Our Team

Our approach is holistic, combining the best of allopathic and complementary medical traditions.

We bring together leading multi-disciplinary therapists who work together as an integrated treatment team coordinated by expert clinical consultants.

Together we strive to treat and heal your whole being.

 

Our treatment teams consist of highly experienced practitioners from a broad range of professional healthcare backgrounds. All practitioners are fully qualified and/or certified, and are considered outstanding professionals in their respective fields. This is one of the many reasons we are a premier therapeutic service.

Our therapeutic teams are guided by highly experienced clinical consultants who are leaders in treating complex problems. All practitioners are supported and trained to work together in an integrated and coordinated manner. Each therapeutic team follows an integrative care plan conceived by multi-disciplinary practitioners with regular and frequent team briefings.

  • Photo of Dr Laurenne See

    Dr Laurenne See

    Director
    D Clin Psych, B Psych Hons.

    As Director of The Sanctuary Byron Bay, Dr See applies her intrinsic interest in human nature and behaviour to achieve positive treatment outcomes and an exceptional client experience. She is passionate about the implementation of The Sanctuary model of care and thrives with the responsibility of quality assurance.

    Dr See has extensive experience in working with people of all ages in diverse cultural contexts. With a background as a senior clinical psychologist, Dr See is well-versed in establishing rapport to allow teams and clients to feel safe, secure and comfortable. She applies interpersonal sensitivity to maintain the excellent standards that The Sanctuary is internationally renowned for.

    Her doctorate and advanced training in clinical reasoning and research, in addition to her ongoing research interests in mental wellbeing, enhance Dr See’s ability to evaluate the evidence around the latest emerging treatment approaches and technologies. Additionally, Dr See’s extensive clinical work has enabled her to be broadly networked and ensures strong working alliances with other disciplines and organisations.

    In her spare time Dr See is happiest outdoors in nature. She is very fond of animals and before having children cared for a menagerie of farm creatures. Dr See is now a mother of three boys and a labradoodle and enjoys travelling and exploring new places with her family.

  • Photo of Dr Dan Phyhtian

    Dr Dan Phyhtian

    Clinical Director
    FRACGP, MRCGP, MBChB, BSc Neuro

    Dan is a true medical generalist with the breadth and depth of knowledge required to ensure exemplary clinical leadership. His background in neuroscience is invaluable and it assists with providing an objective rational approach to any clinical challenges presented. His research has included synaptic plasticity, results of which have been published internationally.

    Dan commenced his training in the UK in 1998 and his twenty year career has seen him work in the fields of internal medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, paediatrics, obstetrics, and general practice. In 2012 Dan relocated to Australia where he has based himself in Primary Care. He is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners, a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and a member of the Skin Cancer College of Australia and New Zealand, he is a keen teacher of medical students and other doctors.

    He enjoys the challenge of creating and maintaining the most thorough, efficient and streamlined systematic management plans for patients to optimise their medical experience, ensuring they have insight to and ownership of their care.

    Outside work Dan enjoys time with his family. He loves playing catch in the park and spending time on the broadwater looking for dolphins with his two children. He also enjoys watching the cricket with them when they have the patience.

  • Photo of Dr Vinay Garbharran

    Dr Vinay Garbharran

    Director of Psychiatric Services
    MBBCh, FRANZCP, Advance Cert Child & Adol Psych

    Vinay has over 18 years experience as a compassionate and caring consultant psychiatrist dealing with a broad array of complex cases. Vinay completed his initial medical training in South Africa and the UK before relocating to Australia in 1999. He trained in Psychiatry at the Gold Coast Hospital and has multiple subspecialty interests. He provides expert care for the treatment of mood disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, trauma and abuse. Vinay works closely with the team to manage chronic medical illness and unexplained medical symptoms.

    Outside work, Vinay enjoys time with family, travel, and various sports including motor racing and horse racing.

