Presenter Bios & Abstracts
Lou Bibby
Lou Bibby is a dual-impact clinician - one of Australia’s first Advanced Sports Osteopaths and a driving force in rural healthcare innovation. Named Australian Osteopath of the Year (2024), she specialises in advanced rehabilitation, complex sports injury management, and return-to-performance planning across both athletes in sport and remote community settings.
As founder and director of Central Mallee Health, Central Mallee Fitness, Osteo Sports Network, and Outreach Osteo, Lou delivers world-class care to athletes and rural communities alike, while mentoring the next generation of osteopaths to lead with clarity, performance, and purpose.
Currently serving as Vice Chair of Sports Medicine Australia’s Victorian State Council, Lou brings over 15 years of experience to her work - fusing traditional osteopathic principles with contemporary, evidence-based practice to drive performance, leadership, and systemic change in allied health.
Title: Practicing at the Intersection of Tradition and Innovation:
A Performance Lens on Modern Osteopathy
This keynote explores how osteopaths can integrate traditional principles and manual therapy with modern evidence-based approaches - where the art of treatment meets the science of performance, rehabilitation, and capacity-building.
Lou shares how adopting a performance-based approach in the treatment room not only enhances clinical outcomes but also modernises the way we practise, communicate, and grow as professionals.
It’s a blend of tradition and innovation that connects different generations of osteopaths and invites us to think differently about the role performance, load management and capacity building plays in effective osteopathic care.
Expect practical examples from real-world athlete and non-athlete cases, clinical insights, and ideas for future-focused interprofessional collaboration - designed to help practitioners think beyond traditional practice models and elevate their impact in any setting.
Paul Hermann
Advanced Sports Osteopath & Advanced Exercise Rehab Osteopath, Exercise/Sports Scientist, Lecturer, Faculty Educator for Mainstay Medical, and Founder of Stay Tuned Sports Medicine
With his dual title as an Advanced Sports Osteopath & Advanced Exercise Rehab Osteopath [Osteopathy Australia], along with his additional qualification as an Exercise/Sport Scientist, Paul brings a priceless and unique perspective to patient management. His career spans over two decades in allied health care. With a passion for teaching, Paul has spent years as a university lecturer at RMIT and Victoria University and as an Educational Consultant to Mainstay Medical teaching surgeons and specialists.
His commitment to the principle that "Everybody Deserves to Feel Good" extends to his work as a therapist, lecturer, mentor, author, and international presenter. Paul's work reflects his enduring pursuit of knowledge. This course provides an exceptional opportunity to learn from Australia's first and only dual-titled Advanced Osteopath and leverage his expertise for your professional growth.
Title: Managing Functional Spinal Instability. The latest evidence, tests, and rehabilitation for Multifidus Dysfunction
Spinal stability/instability is commonly discussed amongst all types of health professionals. The rise of systems and exercise approaches to improve our “core” has been astounding and, in many ways, very beneficial to the population, but sadly spinal instability and multifidus dysfunction are misunderstood and poorly managed.
The research into this field is ongoing and evolving. This lecture and workshop will fill the gaps in knowledge and understanding, provide the latest evidence in a simple summarised format, teach the validated tests to accurately assess spinal stability and multifidus function, and exercise approaches to help manage and rehabilitate this condition.
Pili Munoz
My name is Pili, and I am the director and lead osteopath at Stillpoint Osteopaths. Over 30 years ago, I began my journey with osteopathy.
I graduated from RMIT in 1992, not fully knowing how lucky I was to receive the comprehensive osteopathic education that I did. Being exposed to some exceptional osteopaths and their love for osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF) during my studies, lit a fire of curiosity and passion for osteopathy, that was a driving force in my pursuits for further learning.
I started out in practice and attended courses to further my skills and understanding of OCF. I completed my post graduate studies in Osteopathic Paediatrics and was grateful to attend courses with some incredible osteopathic teachers who worked with students of Dr Sutherland, the founder of OCF. This added a depth to my work that, to this day, has been the platform from which I have grown my skills. In addition to these, I attended fundamental courses, courses on the Face, Oro-dental courses, and biodynamic courses, to name a few.
Early on in my career I started teaching with the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation of Australia and New Zealand (SCTF of ANZ), which then progressed to developing and contributing to the writing of programs in different aspects of OCF for the osteopathic profession. I have taught OCF in Australia, NZ, Germany, and Switzerland. I am continually inquisitive, and receptive to what I can learn from others and the patients I have the privilege to work with.
