Our Practitioners
Billie Atherstone
Bowen Therapist
Kinesiologist
Founding Co-Director
Billie Atherstone
Billie has been actively working as a health practitioner since 2003 and together with her sister, Pip, opened Kundalini House in 2006 with the shared vision to create a space where they could both work together, and with others, to help people feel supported on their journey of self-discovery and optimal health.
She began her studies in natural medicine in her early twenties when she concluded that she was too young to be experiencing back pain and felt strongly that she could become a better version of herself if she healed her mind and body.
Her realisation that the body and mind had an innate ability to heal itself with basic attention fuelled her drive to continue her studies. She is a qualified Kinesiologist, Bowen Therapist and is a Kundalini Yoga Teacher and teacher trainer. Billie loves to listen and work directly with the body helping to restore balance plus working directly with the mind and emotions and the psychology of living a life that is meaningful and connected to your own source of happiness.
In her sessions she weaves together her studies of Kinesioloy, Bowen and Yoga Therapy to guide her clients towards better health and a greater awareness of the patterns, habits and behaviours that create dis-ease; stress and trauma.
Area’s Billie loves to work with, but not limited to, are:
- Back & neck pain; TMJ dysfunction
- Anxiety and depression
- Life direction & focus
- Trauma Recovery
- Relationships & communication
- Yoga Therapy
Billie also teaches Kundalini Yoga for the Recovery of Childhood Trauma courses. Click here for more info
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Pip Atherstone-Reid
Acupuncturist &
Chinese Medicine
Founding Co-Director
Pip Atherstone-Reid
BHSc (CM), DipHSc (Acu), DipCCM, CMRB, ATMS
Pip has been practicing Chinese Medicine for over 23 years, finishing her Bachelor of Health Science Acupuncture at the end of 2001 with an internship in Nanning, China. She spent 3 years working in Ireland and 6 months in Malawi, Africa before returning home. She knew she wanted to work in a team environment where clients could be supported to heal in a safe and professional space. So in 2006, with her sister Billie. she opened Kundalini House.
She has since completed a post-graduate course in Canonical Chinese Medicine, which specialises in the application of Clinical Herbal medicine. Pip decided she was going to study Chinese Medicine while sitting on top of a mountain in the Himalayas. After struggling with depression since she was a teenager, she travelled extensively looking for a way to truly heal herself. After having an extraordinary experience with a Tibetan doctor in India, she decided to study the next best thing, Chinese Medicine. She returned to Melbourne where she was lucky enough to meet an Acupuncturist and Qi Gong master, where she finally found her path to health.
This experience has shaped her interest in clinic and she enjoys helping people with mental/emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or history of trauma. She also has an interest in fertility and pregnancy and is a mother of two beautiful children. She enjoys the diversity of general practice and sees a wide range of problems during clinic.
Pip only sees clients at Kundalini House in Anglesea – working with Ocean Road Allied Health and Movement.
Andy Mia Kranz
Shiatsu Therapist
Andy Mia Kranz
Shiatsu Therapist
Andy (she/her) is a practitioner of Shiatsu therapy, a health science educator and has trained in medicine. Having graduated from the Australian Shiatsu College, she teaches at both the Southern School of Natural Therapies/Torrens University and the Australian Shiatsu College.
One of the first principles she learned in her studies – that Shiatsu invites the receiver to come closer to their own sense of wholeness and balance – opened a doorway for her: to see the physical body as a threshold to our deepest selves.
Her diverse experience informs and enriches her approach to bodywork. From her time as a medical practitioner, she discovered that meeting people on their health journeys is in essence about encountering a whole person, as well as their health issues. Her years as a furniture maker instilled in her a love of working with her hands. And living with her growing children has shown her the value of presence and deep listening.
Andy works with clients of all ages, and a wide variety of health needs. Her journey into Shiatsu comes from a profound appreciation of human anatomy and physiology, the grounding, centering and nourishing qualities of therapeutic touch, and the poetry and interconnectedness of East Asian Medicine that is the foundation of Shiatsu therapy. www.andymiakranzshiatsu.com
Ann Shenfield
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
Ann Shenfield
Ann comes to practise as a psychoanalyst with a background in the creative arts, she brings that creativity to her psychotherapeutic work. Her focus is on understanding the unconscious in its various guises.