  • Photo of Dr Zoë Fletcher

    Dr Zoë Fletcher

    Senior Medical Doctor
    FRACGP, nMRCGP, MBBS, BSc (Hons), DRCOG, DFSRH

    Zoë has over twenty years experience as a senior doctor in both Hospital and Primary Care settings. Her initial training in physiology and medicine was in the UK at the University College, London. Zoë continues to be fascinated by human physiology and homeostasis.

    She has multiple subspecialty interests in cardiovascular and internal medicine, sexual health, aged care, and addiction medicine. She gives back to the profession by being an examiner for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, an educator of medical students, and by the regular completion of audits and publications.

    Outside work Zoë loves travel and has explored locations throughout Asia, North and South America, and Europe. She challenges herself physically by participating in various forms of running races including on staircases and in the mud. She also enjoys raising her three young children.

  • Photo of James Norman-Hicks

    James Norman-Hicks

    Director of Psychology
    B.Psych, MSocW

    James has over twenty years of experience in case management in a broad spectrum of environments. In addition to private settings he has worked in public hospitals, crisis shelters and mental health treatment facilities. His roles have included youth liaison, family therapist, social worker, group facilitator and counsellor. James brings a wealth of knowledge and practicality to the team.

    His education in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness are all invaluable in the treatment approach to a wide range of conditions including but not limited to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Addictions and Dual Diagnosis.

    James loves surfing and maintains his fitness for a positive mindset. He is well-versed in the discipline of training regimes and has previously spent four years as a professional triathlete racing in Australia and France.

  • Dr Emmily Bueno de Mesquita

    Consultant Psychiatrist

    Dr Emmily Bueno de Mesquita is an Adult Psychiatrist with over 15 years of work experience in multiple countries and settings – inpatient and out-patient clinics, medical psychiatric units and prisons – which have provided her with valuable life and work experience in supporting people suffering from psychotic and depressive disorders, stress and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and vulnerabilities in their personalities.

    She believes in a wholistic approach to healthcare and has a strong interest in attachment and trauma-based work, infant-carer dyad (mother and baby) mental health, and supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of health professionals. She continues to work in the Gold Coast University hospital, where she is directly involved in clinical supervision of junior colleagues, education to medical and nursing students, providing and training staff in reflective practice, facilitating weekly mindfulness sessions and she is part of several leadership committees in which she advocates for compassionate, patient-centred and trauma-informed care.

    Born in South America, raised in the Caribbean and trained in both Europe and Australia, Emmily is openminded, kind, non-judgmental and creative in her approach to caring for you on your journey of recovery and healing.

    She enjoys dancing (Latin), bushwalking, exploring new places with the family/making new shared experiences, socializing/connecting with friends and family over nice food and good conversation, reading and ongoing learning including providing education

  • Photo of Abelina Wolf

    Abelina Wolf

    Senior Psychologist
    M Psych, Grad Dip Psych, B Psych

    Abelina’s focus is supporting the multidisciplinary team to administer psychological tests, conduct risk assessments and safety planning, and provide evidence-based psychological intervention. Her knowledge and experience in psychological theories is enhanced by a holistic approach to mental health including the evaluation of mind and body symptoms.

    Abelina has a strong understanding of trauma and attachment theories and a passion for using trauma informed intervention. Her initial subspecialty interest in youth mental health paved the way for her well-regarded work with adults, elderly clients, and families.

    Abelina maintains her own wellbeing through a love of animals, her dedicated yoga practice, dance, and listening to a variety of podcasts.

  • Photo of Kendall Coburn

    Kendall Coburn

    Senior Clinical Psychologist

    Kendall is a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years experience. She has worked as a Clinician, Leader, Educator and Supervisor across Mental Health, Health, Private, and University settings. Kendall is highly regarded in the professional community, having worked in many multidisciplinary teams, as well as teaching/supervising many Psychologists.

    Kendall has established herself as an expert in Attachment Theory and Complex Trauma. In practice, this translates to a highly respectful, and collaborative approach with her clients. She utilises an eclectic mix of Strengths Based, Compassion Based and Cognitive-Behavioural therapies.

