Meet The Health Retreat Team

Meet all the kind, caring and understanding professional therapists, and staff here at The Health Retreat. We have the most experienced staff in Australia, with many years of experience in the health industry and relevant modalities that you will need to make the shifts in your thinking, long term.

Apart from the fact that they are brilliant at what they do, it is fair to say they are all wonderful people who get great joy from the changes they see daily in the people who join us on retreat.


The Founder

Many people ask how and why Francis has started the highly effective Health Retreat.

Some 14 years ago Francis was involved in a fatal car accident where a 17-year-old was drag racing on the wrong side of the road and hit Francis’s car head on.

The young man passed in Francis’s arms. PTSD from the accident and a non-effective several years of treatment in the medical model, led Francis to a Holistic Process, which is how the Health Retreat came to be.

Now arguably the most effective program anywhere in the world. Doctor, Psychologists, Naturopath and natural trained therapists engaging in over 120 hours per month of life changing therapies.

Francis wanted to deliver a program far superior to any other program anywhere, with the finest and most experienced therapists and psychologists for long term success. He also added unlimited day visits to existing clients with food, and a support person if needed.

Yes a truly open door policy that costs nothing. He also wanted support for people who lived interstate or overseas and has two dedicated support people.

I wanted a price point for the program that was far more affordable for most people, and I wanted to deliver simply a far more comprehensive program than some of the very expensive retreats here and overseas.


Carol : General Manager

Carol

General Manager

Carol is the General Manager, she joined us after being General Manager of many other educational programs throughout south east Queensland.

She has also worked extensively in many areas of national mental healing and education, presenting submissions to the Senate Committee of mental health.

Carol operates a professional team, and quite frankly, both the clients and staff love her compassion and caring. She strives to always exceed people’s expectations.

Carol relishes conducting such a successful program with such experienced staff.

Kara : Doctor (AHPRA)

Kara

Doctor (AHPRA)

Full health assessment; Dr Kara understands that when you suffer from anxiety, depression and self-medication issues it takes a toll on your body and we need to address any issues while you are with us.

Matt : Psychologist (AHPRA)

Matt

Psychologist (AHPRA)

Clinical Hypnotherapist, Mindfulness instructor, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), stress management, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Focused on phobias, anxiety, depression, stress, change motivation and confidence building. Practitioner of Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

Salima : Counsellor

Salima

Counsellor

Salima is focused on inner journey therapy, stress management. She is arguably the most respected and effective natural therapist in the county. With over 20 years experience, there may be someone in the world as effective as her in recovery but you would be hard pressed to find someone more effective.

Dr Warren : Psychologist (AHPRA), Behavioural Scientist & Author

Dr Warren

Psychologist (AHPRA), Behavioural Scientist & Author

Warren is a qualified teacher and counsellor, with a PhD in human thought processes. He has 30 years’ experience in the study of human health, development and behaviour and is an author of 160 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Warren graduated with a PhD in Psychology from the University of Newcastle in 1987. He has worked as a behavioural scientist in academic settings in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. His contribution to research involved research consultancy with the University of Queensland, Mater Adult Hospital, and Australian Catholic University.

He has recently written a book based on this approach called Beyond Belief: Living a Fearless Life, examining how we misuse our thinking mind to cause unpleasant experiences in our lives, and how this can be resolved.

Tennelle : Naturopath

Tennelle

Naturopath

Tenelle is our Naturopath and Chinese Medicine Practitioner. Studied and Practiced for many years in China and Australia, Tennelle is expert in Bio Balance, MTHFR and every aspect of the physical and Bio side of recovery. She truly is a leader in her field.

Angela : Counsellor & Clinical Hypnotherapist

Angela

Counsellor & Clinical Hypnotherapist

Trained and worked as a Psychiatric Nurse in 1981. Qualified in NLP in 2006. Up to Master Practitioner Level with various highly respected trainers including with both founders Richard Bandler and John Grinder. Qualified as a trainer of NLP in 2008 and co-facilitated an 18-day NLP practitioner course with James Tsakalos in 2013. Worked in a professional capacity as a self-employed Hypnotist, coach and Trainer since 2007. Working at the Health Retreat specialising in Stress, Anxiety & Depression.

Chrissy : Mother; Environmental Scientist & Permaculturalist.

Chrissy

Mother; Environmental Scientist & Permaculturalist.

Chrissy inspires with Permaculture, by fusing the rigours of Environmental Science with grassroots ideologies. This provides practical solutions to live a happy & healthy life, plus helps to remove environmental-related stressors (at both local- & global-scales).

With just under 20yrs in the field, Chrissy’s work may easily be interpreted as setting the stage for planetary evolution & a future for life on planet Earth.

Quote/Belief: Reclaiming health, happiness & abundance – by connecting to our natural ecology.

