Practitioners
Directors
Milly Dabrowski
Charmaine Dennis
Naturopaths
Gina Fox
Charmaine Dennis
Nicole Tracy
Rhiannon Hardingham
Kathryn Ridd
Acupuncturists
Peter Slipper
Kerry Marshall
Amy Forth
Rachel Steward
Milly Dabrowski
Osteopaths
Massage Therapists
Counsellors & Child Birth Education
Birth Attendants
Infant Massage Therapists
Fiona Harrison
Lisa Hodge
Tracey Gibney
Lactation Consultant
Milly Dabrowski BA BHSc (TCM) Hons, MAACMA
Registered Acupuncturist (CMRB) Birth Attendant
Milly is a registered Acupuncturist and Co-Director of Fertile Ground Health Group. She has twelve years experience as a body worker, and nine years as an Acupuncturist. Milly is a highly intuitive practitioner with a gift for truly understanding her patients’ needs.
Milly has extensive experience working with issues affecting the menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy and to this end has undertaken additional studies relating to pregnancy and birth preparation. Milly is also an experienced birth attendant having supported women and their partners in hospital, birth centre and home birth settings.
Using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, Milly is achieving successful outcomes for women and their partners through IVF support, pre-conception and pregnancy care, and birth preparation. In this area of specialisation, a range of general health issues can also be supported for both women and men, including digestive and sleep issues, musculo-skeletal problems, stress and anxiety and much more.
Milly’s unique and gentle style of acupuncture enables even the most fearful person to experience the benefits of acupuncture.
Milly is a member of the Fertility Society of Australia.
Milly is currently on sabbatical from her acupuncture practice. She is still involved in the daily management of Fertile Ground Health Group and as a mentor to the clinic's acupuncturists.
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Charmaine Dennis BHSc (Nat) Cert Rem Mass MNHAA
Naturopath and Birth Attendant
Charmaine Dennis is Co-Director of Fertile Ground Health Group and a highly qualified Naturopath. She has completed post-graduate study with Francesca Naish in both Preconception Care and Better Babies programs as well as birth attendant training with Rhea Dempsey and Penny Simpkin. Charmaine is also a mother of a very lovely and healthy boy.
She has a special interest in infertility, preconception care and working with women in their pregnancy, birth preparation, labour and birth as well as post-natal health. She is an experienced paediatric practitioner and treats a range of health issues in babies and children.
Charmaine has assisted many couples in realising their dreams to conceive healthy beautiful babies. She has experience working with couples who have suffered recurrent miscarriages, repeated malformations, and unexplained infertility as well as "older" couples trying to conceive. She has helped many women overcome infertility issues such as PCOS and endometriosis, helping them conceive naturally, as well as improving all parameters of sperm health in men. Charmaine also assists couples going through IVF, to give them the best possible chance of conceiving as well as preserving their physical and emotional health through the process.
Charmaine gives you a unique combination of credible, practical information and sensitive, emotional support. She is committed to helping you explore the healthiest options for you and your children.
She is also an experienced birth attendant and has worked with labouring women and their partners in hospital, birth centre and home birth settings. Charmaine provides support and guidance throughout your labour, with emotional and physical support (including massage) as well as naturopathic support (including birth remedies, homoeopathics, etc.).
Charmaine is committed to continued professional development and is currently undertaking a Post Graduate course in Reproductive Medicine with UNSW, as well as attending regular conferences, seminars and peer review sessions
Charmaine is a member of the National Herbalists Association of Australia and the Fertility Society of Australia.
Charmaine is currently on sabbatical from her naturopathic practice. She is still involved in the daily management of Fertile Ground Health Group and as a mentor to the clinic's naturopaths.
Gina Fox BA (Hons) BHSc (Nat) ATMS
Naturopath
Gina Fox is a qualified Naturopath with a Health Science degree in Naturopathy, and a Diploma of Nutrition and Herbal Medicine. She also studied under Francesca Naish to gain an Advanced Certificate in Natural Fertility Management and completed the Natural Fertility course with Kerry Hampton .
Gina has specialised for the past ten years in providing naturopathy for women's health issues, pre-conception health and fertility, IVF support and pregnancy care. Her fertility experience covers a wide range of issues including recurrent miscarriage, auto-immune antibodies and she has seen good results with improving sperm quality. As well as treating clients for conception issues, Gina enjoys treating mother and baby after the birth.