    Relaxing for Kendall means settling down with a good book. She also enjoys mindful morning walks, listening to music, and drawing.

  • Photo of Stacey Deans

    Stacey Deans

    Registered Nurse
    BNursing

    Stacey has over twenty years experience in nursing with a focus on multidisciplinary care planning for complex support needs. She has worked in hospital, community and private environments with roles in client care, family centred care, staff training and team leadership. She has subspeciality interests in the treatment of mental health issues, addiction, physical impairment, and the management of disabilities.

    Prior to her career in nursing Stacey developed excellent interpersonal communication skills in a variety of client interaction roles (hospitality, security guard, dental nurse). Stacey understands the importance of kindness and compassion during the stresses and challenges of the human condition.

    Outside work Stacey enjoys travel, bushwalking and gardening.

  • Photo of Steven Racki

    Steven Racki

    Physiotherapist
    BPhty, BBioMed

    Steven embraces an evidence-based approach as part of our multidisciplinary team. His focus is on complex case management with musculoskeletal, chronic pain and vestibular presentations.

    Steven maintains his clinical acumen with work as a physiotherapist for the National Rugby League where he deals with acute injury management and rehabilitation plans. His diversity of subspecialty interests and skills is reflected in additional involvement with broader community organisations. He has previously provided support to the disabled surfing association and also assisted as a volunteer with cerebral palsy therapy at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

    Outside work Steven is a keen surfer, snowboarder and triathlete. He enjoys the outdoors and getting away on camping adventures.

  • Photo of Alex Yates

    Alex Yates

    Acupuncturist
    BAcu, Dip Acu

    Alex has over 22 years of experience in the field of complementary healthcare. Her main areas of expertise are Japanese and Chinese style acupuncture and Swedish and deep tissue massage. Alex also has a background in beauty therapy and spa management which enhances her commitment to achieving the highest quality of client experience. She completed her acupuncture training in Nanning China and then worked on multiple continents before settling in Australia.

    Outside work Alex enjoys yoga, meditation and Pilates practice. She has a love of art, music, cooking and the outdoors.

  • Photo of Amber Rowe

    Amber Rowe

    Director of Culinary Services
    MEd (Bio&Health), BHlthSc (Nutr&Diet)

    Amber enjoys preparing delicious meals for our clients. She has a background in cuisine preparation and further training in nutrition and dietetics. Amber has worked as a private chef for numerous international well-known personalities and celebrities. She has worked on movie sets in conjunction with personal trainers as part of a team to achieve amazing client outcomes for screen. Amber has also applied her knowledge and skills in providing education on health science and the culinary arts.

    Outside work Amber loves running in groups, the creative process of baking, and her newfound passion of gardening and horticulture.

  • Photo of Cassundra Gilmour-Saunders

    Cassundra Gilmour-Saunders

    Personal Chef

    Cassundra has spent 14 yrs refining her culinary craft to design and produce creative, delicious and nourishing meals. She began catering for the photography industry and progressed to training at the world renowned Tetsuya’s in Sydney. Cassundra then explored different techniques and cuisines in multiple fine dining restaurants and as a Chef de Partie for contemporary degustation menus.

    Cassundra has a seasonal farm to table ethos. She has also applied her skills at number of health retreats with a focus on balanced nutrition for vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary needs.

    Outside work Cassundra loves dining out and experiencing new restaurants. She also self-nurtures by gardening and growing as much of her food as possible. Cassundra enjoys painting as a creative form of relaxation and to access a meditative space.

  • Photo of Louise Miller

    Louise Miller

    Personal Chef

    Louise has over two decades of experience in food preparation, food presentation and food education. She is dedicated to creating enticing and nourishing menus and dishes. Her connectivity and relationships with local producers ensure that the very best seasonal produce is incorporated into balanced and delicious nutritional meals. She enjoys a collaborative approach, working with the team to achieve the common goal of optimising a client’s wellbeing. Louise is motivated to assist clients in exploring a healthy way of eating that works for their specific needs.

