Education & Training

The Education Unit:

• Conducts "train-the-trainer" courses related to paediatric exercise science and sports medicine for sports trainers, physiotherapists, parents, coaches, school personnel and fitness leaders.
• Provides consultancy services in paediatric exercise science and sports medicine to government, government agencies, schools, medical staff and sport and recreation bodies.
• Conducts symposia on child advocacy and paediatric sport and exercise science issues.
• Develops guidelines and position statements on exercise prescription for children.
• Provides specialist guest lecturing on paediatric exercise science topics.

The CHISM Presenters

An international team of presenters delivers CHISM programs. This impressive team provides a strong academic, research and practical profile to each program delivered.

Dr Robbie Parker

Ph D, Honorary Associate, School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney University, (FACHPER) Program Coordinator

Robbie is Head of the Children's Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine (CHISM) at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. He is also Head of the Education Unit within CHISM. Robbie was a former Senior Lecturer at the Australian Catholic University prior to moving to CHISM. He is a recognised international speaker and regularly presents at Australian and overseas meetings on a range of topics specialising in effects of aerobic exercise and resistance training on health outcomes. Robbie has co-authored 6 textbooks and is currently completing his 7th. He has had extensive research experience in exercise science especially in the area of lipid metabolism and exercise. Robbie is qualified in Australia as a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training. Robbie was awarded the Network 2000 Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Fitness Industry. He is currently Vice-President of Fitness NSW.

Mark Davis

B App Sc (Physiotherapy) B Ed (Physical Education) MAPA

Mark is a physiotherapist who is actively involved in gym-based rehabilitation. In his career as a physical educator, he has developed and implemented K-6 Physical Education programs and taught at secondary school level. Mark is a senior lecturer on injury prevention in the Network Fitness Leader Training programs. He conducts a successful physiotherapy practice at Fitness First Fitness facility at Sylvania, Sydney.

Susie Burrell

B.Nutr & Diet (Hons), B.Sc (psychology)(Hons)

Susie is a paediatric and sports dietitian who completed both her psychology and dietetics degrees at Wollongong University. Susie has worked at the Children's Hospital at Westmead since April 2002, as a specialist weight management dietitian, where she regularly runs groups for parents on weight management for children and adolescents.

Liz Wells

Adv Cert HSc & SpT / R FLII

Liz Wells is a registered Fitness Leader and is Managing Director of FitKid Pty Ltd, a company that is dedicated to running the FitKid children's exercise club and school programs in Australia. Liz is a member of the Board of Fitness NSW and also a member of the Training and Registration Committee of that organisation. She is also a lecturer in Fitness and Exercise Prescription at Loftus TAFE, NSW. Liz is qualified in Australia as a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training. Liz is currently completing a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at Wollongong University.

Rachelle Pirie

B.Ed (Physical Education). Reg. FL

Rachelle has a Bachelor of Education in Physical & Health Education from the University of Wollongong. She has spent several years dedicated to educating the corporate sector across the country about health, fitness & overall well-being. She is currently teaching PDHPE full-time. Rachelle is also a registered Fitness Leader and is qualified in Australia with a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training.