Her work assists clients in improving their overall health in order to gain better hormonal balance and fertility. This may mean working with a wide range of health issues including allergies, stress related conditions, digestive issues, auto-immune conditions, lowered immunity, skin complaints and fatigue. Addressing specific issues and achieving optimum health is an excellent way to support people to achieve better hormonal balance and improve fertility. She has helped many women achieve healthy full-term pregnancies and supported couples through IVF.
There is evidence to show that stress can have a negative effect on fertility. Gina has a special interest in this area and she has attended a number of meditation and mindfulness courses which help to counteract stress. She can offer this integrated mind-body approach to fertility where clients have a particular need and she offers practical beginners meditation courses which are regularly held at FGHG.
Gina is currently undertaking a post graduate course in Reproductive Medicine with UNSW and continues her professional development through regular attendance at medical, nutritional and herbal seminars to keep up to date with the latest research available within the women's health and fertility arena. This includes practitioner study days with Foresight the organisation in the UK that first began pre-conception health programs. She has also contributed to the 3rd edition of a leading evidence based text book on herbs and supplements.
Gina is a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society, Foresight Association (UK) and the Fertility Society of Australia.
Nicole Tracy Ad Dip HSc (Nat), Cert NFE, NHAA, FSA
Naturopath, Birth Attendant
Nicole is a qualified Naturopath with post graduate qualifications in Natural Fertility Education. She specialises in the fields of male and female pre-conception health, fertility and IVF support, as well as pregnancy care and mother & baby health. Having previously worked at the BellyBelly Pregnancy Centre, Nicole continues to be the resident Naturopath on the professional support panel of the BellyBelly website.
Nicole enjoys working with couples to assist them in growing their healthy family wherever they are on their journey. She is a great believer in meeting her clients where they are 'at' on their journey and formulates a treatment strategy to suit each individual. A focus on realistic and achievable goals is a key here.
Nicole is passionate about the effectiveness of natural medicine, and uses herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutritional medicine, vitamin and mineral therapies, flower essences and food as medicine. Preconception Care is an important part of her work and she is committed to working with couples to help them achieve and maintain a high level of health and wellbeing prior to conceiving.
Drawing on these approaches she works to successfully promote health of the reproductive system, optimising quality of the endometrial lining and eggs in women, and increase sperm count and quality in men. Unexplained infertility is a challenge she especially likes to work with - coming together with her clients to try to put together the seemingly disparate pieces of the puzzle. Nicole also loves treating babies and children, and has great success using homeopathic remedies for little people.
Nicole is devoted to meeting her client's needs, and frequently attends seminars and conferences to continue her professional education. She is currently undertaking studies with Rhea Dempsey to become a birth attendant and is able to provide herbal, homeopathic and emotional support to her clients during labour.
Nicole is a member of the National Herbalists Association of Australia, the Australian Homeopathic Association and the Fertility Society of Australia.
Rhiannon Hardingham BHSc (Nat), Cert NFE, NHAA
Naturopath
Rhiannon Hardingham is a qualified Naturopath and Fertility Educator who incorporates safe and effective therapies in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Focusing on the successful integration of general health measures into everyday life, it is Rhiannon's goal to help you reach and maintain a high level of health, without complicated or radical changes to your lifestyle.
For the past five years Rhiannon has specialised in the treatment of male and female infertility, pre-conception healthcare, pregnancy healthcare, post-natal care and paediatrics. She also has a special interest in the Naturopathic support for those undergoing IVF treatments. As a result, Rhiannon has supported many couples in their successful battle to overcome fertility challenges and achieve healthy and uncomplicated pregnancies and births. She also has a special interest in the support of same-sex couples attempting conception through assisted reproductive technologies.
Rhiannon is committed to the successful integration of natural and conventional medicine and regularly attends educational seminars to ensure that her knowledge and practice is up-to-date with new advancements in medicine. She incorporates the use of herbal medicine, nutritional therapies and lifestyle counselling to get the best results for each patient.
She views each person individually and considers specialised and sensitive support as integral to the successful resolution of every fertility challenge. Rhiannon enjoys working with couples and understands that there are often complex emotional and physical factors to be considered independently in each case.
Rhiannon is a current member of the National Herbalists Association of Australia, and past President of the Victorian Herbalists Association.