As a health care professional who has a deep love for osteopathy, I focus on the body mind and spirit during my treatment. We are connected to our families, communities, and environments. I believe that focus on the physical body, our relationships with others, and our connections to the natural world are a necessary part of my treatment approach.
As I have grown as an osteopath, my years of experience have helped me to acquire skills in the investigation and support of individuals with complex health complaints. I have progressed by extending my skills to the paediatric field. I have explored and gained experience with post-concussion care, digestive issues, women’s health, and pre and post-partum care. OCF being a gentle whole-body assessment and treatment approach allows me to provide a supportive and influential health care role in these areas.
Title: The Fascial System: Osteopathic Considerations
The fascial system forms a continuous, dynamic network that integrates structure and function across the entire body. In this lecture, we will explore fascia not simply as connective tissue, but as a living, responsive system that plays a central role in the body’s capacity for adaptation, self-regulation, and health.
By deepening our understanding of fascial anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, we can enhance our palpatory sensitivity, refine our clinical reasoning, and further embody the core osteopathic principles that guide our work.
Whether your practice leans toward osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF), visceral approaches, or structural techniques, this session offers a valuable opportunity to revisit the fascial system in a practical and reflective way. The hands-on component can be explored through whichever approach best suits your style, informed by the concepts discussed during the lecture. Together, we’ll consider the quality and responsiveness of fascia under our hands and reflect on how we might adapt or evolve our treatment to support the body’s innate capacity for change.
Emeritus Professor Warren Tate FRSNZ CNZM
Warren has been an academic researcher at the University of Otago spanning 57 years. After gaining his PhD (1972) and postdoctoral work (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA) he returned to Otago in 1975 and for 30 years researched the fundamental mechanisms of how the ribosome mediates protein synthesis. This led to the discovery of a novel mechanism of gene regulation, translational frameshifting used commonly by viruses like HIV-1 and progressed to studies of unexplained human diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Research of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and now Long COVID was initiated in 2012, focussing on preclinical studies with NZ patients to understand the pathophysiology and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Warren is a Fellow of the Royal Society (NZ), and of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Germany), and was an International Research Scholar of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (USA). He received the Distinguished Research Medal (University of Otago) in 2006, Rutherford Medal of the Royal Society (NZ) in 2010, a research excellence award from the HRC (NZ) in 2016 and the Marsden Medal (NZ Association of Scientists) in 2018. He was awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to Science in 2011.
Title: Understanding post-viral/stressor syndromes: Managing the effects of ME/CFS and Long COVID on the lives of patients’ and their families
This presentation will discuss what we understand are the complexities of the post viral fatigue syndromes Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID (LC), and the relationship between them. How are these syndromes managed today and how could better patient care and medical management be developed?
Jacquelyn Schirmer
Jacquelyn’s journey into EDS began after completing her osteopathic training in 2007 in the UK. She encountered many patients with injuries resulting from over-stretching, particularly from yoga, and began to research on their behalf. This developed into a collaboration with HMSA in the UK for which she wrote on osteopathy and hyper mobility.
Her Masters in Science proposal is on Clinical Pilates (which she has taught since 1998) and hyper mobility after realising that manual therapy alone wasn’t sufficient for best care management of these patients.
After moving to New Zealand in 2013, she started networking to create a team of EDS aware practitioners and now volunteers as Clinical Lead for EDSNZ, setting uptake first Network of Excellence for New Zealand (application pending to the EDS Society). She also runs a private clinic in Mangawhai and Auckland, EDS WellBeing where so co-ordinates patient care supporting them to develop a multi-disciplinary team. She is in Auckland every month for a clinic at Marua Medical Centre.
She has a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (La Trobe University, Melbourne), Bachelor of Osteopathy (British School of Osteopathy, London) and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Research and Methodology (University of Bedfordshire, UK). Her current studies include post-graduate training in Biodynamic Osteopathy and she is studying for her IBCLC lactation consultant qualification. She is also a qualified Pilates and yoga teacher and uses her experience as an endurance athlete to inform work with her patients.
Her time is spent running an osteopathic clinic in the north of New Zealand as well as spending much of her clinical hours treating paediatrics and obstetrics.
Topic: Unravelling EDS: The Osteopath’s Role in assessing and treating a Connective Tissue Disorder
Rain Zhao
Rain, BMed (Acupuncture & Tuina), is a New Zealand-registered acupuncturist and osteopath with a Master’s degree in Osteopathy from Unitec. A fourth-generation practitioner from a traditional Chinese medicine family, Rain has over 15 years of clinical experience in acupuncture and is passionate about integrating acupuncture with osteopathic practice. By combining Eastern medicine with modern osteopathic principles, Rain addresses a broad range of conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders, internal medicine, neurological, and systemic health issues.
