MEET THE TLCU TEAM
At TLCU, people are our passion!
When we handpicked our Team, we put as much emphasis on personally as we did their ability. The result is a perfect blend of professionalism, experience, talent, and approachability.
We are friendly, supportive and not afraid to answer (or ask) the difficult questions. We listen and have genuine empathy for your situation. We believe in finding the best solution for our clients and we are forward-thinking individuals who want to make a difference.
MARK HILLS
Retired Director
With over 40 years experience, Mark has been working in the Prosthetic and Orthotic industry, travelling the world mastering skills in high-end prosthetic components such as the microprocessor and Myoelectrics.
Mark brings to TLCU expertise in both clinical practice and business management as owner of the business, and his international reputation puts him in high demand for training and assisting prosthetists in other countries with their manufacturing and clinical techniques.
Mark remains an owner of the business but has since retired from the TLCU clinic full-time. Mark is still involved with the operations of the business and works in a consultant capacity sharing with the team his extensive knowledge and experience within the prosthetics industry.
MICHELLE NEWCOMBE ANZIIF (Assoc) CIP
General Manager
Bringing with her a successful track record in operations, customer service, revenue growth and vendor sourcing, Michelle was appointed General Manager of TLCU in 2022.
Michelle really enjoys the TLCU work environment and is so pleased she made the change over to the healthcare industry, having previously spent over 15 years working in management roles within the legal and insurance sectors.
Michelle’s role is to provide an efficient and effective level of management & co-ordination of TLCU’s practice operations, its staff and to improve the client experience. She enjoys providing inspiration to those around her, creating a collaborative environment and seeing the work of the amazing TLCU team that help to make a difference to people’s lives every day.
BRADEN SCULLY BHS MCP&O MAOPA
Lead Prosthetist
After graduating from La Trobe University in 2013, Braden worked in Melbourne briefly before moving to Scandinavia where he worked as a Prosthetic Technician in the south of Norway for two years before joining the TLCU team in 2017.
Braden loves working within the TLCU team and finds the field both stimulating and rewarding, and he enjoys working with a large variety of clients and collaborating with them to achieve their personal goals.
In 2021, Braden took on a leadership role within the clinical team with a focus on ensuring TLCU delivers personalised and high-quality patient care.
Braden's special interest areas within the prosthetic field are above knee socket design, paediatric prosthetics and mental health.
CAMERON DAVIS BHS MCPO, c-OP, AOPA
Lead Orthotist - Modern Orthotic Designs
Cameron graduated from La Trobe University in 2013 alongside our Lead Prosthetist, Braden. In 2014 Cameron worked initially at OPSA in Adelaide, South Australia and similarly at Caufield Hospital in Melbourne covering maternity leave positions.
Since then, Cameron has worked in Perth for close to a decade and has been able to grow his reputation for the care he provides his clients, families and his vast orthotic clinical knowledge. Cameron has been tasked with setting up TLCU’s orthotic branch "Modern Orthotic Designs" which operates out of the TLCU building.
Cameron's special areas of interest include stance control KAFO management, including the provision of the Ottobock C-Brace 2 knee joint. Along with working with both Pediatric and Adult clients of varying levels of complexity, assisting them to achieve their goals.
JON CHALCRAFT
Technical Lead
Jon worked in the family’s prosthetic manufacturing business in WA and has a personal connection to providing and manufacturing for our clinicians the best prosthetic products that will level the playing field for people with limb differences or limb loss.
Jon shares responsibility for all aspects of the manufacturing and finishing of prosthetic and orthotic devices at TLCU.
Jon has worked as a Prosthetic Technician for over 23 years. He has seen prosthetic limbs evolve from wooden legs with basic rubber feet to today’s prosthetic devices which include carbon fibre feet, microprocessor knee joints and arms. Jon has also seen the introduction of a wide variety of liners, clutch locks, suspension systems and many other innovations.
Jon enjoys seeing these new technologies being implemented and assisting the TLCU Clinicians and other Technicians in bringing all these new products into practice and seeing the improvements they make to our client lives.
NATASHA DEANS B. PHYSIO (HONS)
Physiotherapist
Tash is our in-house Physiotherapist who studied at The University of Notre Dame Australia graduating with a first-class honours degree in Transfemoral Amputee Biomechanical Analysis. During her studies she was a sports trainer for the National Wheelchair Basketball team where she developed a passion for helping individuals with limb loss.
Tash has worked within the area of private practice physiotherapy where she has sought continual growth by becoming a STOTT Pilates rehabilitation instructor, dry needling therapist and guest lecturer at The University of Notre Dame Australia on amputee biomechanics.
In 2018 she travelled to England to work within the National Health Hospital system, working with patients in surgical, orthopaedic, medical, respiratory and amputees. Upon returning home she has followed her passion by recommencing work in the private sector and providing physiotherapy to able-bodied individuals and lower limb amputee patients with the ultimate goal of improving their function and quality of life.
Her goal is to bridge the gap in the amputee rehabilitation sector by working directly with Prosthetists and understanding the co-treatment required around prosthetic componentry and rehabilitation influencing one’s function by creating a multi-disciplinary team. She also has created a not-for-profit charity for amputees with limb loss and their families in Western Australia (WAASP).