As an analyst Ann’s position is to enable a person to recognise their responsibility and to come to understand what is unique about themselves. In the psychoanalytic space a person is encouraged to truly speak their mind, accessing the unconscious through free association. When we ask ourselves questions like I don’t know why I did that? Or if we act against our own interests, psychoanalysis offers a way to interrogate ourselves with a view to working out what is really at play. By attuning ourselves to our inner dialogue, the analytic process can be transformative. Lacan considered a person’s life to be aligned with poetry, that words have significance and primacy, in ways that a person is often unaware of and can be unknowingly subject to.
Ann is non-judgmental, her approach is considered and curious. Her practice is low-fee based with a focus on artists, writers and those who feel stuck or unable to process life’s challenges or are simply seeking to know themselves better. She believes that there is an integrity to psychoanalysis that aligns with writing and artistic practise in general, where one word or mark can make all the difference.
Ann works with those who are suffering, in whichever form that suffering manifests—including grief, depression, anxiety, sorrow, disappointment or disillusion with the world and one’s place in it. Ann works with adults and adolescents.
She can be contacted on 0425 797 337 or at: ann@annshenfield.com
- Member, Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis
- Four-year Program of Theoretical and Clinical Studies in Psychoanalysis, Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis
- Introductory Course in Psychoanalysis, Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis
- Various National and International Animated Film and Poetry prizes
Anna Papadakis
Body Centred Therapist
EFT Therapist
Anna Papadakis
Anna PapadakisAnna has been working as a Body Centred Therapist for over 8 years. Her training has included, Body Transformation (postural integration), counselling, working with trauma, group facilitation, doula Training (birth support), birth education, rebirthing (breathwork) and hypnosis.
Anna came to this work after the birth of her twin boys in 2001. Having had a background in both the corporate and the spiritual worlds her interests and skills came together when she discovered her passion for birth. This sent her on a journey of first becoming a doula (birth attendant), which led her to a deep trust in the body and it’s instinctive capacity to not only birth a baby, but to integrate all life experiences (including traumatic experiences) into a fully connected sense of being alive.
Anna has combined all of her skills into Body Centred Therapy which is a unique blend of somatic therapy and counselling.
Anna’s particular strength and skills lie in enabling people to learn how to deeply connect with their body, to listen to their body and psyche’s messages with deep compassion. She believes that when we are connected to ourselves in a loving way, we connect with nature and others in a loving way. From here love, healing and change are natural outcomes.
Book a treatment by contacting Anna – 0408 954 120 –anna@openingtolife.com.au or call the clinic – 9482 4325. www.annapapadakis.com.au
Brooke Campbell
Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine
Massage Therapist
Brooke Campbell
BHSc (Chinese Medicine), Cert IV Remedial Therapies, AHPRA, AACMA
Brooke is a registered acupuncturist with a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) degree, and also holds a Certificate IV in Remedial Therapies (Oriental Massage). She has been working in the industry since 2005 and still very much loves what she does. Whether it is an acupuncture treatment, a massage, or often a combination treatment, Brooke gives her all to her patients and treats each and every patient as an individual and tailors the treatment specific to them and their needs.
Brooke always wanted to do something with her life where she knew she was helping people. She decided on Acupuncture as it had been personally successful to her as a young teen suffering from migraines. Added to this, some twelve years ago she had a life changing experience whilst attending a Classical Five Elements Acupuncture seminar weekend. This opened Brooke’s eyes to a beautiful way of treating on a deeply emotional level which truly resonates with her.
Brooke also has a deep passion for treating women throughout their pregnancy and preparing the body and mind for birthing their babies. Having had two wonderful pregnancies and extremely positive birthing experiences, she has a profound hope that every woman can also have an amazing experience themselves.
No matter what symptoms the patient presents with, Brooke will endeavour to find the root cause of the problem to ensure the patient benefits most from her treatments. Her acupuncture sessions are individually tailored and her massages are strong and deep. The patient will leave feeling relaxed, yet knowing the body has been worked upon.
Brooke is a very loving and devoted mother to her two young children and is absolutely delighted to be returning to Kundalini House as a therapist. She feels extremely fortunate and honoured to return to a beautiful clinic and wonderful team of like-minded people and practitioners.
In advance, Brooke thanks you and looks forward to helping you in any way she can.