    Before joining The Sanctuary team Louise refined her culinary skills by exploring a wide variety of cuisines in a diverse range of settings including festivals, health and wellness facilities, weddings, functions, and restaurants.

    When not at work Louise enjoys spending time in nature and the ocean. She also actively participates in numerous community groups with volunteering and fundraising.

  • Image of Ricki-Lee Nicholl

    Ricki-Lee Nicholl

    Personal Chef

    Ricki-Lee has an undeniable passion for preparing delicious and nourishing meals and is dedicated to making the journey to recovery for our clients a truly satisfying one. Ricki-Lee brings a wealth of culinary experience to our facility, with a background in restaurant management in both New Zealand and Australia, in addition to the operations management of state-wide catering companies. She has 25 years of experience working in the food industry.

    With a focus on the importance of nutrition in the healing process, Ricki-Lee is committed to crafting meals that bring joy to the dining table. She works closely with our clients to create personalised menus, ensuring that every meal aligns with their unique tastes and dietary requirements.

    Beyond just meals, Ricki-Lee contributes to the nurturing atmosphere of The Sanctuary. Her commitment to excellence and her warm personality make dining a moment of comfort and relaxation during the journey to recovery.

    In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the coastal beaches of QLD with her son and her dog Maia.

  • Photo of Lucy Arnott

    Lucy Arnott

    Art Therapist
    Dip Art Therapy, Dip Trans Couns, Dip Vis Art

    Lucy is a highly experienced Art Therapist and Transpersonal Counsellor. For over a decade, through the use of art expression, meditation processes, dream work and voice dialogue, Lucy has provided a safe place to explore and work with clients in a non-invasive personalised way. Lucy has navigated her work to specialise in the support of anxiety, depression, grief, relationship trauma and spiritual crisis.

    Lucy’s experience in a diversity of settings has given her practice a broad and solid foundation. She has enjoyed working with children with disabilities, women in correctional and rehabilitation centres, corporate teams, and has run mindfulness workshops and retreats. She has also been involved with the Starlight Foundation and was a dedicated mentor with the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) in the Northern Territory.

    Lucy is constantly exploring the latest developments in her field and she lectures Nationally on Arts and Integrative Psychotherapy Studies.

    Outside work Lucy enjoys surfing, gardening, her visual art practice and raising a family.

  • Photo of Bridget McNamara

    Bridget McNamara

    Yoga Instructor
    PhD Psychology (current candidate), Grad Dip Psych, MA Hons, BA Hons

    Bridget is passionate yoga instructor. She is an iRest Yoga Nidra Level 1 and 2 Trainer, a 500-hour Yoga Teacher, and a Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F).

    Bridget is well qualified to combine her yoga teaching expertise with her experience as a clinical consultant psychologist. Bridget’s background in caring for others has also been refined via her involvement with youth work, health policy development, and in the supervision of other health practitioners.

    Outside of work Bridget enjoys yoga, meditation, reading, cooking, travelling, and spending time in nature with her family.

  • Photo of Maia Vatcher-Anin

    Maia Vatcher-Anin

    Yoga Instructor
    B.SW (Hons), Grad Cert Bereavement counselling, Grad Cert Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, Purna Yoga Teacher Training, Yin Yoga Teacher Training

    As a yoga instructor Maia believes in using practices of the mind, body and breath to generate nourishment and nurturing to build connection, self-care and healing.

    Maia is used to working with people from a diversity of backgrounds, identities and bodies. She spent 20+ yrs as a social worker, counsellor and community education/welfare worker before focussing solely on her yoga practice. She is also an accredited Trauma Centre & Trauma Sensitive Yoga facilitator.

    Outside work, and her own personal yoga pursuits, Maia loves being outdoors camping, bushwalking and multi-day hiking. She also enjoys getting lost in a good book and any opportunity to dance. She spends as much time as possible with her family laughing and playing with their toy cavoodle.

