Our Practitioners
At Akasha Integrative Health in Manly, our multidisciplinary team brings together experienced allied health and integrative practitioners to deliver collaborative, whole-person care.
Across naturopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture, psychology, remedial massage and nutrition, our practitioners work cohesively to support physical recovery, emotional resilience and long-term wellbeing for individuals and families across Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Each practitioner is committed to evidence-informed practice, compassionate care and personalised treatment plans — ensuring your health journey is structured, supportive and aligned with your goals.
Dr Katie MacRae
Doctor of Chiropractic
Realignment That Goes Beyond the Surface
Dr Katie MacRae is a Manly-based chiropractor who helps you move better, feel stronger, and reconnect with your body’s natural rhythm. Her treatments go beyond symptom relief — she traces pain to its root cause, realigns your body, and builds intrinsic stability to prevent re-injury. Whether it’s foot dysfunction triggering back pain, rib tension affecting hip mobility, or chronic musculoskeletal conditions, Katie’s approach is both precise and holistic.
Personalised Care for Everybody
Katie treats a wide range of concerns including acute and chronic injury, muscle strains, peripheral joint dysfunction, nerve impingement and neuropathies, headaches, Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, craniosacral issues, postural support, pregnancy and postnatal recovery, paediatrics, chronic movement dysfunction. In clinic she uses a wide array of techniques including diversified and go stead chiropractic adjustments, joint mobilisations, myofascial release, activator, dynamic cupping, dry needling, dynamic taping as well as provides functional rehab plans to support your active care. Her sessions are active, collaborative and tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
Ready to Move Differently?
Katie’s philosophy is simple: movement is medicine, laughter is essential, and everybody deserves to feel strong, supported, and free. She has a special focus on uncovering the hidden source of recurring pain and restoring functional movement patterns.
Education & Professional Background
Katie began her journey studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences with an Honours in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, Canada. She later completed a second Bachelor degree in Chiropractic Science and finally a Master of Chiropractic at Macquarie University here in Sydney. A published researcher, Katie has also won awards with her co-authored original research on improving chiropractic patient management outcomes.
In a constant pursuit of professional development, Katie has completed further postgraduate courses and seminars on Pregnancy, Paediatrics, Functional Movement, Dry Needling and Kinesio Taping.. She is also currently completing a postgraduate program in chiropractic paediatrics.
If you have any questions or concerns about whether chiropractic care may be right for you, do not hesitate to contact us at Akasha or book your next appointment today!
Anessa Madera (currently on maternity leave)
Myotherapist & Remedial Massage Therapist
Anessa specialises in Myotherapy, a clinical approach that targets muscle dysfunction and joint mobility through manual therapy and assessment. With six years of experience, she combines deep tissue, sports, and remedial massage techniques to help clients relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury.
Her sessions are ideal for those managing chronic pain, workplace tension, or athletic strain.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy)
- Certified Remedial Massage Therapist
- Private Health Rebates Available
Lobsang Jampa
Remedial Massage Therapist
Tibetan massage in Manly is more than a treatment: it’s a deeply restorative experience that supports body, mind, and spirit. Lobsang offers holistic remedial therapies that blend ancient Tibetan wisdom with modern massage techniques, creating space for physical release, emotional balance, and whole-body vitality.
Lobsang’s journey began in Tibet and continued through India before leading to formal practice in Australia. This rich cultural path has shaped his compassionate, intuitive approach to care: one that honours tradition while meeting each client where they are.
Since 2020, Lobsang has specialised in Tibetan Traditional Therapy and Tuina (Chinese remedial massage). His integrative offerings include remedial, prenatal, sports, and hot stone massage: each tailored to support your unique needs.
Fluent in Tibetan, Chinese, English, and Hindi, Lobsang brings a deeply diverse perspective to his work: one rooted in presence, respect, and the quiet power of touch.
Lobsang blends clinical western excellence with authentic eastern wisdom.
Qualifications
- Diploma of Remedial Massage from Royal Randwick TAFE College, where he received the Peer Leadership Award for his support and leadership.
- Modalities: Remedial Massage, Sports Massage, Prenatal Massage and Yoga, Hot Stone Massage, Tibetan Medicine Oil Massage, Herbal Compress, Herbal Steam Therapy.