Giulia Flammea
Clinical Psychologist
Giulia Flammea
Giulia (she/her) is passionate about her work in psychology and values being authentic and in both her personal life and therapeutic practice. Giulia is committed to supporting clients’ work towards improving their mental well-being and fostering deeper self-connection to their authentic selves. She aims to provide a warm, genuine, non-judgmental space, where clients can explore the depths of their difficulties, and discover their own resilience, growth and potential. Giulia believes healing, growth and meaningful change is possible at any stage of life, and she is dedicated to supporting her clients through this process.
Her therapeutic approach uniquely centres on combining emotion-focused and somatic-based methods, with a commitment to addressing mental health concerns from a holistic mind-body perspective. By encouraging clients to explore internal felt-sense experiences linked to their psychological challenges, clients can gain a deeper understanding of their internal landscape, and process psychological pain on a deep-rooted level. This approach supports clients to more effectively manage and process their psychological distress, and ultimately can lead to improved self-regulation and overall enhanced well-being.
With a Master of Clinical Psychology, Giulia has experience catering to diverse populations spanning different developmental stages. She has worked in private hospital settings, delivering group and individual trauma-focused therapy to adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and has extensive training in various trauma-focused therapies such as Schema Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). Giulia has a particular interest in working with adults experiencing:
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- Trauma/PTSD
- Relationship Difficulties
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Emotion Regulation Difficulties
- Self-development
- And more
For more information or to enquire about booking an appointment, you can contact Giulia directly at info@sensepsychology.com.au or 0452 146 926.
Hana Weeramanthri
Counsellor & Psychotherapist
Hana Weeramanthri
Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Hana (she/they) is a therapist (M.Couns & B.Psych) with Tamil and Irish ancestry and connections to the lands of Tamil Nadu, Tamil Eelam & Cúige Mumhan. She lives on unceded Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, growing up on Noongar Country, and recently returning from years living on Gimuy, Walubura & Yidinji Country. Hana has 9 years of experience in mental health, criminal justice, homelessness, disability, and community service sectors. They work within an abolitionist, intersectional and decolonial lens, and their therapeutic style includes a mix of attachment theory based approaches, and internal family systems, somatic experiencing and psychodynamic therapies. They utilise non-Western conceptualisations of health, mental health, and wellbeing and are deeply influenced by First Nations knowledge of healing, community, kinship and Country. They aim to work with clients’ own generational wisdoms, knowledges and strengths, to improve wellbeing outcomes.
They work within a range of modalities, including;
- attachment theory based approaches
- dialectic behavioural therapy (DBT)
- emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
- internal family systems therapy (IFS)
- somatic experiencing, polyvagal and mindfulness therapies
- psychodynamic therapies
- trauma informed yoga therapies (250 hr YTT), focusing on an anti-caste and anti-supremacist practice.
“Healing makes room for his to fight in the places where it’s necessary, and love in the places we long to.”
“We commit to our own healing in part because the realisation of what we are dreaming of rests on it. It is our responsibility to one another to do our internal work, not so that we feel good alone but to stay an active part of the whole and to refuse to pass down to the next generation what pain we’ve accrued.”
- Prentis Hemphill, What it Takes to Heal.
Hana is accepting new clients on Thursdays at Kundalini House.
For more information, please see here.
For bookings, please book here.
Jane Johnston
Hypnotherapist
Jane Johnston
Dip. Clinical Hypno
Jane Johnston studied a Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and has been practicing for over a decade. Jane wrote a thesis on the Science behind Meditation, while studying Yoga Teaching and she has also studied and practiced Buddhist Meditation, Transcendental meditation, Guided meditation, Kundalini meditation and has an interest in Mindfulness practices and many forms of relaxation therapy. Jane has also studied and worked with Guided Breath work practices and Yoga Nidra.
After teaching Hatha, Kundalini Yoga and meditation for several years and enjoying teaching deep relaxation therapy and stress management techniques Jane came to study the modality Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Jane works with scripts and the guiding principles of the Australian Clinical Hypnotherapy Association and from Maggie Wilde and Dr Rick Collingwood PHD, two of Australia’s leading and internationally renowned Hypnotherapists. Jane also studied the Mongan method of Hypno-birthing and teaches the simple, effective practice of Breathing, Self Relaxation, Visualisation and Endorphin triggers for a safe comfortable birthing experience. She has helped dozens of couples feel more empowered, confident and enjoy a more comfortable and healthy birth.
