Specialist care for your child
Boutique Paediatric Practice in Ascot Vale
Ascot Vale Paediatrics was established in October 2023 by Dr Jo Martin who has worked locally in Moonee Valley for over 15 years. With a deep passion for child health, she founded this boutique paediatric practice to continue to offer unparalleled paediatric care in a tranquil and nurturing setting.
At AVP we understand the importance of consulting in a calm and comforting environment. We believe in creating an atmosphere that fosters a positive healthcare experience for our young patients and their families. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to make every child feel valued, respected and safe, regardless of race, orientation or background.
Family-centred Approach to Paediatric Care
We all recognise the importance of feeling confident in your child's healthcare provider. That's why our practice emphasises personalised attention, open communication, and a family-centred approach to paediatric care. We look forward to partnering with you in promoting the health and happiness of your children.
Welcome to a place where excellence meets compassion, and where your child's well-being is our top priority.
Meet the team
Our experienced team are deeply passionate about making a difference for the children and families in need of good quality care.
Dr Jo Martin
Paediatrician
MBBS, FRACP
Dr Jo is an experienced paediatrician who opened Ascot Vale Paediatrics in 2023, having been a Director and Owner of Complete Children’s Health for 15 years.
She trained in both Melbourne and the UK and has extensive experience in treating children with Neurodevelopmental disorders. She is deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by children with ASD, ADHD, Learning difficulties and developmental disability and helping all children achieve their potential. She welcomes opportunities to liase with allied health colleagues and educators to ensure effective advocacy and a team approach to best care.
She enjoys caring for children of all ages, from birth to adolescence, addressing a wide range of medical conditions.
Her multifaceted approach encompasses issues such as growth, eating/feeding issues, sleeping, asthma/eczema/allergies, constipation and wetting. As a mother of three teenage/young adult children, she brings a blend of professional expertise and personal insight to her practice.
Beyond the clinic, she finds joy in activities such as reading, cooking, spending time with her family, walking the dog and savouring beach moments.
She is dedicated to fostering a warm and empathetic environment at AVP, ensuring each child receives the comprehensive and compassionate care they deserve.
Dr Emma Magrath
Paediatrician
Emma is an experienced paediatrician, having worked with children and their families for over 20 years. Emma also works at The Mercy Hospital for Women (Heidelberg).
Emma is skilled in the assessment and management of ASD, ADHD, learning difficulties, as well as the broad spectrum of paediatric issues and concerns. Girls/women with autism and/or ADHD are a particular area of interest.
Emma loves seeing babies and their parents, providing help and support with early issues such as feeding, growth, sleep and settling. She provides comprehensive baby checks, as well as addressing specific concerns of parents or healthcare providers. Her non-judgemental approach aims to support and empower parents.
Emma strives to provide high quality care and support to all children and their families, with goal of helping them to thrive.
Emma has loved having her dog, Missy, (see Missy's bio below) join her at work at Ascot Vale Paediatrics. Missy likes to greet everyone on the stairs, and then tends to curl up on the mat under the desk.
* If you have any concerns about Missy being present or if there is anything we can do (such as ensuring she is on a lead when your child attends), please do let us know. We understand that not everyone loves dogs like we do.
Dr. James Liddle
Paediatrician
FRACP
Dr Liddle is a general paediatrician who works at both the Royal Children’s Hospital and Ascot Vale Paediatrics.
Dr. Liddle has a special interest in supporting families of children with learning disorders, ADHD and sleep challenges. With a focus on long-term planning and skill development, Dr. Liddle strives to empower children to become functional and independent adults.
By providing personalised care and utilising expertise in child development, Dr. Liddle helps families navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
Dr Alissa Lim
Paediatrician
MBBS FRACP MD
Dr Alissa is an experienced paediatrician who works at both the Royal Children's Hospital and Ascot Vale Paediatrics. She has been working with children, young people and their families for over 20 years
Alissa's expertise encompasses a wide range of medical, developmental, learning and behavioural issues. Common medical conditions seen include asthma, continence issues, eczema, feeding difficulties and concerns about sleep and growth. She has extensive experience in the assessment and management of developmental delay, complex medical conditions, learning difficulties, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
Alissa is passionate about addressing the holistic needs of children and their families. She enjoys hearing about each child's passions and interests. She values collaboration with parents, allied health professionals and educators to address each child's individual needs. Alissa understands the complex challenges that children and their families may face, and she loves supporting children over time as they follow their unique paths toward adulthood.
Dr Hsu Chung
Paediatrician
Dr Hsu Chung is a Paediatrician who works at both the Royal Children’s Hospital and Ascot Vale Paediatrics.
Dr Hsu specialises in the assessment and management of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, learning disorders, developmental and behavioral challenges. She has a particular interest in supporting adolescents with eating disorders. Dr Hsu also enjoys helping younger children and their families, addressing early concerns such as feeding, growth, sleep and conducting routine developmental assessments. Dr Hsu takes a collaborative approach to care, working closely with families, educators, and allied health professionals to ensure holistic support tailored to each young person's needs. She is dedicated to building long-term, trusting relationships with her patients and their families, celebrating their unique strengths and supporting them to overcome challenges as they grow and thrive.Dr Ian Stokes
General Practitioner
In addition to appointments with our paediatricians, your paediatrician may recommend a consultation with Dr. Ian Stokes, our General Practitioner (GP). Dr. Stokes can support routine health needs such as medication reviews, prescriptions, blood pressure and weight checks, among others. These services would be privately billed at a reduced rate. While Dr. Stokes does not replace your child’s regular GP, he can provide ongoing care if your child does not have a regular GP
Dr Stokes completed a Bachelor of Science with an Honours Year at Melbourne University between 1993 and 1996. Dr Stokes completed his BMBS at Flinders University in Adelaide, graduating in 2000. Undertook his Intern year in Adelaide in 2001.