Meg Formica
Registered Clinical Nutritionist
Discover your journey to health and wellness
Meg Formica is a degree-qualified Clinical Nutritionist and certified Integrative Health Practitioner dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medicine and holistic care. She welcomes questions throughout the consultation process, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.
Meg is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care. She combines empathy with the latest scientific research to create personalised treatment plans that help clients achieve meaningful, lasting results.
A journey shaped by personal experience
Meg supports a wide range of health concerns, with a particular passion for helping individuals who feel they’ve “tried everything” without improvement. Her core areas of interest include:
The connection between gut health and mental well-being, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Neurological conditions such as ADHD and autism.
Supporting children with behavioural or mental health-related challenges, recognising the vital role of the gut-brain axis in mood, cognition, and overall neurological function.
Education & Professional Training
Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine) – Endeavour College of Natural Health
Bachelor of Applied Science – RMIT University
Thyroid Health Masterclass – Tara Nelson
Accredited Practitioner – Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
Registered Practitioner with Nutripath, skilled in conducting and interpreting integrative and functional pathology testing
Currently completing: Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) to further expand her clinical expertise
Marianne Edwards
Clinical Naturopath | Health & Wellbeing Consultant | Co-Owner
As co-owner of Akasha, Marianne Edwards brings more than two decades of experience across education, naturopathy, and holistic wellbeing. A qualified Clinical Naturopath and former educator, she unites evidence-based natural medicine with a deep understanding of human development.
Marianne’s care is whole-person and patient-centred. Each consultation honours the physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental dimensions of health. With gentleness and insight, she seeks to uncover the root causes of imbalance, drawing on herbal medicine, extemporaneous compounding of herbal, nutritional or homeopathic medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, lifestyle counselling, and traditional diagnostic tools such as tongue, nail, and iris analysis.
Her philosophy is grounded in the core principles of naturopathy: that the body holds an innate capacity for renewal (Vis medicatrix naturae) and that prevention, education, and empowerment are the foundations of lasting wellness.
Faith forms an integral part of her approach. Marianne weaves Christian counselling and life coaching into her practice when welcomed, creating a spiritually anchored and trauma-informed space where clients feel safe, heard, and respected.
Her clinical focus includes neurodivergence and family support, burnout recovery, gut–brain health, and chronic illness care. Drawing on her background in education, she has also developed preventative programs for teachers and students that foster resilience, emotional regulation, and sensory balance.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary)
- NutiPATH Practitioner
- Accredited Practitioner of ATMS
Imagene Callinan
Registered Acupuncturist & Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Imagene Callinan is a registered acupuncturist who works with women and men seeking a balanced, holistic approach to health. Her practice focuses on supporting emotional wellbeing, digestive health, pain relief, sports recovery, and reproductive health through evidence-informed Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Imagene holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture Therapies) and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She is also a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA), ensuring her practice meets Australia’s professional and clinical standards for Chinese medicine.
A holistic approach shaped by real-world experience
Before entering clinical practice, Imagene completed a Bachelor of Media (Communications and Journalism) and spent more than a decade working in the fast-paced advertising industry. This experience gave her a unique understanding of the pressures of modern life and the impact that stress, burnout, and emotional strain can have on overall health.
Today, that background informs her calm, empathetic approach to care. Imagene creates a supportive environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered to restore balance in their lives.
Clinical interests
Imagene supports patients experiencing a wide range of health concerns, with particular interest in:
- Anxiety and emotional wellbeing
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Digestive health and gut function
- Reproductive and hormonal health
- Pain conditions and musculoskeletal tension
- Stress and burnout related to modern lifestyles
Using acupuncture as part of a whole-person approach to health, Imagene works collaboratively with other practitioners when appropriate, recognising the value of integrated care in supporting lasting wellbeing.
A patient-centred philosophy
Imagene believes that effective treatment begins with listening. Each consultation is tailored to the individual, considering not only physical symptoms but also lifestyle, emotional health, and environmental influences.
Her goal is to help patients reconnect with their body’s natural capacity for balance and healing — supporting both immediate relief and long-term wellbeing.
Ash Baghenai
Remedial Massage Therapist (Physio informed)
Ash is a movement specialist and rehabilitation practitioner with over 25 years of hands-on experience working with the human body in Europe, the UAE and Australia. His work sits at the intersection of movement science, physio-informed massage therapy, rehabilitation, stress release and personal training, where pain relief, nervous system regulation, and long-term functional movement come together.