Lyn : Counsellor, Clinical Hypnotherapist & NLP Practioner

Lyn

Counsellor, Clinical Hypnotherapist & NLP Practioner

At times we all experience negative thoughts, feel stressed with the living of everyday life and experience fears that can cripple us. Our problems have varying effects on our lives, ranging from a niggly annoyance to utmost devastation of our mind, body and souls. Some of us will experience episodes of panic attacks, anxiety and depression. Some of our needs are specific such as "I just want to lose weight"; "I want to quit smoking". Others want to deal with unexplained phobias, skin conditions and problems that manifest as physical problems in our bodies. Procrastination demotivation, low levels of confidence and poor self-esteem can make our lives miserable.

Rebecca : VIP Calls

Rebecca

VIP Calls

Rebecca heads client support for clients when they return home.

With many years of experience she is a brilliant source of support for former clients.

She also is a natural therapist in stress management.

What a wonderful and effective team member.

Miranda : Head Chef

Miranda

Head Chef

Yummy food prepared by a person highly skilled in Healthy food and preparation.

Miranda’s food schools are life changing and life saving. allowing clients to make the changes in a constructive and real way.

Donna : Chef

Donna

Chef

Our fantastic chef sure knows how to wow the crowd with her fantastic healthy cooked meals, Donna has had over 20 years as a chef and we are lucky enough to have her in our team. The clients love Donna’s friendly nature and her delicious meals, she loves it when the client’s come into visit after their meals to tell her how delicious the food was.

Clint : Administration Manager

Clint

Administration Manager

Clint is our business development manager who will handle the logistics of a clients arrival for their program.

Making sure flights and transfers go as stress free as possible. He may even be the person who will meet you at the airport and drive you to the retreat.

Veronica : Program Co-Ordinator

Veronica

Program Co-Ordinator

Veronica heads the scheduling department. Making sure each and every client’s daily schedule runs seamlessly.

It is so important that a person’s program runs smoothly each and every day.

She is the finest at what she does.

We are so proud to have her heading scheduling.

Angela : Host

Angela

Host

Whether its Hosting, house keeping or Transfers to and from the airport, Angela is loved by our clients for the way she looks after them.

Felicity : Host

Felicity

Host

Whether it's Hosting, house keeping or Transfers to and from the airport. Clients love the way they are spoilt by Felicity as one of our highly effective hosts, making a person feel nurtured is the first step to the person relaxing and taking on the new learning

Hudson : Host

Hudson

Host

When you fly in for your program there is good chance Hudson will be there in person to pick you up to start your journey.

He will make you feel relaxed and orientate you about what to expect when you arrive.

Hudson also works throughout the retreat in various capacities.

Gabby : Housekeeping & Host

Gabby

Housekeeping & Host

Clients love the way they are spoilt by Gabby as one of our highly effective hosts.

Making a person feel nurtured is the first step to the person relaxing and taking on the new learning

Amber : Remedial Massage Therapist and Bowen Therapist

Amber

Remedial Massage Therapist and Bowen Therapist

If you are looking at relaxing and winding down, Amber surely knows how to achieve that. She is passionate about helping people relieve pain and stress being carried in their bodies through massage. Her massages leave you feeling calm and relaxed, and are a great way to wind down in between new learning here at the health retreat.

Robyn : Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher

Robyn

Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher

Yoga includes breath control, mindfulness & meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures and is widely practiced for health and relaxation. Robyn is an experienced yoga and mindfulness teacher, having 4 years of training and over 10 years of professional experience Robyn is a highly skilled and trained instructor. Yoga with Robyn is a perfect way to connect with your inner self and our clients love incorporating this alongside there learning, it is the perfect way to wind down and exercise at the end of a day.

Emily : Client Admission, Senior Therapist

Emily

Client Admission, Senior Therapist

Emily has been working at the health retreat for many years working in admissions and treatment plans. She is highly skilled and is there to ensure your first point of contact with the retreat is supportive. Emily understands that there may be anxiety around your first step of the journey and initial call to the retreat, she is there to listen and support you through choosing the best program that is tailored to suit your individual needs.

Emily is dedicated to ensuring your transition to the retreat is smooth, helpful, and relaxed.

Candi : Massage and Myotherapy Therapist

Candi

Massage and Myotherapy Therapist

Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy which focuses on the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain. Candi has had over 9 years experience working as a massage and myotherapy. For any injury or any aches and pain Candi is able to work with you in relieving pain and tension through Myotherapy and Massage. If you’re looking to wind down in between your learning, Candi is also a fantastic relaxation massage therapist and will leave you feeling peaceful and relaxed.

Jen :

Jen

From housekeeping, to hosting, to transfers; Jen is there to make sure your stay is relaxed and nurtured ensuring you’re getting the most out of your experience here at the health retreat and enjoying the process whilst taking on your new learning.