  • Photo of Fiona Smith

    Fiona Smith

    Pilates Instructor

    Fiona discovered Pilates during her own personal recovery process. She had suffered a back injury from ballet which required surgery and a prolonged rehabilitation journey. When living in London Fiona became a Pilates student of Lesley Ackland of the famous Body Maintenance Studio in Convent Garden. This profound experience inspired her to return to Australia for further Pilates training.

    Fiona has travelled and taught Pilates in multiple international locations. She obtains great satisfaction from empowering others to safely improve their strength and confidence.

    She embraces a healthy lifestyle and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

  • Photo of Liane Wild

    Liane Wild

    Remedial Massage Therapist
    Dip. Remedial Therapies, Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy and Applied Psychotherapy

    Liane’s expertise as a Remedial Massage Therapist spans over 20 years. She has specialised in the realm of sport, and has worked with multiple national and international sports, individuals and teams. She utilises a range of modalities in her treatments to facilitate healing and these include deep tissue, dry needling, and cupping.

    Liane is also a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness Meditation Practitioner. By understanding the mind-body connection Liane has complemented her bodywork and she is passionate about empowering others to make positive changes to be their authentic best.

    Outside of work Liane embraces the time spent with family and friends, surfing, cycling along the beachfront, and exploring our beautiful region in her beloved Kombi, Freeda.

  • Photo of Briana Eades

    Briana Eades

    Remedial Massage Therapist
    Dip Health Science - Remedial Therapies

    Briana is an experienced and dynamic Remedial Massage Therapist who has been practising for over 20 years. Her passion for sport and health introduced her to this industry. She now finds joy and fulfilment in teaching while balancing private practice. The variety of working with athletes, corporate professionals, weekend warriors, parents and children give her the ability to create a treatment that is specific to each individual’s needs.

    Over the years creating her career in health, Briana has complimented her advanced Remedial Massage skills with techniques in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Aromatherapy, Hot Stones, Scar Tissue Management and Reflexology. This integrated approach allows for effective results while nourishing and supporting the body and mind.

    When finding balance with work and play, Briana is always excited to be in nature. She also spends time with her young children, family and their energetic dog Laddie.

  • Photo of Melissa Lloyd

    Melissa Lloydd "Missy"

    Case & Client Services Manager

    Missy is our compassionate and dedicated Case Manager at The Sanctuary. With a background in management in the mental health field and a genuine commitment to helping individuals, Missy is an invaluable part of our team.

    Missy's approach to case management is rooted in empathy, patience and understanding. She recognises that every individual's journey to recovery is unique, and she is dedicated to supporting our clinical team in creating and organising personalised treatment programs that address the specific needs and goals of each client.

    Missy works closely with our director and multidisciplinary treatment team and is the main point of contact for each client to facilitate any needs that may arise. She is dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals and guiding them through every step of their rehabilitation journey at The Sanctuary.

    In her spare time, Missy is a busy mum and enjoys spending quality time with her family on the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches.

  • Photo of Trent Gardiner

    Trent Gardiner

    Client Care
    Dual Dip Com Serv (Addiction & Mental Health)

    Trent is highly skilled at maintaining a sense of calm within complex cases and environments. For over thirteen years has tactfully managed and coordinated large groups and refined an approach perfectly suited to one on one care.

    His approach to teamwork and interpersonal communication were initially established through his involvement in the music industry. He previously ran a successful record label and touring company based in Los Angeles and New York.

    Trent is a keen sportsman and in addition to surfing and snowboarding he enjoys the physical challenges of pilates, hiking, open ocean swimming and ultra-endurance running (covering over 100km at a time in 15hrs). He loves travel and his favourite destination is Japan for its rich cultural history and food.

  • Shang Bradley

    Personal Trainer
    B BioMed

    Shang has been a personal trainer for over twelve years. He has applied his knowledge of physiology, anatomy and nutrition to create significant sustainable changes for individual clients.