Jane has successfully worked with many corporate groups, including Ligeti Partners Lawyers, Sparky Helmore, ACCC and the N.A.B bank. She has looked after a wide variety of presenting conditions including stress related conditions, depression, anxiety, weight loss, smoking, fears and phobias. Clinical hypnotherapy was a natural evolution from teaching Yoga, Meditation and relaxation therapies.
Jane’s philosophy is that the storage of memory, behaviour patterns and belief systems is holistic in our mind and body. We can open, connect and invite change with the deep mind/body relaxation of Hypnotherapy. Here habits, unwanted behaviours, and fears can be released and new patterns and positive changes made for better health and happiness. Her warmth, compassion and motivational success encourages people to easily create positive healthy change and fully realise their potential.
With a warm and healing energy, Jane is deeply compassionate and committed to empowering her clients to improve their lives and discover their inner potential. Whatever it is you try to change through your own positive affirmation can be powerfully enhanced, magnified and multiplied through Hypnotherapy so you see results quickly.
To book an appointment with Jane, please call 0417 545 475.
www.clinicalhypnotherapyinmelbourne.com.au
Justine Zerwas
Massage Therapist
Justine Zerwas
Remedial Massage Therapist
Justine is an experienced and compassionate remedial massage therapist dedicated to improving her clients’ well-being through a blend of relaxing restorative massage and targeted therapeutic techniques.
Justine was introduced to massage therapy and yoga at a young age and came to learn the power one’s body held for self-healing by way of informed bodywork and intentional movement. This lead her to study remedial massage therapy in her home state of Minnesota, USA in 2004. It was then she discovered a passion for anatomy, trigger point therapy and myofascial release as a way to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, improve mobility and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Justine’s warm and calm demeanour creates a nurturing environment as she works with each individual to find a treatment that is appropriate for them. She uses knowledge of the body’s structures and assessment to target the soft tissues related to the presenting issue. Justine is passionate about treating these target areas with precision whilst ensuring that the client is also in a state of relaxation so as to better facilitate muscle release and healing.
“Everyone is busy and stressed, I think it is so important for my client to reach a state of relaxation so that the optimum amount of change can occur for them. I always joke that I am allergic to being busy. I am constantly striving to slow down and find moments of stillness. I have a favourite Japanese word ‘Seijaku’ which means ‘profound peace and stillness in deep moments of solitude and gentle, quiet reflection.’”
Be it acute or chronic conditions, general stiffness or fatigue, Justine aims to get you relaxed, rehabilitated and restored back to yourself. Her treatments may include:
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Vacuum Cupping
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Relaxation Massage
- Stretching
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Sports Massage
- Reflexology
Justine enjoy’s treating the following issues, but is not limited to:
- Headaches/TMJ
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Carpal Tunnel symptoms
- Foot pain
Katia Krassas
Counsellor, Reiki Therapist
Katia Krassas
Holistic Counsellor, Reiki Therapist
With nearly 20 years as a Holistic Counsellor, Reiki Healer & Teacher, and more recently a Facilitator of Nature Connection programs and Women’s Circles, Katia weaves together her passions for personal growth, community, and spirituality. Inspired by her own healing journey, she has created a business where she helps others navigate life’s challenges and to reconnect with their true nature.
Katia’s work is rooted in Deep Ecology, which teaches that all of life is interconnected—plants, animals, the changing seasons, the Earth itself. As humans, we are part of this greater web of life, and by deepening our connection with nature, we gain insight into our own inner world.
Her path began with a BSc in Ecology, driven by a love for nature and a desire to help the planet. Over time, this evolved into a career focused on supporting people—especially women—through life’s transitions, blending deep wisdom with practical healing.
Katia has a particular interest in supporting women in midlife, a profound and transformative time. In a world that glorifies youth, she helps women embrace their changing seasons—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—coming full circle to the knowledge she first sought in her youth. She lives and breathes the teachings she shares, guiding others toward self-discovery, empowerment, and a deeper connection with the natural world and their true self.
Qualifications & Training:
- BSc in Ecology
- Diploma in Holistic Counselling (including Flower Essences & Meditation Therapy)
- Reiki Healer/Teacher
- Certificate in Advanced Group Facilitation – GroupWork Centre
- Teacher Training in Nature Connection – Nature Philosophy
- Professional development has included: Gestalt methods for Depression & Anxiety, Inner Child healing, psycho-spiritual healing.
