About me

I am a registered naturopath with a Bachelor of Natural Medicine. The professional organisation I am registered with is NMHNZ, Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists of New Zealand.

My own struggle with endometriosis is what lead me to study naturopathy, and to focus my continuing education and research on endometriosis; how diet, supplements, lifestyle, and in particular, how managing gut health and chronic gut issues are key to ensuring successful the management of endometriosis - especially after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis removal and diagnosis.

My clients range from those who have been struggling for years after multiple surgeries - who now aren’t sure what else to do to better manage their endometriosis, to those who are pre- or post-hysterectomy, those who are wanting to plan for conception, as well as those who have been able to identify their endometriosis symptoms early enough in their health journey and either haven’t yet had surgery or are wanting to avoid surgery if appropriate.

My endo story:

I’ve experienced the years of chronic debilitating pain, the dependence on medications and heavy painkillers to try manage it, and the worsening of digestive issues and increasing food intolerances. I’ve also experienced endo symptoms recurring after an absence of them for years.

I learnt to successfully manage my endometriosis, but it took years, and many different practitioners - it was complicated, expensive and slow - hence my mission being to offer others an easier more straightforward way to learn how to manage their own endometriosis - especially post-surgery and post-pregnancies so it doesn’t come back (or if it does, I will teach you so you can know how to manage that).

Conventional medical approaches and surgeries can be a necessary part of managing this complex condition. My role is to offer effective and empowering diet, lifestyle, and supplement support to manage the condition in ways that safely complement medicines and surgeries.

After twelve years of successfully managing my endo (= painless regular periods and managed gut symptoms) I experienced a regression of endo symptoms. It was a time of stress, managing two under two meant little sleep, and LOTS of sugar and caffeine to cope (that’s right naturopaths aren’t perfect either! At least I’m not!).

What this recurrence of symptoms looked like for me was, (after having my period return postpartum and plenty of ideal, painless, easy periods) I started to get the old yet familiar incredible stabbing pain, doubled over on the couch until it eased, painful bowel movements (hello bowel endo), painful intercourse, and shockingly heavy heavy periods: 7 maternity pads in 6 hours sort-of-heavy, for days on end.

I thought I should follow my own advice, in case anything sinister was going on, and I went to my GP for their opinion, only to walk out with a typical script for an OCP, Tranexamic acid, and Naproxen, and being told that that amount of blood loss was normal after having kids. I was happy nothing sinister was going on, but I knew that was not a normal amount of blood to lose.

Instead of going down the medication route this time, I successfully re-addressed my endo naturopathically: raised my low iron, reduced my sugar intake, addressed the gut issues that had re-appeared (bloating, food intolerances, IBS), and used anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements to reduce the bleeding and completely stop the pain again. It took only 4-6 months this time, because I got onto it fast and knew what I was doing this time. Of course it can take longer the longer we have been living with symptoms, and we do sometimes need those scripts from the Dr, or we want to use them as well as the natural stuff, and there isn’t a right or wrong way to do it, it’s about figuring out what is right for each individual.

Although the recurrence of the endo was scary and overwhelming, it was a good reminder (and I always remind my clients this) that none of us are immune to endo recurring - managing it is a life-long commitment - but not in a scary way, and it certainly does not mean living a restricted life or a life in chronic pain.

More about me:

I am also a certified coach through VITA, a somatic coaching certification. I integrate my coaching skills into the support I offer to my naturopathic clients as I believe this is integral to achieving the effective change for better health outcomes. A history of trauma is incredibly common for endometriosis women+people, and having training in trauma-informed somatic coaching methodology enhances the support I can provide. I am currently undergoing the Monash University Training for Health Practitioners and Dieticians who specialise in FODMAP diet use in clinical practice.

I am a mum of two toddlers, an energetic 9 year old, and the honoured step-mama to one stunning young adult (21). I bring my experience of raising these little (and not so little) humans to my work with other parents, children, and teens. Though my focus is often on endometriosis clients, I love working with all people with any health challenges. Feel free to contact me with any questions before booking in. I always refer on if I believe someone else can help you better than I!