Our Practitioners

It is amazing having all of our inspired, informed and passionate health practitioners working closely together, committed to motivating and educating ourselves, each other and our patients with the most current and well-researched approaches we can get our hands on. We want all of our patients to receive the best care and so work collaboratively both within our own clinic and with your other health care providers. This makes for the safest and best treatment outcomes for you. It also makes this a truly great place to work. You’ll feel it when you walk in the door!

Meet our experienced team of health and fertility practitioners in Melbourne

At Fertile Ground, we’re more than just a natural medicine fertility clinic. We have a diverse group of health practitioners who are dedicated to helping you thrive — from preconception through pregnancy to postpartum – and anytime for the rest of your healthy life. 

We invite you to get to know each of us better. Our health and fertility practitioners have delved deep into their chosen specialisations and have the background to provide you with the care you deserve. Here’s a little preview of our services:

Naturopathy — Naturopaths are health practitioners who bring a holistic approach to your health, blending traditional herbal medicine with evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle advice. Our naturopaths use modern testing methods to tailor an individualised plan that works best for you and collaborate closely with your medical team to provide you the best care. Meet our naturopaths:

Acupuncture — Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art that promotes balance and harmony in the body. Our health practitioners at Fertile Ground offer acupuncture for fertility, IVF support, pregnancy, childbirth preparation and general health. Meet our acupuncturists:

  • Joanne Sharkey – Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner
  • Kim Riley – Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner
  • Meghan Smith – Registered Acupuncturist
  • Kiah McGowan – Registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner

Osteopathy — Our osteopathic treatments can offer an incredibly calming experience that restores balance in the joints and soft tissues of your whole body for improved functionality and well-being. Tailored support for individuals from preconception through to postpartum and beyond. Babies are welcome and treated too. Meet our osteopath:

Massage — Our remedially trained massage therapists use specialised techniques to help you recharge and relax — mentally and physically. They see pregnant women at all stages, do postpartum massages and regular services  so you know you are in safe and expert hands. They also offer fertility massages for those trying to conceive naturally and with IVF. Meet our massage therapists:

  • Fiona Harrison – Massage therapist, naturopath, birth attendant
  • Michelle Lowe – Remedial, Pregnancy & Fertility Massage Therapist
  • Reina Hanaoka – Remedial, Pregnancy, Fertility and Shiatsu Massage Therapist
  • Ashley Fang – Remedial, Pregnancy and Fertility Massage Therapist.
  • Kathy Kitzis– Birth Preparation, Redial and Pregnancy Massage therapist, Calmbirth educator, birth attendant

Counselling — With the guidance of someone who understands, it is possible to gain insight into issues from multiple perspectives and empower your ability to navigate change with self-compassion and courage. Our counsellors have a special interest in supporting people with challenges with infertility and IVF as well as pregnancy, pregnancy options and all the change that comes with starting and growing a family. Meet our counsellors:

  • Rhea Dempsey – Author, Counsellor & Childbirth Educator
  • Suzanne Hurley – Perinatal & Fertility Counsellor, Supervisor & Dance Movement Therapist
  • Chanel Keane – Perinatal & Fertility Counsellor, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
  • Clare O’Rourke – Fertility and IVF Counsellor – Mandatory Counselling for IVF

Birth preparation — Our health and fertility practitioners are here to share the knowledge you need to enjoy a successful birthing experience. Meet our practitioners who offer birth preparation and debriefing:

  • Rhea Dempsey – Birth Debriefing & Preparation. Author, Counsellor & Childbirth Educator
  • Fiona Harrison – Birth Preparation. Massage therapist, naturopath, birth attendant
  • Suzanne Hurley – Birth Debriefing. Perinatal & Fertility Counsellor, Supervisor & Dance Movement Therapist
  • Kathy Kitzis– Birth Preparation, Redial and Pregnancy Massage therapist, Calmbirth educator, birth attendant

Chinese herbal medicine — Traditional Chinese herbal medicine brings holistic healing to the forefront, helping individuals achieve balance and well-being through various methods, including herbal therapies. Meet our Chinese herbal medicine practitioners:

  • Joanne Sharkey – Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner
  • Kim Riley – Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner

Coaching — Coaching support for business, mental/emotional and breath health. Meet our coach:

  • Carly Woods – Financial Health Coach, Buteyko Therapist and Naturopath

Our health and fertility practitioners in Melbourne can offer you a tailored journey of natural healing solutions to meet your unique needs. You can use any number of these therapies interchangeably at different times, and we are here every step of the way to support you. Feel free to chat with our lovely reception team about any questions you have, or book a free introductory call with any of our practitioners to get a sense of what is possible for you.

Schedule your consultation with us today.