Favourite quote: by Thich Nhat Hahn – Vietnamese Buddhist Monk and Peace Activist
The miracle is not to walk on water, or in the air, or on burning charcoal. The miracle is to walk on earth. You breathe in, you become aware of the fact that you are alive. You are alive and you are walking on this beautiful planet. The greatest of all miracles is to be alive.
Leoni Zakarias
Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine,
Clinical Nutrionist
Leoni Zakarias
Leoni ZakariasI came into this beautiful medicine of healing, after having a background working outdoors with nature. I travelled at a young age and learnt on my adventures that the power of touch, listening, support and guidance are essential to human beings’ health harmony. When I returned home I delved into studying nutrition, along with various styles of massage. After indulging in energetic work, remedial and Ayurveda styles, I found Tui na; a Chinese medical massage. This modality is one of the pillars of Chinese medicine practice. As I immersed myself in the philosophy and psychology of Chinese medicine theory, the harmony and balance made sense, the theory resonated so strongly with my internal beliefs. So the next step was to master acupuncture, and tune into a flow of a different energetic frequency. I appreciate the simplicity yet there is so much complexity in the art of acupuncture, I know I will be a forever student. I have been a practitioner for more than 12 years now, always passionate about learning and integration.
I always knew that I wanted to integrate food as medicine into my work and my life philosophy, it’s the foundation of health, a way we nurture, heal and sometimes hurt ourselves. The psychology of food fascinates me. Dietary support is a foundation of my treatment plans, tailored to individual requirements, under both a Chinese food therapy and a modern nutrition context. I love food, I find so much joy experimenting in the kitchen with different cuisines, home grown produce from my garden, herbs, spices and flavours. I am always happy discuss the most recent food creation and the latest research on food science.
I maintain myself in a happy health state by waking daily with a breath of gratitude, especially when the sun is shining, I move my body whether it’s a bike ride, a yoga session or soul filled dance, I devour delicious food that my body is craving and enjoy the pleasures of music, entertainment and laughter. I also very much love my work/life role.
I take great pleasure in treating all conditions that are needing support, especially digestive complaints, hormonal issues, fertility support and emotional guidance. I weave into my treatments, acupuncture, bodywork, classical Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition advice with diagnostic lab testing.
Marisa Howard
Somatic Psychotherapist & Counsellor
Marisa Howard
Marisa is a Somatic (body-oriented) Psychotherapist and Rehabilitation Counsellor.
Marisa utilises a range of therapeutic approaches to meet clients’ needs. Marisa works from a person-centred framework of respect and non-judgment, creating a safe space where clients can explore issues, collaboratively set goals and practice new ways of being.
Marisa has over 20 years’ experience in holistic healthcare modalities, having first trained in body-oriented psychotherapy in 2003, completing an in-depth, 4-year course in this psychodynamic, relational and strongly somatically-oriented therapy, that draws on the works of bioenergetics and Wilhelm Reich, Freud and Jung, as well as Barbara Brennan’s holistic healing work. This training has since been complemented with further education and practice in other evidence-based, psychological therapies, both body-oriented and cognitive-behavioural. Marisa is also a Rehabilitation Counsellor and Wellness Coach with more than 8 years’ experience helping those with serious injuries and illness return to life and work through support and strategies to increase functioning and performance in their personal and professional lives.
Marisa came to her practice in wellbeing, psychotherapy and vocational rehabilitation in 2002. A personal injury led to her no longer being able to do her physically demanding work in natural area management and conservation. Having to undergo the rehabilitation process herself led to a natural interest and flair in holistic, wrap-around healthcare, the interconnection between mind and body, and vocational rehabilitation and counselling.
Why Somatic Psychotherapy?
Somatic or Body-Oriented Psychotherapy considers the mind and body to be one. We experience ourselves and the world around us through our thoughts and emotions, but also our bodies and sensations. Increasingly, contemporary neurobiology research is revealing that a purely mental understanding of an issue is insufficient to resolve it fully. Trauma and tension are held unconsciously in the body – words are not available or do not adequately describe what is happening in the body and the physiology. Somatic Psychotherapists are trained to safely assist clients to resolve trauma and tension by building their own resources and experiential understanding through specific resourcing techniques. Somatic Psychotherapists may also utilise bodywork, voice work, and movement.
