MEET OUR TEAM
OUR HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
MANUEL
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Manuel Duarte is the Founder and Director of MPower Physical Therapy and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with over 10 years of experience helping individuals improve their health, function, performance and quality of life.
Holding a Bachelor of Health Science (Sport & Exercise Science), a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, ASCA Strength and Conditioning accreditation, and Certificates III and IV in Fitness, Manuel combines evidence-based practice with a practical, results-driven approach to rehabilitation and performance.
As the Founder of MPower Physical Therapy, Manuel leads a multidisciplinary team of Exercise Physiologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Dietitians dedicated to helping people move from pain and limitations to resilience, freedom and lasting quality of life.
Manuel has extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, adults and older adults across a wide range of presentations, including neurological conditions, disability and NDIS supports, chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, metabolic conditions, cardiovascular disease and complex medical presentations. He is particularly passionate about helping individuals improve their independence, confidence and participation in everyday life through tailored exercise and rehabilitation programs.
Alongside his clinical work, Manuel has a strong background in strength and conditioning and athletic performance. He currently serves as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for Deaf Football Australia and has worked with athletes ranging from grassroots competitors through to national and international representatives. He also supports initiatives with Transplant Australia Football Club, helping athletes maximise performance while maintaining long-term health and wellbeing.
Manuel's commitment to excellence has seen him recognised as a Finalist for Business Person of the Year at the 2026 Penrith Local Business Awards. Under his leadership, MPower Physical Therapy has become one of Western Sydney's leading allied health providers, delivering thousands of therapy sessions each year and supporting individuals across the lifespan.
Known for his genuine, down-to-earth approach, Manuel believes every person deserves a treatment plan that is tailored to their goals, circumstances and aspirations. He works closely with clients, families, support coordinators, medical professionals and care teams to ensure the highest standard of care and the best possible outcomes.
Whether you're looking to manage a chronic condition, recover from injury, improve your mobility, enhance athletic performance or maintain your independence, Manuel is passionate about helping you achieve meaningful and lasting results.
Book an appointment with Manuel today and discover how evidence-based exercise and rehabilitation can help you move better, feel stronger and live life with confidence.
KASSEM
LEAD ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Kassem is the Lead Exercise Physiologist at MPower Physical Therapy and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist dedicated to helping individuals improve their health, performance and quality of life through evidence-based exercise and rehabilitation.
Holding a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology along with Certificates III and IV in Fitness, Kassem combines strong clinical knowledge with a genuine passion for helping people achieve meaningful and lasting results. His areas of interest include strength and conditioning, sports performance, chronic pain management, healthy ageing, metabolic health, neurological conditions and exercise therapy for children and adolescents.
In addition to his clinical role, Kassem serves as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Transplant Australia National Football Team, supporting athletes in preparing for national and international competition. His experience in athletic development, performance enhancement and injury prevention allows him to work confidently with everyone from elite athletes through to individuals beginning their health and fitness journey.
As Lead Exercise Physiologist, Kassem plays an important role in mentoring staff, supporting clinical excellence and ensuring clients receive the highest standard of care. He is known for his approachable nature, positive attitude and ability to motivate clients to build confidence in their abilities.
Whether your goal is to manage a chronic condition, improve your strength and fitness, recover from injury, enhance sporting performance or maintain your independence as you age, Kassem is passionate about helping you achieve your goals.
Book an appointment with Kassem today and take the first step towards becoming a stronger, healthier and more confident version of yourself.
SARAH
ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Sarah is a Senior Exercise Physiologist at MPower Physical Therapy and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with over 7 years of experience helping individuals improve their health, mobility and quality of life through evidence-based exercise and rehabilitation.
Holding a Bachelor of Health Science (Sport & Exercise Science) and a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Sarah has extensive experience supporting individuals with neurological conditions, musculoskeletal injuries, chronic health conditions and age-related concerns. She is particularly passionate about helping people maintain their independence, improve their confidence and achieve meaningful long-term health outcomes.
Sarah is also a qualified PD Warrior Therapist, providing specialised exercise interventions for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Her expertise in neurological rehabilitation allows her to develop targeted programs that focus on improving mobility, balance, strength and overall function.
Known for her warm and supportive approach, Sarah takes the time to understand each client's unique goals and challenges, creating personalised programs that are both achievable and effective. She is committed to empowering individuals to take control of their health and build confidence through movement.