JESSICA GRIFFITHS BHS MCP&O MAOPA
Prosthetist
Jess graduated from La Trobe University in 2014 with a Masters degree in Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics. Jess gained valuable experience in acute and subacute orthotic/prosthetic management while working at Launceston General Hospital before joining the TLCU team in 2018.
Jess is passionate about ensuring all people living with a disability receive the care that best allows them to meet their individual goals and increase their independence. Her special areas of interest are emerging technologies and components, improving clinical outcomes for remote clients and evidence-based solutions.
Jess is also certified member of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
THOMAS CLINGIN, BHS MCP&O MAOPA
Prosthetist
Tom completed his Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics at LaTrobe University in 2017. He also completed work placements in the UK and NSW, before accepting a position to join the TLCU team in 2018.
Tom has a special interest in upper limb and complex transtibial prosthetics. His specialities include experience and certification for fitting a range of myoelectric and recreational devices. Tom enjoys working with clients who want to achieve their goals, particularly around sport and rehabilitation.
He has seen success with his clients able to return to their pre-amputation tasks such as flying an aeroplane, playing a musical instrument, cycling and running.
Tom is continually engaged in the prosthetic community through his participation in written media, presentations at conferences and engagement with non-for-profit organisations.
MARYAM MOKHTARI BP&O | MISPO
Prosthetist
Maryam has travelled extensively to more than 40 countries and been privileged to have worked within Prosthetics and Orthotics in 4 of these countries including Iran, India and Afghanistan (as part of her job working for The International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC) and then eventually moving to Australia, which she now calls her home.
With over 15 years’ experience in both Prosthetics and Orthotics fields, Maryam received her Bachelor of Prosthetics & Orthotics from Medical Sciences University in Tehran, Iran.
Maryam speaks fluent Persian (Farsi) and has a strong understanding how culture influences people in terms of behaviour, beliefs and values. Having experienced multiple and different cultures personally, this has provided Maryam with necessary communication skills that has both assisted her clients and contributes to the way people depict their gestures and body language.
She says, that meeting and interacting with our clients, allows them to diversify their communication and look at the world from a different perspective.
KAYLA BAUM BHS MCP&O MAOPA
Graduate Prosthetist
Kayla grew up in Noosa, the star beach town of Queensland, before moving to Perth in 2023. Kayla graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 2022. She attended TLCU in her final year placement before returning to work within the team as a qualified Prosthetist.
A key interest of Kayla’s is the progression of technology in prosthetics; to expand her knowledge Kayla completed a course with Ottobock in Sydney, focussing on Transfemoral solutions and microprocessor knees.
Another interest of hers is sport focussed prostheses, helping clients of all abilities participate in physical activity. She loves the challenge of being able to problem solve and brainstorm ideas to overcome prosthetic problems in the ever-changing prosthetic landscape.
KRISHNA KARMAN
Purchasing & Accounts Administrator
Krishna manages both the purchasing and accounts side of the business, providing support to the General Manager with reporting and budgets.
Krishna ensures the deliveries and orders are processed in a timely manner, ensures components/consumables, back-orders and Trials/Loaners are followed up and documented accurately.
Krishna manages all supplier invoices and payments, processing, reconciliation, follow up in this regard and will always be happy to support our clients or TLCU team with their queries.
Krishna has a desire to learn and share her knowledge with the TLCU team. She is often seen covering or assisting the administration team or putting her hand up to be involved in a new project. Krishna is valued professional and a great support to everyone in the building, whether that is for our clients or our staff.
TINA SAMUEL
NDIS Administration Specialist
Tina’s main role at TLCU is to build client relationships and to support our professionals in delivering exceptional services.
Tina provides an efficient and effective level of support to our clients with their NDIS Plans and enquiries. She ensures the smooth running of daily activities for clients and staff at TLCU.
Tina role is varied administration role, which mainly concentrates on our NDIS clients. She does this by creating Service Bookings on the NDIS portal, sends AT & quotes for approval and can assist with linking our clients with a Plan Manager or even provide updates of the progress of their job, approval or funds.
Tina is able to assist all our clients, whatever the query. If she does not know the answer, she will find it !
NATALIE COOPER
Receptionist / Administration Assistant
Natalie receives and welcomes clients & visitors by phone and in person, providing a friendly face on your arrival and effective support, ensuring the smooth running of daily activities for clients and staff at TLCU.
Natalie is your go-to person for our WALSA, private and insurance clients. She will be pleased to provide the support you are looking for to get your quote approved, organise and order consumables where required, or make an appointment for you to see one of our Clinicians.
Feel free to ask Natalie at our reception for a coffee or tea on your arrival. She will be delighted to make you one and give you one of her smiles at the same time. Natalie is both empathetic and respectful of others and is a great listener and support to our clients.
MUKESH KARMAN
Technician
As an experienced Technician at TLCU, Mukesh provides support to our Prosthetists and Orthotists in the manufacture and repair of prostheses and orthoses for clients of TLCU.
Mukesh is a valued member of staff who is kind and a joy to work with. His attention to detail and genuine interest in the ideal outcome for our client’s manufacturing is so important, which in return results in obtaining the best results for our clients.