Marisa specialises in helping with
- Issues at work and in relationships
- Career direction and career counselling
- Chronic illness and pain
- Persistent fatigue – ME/CFS i.e. “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”
- Long COVID
- Rehabilitation from injuries
- Insomnia
- Stress management
- Grief and lossLife transitions
- Somatic issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and chronic muscular tension
- Depression and anxiety
- Trauma and complex trauma
Marisa’s qualifications:
- Master of Health Science (Rehabilitation Counselling) – Latrobe University
- Graduate Certificate in Arts (Applied Linguistics and Counselling) – University of New England
- Diploma of Body-Oriented Psychotherapy – Institute of Energy Science
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Protected Area Management) – University of Queensland
- Full member, ASORC (Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors)
- PACFA Reg. Provisional 23155 (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia)
- Certified Wellness Coach with Wellness Coaching Australia.
A favourite quote:
“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears” – Rumi, Persian poet.
Please call Marisa on 0401 654 879 to make a booking.
Melissa Weaver
Kinesiology
Reiki Master Teacher
Melissa Weaver
Cert IV Kinesiology, Intuitive Meditation for Kinesiology Certification, Reiki Usui Level 3A Intro to Mastership, Level 1 Integrated Sound Healing, Registered Member AIK
Melissa is a Registered complementary medicine practitioner, offering holistic balancing. She has been practicing since 2013 and is passionate about preventative medicine in facilitating a mindset of compassionate self-care which in turn will nurture wellbeing in the broader community.
Drawn to Kinesiology through curiosity around a sign outside what was the first college of complementary medicine in Melbourne to offer a government accredited qualification, Melissa attended an information weekend and was inspired enough to sign up! In doing so, she began a transition from years of corporate and publicity work which, even though engaging and mostly enjoyable, was top-heavy on work hours and not always imbued with a feeling of giving back to community. Melissa understands all too well the pressures of trying to attain a work-rest-reflect balance and the impact of compounding physical and emotional stress if left unchecked.
Melissa feels that Kinesiology, which overlays the science of Western medicine (anatomy and physiology) with the ancient wisdom of Eastern (energetic) health philosophies such as the Chinese meridian and Indian chakra systems, just makes sense as it allows her and clients to address issues from many different angles of possibility. Most importantly, it connects thought to function and vice versa, tapping into the vital mind-body acknowledgement.
From 2014 onwards, Melissa has added the Japanese energetic health practice of reiki to her work to also offer clients deep, cellular relaxation, detoxification and heightened innate healing. Through further studies, Melissa now blends intuitive meditation and the vibrational medicine of sound healing into client balances and if required, can offer these as full sessions.
Melissa sees clients of all ages for a myriad of issues from physical pain to work-related stress, learning difficulties to spiritual development. She has particular interest and experience in soul connection and living from our heart-space – trusting our intuition; life phase, relationship and career transitions; the senses and brain integration; mental health and balancing family structures and communication. In tailoring client sessions and sharing the tools of her chosen modalities, Melissa feels she honours her personal dharma, “I will be curious, connect and contribute.”
Melissa has lived in Port Melbourne for 12 years but having been a North Carlton/Fitzroy resident for over 20 years prior to that and with continued connections to the area, she is delighted to be serving what she still feels is her community here at Kundalini House. Her work, along with family time, friends, travel, dancing, Italian language studies, drawing and gardening are just some of the things that bring Melissa joy in life.
One of Melissa’s favourite quotes is, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” as it gives us pause before informing our movement through life and it upholds her belief that looking at your health and wellness from a different angle could be the key to you finding your natural balance and rhythm.
Miranda Phaeodonos
Osteopath
Miranda Phaedonos
HSc Osteo, BAppSc Osteo
As a teenager, I suffered a back injury after a bad fall. As I did not seek appropriate treatment, it progressively worsened. It was at this point that I was referred off to an osteopath who, by combining their holistic approach and a wealth of knowledge, was able to assist me in overcoming this injury. This revolutionised the view I had on alternative health medicine.
After five years of rigorous study, I have completed a double degree of Health and Applied Science, Osteopathy, graduating from RMIT University in 2017. I am also qualified in yoga teaching, myofascial dry needling and cupping techniques and am currently in the process of completing a course to enhance my knowledge and treatment of the obstetrical patient.
During my hours in the student clinic, it became increasingly evident how passionate I was about the combination of different interventions to assist in the prevention of injury. This led me to travel to Japan to study yoga and return with the tools that I sought after to complement my osteopathic practice. These modalities combined now allow me to structure a comprehensive treatment and management plan.