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Kathryn Ridd BHSc (Nat), Cert NFE, NHAA
Naturopath
Kathryn is a qualified Naturopath and Natural Fertility Educator. After working in private practice in Melbourne, she moved to the Castlemaine to create her home and business where she as practiced for the last six years.
Kathryn enjoys taking a holistic and cooperative approach to assist her patients meet their health goals. She uses in-depth case histories and diagnostic testing, including iridology, and her successful treatments include herbal and nutritional medicine, homoeopathic complexes, flower essences, diet and lifestyle counselling.
With a special interest and expertise in the areas of women's health, fertility management, hormonal and reproductive issues, pregnancy and pre-conception care, Kathryn finds particular satisfaction in helping couples improve their fertility.
Other areas of interest include stress, fatigue, digestive problems, sleep issues and weight loss. Kathryn is inspired to help motivate her patients to make positive changes to improve their health and wellbeing. She enjoys working closely with her patients to improve their health choices, support them with botanical and nutritional medicines and watch them reap the benefits of their state of renewed health.
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Peter Slipper BHSc (TCM) Hons, MAppSc (CHM)
Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner (CMRB)
Peter has practiced as an Acupuncturist since 2001, treating various disorders successfully with TCM. During this time he has gained considerable experience in women's health (menstrual problems, PCOS, endometriosis, menopausal syndrome, and pregnancy support), infertility (male & female / IVF support) and dermatology (including childhood eczema). As the first and only male practitioner at FGHG, Peter has a special interest in supporting men experiencing the challenge of compromised health and fertility.
Peter's approach considers the whole person enabling him to address underlying problems (digestive, respiratory, sleep, stress, immunity, fatigue etc.) concurrently to ensure the best possible health outcomes for his patients. He combines Chinese Herbal Medicine with his acupuncture treatmetns. Peter's gentle style and relaxed, yet thorough manner enables him treat even the most "needle-phobic", including young children.
Since graduating with Honours in 2001, Peter has continued to build on his knowledge through internships at the National Institute of Traditional Medicine in Hanoi, Vietnam and Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine in Nanjing, China. He has also completed a Masters in Chinese Herbal Medicine from RMIT.
Kerry Marshall LicAc (UK) CMRB (Vic) OSMbBAcC (UK)
Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner (CMRB), Birth Attendant
Kerry obtained her acupuncture licence at The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in the UK. She has just returned to her native Melbourne after 14 years living and working in London. She is registered with the Chinese Medicine Registration Board in Victoria and is also an overseas member of the British Acupuncture Council.
Her experienced practice in London and post graduate studies in the UK and USA has focussed on reproductive health care for both men and women, gynaecology, pre conception and IVF support, pregnancy, birth and beyond and menopausal care. It is in this field that Kerry worked alongside an expert team of professionals from both western and complimentary medicine. This included Dr Michael Dooley, fertility specialist and author of ‘Fit For Fertility' and acupuncturist Emma Cannon, author of ‘The Baby Making Bible'.
Kerry has experienced insight into how an integrated approach to healthcare fits into today's society. She believes proper diagnosis is key to establishing what path a patient needs to take. A complimentary approach may be adopted alone but where health issues are more advanced, western medicine is appropriate. In these cases, communication between the patients' health care providers is good practice.
As well as treating reproductive health, Kerry is experienced in the use of ear acupuncture for detoxification and is a qualified doula/birth support person with training from renowned obstetrician, Michel Odent. Kerry is passionate about her work and dedicated to the integrity of her patients' journey toward better health and healthy families.
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Amy Forth BHSc (TCM), CMRB (Vic), ATMS
Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner (CMRB)
Amy Forth is a registered Acupuncturist having obtained her Bachelor of Health Science degree in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture from the Southern School of Natural Therapy. She is a current Member Chinese Medicine Registration board Victoria and Australian Traditional Medicine Society.
Amy recently relocated from Warrnambool where for the past three years she ran a busy practice focusing on women's health and fertility. As well as a passionate interest in fertility, Amy also teaches Yoga and Meditation and brings these influences to her treatments.
Amy recognizes the challenges women and couples experience when grappling with fertility issues and gets satisfaction in helping people learn about their health and make changes that potentially benefit them for life. Patient education and understanding is a key tenant of her practice and She sees the challenges as an opportunity to take a journey with patients that sees them more prepared and ready for parenthood when the time comes. Sustainable and holistic methods of treatment that benefit the whole family for the long term are part of her philosophy.
