Wa-El (Wayne) Mahmoud
Osteopath & Acupuncturist

I am an osteopath, acupuncturist, educator, author, and international leader in dry needling education and patient safety.

With more than four decades of experience, I have built a career that combines clinical practice, higher education, professional leadership, and international teaching. I am widely recognised for my work in advancing safe, evidence-informed dry needling practice and improving educational standards for manual therapists worldwide.

I am currently the Director of CPD Health Courses in Melbourne, Australia, a role I have held since 2013. Through CPD Health Courses, I have trained more than 11,000 therapists internationally in competency-based dry needling programmes, with a strong emphasis on patient safety, clinical reasoning, and evidence-informed practice.

One of the great privileges of this work is leading such a wonderful team of presenters. I am deeply appreciative of their knowledge, commitment, and care, and I take great pride in the way they support therapists throughout their learning journey. Our aim is not simply to teach dry needling techniques, but to help you develop the confidence, clinical reasoning, and practical skills to help more people presenting with myofascial pain and dysfunction.

Before CPD Health Courses, I was Director of Sports & Spinal Group in Beaumaris, Victoria, from 1992 to 2014, and Director of Templestowe Osteopathy & Sports Injuries from 1990 to 1992. Earlier in my career, I held several senior academic and clinical leadership roles, including Senior Lecturer in the Osteopathy Program at Victoria University from 1994 to 1998, and Head of Clinic and Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics, Orthopaedics, Clinical Methods, and Osteopathic Manipulation Technique at RMIT University from 1987 to 1990. I also practised as a clinician at the British School of Osteopathy in London from 1985 to 1987.

I have also contributed to the profession through organisational leadership. I served as President of the Australian Osteopathic Association from 1990 to 1991 and remain committed to supporting the ongoing development of osteopathy and musculoskeletal practice. I have been affiliated with Osteopathy Australia since 1987 and have been a member of the International Myopain Society since 2015.

My formal education includes a Diploma of Osteopathy from the British School of Osteopathy in London, completed in 1985, and a Master of Applied Science in Acupuncture from RMIT University, completed in 2000. I have continued to expand my professional training throughout my career, including CMTPT training with Myopain Seminars in 2015, the FAQ Level 3 Award in Education and Training in 2019, and advanced study in No Code AI and Machine Learning through MIT Professional Education in 2024.

I am also an author and published writer. I wrote Two Hands: The Gamechanger Guide for Manual Therapists and have published articles including A Modern Approach to Dry Needling in 2022, The Trigger Point – Dead or Alive in 2019, and An Eye for an Eye: A Case Report on Holmes–Adie’s Pupil in 1998. I also co-authored the 2025 paper, Safety in Dry Needling: The Role and Contributions of the International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group (IDNETAG), published in Rehabilitation Practice and Science.

My work extends beyond teaching and writing into international lectures, webinars, and podcasts. I have been invited to speak on dry needling, clinical practice, and professional development across a range of respected platforms and events, including the Tenth World Congress on Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Bangalore, India, in 2017. My presentations have included topics such as an osteopathic approach to tension headache, management of low back pain, and an introduction to dry needling.

In 2023, I co-founded the International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group, IDNETAG, alongside Dr Jan Dommerholt. IDNETAG brings together global experts to develop international safety guidelines and educational standards to improve patient safety and strengthen clinical accountability across professions.

Reflecting my forward-thinking approach, I am also interested in how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can support modern clinician learning, knowledge systems, and professional education.

Through my clinical work, teaching, leadership, writing, and international collaboration, I continue to help shape global standards in safe, evidence-informed dry needling practice.

Sophie Soleman
Sports Therapist

Hi! My name is Sophie. I currently live and work in Bayside, Melbourne, where I have spent the last 8 years building my multidisciplinary private practice. 

I have been working as a Sports Therapist using dry needling myself and presenting dry needling courses for CPD Health Courses across the country for almost a decade! 

I graduated from the Australian College of Sports Therapy in Melbourne in 2016. Prior to studying at the ACST, I completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne with a major in Animal Health & Disease. 