Holding a Massage Therapy Certificate and a bachelor’s degree in physical education and athletic science, and currently completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Ash provides physio-informed massage therapy. This clinical, movement-based approach goes well beyond regular massage. His work is grounded in anatomy, biomechanics, and evidence-based movement principles, rather than routine relaxation-focused techniques.
What sets Ash apart is his pioneering, client-specific approach. Over decades of practice, he has developed his own therapeutic methods, integrating advanced manual therapy, corrective exercise, and targeted stress-release strategies to address the underlying drivers of pain, not just symptoms. He specialises in chronic pain and postural dysfunction, with a strong focus on lower/upper back and neck conditions, particularly where pain is influenced by prolonged stress, poor posture, or long-standing movement patterns.
Ash works beyond quick fixes. His philosophy is centred on education, movement retraining, and sustainable change, empowering clients to release physical and mental tension, better understand their bodies, move with confidence, and build long-term physical resilience.
DR AMRIT DEAN
Registered Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
With 10 years experience as a registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism, plus 20 years experience as a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist, you can be assured that you will be in good hands. Amrit has also trained in other modalities such as lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, trigger point, reflexology, zen thai shiatsu, kahuna, and various energy healing therapies. She offers moxibustion, cupping and hot stone therapy in her treatments.
She can support your immune system, digestion, sleep, mental health, metabolism, pain and injuries. She has a clinical focus on women’s health for all ages, from menstrual cycle regulation for teens, to hormone balancing for PCOS, endometriosis and menopause. If you are on your journey to parenthood, Amrit will calm and relax you with evidence based treatments for fertility and pregnancy. You and your baby will be in safe hands with 20 years experience practicing pregnancy massage and reflexology and postgraduate studies with midwives, she offers you comprehensive pre and post-natal care.
When applying Acupuncture, she uses massage strokes and acupressure to prepare the area, along with guided breathing to bring you into the present. She also offers an integrated acupuncture remedial massage and treatment with hot stone deep tissue release. Her treatments have a hands on healing approach which is nurturing, deeply relaxing, thorough and effective. If you wish she will take the time to stay with you in the room to make sure you are comfortable at all times.
On completing her health science degree at University of Technology Sydney she took her education to China for an internship at an integrative hospital, where she experienced Chinese and Western medicine working alongside each other to produce a holistic outcome for each patient. Her approach allows multiple health concerns to be included in one treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Amrit began her career in health care over 20 years ago assisting Physiotherapy rehabilitation for orthopaedic and neurological exercise programs and lymphoedema patients. She has facilitated numerous workshops and is passionate about practicing the science and the art of Traditional Chinese Medicine and teaching you to incorporate it into your lifestyle. Out of the treatment room she enjoys swimming and cooking, for taste and to use food as a medicine for different ailments. She loves integrating herbalism into daily life to maintain wellbeing with a relaxing cup of tea.
Dr Derek Page
Chiropractor
Dr. Derek Page graduated from Macquarie University in Sydney in 2012, where he was recognised with both the Academic Excellence Award and the X-Ray Excellence Award.
After graduating, Dr. Derek returned to Canada and, in 2014, helped open a family-run chiropractic clinic in Winnipeg, Manitoba alongside two of his sisters. Their time living in Manly left a lasting impression, inspiring the clinic’s name—Norfolk Chiropractic, named after the Norfolk Pine trees that line the local beaches.
After more than ten years of caring for patients and running the clinic in Canada, Dr. Derek has since passed the practice on to his sisters and returned to Manly, where he now lives and works.
His Approach
Dr. Derek works with people of all ages and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. He combines over 13 years of clinical experience with a practical, personalised approach focused on long-term function—not just short-term relief.
His care may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Soft tissue techniques
- Joint mobilisation
- Movement-based rehabilitation and exercise guidance
A core focus of Dr. Derek’s approach is helping patients transition from hands-on care to active self-management, using tailored exercises, stretches, and simple lifestyle strategies so they feel informed, supported, and in control of their ongoing health.
