Practitioners
Our lineage and philosophy of practice
"Osteopathy is a science grafted into every living cell of the body" - A T Still D.O.
Osteopathy is the art and science of using our hands to skillfully maximise the natural healing capacity of the patient. It is a unique way of thinking about the health of our patients and the cause of their disease that is grounded in a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology.
Hillside Osteopathy - formerly Hillside Health Centre has a long history of providing the best possible Osteopathic care for families. Our intention has always been to provide a service for our patients using traditional Osteopathic principles.
Traditional Osteopathy as prcticed by Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917) has been passed down through an oral teaching from Dr A T Still to us through a lineage of Osteopathic masters.
Dr Still taught many pupils in his time. But of special note was William Garner Sutherland (1873-1954) who continued the tradition of continually looking deeper into the natural laws that govern healing in our patients.
Dr Sutherland was the founder of Cranial Osteopathy; a continuation of Dr Stills study of the natural laws of healing.
Dr Sutherland taught a select group of Osteopaths interested in his work. His study group mentored our teacher Dr James Jealous D.O. We have been increadibly blessed to learn Traditional Osteopathic practice from Dr Jealous and his teaching faculty. We are especially blessed to be mentored by Dr Jealous in our own growth as Osteopaths for many years now.
We believe that Osteopathy should be practiced as service to the expression of health in the patient. We are passionate about following our lineage and the traditional Osteopathic principles.
Karen Buckingham

Karen is the co-owner of the practice (with Richard Wallis), and has been at Hillside since 2001.
Karen’s interest is in assisting women pre & post-pregnacy and children. Her philosophy is the body has enormous potential for healing, and this can be encouraged to express using osteopathy.
Outside of work her interests include reading, travel, sailing, yoga, and enjoying Westernport with her husband and Willow.
Spending time in the outdoors has given her an appreciation for the simpler things in life – friends, family, rest, relaxation and our fabulous beach culture.
B.Sc. (hons), B.App.Sc. (Clin.Sc.), B.Osteo.Sc.
Post Graduate Studies:
Biodynamic Cranial Osteopathy: phases 1 – 8
Biodynamic Cranial Osteopathy for Children: phases 1 & 2
SCTF fundamentals of osteopathy in the cranial field
SCTF learning difficulties using cranial techniques
SCTF heart and arteries using cranial techniques
Melbourne Study Group participant
Dr Still studies - Philosophy and Principles of Osteopathy - 2017
Richard Wallis

Richard is the co-owner of the practice (with Karen), and has been at Hillside since 1998.
The Traditional teachings of the founder of Osteopathy - Dr A T Still and the profound results he acheived when treating his patients has intriuged Richard from his first years at university. What did it mean - "first find the health" ? This question among others has led him on a path of inquirey into Traditional Osteopathy involving 13 years of post graduate study and mentorship with Dr James Jealous D.O. and his teaching faculty.
Richard’s other postgraduate studies include 4 years of study with the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation, covering subjects such as paediatrics, dentistry, facial mechanics, function of the circulatory system, and embryology.
Richard is passionate about music, and spends many hours building guitars from scratch. Ask him to show you one – they’re beautiful!
When not involved in treating or studying osteopathy and pediatrics with various study groups Richard heads off to his shed to build guitars and recharge!
B.App.Sc. (Cin.Sc.), B.Osteo.Sc., Grad. Dip.Osteo.Paeds.
Post Graduate Studies:
Biodynamic Cranial Osteopathy: phases 1 – 9
Biodynamic Cranial Osteopathy for Children: phases 1 – 3
Paediatrics and the Cranial Osteopathic Treatment of the Face
Melbourne Study Group – Children’s Clinic participant
Founding member of the 1st Aust / USA Study group with Dr James Jealous D.O.
Teaching history:
Introduction to Cranial Osteopathy – 2000 – 2001
Bio-basics program, Finding the Balance – 2005
Bio-basics program, the Fluid Body – 2006
Bio-basics, the Whole Body Mechanism – 2006
Introduction to Biodynamic Osteopathy with the Melbourne Osteopathic Study Group – 2008 & 2015
DR Still studies, Principles and Philosophy of Osteopathy - 2016 on.
Tim O'Brien

Tim joined Hillside in 2008, returning to Melbourne after spending 3 years in a busy Hamilton (New Zealand) clinic. His major focus is the treatment of adults and children using traditional Osteopathic principles.
When not working, Tim loves playing the guitar and listening to music. He is also a regular on the basketball court, where his height offers considerable advantage! Given a few days off, Tim loves to head to the bush for some hiking, sighting the 4 Day Milford Sound Track as a highlight.
B.App.Sc. (Clin.Sc.), B.Osteo.Sc.
Post Graduate Studies:
Biodynamic Cranial Osteopathy: phases 1 – 8
Biodynamic Cranial Osteopathy for Children: phases 1 & 2
SCTF fundamentals of Osteopathy in the cranial field
Melbourne study group participant
Founding member of the 1st Aust / USA Study group with Dr James Jealous D.O.
Teaching history:
Dr Still studies - Philosophy and Principles of Osteopathy - 2016 on.
Emma Jordan

Emma has recently moved to Melbourne after a year spent practicing in Perth. She was born in England, moved to France at age 10 then returned to the U.K. to study at the European School of Osteopathy. It was during her second year of study that she was introduced to Cranial Osteopathy and discovered newfound levels of subtlety in her sense of touch. The experience of these new sensations and learning the philosophy and principles of Traditional Osteopathy fuelled her desire to understand, explore and learn more.
Emma recognises the unique nature of each one of us. She is committed to give each person individualised care and works in partnership with them on their journey towards health. She also has a particular interest in the treatment of pre and postpartum women and assisting babies in their development.
When not at work, Emma enjoys being social, spending time in Nature, practicing yoga and meditation and planning her next traveling adventure.
Integrated Masters degree in Osteopathy (M.Ost.)
Post Graduate Studies:
Osteopathie Bio-Tissulaire Level 1
Anna Brown

Anna moved to Melbourne from the UK, where she studied at the European School of Osteopathy. She originally planned to live here for only a year, but fell in love with Melbourne and decided to stay.
Having experienced treatment since she was a baby, Anna has always appreciated the more gentle, subtle treatment approaches, and it was the opportunity to learn Cranial Osteopathy that led to her choosing to study at the ESO.
Anna enjoys meeting each new patient and working with them to help their body find health. She loves treating all ages, with a particular interest in women’s health, babies and young children, and gut health.
With a background in gymnastics, tennis and horse riding, Anna also dabbles in aerial acrobatics and martial arts. At the weekend she can usually be found hiking in nature, or tending to her veggie garden at home.
Integrated Masters degree in Osteopathy (M.Ost.)
Other Studies:
Pre and Post natal Pilates instructor training.
Foundations of Modern Acupuncture
