Academic Staff

Wellpark College is proud to provide 'leaders in their field' offering academic excellence as tutors.

Barbara Allpress

Dip Aroma / NZROHA / Cert Teaching / Counsellor

Senior tutor Barbara Allpress is an Aromatherapy Clinician with 30 years experience in natural therapies. A respected tutor at Wellpark for more than 9 years, Barbara regularly speaks at and attends conferences and post graduate courses to ensure her continued development of natural therapies knowledge. Barbara’s interest in natural therapies and traditional healing methods has led her to live with the Hopi Indians in Arizona, the Thai Massage Masters in Koh Samui and the Arka tribes of Northern Thailand, teaching aromatherapy in Japan and working with the Maori women at Piketu Marae, Putaruru, learning Maori healing techniques, Marae protocol, genealogy and the spirituality of Maori.

Lynda Bailey

Clinical Supervisor
B Sc / Comp Naturopathic Dip / Reiki Master / Registered Nurse / Adv Dip of Nursing / Registered Midwife.

In addition to teaching the students of Wellpark, Lynda  has a private practice at Holistic Health, Apollo Health  and Wellness in Albany. Lynda specialises in assisting women and their partners before conception, during pregnancy, birth and after birth care, resolving breastfeeding problems, providing nutritional advice, natural therapies and Reiki.  

Lynda finds it immensely satisfying to share the enthusiasm of students as they begin to integrate modality knowledge into the clinical setting and to be in an environment that fosters and values the individual uniqueness of each student.

Mary Belsey

Dip Naturopathy

As a member of NZ Society of Naturopaths, Mary tutors at Wellpark in addition to her role as a private naturopathic practitioner, macrobiotics and organics specialist.

Mary is passionate in her belief of the essential contribution that food provides to our wellbeing and educates others through cooking classes focusing on the preparation and processes required for our food to provide the maximum benefit to wellbeing. 

Phil Dowling

Head of Faculty - Naturopathy and Nutrition  
MA ( Live Food Nutrition ) / Naturopathic Practitioner / BA ( Econ ) / BHSc / Nat Dip / Herb Dip

In addition to his role as Head of Faculty and practicing naturopath, Phillip is also the writer of "Journeys Back to Health" - eight stories that chronicle clients who rediscovered their health through the adoption of simple life changes. Philip fundamentally believes in encouraging clients to work with change, and to observe and learn through observation the cause and effect in all matters of health.

The introduction of New Zealand’s first naturopathy degree program here at Wellpark has excited Phillip and he believes “this will further establish naturopathy as a key player in the developing world of integrative medicine.”

Sharon Erdrich

Registered Nurse NZRN / PostGrad Cert Hlth Sci / ND ( Hons ) Dip MH / Dip Aroma

Sharon's journey into natural therapies  began in 1979, when as a student nurse she recognised that unwell patients, treated with conventional medicine, didn't resolve their health challenges, instead the issues were temporarily resolved  until the next health crisis.
 
Her desire to help correct the underlying causes of  ill-health has fuelled her quest for an in-depth understanding of many aspects of natural health care. Her preferred mode to support a client’s return to good health is nutritional medicine. Sharon is also a certified metabolic typing consultant and runs the UltraLite Weight Management Programme. She also manages and practices Naturopathy at her own health care clinic.

Dr. Morella Lascurain

MD / Cert Ayurveda / Psych-K / BodyTalk practitioner

Originally practicing as a successful medical doctor in Venezuela, Dr. Morella Lascurains’ personal health began to deteriorate as a result of chronic sleep deprivation and the stress of extreme working hours. On emigrating to New Zealand, Morella had the opportunity to discover and experience the profoundly positive benefits of natural therapies on herself and her young family.

Forming relationships with other health practitioners and healers led Morella to co-found MotherWell Natural Health Clinic specialising in natural healthcare for mothers and children. Gathering up to 16 practitioners, the clinic also provides an opportunity for Morella to offer simple yet effective technique to help her clients achieve their goals by fully focusing the power of their minds using Psych-K and BodyTalk.

Nicola McLaren

Head of Faculty - Body Therapies & Massage    
BSc Anatomy / B App Sci Human Biology / Masters of Osteopathy  - completing 2009 / 2010

An educator and practitioner of 10 years, Nicola is motivated to facilitate change in both students and clients to discover a renewed and deeper quality of life.

Dedicated to excellence, she hopes to ultimately have the opportunity to provide training assistance and support in developing nations for those who do not have access to body therapies and the powerful healing it can provide.  