Returned to Melbourne in 2002 and started working in Paediatrics in 2002. Dr Stokes spent 10 years working in Paediatrics and worked at The RCH, The RWH, Monash Medical Centre, The Mercy Hospital for Woman and Sunshine Hospital.
He has also worked in country NSW and at The Austin Hospital. Dr Stokes did a year of adult critical care medicine in 2013 at Western Health, working in ED and Anaesthetics.Dr Stokes started GP training in 2014 and has been working full time at PVH Medical in Pascoe Vale since 2015.
Dr Brooke Harcourt
Maternity leave from December 2024
Paediatric Dietitian
APD, PhD
Dr Brooke Harcourt (APD, PhD) is a passionate and experienced paediatric dietitian, specialising in infants, early feeding and growth journeys and then eating which becomes more difficult and disordered as children grow with feeding and eating disorders.
Brooke is proudly neurodivergent and believes this helps her to see the whole picture when working with her patients and their families. Her decades worth of experiences from working with paediatric and complex medical cases in both acute hospital and private practice settings, provides her with the practical skills to build attainable and achievable nutrition plans with her clients.
Brooke sees all paediatric clients aged 0 – 22 years:
- - Infant and early feeding difficulties
- - Breastfeeding counselling
- - Early formula choices
- - NGT / PEG management and Tube weaning
- - Growth curve assistance / Faltering growth
- - BMI management
- - Disability
- - Autism and neurodiversity
- - ADHD
- - Complex medical clients
- - Complex genetics
- - Eating Disorders: ARFID, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia
- - Allergy and Intolerance
- - Gastrointestinal disorder / Constipation
Brooke works monthly in our Ascot Vale clinic. To make an appointment with Brooke, please call 0428 783 841 or email [email protected].
Tess May Handrinos
Starting December 2024
Paediatric Dietitian
APD
Tess Handrinos (APD) is a paediatric dietitian who specialises in feeding difficulties, faltering growth, those requiring tube feeding and limited food acceptance. Tess has worked across an array of tertiary hospitals in the special care nursery and intensive care units and now works predominantly in the private practice sector as a dietitian and feeding therapist.
Tess is particularly passionate about supporting families to make meaningful and sustainable changes that fit with the family's culture, beliefs and values. Tess enjoys making food fun and decreasing stress around food to ensure a positive relationship with our bodies.
Outside of work, Tess is an avid coffee lover, farmers market regular and enjoys hiking, baking with her young family, traveling and exploring new places.
Tess sees all paediatric clients aged 0 – 22 years including:
- - Premature babies and feeding difficulties
- - Tube dependency
- - Allergies/intolerances
- - Complex medical conditions
- - Developmental delays
- - Under and overnutrition
- - Food accessibility for neurodivergent clients
- - Eating Disorders
Tess works monthly in our Ascot Vale clinic. To make an appointment with Tess, please call 0428 783 841 or email [email protected].
CANGroup
The Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology Group
Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialist area of psychology that focuses on the assessment of brain function. Clinical Neuropsychologists have expertise in understanding the development of a child’s brain and how this relates to their thinking skills, emotions and behaviour.
At the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology Group, our Neuropsychologists are particularly skilled in assessing children, adolescents, and young adults. We can provide a neuropsychological assessment, review, or consultation for a range of neurodevelopmental difficulties or diagnosed disorders. Our neuropsychological services can also provide greater understanding and offer specific direction regarding recommendations and interventions required to assist your child’s development and current level of functioning. We specialise in the assessment and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Developmental Language Disorder, Specific Reading and Learning Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tourette and Tic Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
The Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology Group was founded by Dr Renée Testa and is dedicated to providing high quality neuropsychological services to assist children, adolescents and young adults experiencing difficulties with their thinking skills, emotions and behaviour.
Please call or email CANGROUP directly to make an appointment on (03) 9696 6040 or [email protected]
Missy
Cavoodle
Missy is a delightful and kind cavoodle, who loves to join Dr Emma Magrath at work.
Being a cavoodle means that Missy does not shed and is hypoallergenic.
Whilst not formally a trained ‘therapy dog’, Missy is very empathetic and calm. She is excited to meet everyone, and may even give a few licks, but would NEVER bite!
Missy never ventures too far away from Dr Emma, but those visiting other doctors may see her on the stairs or in the waiting room.
We understand that for some children, dogs can be frightening. So far Missy has won over a number of hesitant kids, with her calmness and cuteness.
Please let our reception team know if you have any concerns about Missy being present or anything we can do to avoid any anxiety or distress for your child.
Interested in working at AVP?
Let Ascot Vale Paediatrics foster and support your practice at our lovely premises, supported by excellent administration and management teams. We are a small boutique practice focused on providing excellent care to patients and families whilst supporting your true professional independence. Avoid the hassles, high costs and administrative burdens of running your own rooms or the restrictions and pressures of being employed.
We believe that the service we offer to support you in your independent practice is second to none. We will provide beautiful, well lit, clean, well designed consulting rooms with quality toys, equipment, and resources to provide excellent care to your patients, in addition to enhancing your quality of life as a private practitioner.
You will enjoy high levels of support from our carefully recruited and well trained reception and management teams, and the other practitioners you work alongside will form a supportive, friendly and like-minded community. There will be ample opportunity for clinical professional development, both with informal and formal opportunities for clinical meetings and regular scheduled educational speaker events. We also aim to be a fun and friendly place to work from, with ample opportunities to de-brief over coffee or catch up as well as regular team social events scheduled!
Please email [email protected] if you would like to discuss further.