While I spend most of my time in the clinic working with individuals to achieve their personal goals, I love being in a teaching role on my weekends, where I can help other health professionals learn and develop skills that I know will both help them achieve their goals in their profession and also help their patients. After 10 years of needling and presenting over 100 courses, I still get excited about dry needling and the results it can achieve, and I enjoy seeing new needlers share this excitement at the start of their needling journey.

Through my years of study and work, I have come to realise that my dream job is not a specific job; rather, it's one where I know I am helping others achieve their goals, whether in pain management and musculoskeletal issues or otherwise. Helping others achieve great things is where my passion lies. I look forward to meeting you on a course soon!

Chelsey Quilliam
Remedial Massage Therapist

Hi, I’m Chelsey. I am a remedial massage therapist with over 10 years in the massage industry. I work in a clinic in Bundoora, specialising in fascial restriction, sports injuries and chronic postural imbalances. I also work with professional athletes on pre- and post-game treatment and as a game-day trainer.

I completed the introductory to dry needling course in August 2024 with CPD Health Courses, and shortly after, I started my presenting role. I thoroughly enjoy training and helping other health practitioners learn a new modality that I find so beneficial for treating my clients.

When I am not working in my various roles, I enjoy spending quality time outdoors, especially away camping. 

I look forward to meeting you at a Melbourne Course soon.

Terry Stewart
Osteopath

Hi! I’m an osteopath with a strong interest in pain management, movement, education and helping people live fuller, more active lives.

My career path has been anything but conventional. I started out in the rail industry before making a major career change in the mid-1990s, which led me into the health field. During that transition, I discovered massage therapy while studying at TAFE, and that experience ultimately set me on the path to becoming an osteopath in 2007. I later completed a Master of Pain Management at the University of Sydney in 2015, which deepened my understanding of pain science and the many factors that influence a person’s experience of pain.

My work is grounded in a simple philosophy: helping people better understand and manage pain so they can move with more confidence and get back to doing the things they enjoy. I take a patient-centred approach, combining hands-on osteopathic care with evidence-informed pain management strategies and pain science education.

Education has also been a big part of my career. I’ve delivered webinars and workshops on pain management for osteopaths and have taught in the tertiary sector across a range of manual therapy disciplines. I enjoy helping practitioners build confidence, think critically and apply practical strategies in clinical practice.

Outside the clinic and classroom, I love adventure and being outdoors. I’ve hiked in Nepal, completed two Ironman triathlons, a half Ironman, and several long-distance open-water swims. Hiking, running, cycling and ocean swimming are all regular parts of my life — sometimes I joke that I’m growing gills.

I’m also a proud father of two sons, grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren, and husband to an amazing wife. Balancing family life with my passion for health, movement and wellness is something I value deeply — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Gab Sarpa
Physiotherapist

Hey! I’m Gab, a Physiotherapist born and raised in Sydney and currently the Head Physiotherapist at Dr Fit Physiotherapy. With 6 years of clinical experience, I’m passionate about helping people manage pain, move better, and return to doing what they love. I have a particular interest in dry needling and its role in treating musculoskeletal conditions.

I completed my studies at Western Sydney University and have worked with a wide range of patients, from everyday injuries to complex cases. I’ve also had the opportunity to work clinically with professional athletes, including boxers and Socceroos, which has further shaped my approach to performance, recovery, and injury prevention.

Alongside my clinical work, I’m passionate about education. After completing both introductory and advanced dry needling training, I developed a strong interest in teaching and supporting other health professionals in building confidence and refining their practical skills.

Outside of work, I enjoy running and travelling, and recently completed the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, an experience that further fuelled my appreciation for physical performance and resilience.

I look forward to seeing you at our Sydney-based courses soon!

