Meet Our Clinical Team
Accredited exercise physiologists dedicated to evidence-based movement and rehabilitation. Our team at Fortify Movement & Health brings together clinical expertise, genuine care, and a commitment to improving the health and quality of life of every client we work with in Altona North and beyond.
Matt Elphick
Ryan Coonan
Heidi ClarkeIndividually qualified and accredited through Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), our clinicians work collaboratively to deliver personalised, evidence-based care across chronic pain, chronic disease, disability, and neurological rehabilitation.
Accredited
Exercise
Physiologist
SENIOR ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST (AEP), B.ExSci (Hons) | ESSA AEP
Heidi Clarke
Fortify Movement & Health — Telehealth Australia-wide & Altona North, VIC
About Heidi
Heidi is a Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist and the founder of Fortify Movement & Health, bringing more than 20 years of clinical experience to her work. Her career spans chronic disease management, neurological rehabilitation, persistent pain, and neuro-affirming clinical practice — developed across hospital, community, and private settings.
Heidi is deeply committed to making evidence-based exercise accessible for people who have historically been underserved by mainstream health and fitness services. She has pioneered the telehealth model at Fortify, allowing clients across Australia to access the same quality of clinical exercise physiologist care — without the barriers of travel, physical attendance, or sensory-overwhelming environments.
Her clinical approach is grounded in the latest evidence, shaped by lived-experience partnerships, and guided by a genuine respect for client autonomy. Whether working with someone managing a complex chronic condition, navigating the NDIS, or rebuilding capacity after a neurological event, Heidi's goal is the same: for every client to leave a session feeling heard, equipped, and genuinely more capable.
"My goal is for every client to leave feeling heard, equipped, and genuinely more capable than when they arrived. Movement is a powerful clinical tool — and I take seriously the privilege of helping someone reconnect with theirs."
Clinical Specialisations
Areas of Expertise
Persistent Pain & Chronic Conditions
Over two decades supporting clients with complex chronic disease, persistent pain, and long-term health conditions. Heidi uses evidence-based exercise prescription to improve function, reduce symptom burden, and build lasting capacity.
Neurodivergence & Telehealth Support
Specialist experience working with neurodivergent clients — including ADHD, autism, and acquired brain injury — delivered via telehealth to reduce barriers and make clinical exercise accessible regardless of location or circumstance.
NDIS & DVA Funded Services
Deep expertise navigating NDIS and DVA funding to ensure eligible clients access the support they need without unnecessary administrative burden.
Telehealth Exercise Physiology
Heidi pioneered the telehealth offering at Fortify, providing the same clinical rigour of an in-person service — delivered remotely. Ideal for clients with fatigue, mobility limitations, geographical barriers, or sensory sensitivities.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Extensive background in neurological conditions including stroke, MS, Parkinson's disease, and acquired brain injury, drawing on current evidence to design individualised movement programs.
What Heidi Provides
Services
- Initial Assessment & Goal Setting
- Exercise Prescription & Programming
- Telehealth Consultations
- Chronic Disease Management
- Neurodivergent-Affirming Support
- NDIS & DVA Service Coordination
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Carer & Support Person Liaison
What to Expect
Working With Heidi
Key Focus Areas
Ryan Coonan
Exercise Scientist — Fortify Movement & Health
BSc Exercise and Sport Science · MClExPhys · ESSA AEP
Professional Background & Clinical Focus
Ryan is an Accredited Exercise Scientist with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science from Victoria University. At Fortify Movement & Health, he supports everyday people in building strength, improving movement, and developing long-term confidence in their bodies. His approach reflects the Fortify philosophy of Test & Measure — Don't Guess, using objective assessments to guide personalised exercise programs that support meaningful and sustainable progress.
Clinical Focus Areas
Qualifications & Credentials
BSc Exercise and Sport Science
Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science
Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Postgraduate qualification in clinical exercise physiology
ESSA AES
Accredited Exercise Scientist — Exercise & Sports Science Australia
First Aid & CPR
Current First Aid and CPR accreditation
Functional Movement Assessment Specialist
Specialist qualification in functional movement screening and assessment
Clinical Approach & Patient Care Philosophy
Ryan believes that meaningful clinical outcomes begin with listening. Before any program is written, he invests time in understanding the full picture — a client's injury history, pain experience, lifestyle, goals, and what recovery actually means to them.
His approach integrates functional movement assessment with evidence-based exercise prescription, allowing him to target the root cause of a client's presentation rather than simply managing symptoms. This is particularly evident in his work with chronic pain clients, where Ryan draws on contemporary pain science to help individuals rebuild their relationship with movement.
Ryan is equally at home working with youth athletes looking to develop resilience and performance as he is supporting post-surgical clients navigating a careful return to activity. Across each of these contexts, he maintains the same commitment: measurable goals, honest communication, and a program that evolves as the client does.
As part of the Fortify team, Ryan works closely with colleagues across exercise physiology, clinical pilates, and group programs — ensuring continuity of care and a genuinely multidisciplinary experience for every client.
Service Areas
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Designs structured, evidence-based rehabilitation programs for athletes and active individuals recovering from acute and chronic sports-related injuries, guiding safe return to sport and performance.
Chronic Pain Management
Applies contemporary pain science principles alongside progressive exercise prescription to help clients reduce pain, improve function, and rebuild confidence in movement.
Youth and Athlete Development
Delivers age-appropriate, goal-directed exercise programs for young athletes and developing individuals, supporting strength, movement quality, and long-term physical literacy.
Functional Movement Assessment
Conducts comprehensive movement assessments to identify dysfunctional patterns, muscular imbalances, and injury risk factors, using findings to guide individualised programming.
Matt Elphick
(He/Him/His)
Director | Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES)
Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) — Victoria University
Matt Elphick is the passionate and dedicated director of Fortify Movement & Health. He has extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients and focuses on enhancing general health and well-being.
About Matt
Matt specialises in providing support for clients living with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those within the LGBTQIA+ community. Matt's empathetic and inclusive approach ensures that everyone feels seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward better health.
As a proud member and strong supporter of the Rainbow Network, Matt is committed to creating safe and affirming spaces for his clients. He is a firm believer in tailoring movement and health solutions that celebrate each person's individuality, empowering them to move confidently and live fully.
With his extensive experience and passion for inclusive health care, Matt leads Fortify Movement & Health with a vision of providing accessible, affirming, and effective health services for all.
Areas of Expertise
Qualifications & Memberships
Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)
Victoria University
Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES)
Exercise & Sports Science Australia