Born into a large farming family, I have always held a deep and enduring connection with nature. From an early age, I recognized that I was different from other children, and I faced challenges such as bullying at school. During those formative years, my most valued and safest friends were my animals, who loved me unconditionally and provided comfort and companionship. My childhood was also significantly shaped by family struggles—including my father’s accident, stroke, and autoimmune disease when he was just 40—that forever altered my perspective. As a young teenager, I assumed the role of carer for him, an experience that profoundly influenced my life path and instilled in me a strong sense of compassion and resilience.
My love for caring for others and my affinity with animals naturally led me to pursue a career in healthcare. Over the span of 30 years, I have worked in various roles including Emergency Department Nurse, Patient Safety Officer, Quality and Risk Manager, Counsellor, and Psychotherapist. I hold a Master’s Degree in Gestalt Psychotherapy, a Master in Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. I am a registered Clinical Counsellor with PACFA and a registered nurse with AHPRA, which allows me to integrate a holistic approach to well-being and healing.
I currently run **Nurtured by Nature Psychotherapy**, where I specialize in supporting individuals through a range of areas including building self-confidence and self-esteem, navigating life transitions, managing change and stress, and regulating emotional and nervous system responses. I have a particular interest and expertise in working with neurodivergence, including Autism and ADHD, as well as menstrual mental health and well-being. Other areas of focus include chronic pain, disabilities and illness, trauma and domestic abuse, grief, anxiety, and depression. I also incorporate nature-based and equine-assisted therapy as a unique modality to promote healing and growth.
In addition to my clinical work, I am passionate about educating and empowering children by fostering emotional and social development through **Essence of Life – Bond and Bloom**, a special program designed for Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults. Conducted at my working horse stud in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland, this program combines meaningful social-emotional growth with immersive, hands-on experiences alongside mares and foals. It offers heartfelt, real-life learning opportunities that create lasting memories, helping participants build genuine connections, develop vital life skills, and gain confidence that can serve them for a lifetime.
Beyond my work in health and human development, I have over 40 years of experience breeding and educating horses. I am an Equine AI Technician and a certified barefoot practitioner. I am proud to own Ricinda Ranch, a Quarter Horse stud specializing in versatile horses with rare colours. The stud features two resident stallions, 20 mares, foals, and ridden horses. My riding background is broad and diverse, including disciplines such as eventing, dressage, working equitation, reining, cutting, and western ranch riding.
Throughout my journey, I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I work with by fostering trust, safety, and a sense of belonging. My approachable and collaborative style ensures that each individual receives personalized support tailored to their unique needs, aspirations, and goals. My nursing background enhances my understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection, allowing me to support clients holistically and help them achieve overall well-being.