Whether you're managing a chronic condition, recovering from injury, looking to improve your strength and balance, or wanting to stay active as you age, Sarah is passionate about helping you achieve your goals and live life to the fullest.
Book an appointment with Sarah today and discover how tailored exercise and rehabilitation can help you move with confidence, maintain your independence and improve your quality of life.
CARMEN
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Carmen is an experienced Occupational Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals maximise their independence, participation and quality of life. With extensive experience supporting people across the lifespan, Carmen works collaboratively with clients, families and support networks to develop practical solutions that make a meaningful difference in everyday life.
Her expertise spans functional assessments, capacity building, assistive technology, home modifications, activities of daily living, community access and supporting individuals living with disability, neurological conditions and complex care needs. Carmen takes a holistic, person-centred approach, ensuring every intervention is tailored to the individual's goals, strengths and unique circumstances.
Known for her compassionate nature and attention to detail, Carmen is committed to delivering evidence-based therapy that empowers clients to build confidence, increase independence and achieve greater participation at home, in the community and at work.
As part of the multidisciplinary team at MPower Physical Therapy, Carmen works closely alongside our Exercise Physiologists, Physiotherapists and Dietitians to provide coordinated care and achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Carmen is dedicated to helping people overcome barriers, reach their goals and live more fulfilling and independent lives. We are proud to have her as part of the MPower team and look forward to the positive impact she continues to make within our community.
Book an appointment with Carmen today and discover how Occupational Therapy can help you build independence, confidence and greater participation in everyday life.
TANYA
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Tanya is a Physiotherapist at MPower Physical Therapy who is passionate about helping individuals recover from injury, reduce pain and return to doing the things that matter most to them.
Holding a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Master of Physiotherapy, Tanya combines evidence-based treatment with a personalised and goal-focused approach to rehabilitation. She has a particular interest in sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, musculoskeletal conditions, lower back pain, balance and mobility training, and return-to-work rehabilitation.
Tanya works with people of all ages and activity levels, from individuals recovering from surgery or workplace injuries through to those looking to improve their strength, mobility and confidence in everyday life. Her treatment approach focuses not only on relieving symptoms, but identifying and addressing the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction to achieve long-term results.
Known for her warm, supportive and approachable nature, Tanya takes the time to understand each client's goals, challenges and lifestyle, ensuring every treatment plan is tailored to their individual needs. She is committed to empowering her clients with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to take control of their recovery and achieve meaningful outcomes.
As part of the multidisciplinary team at MPower Physical Therapy, Tanya works closely alongside our Exercise Physiologists, Occupational Therapists and Dietitians to provide comprehensive care and help clients achieve the best possible results.
Whether you're recovering from injury, managing a chronic condition, returning to sport or looking to improve your movement and quality of life, Tanya is dedicated to helping you move better, feel stronger and perform at your best.
Book an appointment with Tanya today and take the first step towards moving with confidence and living without limitations.
JULIA
DIETICIAN
Julia is an Accredited Practising Dietitian at MPower Physical Therapy with over 10 years of experience helping individuals improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life through evidence-based nutrition and practical lifestyle strategies.
Holding a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics from Monash University, Julia is passionate about empowering clients to build sustainable habits that support long-term health outcomes. She understands that nutrition is not one-size-fits-all and takes a personalised, holistic approach to ensure recommendations align with each individual's health needs, lifestyle, preferences and goals.
Julia supports clients across a broad range of areas including weight management, diabetes, cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal conditions, high cholesterol, sports nutrition, eating disorders and chronic disease management. She has extensive experience working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, helping them navigate complex health challenges with confidence and clarity.
Through her online consultations, Julia provides accessible and flexible support for clients under NDIS, WorkCover, TAC, Eating Disorder Treatment Plans and Chronic Disease Management Plans (EPCs). She works collaboratively with clients and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated care and achieve meaningful, lasting results.
Known for her compassionate and non-judgemental approach, Julia creates a supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood and empowered to make positive changes. Her combination of clinical expertise and genuine care makes her a trusted partner in helping clients achieve their health and nutrition goals.
Whether you're managing a medical condition, improving your relationship with food, enhancing athletic performance or simply looking to feel your best, Julia is dedicated to helping you achieve sustainable results and long-term success.
Book an appointment with Julia today and discover how personalised nutrition support can help you feel better, perform better and live healthier.