Tell us about your family. How many Kids?
I’d like to think we’re a very close, fun-loving family. I have three incredible children who are the absolute loves of my life.
Harvey is my kind-hearted protector, with an all-consuming passion for sport. Zoe is the gentlest soul — she would happily trade her apple juice for water just to make someone else smile. And then there’s Bonnie, my little sidekick. She’s never far from my side and has been described as an unfiltered version of me — make of that what you will!
My mum and sister are also a huge part of my immediate family, and I’d be lost without them. And we’re so lucky to have my partner, Simon, and his three amazing kids — Woody, Harry, and Willow — as part of our world. Some of our best moments are when we’re all together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Adjusting to motherhood..
I get as much help as I can! I’m incredibly lucky to have the most caring and supportive mum — she’s always there, not just for me but for the kids too. All it takes is a phone call, and she’s there in an instant. My sister has also been a huge support over the years, and I’ve leaned on her more times than I can count.
Beyond family, I’m so grateful for our amazing nanny and PA — I’d be lost without them. And then there’s my circle of friends, who are honestly the greatest support system of all.
Sometimes, managing the juggle feels impossible, but they show up — whether it’s helping out or just arriving on a Friday night with a bottle of wine after a week where I feel like I’ve dropped every ball.
I couldn’t do it without them.
How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?
I get as much help as I can! I’m incredibly lucky to have the most caring and supportive mum — she’s always there, not just for me but for the kids too. All it takes is a phone call, and she’s there in an instant. My sister has also been a huge support over the years, and I’ve leaned on her more times than I can count.
Beyond family, I’m so grateful for our amazing nanny and PA — I’d be lost without them. And then there’s my circle of friends, who are honestly the greatest support system of all.
Sometimes, managing the juggle feels impossible, but they show up — whether it’s helping out or just arriving on a Friday night with a bottle of wine after a week where I feel like I’ve dropped every ball. I couldn’t do it without them.
The best thing about motherhood?
I know this might sound a little strange, but there are moments when I look at my children — when they’re completely lost in joy or just being their wonderful, unique selves — and I think, I made this person. That feeling never gets old. The best part of being their mum is simply watching them grow into who they are meant to be.
The biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a mum is balancing my time — especially when my children were younger. It’s an impossible dilemma that just as a woman’s biological clock is ticking the loudest, she also needs to be fully committed to her career to progress.
I’ve always been incredibly driven, but for years, the guilt was all-consuming. It felt like a constant trade-off — when I was succeeding at work, I felt like I was failing at home, and when I was more present at home, I felt like I was falling behind at work.
Thankfully, I’m now at a stage in my career where I don’t need to be in clinic as many hours, and my children are a little older and more independent. But those years of trying to do it all were incredibly tough, and I don’t think we talk enough about how hard that juggle really is.
The biggest surprise?
What surprised me the most about becoming a mum was just how incredible our local community is. Before having kids, I was so focused on work that I hadn’t really connected with many people in our area. But once I became a mum, that completely changed.
Now, I can honestly say I have the most amazing friends a girl could ask for, all within a 5km radius!
The support, the shared experiences, and the friendships that have come from simply being part of this community have been one of the most unexpected but wonderful parts of motherhood.
And beyond friendship, there’s an incredible sense of security in knowing that there are always ‘eyes’ on my ‘babies’, even when I’m not there. Whether it’s at school, the local park, or just out and about, there’s always someone looking out for them. That kind of support is something I never expected but now couldn’t imagine life without.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?
If I could go back and do it all again, I wish I had slowed down.
I remember flying interstate for a wedding when my firstborn, Harvey, was just six weeks old. It was a total disaster. We were struggling with feeding, he had undiagnosed reflux, I wasn’t sleeping, and I was noticeably underweight. But I pushed through because I didn’t want my life to change or for it to look like I couldn’t cope.
By the time baby number three arrived, I had learned my lesson — I did everything I could to avoid leaving the house for the first 12 months!
If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself or others?
You are enough — exactly as you are.
My ex-husband used to say, “These will be the best years of our lives.” And in many ways, I believed him. But I never let myself feel it. I was too caught up in the chaos, too consumed by the endless to-do lists, the mounting washing pile, and the pressure to keep everything together.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself to slow down, to breathe, to let go of the idea that everything had to be perfect. Because the best years weren’t about having it all under control — they were in the little moments I was too busy to appreciate.
And to anyone in the thick of it now, feeling like they’re constantly falling short — it’s okay to not have it all together. The washing can wait, the to-do list will never really be done, and you are doing better than you think. Try, just once in a while, to stop and soak it all in, because these years aren’t perfect, but they are magic.