Amy is a caring, holistic practitioner with a calm, gentle and intuitive approach. Her treatments incorporate the use of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tui Na (Chinese massage), shiatsu techniques, cupping, guasha and moxabustion. Amy compliments these practices with yogic breathing and meditation techniques, diet therapy, lifestyle education and advice.
Amy has extensive experience in supporting couples with fertility issues as well as a wide range of women's health issues. Her successful treatments have included conditions such as: menstrual irregularities, painful periods, PCOS, pelvic pain and endometriosis, unexplained infertility, IVF/IUI support, ovulation disorder, hormonal imbalances, luteal phase problems, pregnancy support and birth preparation. She also demonstrates a keen interest in men's fertility health including low sperm count and poor motility/morphology.
Rachel Steward Ad. Dip.Hlth Sc. Acu.
Registered Acupuncturist
Rachel Steward brings over ten years clinical experience to Fertile Ground Health Group. After completing her basic training as an acupuncturist in 2000 Rachel went on to specialise in Japanese acupuncture. She is trained in both Toyo Hari and the Manaka Protocols and has studied in Japan under senior teachers of Toyo Hari. Rachel is also qualified in the use of Western herbal medicine and, as such, integrates Eastern and Western understanding in her treatment of clients.
Rachel recently relocated from Brisbane, where for the last seven years she practiced in a busy clinic with a strong focus on fertility. She has supported women through fertility problems, pregnancy, birth, breast-feeding and beyond and assisted many couples to have children. Her experience includes treating both men and women during pre-conception care; women with Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or unexplained infertility; women undergoing IVF; pregnant and lactating women. Rachel also enjoys treating babies and children. She has worked with "older" women, same-sex couples and couples utilising donor tissues.
Rachel enjoys treating a wide range of seemingly-unrelated problems which can impact on fertility - such as thyroid disorders; adrenal exhaustion; anxiety and depression; sleep disorders; structural problems; digestive weakness; and immune issues - and draws from a wide treatment repertoire to offer clients a very gentle, yet thorough, approach.
Fiona Harrison DipApSci (Nat), BSW, NHAA
Naturopath, Massage Therapist & Infant Massage Instructor
Fiona is a qualified Naturopath, Level 2 Reiki practitioner and Massage Therapist with 20 years of ‘hands-on' experience. She has completed studies in a wide range of massage techniques including:
- Swedish and Relaxation Massage (Southern School of Natural Therapies),
- Traditional Thai massage (Traditional Medical Hospital in Chaing Mai, Thailand),
- Auyevedic Massage (India)
Fiona's extensive massage skill and experience combined with her naturopathic understanding of the body, brings a truly holistic approach to her massage. Her capacity to ‘see with her hands' enables her to locate and address areas of discomfort you may not yet be aware of. Fiona's unique style draws on her knowledge of Reiki, Thai, Indian and relaxation massage to provide a strong remedial massage experience like no other. Her main objective is to relax body and mind and to leave you feeling refreshed and pampered.
Having recently qualified as a Birth Attendant, Fiona is now able to offer remedial massage, Reiki and pre/post natal support during labour. With a sense of calm honed by 20 years of meditation practice, Fiona is able to combine her skills and knowledge to support and enhance your birth experience.
A genuine sense of support, calm and warmth is infectious in Fiona's massages, allowing you to find the space to completely relax.
Yudhika Naidoo BHSc (MST)
Clinical Massage Therapist & Musculoskeletal Therapist
Yudhika Naidoo is an accredited Remedial Massage Therapist and has recently completed further studies, undertaking a 3 year degree in Musculoskeletal Therapy.
These studies have enabled Yudhika to work with a range of techniques including deep tissue massage, cupping, myofascial trigger point therapy, muscle energy techniques and joint mobilisation to help assess and treat the underlying cause of your pain.
Yudhika is nurturing, calming and intuitive by nature, enjoying the opportunity to connect and guide her patients on their personal health journey. Musculoskeletal Therapy also enables Yudhika to educate and advise her patients on appropriate stretches and exercises to help improve health and wellbeing.