His Approach
Dr. Derek treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions involving the spine and joints, including:
- Neck, mid-back, and lower back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand pain
- Hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain
Sports and exercise-related injuries
Muscle strains, joint sprains, and postural-related pain
Jaw pain and dysfunction (TMD/TMJ)
Dizziness and balance-related issues with a musculoskeletal component
All care is individualised, beginning with a thorough assessment to ensure chiropractic care is appropriate and aligned with the best possible outcomes.
Alana Dulgaro
- Bachelor of Psychology – University of Western Sydney
- Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician – Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders
Alana provides a supportive and collaborative therapy space, particularly for people who appear capable on the outside but feel overwhelmed internally. Her approach is evidence-based and grounded in understanding how a client’s history connects with their current circumstances, helping therapy goals feel relevant, achievable, and compassionate.
Sessions are relaxed and collaborative, with a focus on problem-solving together. There is room for uncertainty, mistakes, and moments of confusion—therapy is not about getting it “right,” but about making sense of what’s happening.
Clients often describe feeling seen, clearer, and more hopeful after sessions.
Professional Background
Alana is a Registered Psychologist with over 8 years of experience working across complex trauma, eating disorders, and body image concerns. Her work draws from a wide range of evidence-based treatment modalities, allowing therapy to be tailored thoughtfully rather than applied as a one-size-fits-all approach.
She draws from approaches including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT-E, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT). This allows Alana to work both flexibly and strategically—whether supporting clients with trauma, neurodiversity, eating and body image concerns, emotional overcontrol, or simply figuring out how to live and work with a little more ease.
A central focus of her work includes nervous system regulation, emotional regulation, and rebuilding self-trust—particularly for clients who have spent years pushing through, masking distress, or feeling disconnected from their needs. Her practice is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and grounded in warmth, curiosity, and gentle humor.
Who I Work With
Alana enjoys working with adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, even if they are functioning well on the surface. She has particular experience supporting:
- Late-identified Autistic adults
- Adults with ADHD
- Individuals navigating complex trauma
- People experiencing eating or body image concerns
- Queer individuals and those exploring identity
Treatment Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Schema Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Additional Training
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 1, The Gottman Institute (Nov 2025)
- Body Image Bootcamp, BodyMatters Australasia (May 2025)
- Engaging Ambivalent Clients: Enhancing Motivation and Building Self-Efficacy, BodyMatters Australasia (May 2025)
- Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders, Dr Susan Thompson (July 2024)
- EMDR: Level 1 Workshop, Dr Christopher Lee (Aug 2022)
- CBT-E Training, Christopher Fairburn (June 2022)
- Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour: Level 2, Dr Thomas Lynch (Feb 2022)
- Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: Level 1, Dr Thomas Lynch (Nov 2021)
- MIGDAS-2 Online Workshop, Dr Marilyn J. Monteiro (Oct 2021)
- Unpacking Weight Science: Health, Not Diets Training and Workshops (July 2020)
- The Essentials: Training Clinicians in Eating Disorders, Inside Out Institute (Sep 2020)
- The Foundations of Eating Disorders, Inside Out Institute (July 2020)
- Course Training for Assessing and Treating Suicidal Risk, CAMS-care (Apr 2020)
- Introduction Workshop on Schema Therapy, International Society of Schema Therapy (Mar 2020)
- DBT Skills, Marsha Linehan (Aug 2020)
Professional Memeberships
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPI)
Qualifications
- Registered Psychologist 8+ years of clinical experience
- Specialist experience in:
1). Complex trauma
2). Eating disorders
3). Body image concerns
- Trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming practice
- Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
Dr Conna Alexander
Osteopath
Dr. Conna Alexander practices a traditional, gentle style of osteopathy that focuses on restoring ease, circulation and balance within the body rather than forcing change through strong adjustments.
His approach is grounded in the original principles of osteopathic medicine described by founder A.T. Still — particularly the idea that structure and function are deeply interrelated, and that the body has an innate capacity to heal when circulation and movement are unobstructed.
Rather than using fast or audible manipulations, Conna works with slow, precise and measured techniques that help the body recalibrate itself. Treatment often feels subtle, yet many patients notice profound changes in tension, breathing, energy, and overall ease in the days that follow.
A central focus of his work is supporting the free flow of blood and lymphatic circulation — sometimes referred to in osteopathic philosophy as “the rule of the artery is supreme.” By improving the body’s internal pathways of oxygenation, drainage and fluid movement, Conna aims to create the conditions where the body can return to its natural state of balance and self-regulation.
