Meet the Team

Facundo Soto 

Exercise Physiologist

Facundo was born and raised in Patagonia, Argentina. Upon leaving high school he attended University to embarked on a degree in physical education. Following this he then completed his Masters in Sports Science.

After graduating he has worked as a Strength & Conditioning coach for 6 years with amateur, professional and disable (wheelchair) tennis players. He combined this with work as a Personal Trainer and Group fitness Instructor.

In 2018 he decided to see the world. After travelling through Southeast Asia he headed for Australia where he spent 1.5 years doing backpacker jobs as he worked and travelled around Australia.

As the Covid Pandemic hit Australia he headed for Perth as Perth had the best beaches. Upon arriving in Pert he enrolled to study a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Murdoch University where he where he researched Exercise & Type 2 Diabetes, in particular – “The Effects of Exercise and Intermittent Fasting as Preventative Mechanism for managing patients with Type 2 Diabetes”. I’ll let you ask him about the results.

While studying his Master he worked at a physiotherapy clinic where he gained vast experience in rehabilitation, movements patterns and body alignment.

His experience also includes working with patients with chronic diseases such as musculoskeletal pain, joint replacement pre-hab & rehab, osteoporosis, cardiovascular conditions, mental health conditions and neuromuscular conditions.

Amanda Hooper

Personal Trainer

A Queensland girl that moved to Perth to attend Murdoch University and graduated from Murdoch University in 2019 having completed her exercise and Sports science degree.  Growing up in Townsville being fit and athletic competing in swimming and basketball.  This sparked Amanda’s love and interest in wanting to help other people achieve their fitness goals.

Since moving to Perth Amanda became involved in playing competitive Ultimate frisbee and have played at a high level representing Perth teams that have travelled over to the eastern state and internationally to compete for Australia.  Amanda has been the fitness coach for some of her teams and can’t wait to share her knowledge with each individual’s requirements.  While coaching the players Amanda was working with both fit and injured athletes and was able to create workouts that involved everyone and catered for individuals requirements.

Amanda looks forward to assisting you in reaching your goals with your health and fitness changes you would like to make.  She can’t wait for you to come in and say Hello.

Damian Pavlinovich

Owner, Principle Exercise Physiologist

Damian is a pioneer in the industry having commenced working at in the field of health and fitness when he enrolled in a sport science degree at Edith Cowan University, while studying he worked in various roles for WA Hockey WA and at Perth Hockey Stadium. This were Damian tarted to develop his coaching and teaching skills.

Damian completed his Sports Science degree at Edith Cowan University graduating in 1994 and had already commenced work at Sports Medicine Australia (WA) in 1993 working in the ‘Safer Sport” Community Education Program. This involved developing, delivering and refining a variety of sport injury prevention courses and seminars on the prevention and management of sporting injuries.

At the end of 1999 he left and began work on two projects; the ‘Stay On Your Feet’ Program – a community falls prevention program and his own exercise and wellness program for older people as he had recognised that there were limited opportunities for older people to engage in regular physical activities and strength training.

Damian own exercise and wellness program for older people then lead directly to him securing a contract with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) where he developed, implemented and delivered the Heart Health Program for Vietnam Veterans from 2001 – 2007.

Throughout these years Damian also played and coached hockey as he had done since he was a young boy. In in 1995 following a back injury from playing hockey he began to compete in Triathlons starting with small event and eventually completing 6 x Half Ironman events. Through these areas of work and personal participation in Triathlons Damian has developed great depth of knowledge and skill in assisting clients with improving their health, fitness and quality of life.

In 2007 Damian purchased Como Health and Fitness Centre (CHFC), it has been here that he continued to focus his attention on providing health, fitness and exercise programs for older people, people with chronic health conditions and people who wanted somewhere to exercise without feeling intimated by the ‘muscle-heads’ or the ‘lycra-set’.

During his time at CHFC, Damian has developed a strong relationship with local medical and allied health practitioners and has been involved with numerous community based health and exercise programs. These include;

  • The pilot program of the Life Now program. An exercise program for people living with cancer which was funded by the Cancer Council of WA.
  • Heart Beat, Healthy Lifestyle Program and Active Measure. All of these programs were funded through the Bentley Armadale Medicare Local. Damian and his team developed and delivered these programs throughout the south eastern corridor of the Perth Metro area.

Under Damian’s guidance and leadership the Como Fitness Centre has expanded and grown is now a modern 24/7gym with an atmosphere and soul. It is the focus of the local Como community and the larger City of South Perth.

Como Fitness Centre was one of the original providers of the Living Longer, Living Stronger program – a strength and exercise program for seniors – and has received several awards for the program’s success over the years.

As an Exercise Physiologist, Damian has utilised his extensive experience in exercise rehabilitation to specialise in assisting patient with complex and chronic disease. In particular Damian has a keen interest in neuromuscular conditions including MND, MS and acquired brain injury and mental health disorders.

During his career he has also held a number of lecturing and tutoring roles at Notre Dame University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and TAFE.

Under Damian mentorship and utilising his extensive experience and expertise, Damian and his team are looking forward to developing and implementing both group and individual exercise programs for Aboriginal people.

Nicola Alderton

Office Administrator

Nicola is a highly motivated office administrator with experience in the Financial Services, Mining & Education sectors.  She has worked in various positions from corporate finance level to general reception positions.

Nicola is enjoying her transition to the health industry as she enjoys interacting with members and assisting with their health needs.  Nicola feels her strengths lie in her ability to prioritise client’s needs and deal with people with kindness and empathy.

She is a local and lives with her family Kensington.  She is an active member of the South Perth community having twice been nominated for City of South Perth Volunteer of the Year.  Her three children attend local schools and she is a previous board member and P&C President of Como Secondary College.

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