Kylie Wall
Dip. Remedial Massage, Yoga Alliance RYT, Cert. Prenatal Active Birth Yoga
Kylie Wall is a massage therapist and yoga instructor with a true passion for working with women through their fertility and pregnancy journey. In experiencing a massage with Kylie, it is immediately obvious how much she loves her work. Kylie has both vision and love in her hands – a quality that allows her to work with those sore, knotty, needy areas with a minimum of discomfort. Kylie says the best thing about massage is that “it reminds people of what it is to feel good”.
Using remedial and relaxation massage techniques combined with recommendations for yoga-style stretching makes for a great combination for lasting relief of tension and pain. Kylie believes in practising preventative healthcare, saying that “the aches and pains of today are the life-changing disasters of tomorrow. Massage therapy can pull you back from the edge.”
Rhea Dempsey TPTC Dip CBE NACE Trainer Grad Dip Counselling MDONA
Counsellor & Child Birth Educator
Rhea Dempsey is a mother of three daughters, counsellor and child birth educator with over 30 years experience. Rhea has extensive experience working with women and families before, during and after birth. Her special interest is in exploring the psychological aspects of birth and the pyscho-social factors which can affect birth outcomes.
Rhea is a highly respected and sought after presenter at conferences, seminars and workshops on birth and counselling issues. Rhea also works in private practice running an extensive schedule of classes for couples and groups as well as education and development for midwives and birth attendants.
Suzanne Hurley Clin.Memb. CAPAV, PACFA Reg. Master Couns.&HS, Cert. DMT
Counsellor
Suzanne Hurley is a skilful and experienced counsellor and mother to two loving and vibrant daughters.
Initial training in counselling practice at WIRE (Women's Information and Referral Exchange) saw Suzanne specialise in women's issues, becoming the WIRE Women's Information Officer and Solution Focused Support Service Counsellor. Suzanne has sought out group work theory and practice as an area of special interest throughout her studies. She has facilitated groups at the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard and WIRE.
Suzanne has worked for the past five years at the Royal Women's Hospital counselling women with unplanned pregnancies. This role has provided the opportunity to explore with women the vast array of social and emotional issues involved in relationships and pregnancy.
Suzanne has completed a Masters Degree of Counselling at La Trobe University as well as Process Experiential Emotion Focused Therapy. She has a keen interest in exploring the relationship between behaviour and the emotions as a means to help navigate and understand the new experiences and difficulties of attempting conception and infertility, pregnancy & parenting related issues. She is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia and is also a Clinical Member of the Counsellors' and Psychotherapists' Association of Victoria.
Suzanne's engaging manner and empathic understanding enables clients to explore their inner worlds in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere that gently allows solutions to emerge.
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Lisa Hodge MIMA
Infant Massage Instructor
Lisa is an accredited Infant Massage Instructor with Infant Massage Australia (IMA). She has held Executive Committee positions with IMA including the position of President. Lisa is currently completing a degree in Anthropology and Psychology. Lisa derives most inspiration from being a Mother and has massaged her daughter since she was a baby.
After discovering the gentle art of infant massage, Lisa began to massage her baby and was amazed with its benefits and rewards. It was such an overwhelming experience for Lisa that she wanted to share the benefits of Infant Massage with others.
Through the language of touch, Lisa empowers parents and caregivers to communicate with and listen to their babies in an intimate and relaxing manner. Lisa is dedicated to cultivating healthy beginnings by supporting and guiding parents and caregivers to communicate lovingly with their babies and children through the nurturing touch of Infant Massage.
Tracey Gibney
Lactation Consultant
Tracey is midwife, childbirth educator, certified infant massage instructor, lactation consultant and mother of three. Tracey currently conducts infant massage sessions at both Freemason's Maternity Hospital and Northpark Private Hospital, as well as providing a home visiting service for post natal and lactation support.
Tracey has 16 years experience as a midwife and has recently completed her qualifications as a lactation consultant. In her experience the first six weeks can raise a lot of issues for new parents, and she hopes to provide families with the support they need to become confident parents. Her extensive experience is invaluable for new mothers experiencing feeding difficulties, facing fears about their parenting, learning about their new baby and learning to cope with the daily demands of motherhood.
Tracey is passionate about providing a service that promotes bonding and enriches families. As an infant massage instructor, she encourages parents to become "baby watchers", learn the non-verbal cues their baby gives them and to respond intuitively to their baby.
Tracey is available for one-on-one or group consultations in your home or other community setting. Clinic appointments can be arranged on request.