    Shang grew up in Byron Bay and in 1995 began his career as a chef. He was trained to meet expectations and deliver high quality results while working in teams at Rae’s on Wategos and Gaia Health retreat. He took his culinary skills abroad and based himself in the Channel Islands while working in Sous Chef and Head Chef positions in South Africa and the UK. On return to Australia he pursued his passion for physical fitness and studied Naturopathy modules in Clinical Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology. He then trained at The Australian Institute of Fitness and also went on to complete a Bachelor of Biomedical sciences in 2018. He now focusses on developing customised training programs.

    Shang loves gardening, cooking at home, reading philosophy and his ongoing research on how to maintain youthfulness.

  • Photo of Jody Thomson

    Jody Thomson

    Surfing Instructor

    As a surfing instructor Jody believes that the best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun! He has the utmost respect for the ocean and its extremes of peace to power. Jody has been surfing for 34 years and surf coaching for 20 years. He has consulted on surf programs at some of the world’s best surf resorts and he has judged at the Pro Junior level. He has been very privileged to surf all over the world. From teaching an absolute beginner to someone with advanced skills, Jody enjoys the challenge of helping surfers become the best surfer that they can be.

    Outside work Jody enjoys surfing, Muay Thai, playing guitar, staying fit, eating healthy produce and travelling with his family.

  • Photo of Josh Smith

    Josh Smith

    Professional Golf Coach

    Josh completed his traineeship at Twin Waters and Logan and went on to be the Head Professional at Riverlakes Golf Course in Brisbane. Teaching became his passion and in 2018 Josh became the Director of Coaching at Emerald Lakes Golf Club. His impressive skills as an instructor led him to be invited by Tom Linskey to co-host Tom’s Australian Golf Schools events in Australia and Italy.

    Josh has had experience playing throughout Australia, Asia and Europe and assisted many of his professional peers with their golf games. He is equally as comfortable helping beginners of all ages. His area of expertise is in the realm of short game. Josh has had nine holes in one.

    Outside work Josh loves outdoor activities with his family and the beach. He has a passion for old cars and motorsport.

  • Photo of Margi Coen

    Margi Coen

    Vocal Trainer
    BMus Hon. Voice

    Margi Coen is a highly experienced and passionate vocal trainer who has been teaching for over 25 years. She is a graduate of the Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music. She enjoys teaching beginners just as much as advanced students and loves to nurture each and every student to be the best that they can be, whether it’s a bathroom singer or a professional performer. Prior to relocating North, Margi was the previous owner of the popular Sydney Vocal Training School ‘Sydney Vocal Arts Centre’. She has trained numerous international competition winners, opera singers, and musical performers.

    Margi has great links with Speech Language Therapists and regularly consults to ensure that her vocal knowledge is up to date with the latest medical theory.

    In addition to teaching Margi has an extensive career as a performer in Opera, Jazz, and as a voice over artist for TV Commercials.

    Outside work Margi loves spending time relaxing with her family and her two standard poodles; Freddie Mercury and David Bowie.

  • Photo of Dr Natasha Rutherford

    Dr Natasha Rutherford

    Dentist
    BDSc (Honours)

    Natasha graduated from the University of Queensland with first class honours in 1993. In 1996, Natasha established Oxenford Dental Centre, which has a reputation for quality dentistry.

    Over the years Natasha has built up a very loyal following of patients, and many of the children she saw in her early years are now bringing in their own children for treatment.

    Natasha is a member of the Australian Dental Association and is experienced in treating all manner of dental requirements, from general family dentistry to complex cosmetic reconstructions.

    In her spare time, Natasha enjoys going to the gym, travelling, and hiking.

  • Photo of Dr Chris Lack

    Dr Chris Lack

    Pre Admission Medical Consultant
    FANZCA, FACRRM, MPH & TM, MBBS Hons, B.Med (TCM), BA

    Chris is a medical specialist with a diverse range of skills, which include consultant anaesthesia, rural & remote medicine, general practice, aeromedical retrieval, and international aid work. He has acquired a broad spread of experiences from having worked on 5 continents, and he has completed tertiary degrees in medicine, anthropology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and tropical medicine & public health.