Emma McMurray

Dip Therapeutic Massage / Equine Therapy / RMT

Emma is a registered sports and therapeutic massage therapist in addition to providing sports massage therapy for both equine and human patients while offering holistic advice to ensure peak performance from both horse and rider. Involved in equestrian activity for more than 20 years, Emma is also a Registered International Equine Body Worker, treating horses and riders in South East Asia and throughout New Zealand.

In addition to tutoring body therapies at Wellpark College, Emma provides academic and administrative support to the Body Therapies & Massage faculty.

Dr. Sridhar Maddella

Head of Faculty - Yoga and Medical Sciences
BNat and Yogic Science / Post Graduate Dip Naturopathy and Yoga / Dip of Physiotherapy

Initially educated in India, Sridhar has continued his passion for learning here in New Zealand and is a keen proponent of integration for health and wellbeing, utilising yoga for its holistic approach to healing. Sridhar also advocates mind-body medicine and identifies the mind as a central cause of imbalance and consequently the cause of disease.

Dr. Pooja Maddella

BNat and Yogic Science / Post Graduate Dip Naturopathy and Yoga / Diploma of Physiotherapy

Pooja instills in students the understanding of yoga as a harmonious way of life, integrating all the practices to create wellbeing, healing  and happiness. Pooja believes Yoga taught from this perspective, deepens our internal understanding and creates a sense of connection and balance between the physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual aspects of ourselves.

Karen Mees

BHSc / ND /  Dip.Herb.Me / NLP Practitioner / Registered Naturopath / Medical Herbalist

Karen works for New Zealand’s leading Herbal manufacturer Phytomed Medicinal Herbs, and has taught Nutrition and Herbal Medicine for the past 5 years at Wellpark, and continues to assist clients part-time. Karen is a passionate advocate for increasing the awareness of what healthy food really is, the effectiveness of herbal medicine and benefits of other natural health modalities. Her interest in organics, sustainability and getting back to basics, have lead her to recently completing permaculture studies which is the initial stage of a Horticulture qualification.

Maria Middlestead

ND / Dip Nut / Reg NHCNZ

Clinical nutritionist of thirty years, Maria is a recipient of awards as a nutrition writer, food writer, educator, public speaker and practitioner.

Maria is the best selling author of seven books and journalistic contributor to many more. Passionate about the art and science of nutrition, Maria provides lectures and public talks, has hosted four television series on food and health in New Zealand, Australia and Canada, and has given live, weekly presentations on TV One’s Good Morning show for two years. Maria has worked as a newspaper and magazine journalist including writing a nutrition column for seven years at The Christchurch Press. She has co-owned a health food store, nad has run her own catering business and cooking school.

Thomas Mueller

Cert Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselling / Dip Ayurvedic Medicine / B Perf Arts / Nat Cert in Adult Training and Teaching / Foundation Member of the New Zealand Ayurveda Association

Thomas initially studied at the Maharishi European Research University, Vlodrop, Holland. After consolidating his experience at various Ayurvedic clinics in Germany and Europe, he began working as a holistic health practitioner in New Zealand. Thomas' Wellpark specialty is Panchakarma, Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenating therapies, including Ayurvedic body and spa therapies.

Thomas is passionate about sharing Ayurvedic knowledge with students, fellow practitioners and increasing awareness of these therapies through speaking at international conferences and other presentation opportunities.

Dr. Vijayendra Murthy

Head of Faculty - Ayurveda
BAMs / Post - Graduate Master of Science - Ayurvedic Medicine

Dr. Vijayendra Murthy is the head of the Ayurvedic faculty, a tutor and traditional practitioner. His initial tertiary education began in India completing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery and a further postgraduate qualification of Master of Science in Ayurvedic Medicine from the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Bangalore.

Vijay started his career teaching Ayurvedic Medicine at a university in India at the age of 22 and his ability to articulate complex concepts of life and wellbeing and his unique approaches to natural health practice made him a respected tutor and an inspiring health care professional. Dr. Murthy's expertise as an Ayurvedic practitioner and educationalist is gaining international recognition through presentations and ongoing conference speaking requests. Bridging the gap between Eastern and Western paradigms of wellbeing, his educational programmes and experience inspires increasing numbers of students from all over the world to study with him here at Wellpark College.

Nicky O'Connor

Dip RM /  BA Reg / RMT Massage NZ

Currently specialising in therapeutic massage and remedial body therapies, Nicky was initially inspired to pursue her passions from a series of workshops more than ten years ago.  

Nicky practices from the North Shore and at the Prema Clinic.She is keenly interested in the fascial, cranial and lymphatic systems, and continues to explore the interconnectedness and integration of these within the clinical setting.

Alphonse Pantig

Dip Acc.