Do you have any tips or tricks to manage the day-to-day juggle?
Get help! I know this is easier said than done for many people, but if you have the opportunity to outsource the things that drain you, do it. I’m fortunate to be in a position now where I can delegate a lot of the daily tasks I no longer want to do — but that wasn’t always the case. Looking back, I wish I had leaned into this sooner instead of trying to do it all myself.
Another thing that has made all the difference? Finding time for myself. No matter how busy life gets, I always make time to exercise every day. It’s my reset, my non-negotiable, and what keeps me feeling like me in the midst of the chaos.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, my advice is this: if there’s something you can take off your plate — whether it’s hiring help, asking family or friends, or simply letting go of things that don’t truly matter — do it. And just as importantly, carve out time for yourself, even if it’s small.
How do you manage your time to fit in career, being a mum, relationship and time for you
It’s a constant juggle, and there never seem to be enough hours in the day when you’re trying to do it all. But I’ve learned that I show up as a better mum, partner, and professional when I prioritise myself first. A morning run is my non-negotiable because it sets the tone for my day and helps everything flow more smoothly.
Flexibility is key. There are seasons when motherhood demands more of me and other times when I can lean into my career. I try to embrace those shifts rather than fight them.
Having a supportive partner makes all the difference, so I make sure we set aside time for each other.
Who is in your village and you couldn’t live without?
My mum, my sister Danielle, and my partner Simon are my absolute rocks.
They are the ones I turn to for love, support, and guidance, and I could not imagine life without them.
My friends and family are also a huge part of my world. And then there’s Claire — not only one of my closest friends but also the person who keeps my work life on track. I would be completely lost without her. They are the people who show up, whether it is to celebrate the good times or help me through the tough ones. I couldn’t do life without them.
You can’t leave home without:
My handbag — the cutest Alemais bag. Who doesn’t love this brand? Their designs are always fun and unique.
My phone — let’s be honest, we’re all a bit obsessed. It keeps me connected, organised, and entertained.
Clinique Chubby Stick in ‘Mighty Mimosa’ — an oldie but a goodie. The perfect balance of moisture and colour for everyday wear.
Lollies — a non-negotiable for me as a type 1 diabetic. I always have a stash on hand.
Frank Green x Oroton collab water bottle — stylish and practical. I love Oroton as a brand, not just for this bottle but for their beautiful clothing too.
Your favourite holiday spot?
Phillip Island is always a favourite of mine. We have a family beach house there, which has meant lots of weekends away and plenty of last-minute adventures. We’ve been going for years, and it’s a place that feels like home.
Why do you love this place?
Phillip Island because is such a calming and relaxing feel. Life moves at a slower pace down there, which makes it the perfect escape. The kids love it too — they get an ice cream every day, no matter the weather. There are also some great little boutique shops popping up, which I love exploring. It’s the perfect mix of comfort, nostalgia, and new discoveries.
Next on the travel list?
An African safari is at the top of my wish list.
The kids and I have decided we’re going for my 40th, and I’m really looking forward to it.
It’s something we’ve talked about for a while, and I can’t wait to finally make it happen.
Your favourite brand and why?
I’d have to say Oroton is my favourite clothing brand. Their pieces are timeless, elegant, and beautifully made. I love their silk designs in particular — they feel amazing to wear and always look effortless yet polished. Whether it’s something classic or a statement piece, Oroton never disappoints.
The trend you’re loving right now
I’m really loving the comfort-meets-style trend. Whether it’s relaxed tailoring, elevated activewear, or chic loungewear, I love pieces that feel effortless but still look put together. It’s the perfect balance of being comfortable while still feeling polished.
The trend you can’t get on board with
Barrel jeans. I’m too short, and they are just not flattering on me.
What’s your latest brand discovery?
I’m loving Alemais at the moment. Their pieces are so vibrant and playful, with beautiful prints and unique designs. Everything feels effortless yet still makes a statement, which is exactly what I look for when adding something new to my wardrobe.
Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?
I love shopping at Oroton for their beautiful silk pieces. Scanlan Theodore and Viktoria & Woods are also favourites — I can always find something I love at both. For workout gear, you can’t go past Lululemon.
A healthy lifestyle means…
A healthy lifestyle means squeezing as many vegetables as possible into meals my kids will eat without complaints. It means exercise — and lots of it. Running is my thing. I am not interested in anything competitive, so no, I won’t be signing up for a marathon with you, but I love moving my body for me.