Title: The Synergistic Integration of Acupuncture and Osteopathy: Advancing Whole-Person Care
This presentation explores the synergistic potential of integrating acupuncture into osteopathic practice. Rain will discuss how acupuncture’s neurophysiological effects can complement osteopathic techniques to improve patient outcomes. The session will demonstrate how acupuncture and osteopathy together can address musculoskeletal, neurological, and systemic health challenges, offering a holistic approach to whole-person care.
Kim Wilson
Kim Wilson is a clinician dedicated to integrating technology into healthcare to enhance patient outcomes. She specializes in implementing digital tools and telehealth solutions to deliver accessible, evidence-based care.
Title: What the TECH!? How tech is changing the way clients engage in their health journey
In this workshop we will look at free digital health tools, how objective testing boosts patient engagement, and have systems on hand for people to try out in a fun and practical session.
Ryan Gree
Ryan is the Head of Sales at splose, where he helps healthcare businesses streamline operations with powerful, intuitive practice management software. With a strong financial services and account management background, he understands how to identify business needs and demonstrate real value to customers.
His experience and expertise allow him to connect with Allied Health businesses, ensuring they get the most out of splose’s innovative solutions. He is particularly passionate about the power of AI in transforming healthcare administration, helping businesses save time and enhance client care.
Ryan works closely with customers to showcase the benefits of splose AI, including AI-powered progress notes, letters, and smart automation tools designed to simplify workflows. He thrives on building strong relationships, ensuring every customer experiences the full potential of splose’s cutting-edge technology.
Title: AI in Healthcare Systems
Rochelle Judkins
Osteopath, Business owner, and Māmā of two
Rochelle studied Osteopathy at Unitec Institute of Technology, and over the last 9 years has spent time serving the NZ Osteopathic community in her time as ONZ committee member, Vice-President, and President, raising her two young children in Northland, and running Empowered You Health And Wellness Enterprises. She has a particular passion for empowering patients, improving the perinatal mental health sphere, and cultivating greater connectivity and robustness in the health sector for patients and practitioners in Northland and New Zealand.
Title: Postpartum: Changing the narrative from “Mum and Bub” to “Whānau”
During the perinatal period, health providers focus almost exclusively on the health and well-being of the birthing parent and baby. Most commonly however, these are not the only two people involved when it comes to perinatal mental health and postpartum care of the infant. When reflecting on “the goal” in perinatal healthcare, for babies we often consider this as the baby arriving safe, healthy, and to have a successful beginning in life; and for the birthing parent to likewise journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum in as safe and healthy a way as possible. Here, we are going to challenge our understanding of what that means and how to get there. By studying current research and patient experiences, we are going to explore how approaching the perinatal family as a holistic team can lead to greater success of the postpartum journey for the whole whānau.
Neil Holmes
Since graduating from The British School of Osteopathy, Neil has gathered a wealth of experience in sports in New Zealand with football and rugby. Working with NZ Football at National Talent Centre, Northland FC, Southern United Futsal Team (National Futsal Champions 2017), Northland Rugby Union Development Team, u19s & u18s.
Neil opened his own clinic in 2017, not only for sports patients but also general patients: seeing a wide range of injuries. His aim is to always provide specific, tailor made treatment, rehabilitation and advice.
Recently Neil completed his post graduate diploma in sport and exercise medicine through the University of New South Wales and is working to complete his MSc with his thesis on Concussion in Rugby Union.
Neil is a Board member of Osteopaths NZ.
Workshop: Concussion support and recovery
Matthew Redford
Matthew was appointed as Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) in July 2020 after serving as Acting Chief Executive and Registrar of the organisation from September 2019. He has been with the GOsC since October 2000 and prior to his appointment as Chief Executive and Registrar he was Director of Registration and Resources, a post held for eight years.
Matthew is an accountant and a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Association of Accounting Technicians. He also sits, in a Non-Executive capacity, on the Joint Audit Committee of the Kent Police Crime Commissioner; has sat on the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, and has been asked by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to fulfil a similar role, albeit on a temporary basis.
Originally from Bermondsey, South-East London, he now lives in East Sussex having relocated in 2021. Matthew enjoys creative writing and the theatre, and is a keen chess player often participating in tournaments around London and the South-East. He is one of the co-organisers of a social chess club in Brighton.
Title: Listening, Learning, Leading: GOsC’s Patient Engagement Journey