Skye Duncan
Osteopath

Originally a country kid, I moved to the brighter lights of Melbourne to fulfil a childhood dream of becoming a Vet. But after a year studying a combined Science and Arts Degree at Melbourne Uni, things took a turn, and I discovered Osteopathy.  I jumped ship and was even taught a couple of subjects by her greatest mentor, Wayne, and completed a Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science) and a Master's in Health Science (Osteopathy) from Victoria University in 2000. During my Master's degree, I was a part-time lecturer in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology, teaching Paramedic Science students.  

The city lights started to dim, and the Sunshine Coast, QLD, began calling me. I quickly learnt to surf and joined the local surf lifesaving club.  

With a passion for health and chronic pain management, I established Noosa Osteopathy in 2004. Since then, I have enjoyed balancing private practice with life as a mum, wife, race car driver, pickleball player, and musician. My 15 minutes of fame so far came when I performed as a backing singer for American tenor Josh Groban on You Raise Me Up.

Since moving to Queensland, I have completed several postgraduate programmes, including dry needling, cranial osteopathy and biodynamic osteopathy. I have also travelled to Italy as the team osteopath for the Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Masters team in 2004, treated elephants at Australia Zoo, and enjoyed training with the CrossFit4566 community.

I look forward to meeting you at the next Brisbane course.

Sonja Saar
Physiotherapist

Hi! I’m Sonja, a musculoskeletal physiotherapist with a strong interest in sports injury management, pre- and post-partum care, healthy ageing, and helping people move and perform at their best.

My background started with a degree in Biomedical Science, with a focus on Exercise Physiology, before I went on to complete my Master of Physiotherapy. Since then, I’ve loved combining my knowledge of the human body, movement, rehabilitation and performance to help people feel stronger, more confident and more capable in their bodies.

Over the years, I’ve completed additional training in a range of areas that complement my physiotherapy practice. As well as teaching Dry Needling, I'm also a RockTape instructor, Level 1 CrossFit Trainer and Level 1 CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer. These qualifications have helped shape the way I assess movement, understand body mechanics and support people through recovery, training and performance goals.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of people, from professional athletes to older adults. I really enjoy building strong, collaborative relationships and creating a supportive environment where people feel heard, encouraged and confident in their care.

At CPD Health Courses, I bring my clinical experience, practical teaching style and enthusiasm for ongoing learning to help practitioners build their skills, improve their confidence and achieve great outcomes for their patients.

Nathan Haussmann
Physiotherapist

Hey there, I hope I’m lucky enough to take you through a course! I’m an Australian-Canadian physiotherapist. After completing a Master’s of Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland, I chose to do the Introductory CPD health dry needling course prior to commencing my work in private practice. I had such a good personal experience with the benefits, and I wanted my patients to have the same! Since then, I have been working in a Brisbane clinic for the past 5 years, and upon completing the Advanced dry needling course last year, I was invited to join the team as a presenter.

On the weekends without a course, you’ll find me out golfing with my wife, on the mountain bike trails, or on a trip to the beach up the coast, although I enjoy teaching dry needling just as much! It’s a pleasure to see the techniques click for a student and that first trigger point twitch.

Rebecca Officer
Physiotherapist

Hi! I’m Rebecca Officer, a physiotherapist based in Adelaide and part of the Oakbank Physiotherapy team.

I have a strong interest in helping people move better, feel stronger and return to the activities that matter most to them. My approach is practical, patient-centred and focused on giving people the confidence to understand their bodies and take an active role in their recovery.

Dry needling has become an important part of my clinical toolkit. I enjoy using it alongside manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation and clear education to help manage myofascial pain, improve movement and support better outcomes for patients.

As a presenter with CPD Health Courses, I love helping other practitioners develop safe, confident and effective dry needling skills. Teaching is such a rewarding part of my professional life, especially when I see clinicians grow in confidence over the course of a weekend and leave with practical skills they can apply straight away.

I’m proud to be part of a team that places such a strong emphasis on safety, clinical reasoning and high-quality education. I look forward to meeting you at an upcoming Adelaide course!

Alex Mutu
Chiropractor

Hi! I'm Dr Alex Mutu, a Perth chiropractor with a special interest in sports injury management and chronic pain. I practice at two GP clinics in the Peel region as their on-site allied health consultant and also mentor like-minded practitioners. 