It also means prioritising rest and mental wellbeing. I need at least eight hours of sleep a night and always have. When I am well-rested, everything feels easier. Taking a break when I need it and spending time with the people who matter most are just as important as movement and nutrition.
And of course, balance is key. A healthy lifestyle includes a bowl of chips and a glass of wine at least once a week, with no guilt attached.
How do you keep your body moving?
Run, run, run. It is my go-to and the best way to clear my head. I also love a hot mat Pilates session and try to get there a couple of times a week. A long walk — anywhere from 5 to 10km — is a treat when I can fit it in.
Lately, my partner has got me into morning circuit sessions too. It has been a fun way to move and connect at the same time
Your top tips for living a healthy lifestyle?
- Consistency: Just show up. There are so many days when I can’t be bothered exercising, but I always feel better once I have done something. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just regular.
- Eat well: Food is not just fuel for my body but also my mind. I focus on eating whole foods and plenty of vegetables, but I also believe in enjoying what I eat.
- Sleep matters: I need at least eight hours of sleep a night — always have. When I am well-rested, I function better, my mood is better, and I make better choices for my health.
- Move in a way you enjoy: I run because I love it. I do Pilates because it feels good. I walk because it clears my head. Exercise should be something you look forward to, not something that feels like a chore.
- Balance is everything: A healthy lifestyle is not about being perfect. It’s about knowing when to push yourself and when to slow down. It’s making room for movement, good food, and sleep — but also for fun, treats, and downtime. For me, that means a bowl of chips, a glass of wine, and my small (but very real) Haigh’s chocolate obsession.
Do you have any non-negotiables?
Sleep is a big one for me. I need at least eight hours a night. Everything feels harder when I’m tired, so I make sure to prioritise it. Exercise is another non-negotiable. Running is my go-to, but I also love hot mat Pilates and long walks.
It’s less about fitness goals and more about how it makes me feel. Managing my diabetes is also really important. As a type 1 diabetic, I have to stay on top of my blood sugar levels to keep myself feeling well.
Hydration is another must. And finally, I believe that a healthy lifestyle should include room for the things you enjoy.
What does “balance” mean to you?
Balance means knowing that you can’t do everything, all the time, and being okay with that. Some days, I’m more focused on my kids. Other days, work takes priority. Some weeks, I’ll fit in all my workouts, and other times, life gets in the way.
Balance is about not feeling guilty when things shift. It also means making space for both discipline and enjoyment. I love to move my body and eat well, but I also love a bowl of chips, a glass of wine, and my Haigh’s chocolates.
And sometimes, balance means forgetting all routine and escaping overseas as often as possible. Travel is my reset button.
What sparked the idea for the Mind + Gut Clinic and the Nerva app? What’s been the most rewarding part of bringing both to life?
I started the Mind + Gut Clinic while completing my PhD. A close friend of mine, who still works at the clinic today, and I were both looking for a space to consult. We made a simple agreement. I would take care of building the business, and she would lead the dietary side. What began as a practical solution quickly evolved into something much bigger.
Nerva came later, driven by a clear gap. I knew gut-directed hypnotherapy was highly effective, but access was limited. The question became, if this therapy works so well in a structured, protocol-driven format, why couldn’t it be delivered via an app? Nerva was our answer to making that care more accessible and scalable.
The most rewarding part has been seeing the real-world impact. Knowing that something we built is helping people feel better, often after years of struggling, is incredibly meaningful.
And on the flip side — what’s been the hardest?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to switch off. When it’s your own business, it’s hard to create boundaries, and that’s something I still work on.
I was also quite young when I started, and earning the respect of older, more experienced clinicians wasn’t always easy. Navigating that dynamic, and backing myself despite it, was a steep learning curve.
There have been plenty of mistakes along the way, but learning to trust my instincts and, importantly, to be kind to myself in the process, has probably been one of the hardest and most valuable lessons.
What’s next for you, the clinic, and the app?
On a personal note, I’ve promised my kids that for my 40th birthday next year we’ll head off on an African safari, so I’m currently deep in planning mode.
Professionally, the clinic has just celebrated its 10-year anniversary, which feels like a huge milestone and something I’m incredibly grateful for.
For Nerva, we’ve recently been selected for CMS-ACCESS, the first Medicare payment model focused on expanding access to tech-enabled chronic care. It’s an exciting step forward and reflects the growing recognition of digital therapeutics in mainstream healthcare.
To learn more about the Mind + Gut Clinic, click here — or explore the Nerva app here.
