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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Registered Nurse
BNursing

With a distinguished 14-year career in the Royal Australian Navy, including receiving a bronze commendation, Kat brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her current role as a registered nurse. During her service, Kat also served as an alcohol and drug counsellor, further honing her expertise in substance abuse and mental health.

Kat specialises in forensic and acute mental health and has demonstrated a deep commitment to patient care and mental health advocacy. Kat, who holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Cert 4 in Alcohol and Other Drugs, combines academic excellence with practical expertise. They are further enhancing their skills and knowledge by completing a Masters in Mental Health Nursing.

Kat has garnered recognition throughout their career for her compassionate approach, clinical acumen, and unwavering dedication to improving mental health outcomes. Their unique background in the military and healthcare equips them with a versatile skill set, making them a valuable asset in any healthcare setting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Remedial Massage Therapist
Credentials in Emotional Intelligence; Acupuncture; Reiki Master, ThetaHealingPractitioner

Ana embarked on her holistic healing journey in Brazil over 15 years ago, where she delved deep into the realms of Reiki attunements, becoming a Reiki Master. Witnessing the transformation in her clients' faces post-treatment ignited her zeal to fuse Massage Therapies with Energy healing. This harmonious blend ensures her clients leave her sessions feeling as light as a feather, experiencing lasting tangible results.

Dedicating recent years to mastering musculoskeletal dysfunctions, Ana adeptly evaluates and treats aches, pains, and injuries, aiding the body in repair and recovery. Her integrative approach involves a thorough assessment of your physical and emotional well-being, followed by unblocking and balancing subtle energy levels to release any physical manifestations through tailored massage techniques.

Ana's philosophy revolves around holistic well-being, catering to body, mind, and spirit in every session. Her repertoire spans from remedial massage, cupping, dry needling, emotional intelligence in acupuncture to Reiki and energy therapies, all customised to meet each client's unique needs.

When off duty, Ana enjoys sports activities such tennis, yoga, surfing and exploring the beauty of nature with friends and family.

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.

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.

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.

Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher
BA GradDipCouns

Maia is a qualified meditation teacher with a robust background in holistic counselling and integration coaching, passionately dedicated to guiding her clients towards experiencing profound presence and full aliveness through personal practice. She seamlessly weaves together insights from Eastern and Western knowledge systems, bringing a somatic, trauma-informed, person-centred, and holistic perspective to her work. Understanding that each person’s journey is unique, Maia draws upon her diverse knowledge base to help clients discover a personal practice that best suits their experience level, individual paths and needs. Maia has worked with hundreds of people with many levels of experience and is passionate about assisting her clients to develop their personal practice from a place of enjoyment. She believes that a when a strong foundation for meditation is cultivated with gentleness, presence and patience, we can create a personal practice that can last a lifetime.

Maia is skilled in creating spaces for her clients to feel held, safe and empowered in their meditation journeys. By integrating her professional, personal, and academic backgrounds with her innate compassion and a foundation of holistic principles, Maia cultivates a nurturing environment that is safe, spacious and deeply insightful and where clients can feel free to truly explore and relax into their meditation experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vice Chairman - The Sanctuary World

Based in Victoria BC, David has enjoyed a 35+ year career in International Healthcare Management in major medical service lines, delivered on most continents. David has extensive operational connectivity and experience on a global scale. As a dedicated professional, he is used to delivering strong consistent results.

David is the co-founder of The Sanctuary World and The Sanctuary Vancouver Island. 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.

Originally from Nottingham, England, he is a dual citizen of Canada and the UK, and divides his time operationally between the North American and European continents.

David and his wife have seven adult children and nine grandchildren, and have lived in Canada for 27 years, in Montreal, Quebec, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario & Victoria, BC. 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 TEST Cricket supporter and author of the ‘Oscar Phelps’ series of novels.

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.

Rob gives back to his profession with multiple roles in Australian Medical Education. He has held the position of Senior Lecturer for the University of Queensland School of Medicine, and is currently a Staff Specialist for NSW Health, a Senior Medical Educator for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and is the National Medical Lead in Advanced Skills Training for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

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.