General Practitioner
Penny is a founding member and director of ITH. She has helped to create an environment that respects and integrates the best of evidence based conventional and complementary medicine, thus facilitating physical, emotional and spiritual healing. She is particularly focussed on the cause of disease and on aiding the body to find a healthy biochemical balance. This can free individuals to participate in their emotional and spiritual healing.
General Practitioner
Nicole joined ITH in 2005, reinforcing her mainstream practices, while also expanding her passion for treating disease processes at an emotional and spiritual level. Nicole enjoys sharing knowledge and skills with the complementary therapists. She has an interest in nutritional medicine and expanding her knowledge in this area, specifically for children on the autistic spectrum.
General Practitioner
Jane Shapiro joined the practice in 2009 after having worked on the central coast since 1997. She is enjoying integrating biochemical and nutritional medicine into her practice, especially in her areas of special interest: youth health, aboriginal and sexual health. She finds it very rewarding to work closely with the other health therapists
General Practitioner Registrar
Hilary is currently completing her second term as a GP registrar. She joined the practice in July 2010 and chose to work at ITH to learn more about complementary and alternate medicine. She is incorporating this knowledge into her mainstream practices. Hilary has a special interest in the management of chronic disease and in womens' health.
Osteopath
Katia Twyford, registered Osteopath, trained in England and has been practising for 16 years internationally. Her treatment approach includes fascial and functional techniques, as well as the cranial techique. She also incorporates other modalities like sound healing and imagery to help the whole person to heal. Katia has a particular interest in treating fertility issues, pregancy issues and birth related issues. Children and adults benefit from this gentle approach that helps the body heal on a cellular level from any traumatic event: physical or emotional. She is accredited with most private health funds.
Registered Osteopath, Cert IV Personal Training
Lisa graduated from RMIT in 1993 and finds osteopathy a highly effective modality, not only for relieving musculoskeletal pain, but also for treating children with learning difficulties and behavioural problems. One of the modalities within her Osteopathic "tool box" is the craniosacral technique about which she is passionate. Lisa is Health-Fund accredited.
Osteopath
Pat holds a Master of Health Science in Osteopathy following thirteen years experience as a registered general nurse. Pat addresses imbalances within muscular and skeletal systems by incorporating massage, manipulation, stretching and gentle muscle release techniques. He also holds a certificate in acupuncture, a technique which he integrates into his treatments. Osteopathy is particularly beneficial in treating low back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, sporting injuries and muscular strains. Pat is a member of the Australian Ostepathic Association and is accredited by Workcover, Dept. Veterans Affairs and various private health funds.
Bowen Therapist & Physiotherapist
Margaret is an advanced-level Bowen therapist and a registered physiotherapist with over twenty years experience in the rehabilitation of general and occupational conditions and injuries. Since 2000, she has specialised in Bowen Technique, a gentle hands-on therapy that allows the body to heal itself. Margaret is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association of NSW and the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia. She is accredited by Workcover, Veterans Affairs & private health funds
Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist
Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and uses acupuncture in combination with Chinese herbal medicine to assist the body to rebalance itself to optimum health. She is experienced in the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints, cancer support, women's health (including menstrual, fertility and menopausal symptoms), child health, pain management and stress reduction. She is a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) and is Health-Fund accredited.
Naturopath, Homeopath and Massage Therapist
Antony holds a Diploma in Remedial Massage and an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy. He is experienced in treating a wide range of ailments using herbal medicine, homeopathy and nutritional therapies. He is also a skilled remedial masseur, a member of Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and is health-fund accredited.
Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist
Judith holds a BSc and has completed post-graduate studies in nutrition and dietetics. She has over twenty-three years experience in health promotion, clinical practice and research. Specialising in healthy eating, children's obesity and sports nutrition, she tailors dietary strategies to suit individual needs in areas which include weight management, wellness, diabetes and heart disease. She is Health-fund accredited.
Nutritionist
Michelle enjoys working with like-minded GPs and natural therapists across a range of modalities. She looks at the whole person, putting strategies, dietry changes and lifestyle aids in place to empower clients to lead a full and healthy life. Her particular interests lie in childrens' and womens' health, including pre-conception and fertility, weight management, food allergies and intolerances. She is able to provide nutritional support for a wide variety of health issues. Private Health-fund rebates are available from some funds.
Clinical & Educational Psychologist
Christine has trained and worked in the UK, South Africa and Sydney. She has a wide range of experience with all age groups, addressing a range of emotional and behavioural issues. These include treatments for anxiety, depression (including postnatal depression), pain & trauma management. She is experienced in hypnosis, EMDR and psychometric assessments.
Credentialed Mental Health Nurse
Patricia has been a registered nurse for 30 years, 15 of those working in Adult mental health. She has a graduate diploma in Counselling and is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Clinical Science in Mental Health. She can provide psycho-emotional support for a wide range of mental and emotional issues.
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Lee specialises in lifestyle modification and exercise interventions for people with chronic and complex medical conditions. Lee has also undertaken postgraduate studies in Exercise Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Soft Tissue Injuries. He is accredited with Workcover and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a Medicare Provider and is also accredited with all the major private health funds.
Homeopath
Odette Harris graduated as a Homoeopath and Naturopath at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies in Sydney over ten years ago. Since then she has practised in Sydney, and now locally on the Central Coast
Her love of homoeopathy , children's health, and educating people on leading a wholistic lifestyle, has led her to be passionate about Homoeoprophylaxis (Homoeopathic Immunisation).
Her method of practice in this field includes providing information and resources to individuals. This way parents and caregivers can make a truly informed decision when it comes to immunisation and the future health of their children.
Bush Flower Practitioner
Ann joined Invitation to Health in 2008. For 12 years she has been working with Australian Bush Flower essences; a vibrational medicine promoting emotional, mental and spiritual balance and wellbeing.
Her treatments work well in combination with treatments offered by other ITH health professionals, as well as on their own.
Kinesiologist
David's passion is in researching and using traditional healing systems. He has been teaching and practicing kinesiology for more than a decade. His treatments focus on chronic illnesses, including chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, depression, anxiety, chronic back pain, sleeping disorders; neurological problems including learning difficulties, delayed development, autism, Parkinsons Disease, MS, and stroke.
David's techniques include counselling, reflex therapy, movement therapy, acupressure, diet, neurophysiological assessment, muscle feedback, massage and myofascial release. His approach emphasises helping his clients to find their own way, through reconnecting and expressing what is in their core being.
Psychologist
Robert joined ITH in August 2010. He has a background in education and humour therapy. He is also a Clown Doctor with the Humour Foundation and a School Counsellor. Using techniques from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Positive Psychology, he works with both adults and young people to counter issues such as depression, anxiety, anger and loss of purpose by clarifying values, goals and strengths. He has a research interest in the energising power of fun, creativity and inspiration.
Julieann Coombes (EEN) and Johanna Henderix (EEN) provide clinical support, working in collaboration with our doctors. Our nurse-led services include health assessments, clinics for immunisations, weight loss, asthma and diabetes, care plans for patients with chronic and complex needs, as well as assisting with home visits and home-based health assessments.
Jacki O'Donnell (Office Manager), Denise Smith, Pauline Kennedy, Lyn Malligan, and Sharon Huzarek will welcome you to our centre. They are available to make appointments and to offer help and information.
General Practitioner
Sarah joined ITH in August 2010. She worked in the UK as a GP from 1998and moved to Australia in 2008. Sarah has completed further training in nutritional and biochemical medicine and is enjoying combining this with conventional medicine. Sarah's other intersts include skin cancer and minor surgery, but she welcomes all aspects of general practice.