My interest in the areas of women’s and children’s health, overcoming chronic pain, sporting injuries and general stress associated musculoskeletal complaints were further emphasised during my placement and observational hours of practitioners’ interstate.
Sessions with me consist of thorough examination, locating and isolating the source of one’s pain, which guide a personalised treatment. A combination of controlled breathing, direct and indirect techniques will be used to build an appropriate treatment protocol.
In my spare time I enjoy practising and teaching yoga and mindfulness meditation, travelling, cycling and hiking with friends, and further developing my practice by reading and researching the most current body of evidence.
Nicola Loizou
Chinese Medicine Acupuncture & Herbs
Nicola Loizou
BTCM (SITCM), DipCCM, Adv.Cert.InternalMedAcu (China), CMBA, ANTA
Nicola graduated from the 5-year full time Bachelor course at the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has undertaken official internships with two of Sydney’s most renowned physicians. She has spent 4 years as an intern of Daniel Deng and 3 years as an intern of David White, which has provided her with valuable experience in treating a vast array of conditions. As part of her studies Nicola spent time as an intern in the Guangzhou City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China where she trained in the dermatology, paediatrics, gynaecology, oncology and internal medicine departments.
From a young age Nicola has had an interest in how plant medicine and massage worked to heal the body and would spend her spare time reading about anatomy and herbal medicine. Nicola discovered Traditional Chinese Medicine while living and working in the Netherlands. She took the leap and enrolled for the first semester and during the first lecture found herself passionately enthralled wanting to know more. Nicola realised it was the system of medicine she had been looking to study for many years. From the outset, Nicola found a deep appreciation for the guidance of classical texts of Chinese medicine and has spent much time devoted to understanding and studying these vital texts to further her knowledge and understanding of the human body, nature and their interactions.
Nicola believes that helping and supporting one another on our individual journeys is one of life’s most rewarding values. Nicola understands that life is experienced so differently by each individual and living from a place of open heartedness is vital to stay true to ones self. She feels that part of a meaningful life are the gifts we can bring to each person we encounter.
Nicola is passionate about Classical Chinese medicine and spends may hours of her free time studying the ancient classical texts of the Han Dynasty to better her knowledge of the medicine. Nicola also loves to create fibre art (Knitting, spinning, crocheting and quilting if you are wondering) and to spend time nurturing her garden, which is full of fruit trees, flowers and herbs.
Nicola enjoys general practice and has had specialised training in gynaecology and fertility, complex chronic and autoimmune diseases, cancer support and musculoskeletal conditions. Nicola understands that no two people are the same and works diligently to tailor treatments to your individual and specific needs, with a focus on prevention and dietary understanding. Her goal is to create a partnership in a patient’s healthcare in which the individual must truly feel that they play an important role on their path to good health.
Oana Sangeorzan
Remedial Massage Therapist
Oana Sangeorzan
Oana SangeorzanDiploma Remedial Massage
Oana is an empathetic and holistic Remedial Massage therapist driven to help people from all walks of life aim for a pain free body, reach their optimal state, and remain active and functional throughout their lives.
Always interested in anatomy and fascinated by the human body and mind, after going through a few injuries and struggling with poor posture herself, Oana discovered that the body based therapies can be very powerful in creating balance in the physical-emotional-mental wellbeing.
Oana tailors’ treatment to the client’s needs and is dedicated to finding the root cause of the body dysfunction while holding space when needed. She enjoys working with acute or chronic physical pain, sports injuries, postural and mental stress patterns. Oana seeks to improve the quality of life by reducing pain and tension and restoring ease of movement.
Oana uses a range of manual therapy techniques, including:
- Myofascial release
- Deep tissue
- Trigger point therapy
- Sports massage
- Cupping
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Relaxation
- Zenthai shiatsu
- Assisted stretching.
Oana likes to empower clients with tips on self-massage techniques, exercises and stretches, better breathing patterns and tools to manage stress. She considers that self-care, regular exercise, good quality sleep and nutrition, genuine social connections, presence and spending time in nature all play an important role in our health.
In her spare time Oana loves everything outdoors related, hiking, climbing, interacting with wildlife, practicing yoga and dancing.