    Outside of medicine, Chris loves to spend time in nature, and he is passionate about reading, staying fit, and learning languages. He is an avid traveller & hopes to keep exploring all the fascinating delights that the world has to offer.

  • Lauren Buckley

    Somatic Trauma & Addiction Counsellor
    B Arts Hons, B Soc Wk

    Lauren Buckley is an Accredited Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor and Trainer with 20 years’ experience in the human services field. Lauren is a Trauma & Addiction Specialist with a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma, Diploma of Management, a certified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner and a Certificate IV Trainer in Alcohol & Other Drugs Work. Lauren is also trained in Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Experience® and NeuroAffective Touch®.

    Lauren specialises in working somatically with the nervous system, particularly with developmental trauma and attachment, Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and substance use. Working with the body is a unique approach to addiction treatment, where the therapeutic process is focused on reducing and releasing the symptoms of trauma and less focused on the re-telling of traumatic experiences. Lauren has worked extensively in the addiction field, providing clinical advice and organisational consultancy for rehabilitation and addiction services, and has worked in senior health management for over a decade providing clinical governance and general management to addiction services.

    In her free time, Lauren loves spending time in nature hiking, mountain biking, surfing, swimming, and 4WDing.

  • Image of Maia Neveu

    Maia Neveu

    Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher
    BA GradDipCouns

    Maia has an Advanced Certificate in Guiding and Teaching Meditation and Mindfulness. She has spent the past few years working in high-end retreat settings in Costa Rica using a client-centred approach. She has worked with hundreds of clients presenting with PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma.

    Maia is committed to personal and professional development with a strong foundational knowledge of a range of therapeutic approaches. She has a strong work ethic and commitment to providing the highest quality service to clients from varying backgrounds.

  • Photo of Kate Leggett

    Kate Leggett

    Administration Manager

    Kate has extensive people, organisational and resource management skills and the ability to easily adapt and communicate effectively with others. She originally started out as a professional contract manager in the UK working on large scale corporate projects. She later re-trained in Australia as a professional bookkeeper and has lived in the Northern Rivers for over 20 years.

    Outside work she enjoys cycling, music, art and spending time with her family and their big shaggy dog. Kate is also actively involved with and on the board of several community organisations including Spaghetti Circus.

  • David B Green

    Vice Chairman - The Sanctuary World

    Based in Victoria BC David has enjoyed a 30+ year career in International Healthcare Management in major medical service lines, delivered on most continents. He has extensive operational connectivity and experience, and as a dedicated professional, he is used to delivering strong consistent results.

    David is the co-founder of The Sanctuary World. He is a Strategic Director with a remit to maintain the highest standard of ethics and quality and oversee the non-clinical aspects of our luxury healthcare delivery businesses.

    David and his wife have seven adult children and seven grandchildren, and have lived in Canada for 25 years. They have also lived in Australia, the UAE and Spain. David’s interests outside of international business include travel, cinema, theatre, film production & crime-writing. He’s an ardent England Cricket supporter and author of the ‘Oscar Phelps’ series of novels.

  • Dr Rob Walsh

    CEO - The Sanctuary World
    FACRRM, MBBS Hons (USyd), MA, BA Hons

    The Sanctuary model of care has been refined over 19 years and Dr Walsh has the responsibility of ensuring that our exceptional treatment systems are available to clients across the variety of our beautiful settings.

    Dr Walsh commenced his career in intensive care medicine. In 2010 he switched focus to community medicine and worked as a Senior Medical Officer for The Sanctuary Byron Bay until he took over the company in 2017. He co-founded The Sanctuary World in 2021 with the view to ensure that all of our clients have timely and accessible care, regardless of their cultural background or geographical location.

    Dr Walsh lives with his wife and three children on a certified organic avocado farm and enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle by surfing every sunrise, reading hardcopy books, and listening to a wide variety of music.