Hailing from the Phillipines, Alphonse Pantig attended the University of East Ramon Magsaysay M.M.C. College of Medicine. He further explored complimentary medicine in Australia at tertiary level completing a National Diploma of Acupuncture before basing himself in New Zealand, working at Wellpark College.

With established academic and medical clinical experience extending over three decades, Alphonse is an accomplished tutor and multi-skilled practitioner who shares a wealth of knowledge with students.

Deborah Pick

MA Chem /  Dip Pt / Dip Massage /  Dip. Fitness Ins

Personal trainer, health and fitness consultant, Deb is a multi qualified science, sport and osteopathy graduate with specialist nutritional knowledge, recently arrived from the United Kingdom.

In addition to sharing her specialised knowledge of body therapies with students at Wellpark, Deb provides   rehabilitation and specialised stretch instruction to the Auckland Blues rugby team.

Amanda Probett

Dip Yoga / Dip Yoga Therapy

Since 1997 Amanda has studied the ancient science and philosophy of yoga. A devoted practitioner of Raja yoga and serves both as a private practitioner in addition to yoga tutor for Wellpark College. 

Kate Robertson

Dip MH (Hons) / N D / Dip Bsp / MNZAMH / MNZSCC

Kate has had a lifelong interest and passion for natural health. With a deep respect for herbal medicine, and a particular interest in teaching and manufacturing, Kate has a unique and broad combination of experience and skills. She owns a large property in Northland where she grows and harvests native plants for medicine, and also grows a variety of the more uncommon, and endangered medicinal and culinary plants. Kate is a member of the NZ society of Cosmetic Chemists and a leading expert in the formulation and development of botanical skincare and therapeutic preparations, and is regularly called upon to consult with manufacturers, retailers and the general public on natural products and treatments. Kate is actively involved in education where she seeks to share her knowledge and experiences to assist and inspire others in the field of herbal medicine and botanical therapies.

Jackie Segers

Reiki Master / Reflexology / Cert CST practitioner

After graduating from the American Academy of Reflexology in Encino, California, Jackie continued her wellness education with studies of Reiki. Attuned to Reiki I and II with Reiki Master Barbara Pillsbury (Auckalnd), Jackie then studied with Reiki Master William Rand, founder of the International Center for Reiki Training in Michigan. Jackie attuned to Reiki III in New York in 1999, and has been a Reiki Master and Teacher in addition to offering classes since 2004. Jackie continued her education and development studying Craniosacral Therapy with Diane Dalbey at the Touch Therapy Institute in Los Angeles, and with Phillip Cottingham at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies in Auckland. Her first book, Reflexology for Cats, was published in September 2007.

Marianne Stobie

Dip Naturopathy /  Dip Massage / BA Arabic and Hebrew (Hons)
 
Marianne has taught a range of courses at Wellpark for more than five years, particularly enjoying 3rd year clinicals and discussing applied herbal therapeutics. As a practicing naturopath, Marianne also shares a private practice chiropractic and osteopathic clinic. Marianne believes that professional development and learning are essential to growth.

Dianna Tawharu

Dip Naturopathy / Dip Herb Med

In addition to tutoring students naturopathy and herbal medicine students at Wellpark College, Dianna manages the student dispensary and privately practices, providing guidance for health issues and advises clients on successful methods for risk reduction of chronic illness. Dianna’s’ clinical experience extends to more than twenty years and includes practicing as a Medical Microbiology Technician in both New Zealand and Switzerland. A passionate environmentalist, Dianna also assisted in establishing Grey Lynn 2030, a transition initiative for the GE Free New Zealand organisation.

RESEARCH

Dr. Ramaprabhu Vempati

B Nat & YSc / Ph.D (Physiology) / Executive MBA / Cert OHS / Registered Naturopath (India)

Dr Ramaprabhu Vempati is our new Research Leader and graduated from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India. He has extensive research experience in developing basic and clinical trials on Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) Therapies. He has also published more than 16 research papers in peer reviewed journals. Dr Vempati is currently developing a number of exciting projects for the College in addition to travelling globally for networking and presenting research work in CAM therapies.

Mary Hayes

GDHE (grad. Dip of Higher Education) /  Massage Therapy, Reflexology / Reiki Master (UK)

Mary has been occupied in education and training for the past 16 years, currently completing a Masters in Education. Mary’s role at Wellpark is in research and development, as well as academic support.

Passionate about education, Mary believes it is vital to emancipate the mind and intellect. Learning to her is a life-long transforming journey, and she is committed to being able to assist students on their academic and wellness journey. Mary feels that there is no such thing as the ‘natural academic’, but rather that academic success is based on learned skills. In her role as Academic Support she is able to help students adjust to tertiary education - equipping them with valuable tools such as realistic goal setting, time management and individualized learning techniques or strategies.