Rachel Hanrahan
Shamanic Journeying
Shamanic Journeying Therapist
Rachel personally trained with Raymond Richards “the urban shaman’ in 2010 as a Crystal Dreaming™ practitioner and completed post graduate study in 2011. She was invited to train as an advanced practitioner in 2011, and in 2014 she was initiated, attuned and certified as a Crystal Dreaming Teacher Trainer. Rachel brings exuberant passion, spiritual prowess and deep insight into her practice as a Crystal Dreaming therapist.
Rachel assists Raym in his trainings when held in Melbourne and continues to apprentice and seek regular counsel from her teacher, who she considers a living treasure with a heart of gold.
On her journey, Rachel was initiated as Quechuan Shaman in Peru in 2008. Since 2009 she has trained with Crystal Dreaming founder Raym Richards.
Sarah Buxton
Sound Therapy
Sarah Buxton
A little about me—my journey into healing began long before my formal studies. Like many, I struggled as a teenager and as a young woman, navigating feelings of uncertainty, self-doubt, and emotional weight that felt too heavy to carry alone. Through my own process of healing, I developed a deep passion for mental health, personal growth, and the power of true inner transformation.
Over the years, I have studied and Practiced Psychotherapy, Clinical hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, Meditation, and a Masters in Kyela Sound Therapy—each of these modalities offering a unique way to understand, release, and reconnect with our authentic self.
How I help my clients
I help people to reconnect and remember who they are beneath the limiting layers of self-protection, survival, and disconnection.
Layers that are shaped by fear, rejection, hurt, distrust, and shame.
Together, we gently peel back these layers—clearing what is false and self-sabotaging. We unhook old limiting beliefs, outdated patterns, and subconscious programs that keep us from experiencing true connection.
True connection with ourselves, our purpose, our loved ones, joy, and wellbeing.
I support this process through ancient sound healing, intuitive guidance, with practices influenced by ancient Shamanic traditions, and practical tools and techniques from Psychotherapy.
In this space I do not aim to be the healer— I aim to hold a safe, grounded space where people can reconnect with their own intuition and guidance, self-empowerment, and the love and happiness that has always been available within them.
Simon Murray
Chinese Medicine Acupuncture & Herbs
Simon Murray
Simon obtained his Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) degree from Southern School of Natural Therapies in 2016. It was his second degree (the first was in Fine Arts). Since beginning practice, Simon has treated a wide variety of people and health conditions, and always makes sure to listen without prejudice, seek understanding and consent at every stage of treatment, and ensure a warm and supportive environment.
Simon finds great satisfaction from helping with pain relief, mental and emotional issues, digestive upset, and menstrual disharmony, but enjoys that Chinese Medicine is about principles and patterns, (rather than diseases) so that it can be applied to virtually any health condition in an individualised way. Another advantage of Chinese Medicine is its array of therapies, and as such Simon may employ Acupuncture (TCM, Tung, Tan or Abdominal styles), Herbal Medicine, Cupping therapy, Gua Sha, dietary advice, counselling, heat therapy, blood-letting and/or energy work, depending on each person’s unique circumstances.
Simon followed a well-worn path to become a therapist. Starting out as an enthusiastic martial arts practitioner, he gradually became aware of the value of applying the same principles and strategies to helping, rather than hurting, people. He also found that traditional therapies were more helpful for the wear and tear that accrue from intensive long-term training. These days, Simon primarily trains in Tai Chi and Qigong, and offers classes in both at Kundalini House.
Simon is fortunate to have a wonderful mentor figure in Master Chunjie Liu, a world-renowned Qigong Master and Chinese Medicine practitioner. For over 20 years, Simon has been training with, assisting and observing Master Liu, absorbing his unique, energy-based approach to health and development. Master Liu has authorised Simon to instruct in his Xing Ming Qigong system, and they are currently working together on a book about Qigong.
Simon embraces the Taoist roots of Chinese Medicine, and attempts to apply its principles of following nature, being open to change and seeking balance to all his client interactions. A favourite quote from the Tao Teh Ching is “Do nothing, and nothing will need to be done”, which emphasises how powerful simplicity can be (and how we often cause ourselves problems by over-complicating things).
Simon lives with his lovely partner and their 2 dogs in Preston. He originally moved to Melbourne (from Hobart) to pursue music, and it remains central to his life, along with art, reading and a good cup of tea!
Simon teaches Qi Gong at Kundalini House – book here