I graduated with a double degree from Murdoch University in 2010 and completed postgraduate education in Sports Chiropractic and am an Internationally Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner. I also have previous experience as a Strength and Conditioning coach and worked for 10 years as the Team Chiropractor and Head Sports Trainer at Rockingham Rugby Union Football Club. 

My spare time is spent mostly with my teenage daughter, gaming, or binge-watching anime - but I will occasionally leave the house to kitesurfing or hiking. 

I completed my dry needling qualification with CPD Health Courses in 2017; a skill I have used daily in practice and now have the pleasure of teaching alongside the amazing CPD Health Courses team. I'm looking forward to meeting you in Perth soon!

Tania Oyarzun
Physiotherapist

Hi! I’m Tania Oyarzun, a Chilean-trained physiotherapist practising at Life Ready Physio, Spearwood, WA.

I completed my degree in 2015, followed by postgraduate diplomas in Exercise Prescription and Return to Sport. Early in my career, I had the incredible opportunity to work with the Chilean National Basketball Team for several years and to spend a season with Stella Azzurra Basketball Club in Italy. Those experiences shaped my love for high-performance sport, teamwork, and helping athletes feel confident in their bodies.

I completed my first dry needling certification in Chile in 2017, and later expanded my training with CPDHC in 2022. Dry needling has become a key adjunct to my manual therapy practice — I love how precise and effective it can be when paired with solid clinical reasoning.

Since relocating to Australia in 2018 — living in Sydney and Melbourne before finally finding home in Perth — I’ve been practising as a physiotherapist here since 2021. I currently work full-time in private practice, where I focus on musculoskeletal care and helping people return to the activities they love. I’m also completing my Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at La Trobe University, which has been an amazing way to deepen my clinical reasoning and advanced MSK skills. This year, I’m also the Physiotherapist for the Cockburn Cougars in the NBL1, bringing me right back into the sporting environment that energises me.

Outside the clinic, I enjoy playing basketball and soccer, getting out on the water for stand-up paddleboarding, spending time with friends, and hosting Mambo Latino, a Spanish-language radio show that keeps me connected to my culture and community.

Rick Yu
Physiotherapist

Hi! My name is Rick. I’m a physiotherapist based in Perth, practising at Kingsley Physiotherapy in Western Australia.

After completing both the Introductory and Advanced Dry Needling courses, I was invited to join the teaching team as a Co-Presenter with CPD Health Courses.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from Curtin University and am currently completing a Master of Acupuncture at RMIT University in Melbourne. This dual training has allowed me to develop a strong foundation in both Western dry needling and Eastern acupuncture, supporting a holistic, evidence-informed approach to patient-centred care.

I work in a collaborative medical and physiotherapy private practice, where I liaise closely with doctors to optimise the management of musculoskeletal conditions and help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

Teaching is a genuine passion of mine. I find it incredibly rewarding to share dry needling as a safe and highly effective treatment modality, and to see clinicians grow in confidence as they develop new skills and achieve meaningful results over the course of the weekend.

I look forward to meeting you at an upcoming Perth course!

Louise Miler
Osteopath

Hi! I’m Louise Miller, an osteopath trained at the British School of Osteopathy, where I qualified in 1987.

After qualifying, I moved to Melbourne, Australia, with my husband, Wael Mahmoud. Since then, I have been closely involved in the development and day-to-day running of CPD Health Courses.

While much of my work happens behind the scenes, I am often described as the backbone of the business. I help ensure that every course runs smoothly by managing the many administrative details that support both our presenters and participants before, during and after each course.

From communication and organisation to course logistics and participant support, I take pride in making sure everything is well prepared, clearly managed and delivered with care. My role is to help create a professional, welcoming and well-organised learning experience so that therapists can focus on getting the most out of their training.

I am proud to support the CPD Health Courses team and the many practitioners who join us to develop their dry needling skills safely and confidently.