Hi, I’m Kathleen

formeI’m a naturopath and acupuncturist, based on Widjabul Wia-bul land and working across the Northern Rivers Region.

I have been in practice since 2009, with a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy and a Master of Applied Science in Acupuncture.

I began my career working in a large acupuncture and naturopathy clinic in Brisbane’s CBD, before relocating to Sydney in 2012. At that time, I joined the team at Bourke Street Clinic, an integrative clinical environment where I worked alongside medical and allied health colleagues.

I closed my books and took maternity leave following the birth of my daughter, to take some time for myself and my family, and to allow me to work on several big projects. This included the development and roll-out of an in-home postpartum health program… a passion project of mine. I also used this time to focus on postgraduate study and complete my acupuncture qualification.

I returned to practice with Dr Paulette Maroun and colleagues at Paradigm and Co – a collaborative gynaecology clinic in Sydney’s CBD – did home visits all over Sydney, for postpartum mamas.

As for many people, 2020 was a year of great upheaval, challenge and change. Mid-pandemic, my family and I relocated to Northern NSW, as part of my husband’s work with the National Centre of Naturopathic Medicine and here we have happily settled. I was working from the Lismore Birth House up until the beginning of 2022, but moved my practice up to Northern Rivers Health following the catastrophic floods that impacted so much of the town and region. I also do home visits, by appointment, across the Northern Rivers.

My background prior to health was in the arts: as a performer, researcher and wannabe professional clown. My first qualification was a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Drama and Russian. I know, SO useful. Fun though; and helped to furnish my understanding of communication, human behaviour and health.

Outside of practice, I’m involved in professional education: teaching natural medicine students and previously presenting courses for midwives, nurses and lactation consultants on naturopathic pregnancy and postpartum care. I have also worked with community and corporate healthcare programs, including appearing at fun events such as the Woodford Folk Festival.

I am a Director and former Vice-President of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia; I work on the NHAA board as I am passionate about raising the profile and practice standards of my profession.

In clinic, I focus on optimising day-to-day living through diet, lifestyle, herbal therapy and acupuncture. I hold a particular interest in working with the health of women, new parents and families; as I am passionate about creating healthy foundations for our next generation. However, I love working with people from all walks of life, helping to institute changes that can become life-long health habits.

Click here to read more about the health conditions I have seen most often in clinic

Away from the clinic, the things I enjoy most are: spending time with my husband, raising our daughter, connecting with friends, reading, writing, travelling, daydreaming, bad puns, practising yoga and handstands. I also really love being outside, whether that’s sitting in the sunshine reading the paper, bushwalking or swimming… I dig it all.