoors, beach adventures and DIY projects. She is always looking for podcast and book recommendations, especially crime fiction!
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Michelle Dornbusch
REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST
Certified Pregnancy Massage Specialist (PMA)
Specialist Training
Pregnancy, Labour Prep, Postnatal Recovery, Remedial Massage, Hot Stone, Myofascial Cupping.Michelle is a Diploma qualified Remedial Massage Therapist and member of the Association of Massage and Myotherapy Australia. Completing her Diploma through TAFE NSW in 2004, Michelle was awarded "Massage Therapist of the Year".
Michelle's treatments focus on supporting women's health, well-being and balancing the body through massage therapy.
Remedial treatments are tailored individually to clients needs using a range of techniques including myofascial release, trigger points and myofascial cupping. As a Mum of two gorgeous girls Michelle knows first hand the changes that happen throughout pregnancy and beyond and the nurturing support needed to ease the discomforts.
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Courtney Burgin
REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST
Certified Pregnancy Massage Specialist (PMA)
Specialist Training
Pregnancy, Postnatal Recovery, Remedial Massage, Myofascial CuppingCourtney is a Diploma qualified remedial massage therapist with specialist training in pregnancy massage.
Courtney has always had a keen interest in health and fitness. With a background in competitive sport at both national and international levels study in Massage Therapy was an ideal fit for her.
Being vision impaired, Courtney finds the hands-on nature of remedial massage works to her advantage.
Courtney had her first child in January 2020, and has an ever growing interest in women's health and the benefits massage therapy can provide.
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Kayelene Baigent
REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST
Certified Pregnancy Massage Specialist (PMA)
Specialist Training
Pregnancy, Postnatal Recovery, Remedial Massage, Myofascial CuppingKayelene completed her Diploma of Remedial Massage at the Australian College of Sports Therapy in 2016 and holds a certificate in pregnancy massage from Pregnancy Massage Australia.
Kayelene has worked with diverse clients across clinics in Melbourne and Brisbane and has also worked with athletes from the Reds and Queensland Ballet. Her passion however is in supporting women during their pregnancy and postpartum journey, a journey she now deeply understands through her own physical experience, having welcomed her first son in March 2021.
Kayelene’s treatments aim to relieve, balance and restore the body in a relaxed and nurtured environment.
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Meredith East-Powell
CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST
Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine)
Special Interest Areas
Endometriosis, Digestive Issues, Food Intolerances, PCOS, Postnatal Depletion, Menopause, Weight ManagementMeredith believes food should be a source of pleasure, so her ethos is about teaching you how to eat in a way that suits your body and your lifestyle.
Meredith uses evidence-based nutrition practices combined with a wholefoods, food as medicine approach that’s tailored to the individual. Meredith also utilises nutraceuticals where needed to achieve optimal results. Meredith’s aim is to educate and empower her clients, so they can move forward with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain their health long-term.
While Meredith can treat all health conditions and loves working with people on preventative health, she has a special interest in women’s health and gut health.
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Jessica Redmond
ADMIN TEAM
Bachelor of Naturopathy
Admin hours
Wed, ThursJess joined the team in 2020 as a breath of fresh air, welcoming you to studio and multi tasking baby cuddles with admin work. Jess understands the process of being a client at Pear, having participated in Pregnancy & Mums and Bubs classes throughout her pregnancies.
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Kristi Manger
ADMIN TEAM
Admin hours
Mon, Tues, FriKristi joined the team at the start of 2024, welcoming you with a warm, friendly smile to the studio - and happily offering baby cuddles whenever needed!
Kristi is a qualified & registered Level 2 Hatha, Pre & Postnatal & Kids Yoga teacher, with a keen interest in Womens Health & supporting women through all stages of life.
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Sami Cattach
PEAR ALUMNI
PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPISTSami was an integral member of the Pear team for 4 years, helping us first branch into multidisciplinary care for women’s health - and through her maternity leaves with her 2 beautiful kiddies. We wish her so much love and luck in her family emigrating to Canada!
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Annika Coyne
PEAR ALUMNI
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTAnnika worked with the Pear team for 5 years, and was a beloved practitioner and colleague! We wish her all the best on her next Exercise Physiology adventures in OH&S, and in her relocation to the Sunshine Coast with her new husband!
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Elisha Silcox
PEAR ALUMNI
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTElisha worked with the Pear team for 3 years - and understands the power of knowledge both for clients and practitioners, which has led her to her next steps in her career - delivering continuing education courses for practitioners with The Women’s Health Collective. So happy to continue to work together with Esme - and we wish her all the best in her education career!
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Riley Dunn
PEAR ALUMNI
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTRiley worked with the Pear team for 2 years during her Masters of Medical Research, and an integral part of building our Oncology services at Pear. We are so excited for her next steps in Research - completing her PhD in e-sports!
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Georgia White
PEAR ALUMNI
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTGeorgia was a bubbly team member for 3 years at Pear, and we wish her a massive congratulations for securing a PhD scholarship to continue studying the role of Exercise in Survivorship in Cancer, we wish her all the best in her academic endeavours!
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Imogen Ryan
PEAR ALUMNI
ADMIN TEAM
Congratulations to Imy for graduating with Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2023, and starting her clinical career on the Sunshine Coast!
We wish her all the best, and thank her for looking after our Pear team & community with such love in her 3 years as an admin angel! -
Lisa Gorse
PEAR ALUMNI
ADMIN TEAM
Congratulations to Lisa on using her Bachelor of Humanities degree (wink!) and securing a job at the incredible National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. We wish her all the best, and know she will adore the beauty and complexity of art and poetry. We miss her and are grateful for all her support in the transitional year she spent with the team.