Conna views the body as an integrated whole — where physical structure, nervous system function, environment, stress, nutrition and lived experience all play a role in how symptoms present. Alongside hands-on care, he may offer guidance on supportive lifestyle factors or collaborate with other Akasha practitioners where appropriate.
Patients often seek Conna’s care when they are looking for:
- A gentler alternative to high-force manual therapies
- Support with persistent tension, fatigue or nervous system overload
- Headaches, jaw tension, breathing restrictions or postural strain
- Recovery from stress, illness or long periods of physical load
- A restorative style of treatment that works with the body, not against it
His treatments are calm, unrushed and deeply attentive — aligning closely with Akasha’s integrative, whole-person approach to health.
Mathilde Mahe
Advanced Manual Therapist
European Trained | Clinical Background
Mathilde brings a sophisticated, evidence-based approach to recovery and wellness, moving far beyond standard massage therapy. As a qualified Physiotherapist from France—trained at the prestigious CEU University in Valencia, Spain—her practice is rooted in deep clinical knowledge and international experience across hospitals, private clinics, and world-renowned thalassotherapy centers.
Now based in Manly, Mathilde offers a “Total Recovery Protocol”. Her technical mastery allows her to blend advanced Myofascial Release, to resolve chronic tension and biomechanical stress.
Whether you are seeking a Signature “Full Body Alignment” with visceral release, elite Post-Race Sports Drainage, or her specialized Remedial Abdominal Massage for gut-level calm, Mathilde’s sessions are designed for those who prioritize clinical precision and total body recalibration.
The European Edge:
- Clinical Pedigree: European Physiotherapy-grade manual therapy.
- Specialized Modalities: Advanced visceral (organ) release and deep fascial work.
- Performance Recovery: Integration of contrast therapy (Sauna/Ice Bath) and lymphatic clearing.
- Bilingual: Native French, fluent Spanish, and advanced English.
Note: While Mathilde is a qualified Physiotherapist in France, her Australian services are premium manual therapy sessions and are currently not eligible for health fund rebates.
Charles Jwa
Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner
Charles Jwa is a highly experienced practitioner of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, with more than 25 years of clinical practice supporting patients with pain management, chronic health conditions, and overall wellbeing.
His academic training uniquely bridges modern medical science and traditional healing systems, holding a Bachelor of Medical Science from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) from the University of Technology Sydney, and a Master of Health Science (Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine) from UTS.
A preventative, whole-person approach
Charles believes the future of healthcare lies in preventive medicine — identifying and addressing subtle imbalances before they develop into chronic illness. His treatments combine acupuncture, herbal medicine, and clinical assessment to strengthen the body’s natural resilience and restore balance.
Experienced, patient-centred care
For more than two decades Charles operated his own clinics in Eastwood, Sydney, building a reputation for thoughtful, personalised care. His consultations are thorough and collaborative, focusing not only on symptom relief but also on education and lifestyle strategies that support long-term health.
Qualifications & Professional Roles
- Master of Health Science (Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine) – UTS
- Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) – UTS
- Bachelor of Medical Science – University of Sydney
- Accredited Practitioner – Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
- Former President – Korean-Australian Oriental Medicine Association (KAOMA)
Phillip Mawson
Remedial Massage Therapist
Dip. RM, Member of ANTA
Philosophy & Approach
As a Remedial Massage Therapist, Phillip’s core philosophy focuses on supporting the body’s natural ability to recover by addressing areas of musculoskeletal tension and discomfort. He utilizes targeted techniques designed to manage tissue dysfunction, support joint mobility, and promote physical ease, always viewing the body as an interconnected system.
Phillip’s approach draws heavily on Myofascial Release (MFR). By working with the fascia and muscle tissue, he aims to encourage better postural balance and freedom of movement. Phillip views the therapeutic relationship as a partnership, helping you understand your body’s patterns so you can move toward your physical goals.
Specialized Focus: Manual Lymphatic Support
Phillip has a primary interest in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Using light, rhythmic, and gentle skin-stretching techniques, he stimulates the superficial tissues just beneath the skin. This precise, gentle pressure is designed to support the body’s natural fluid dynamics, assist in reducing localized puffiness, and promote a sense of overall physical renewal.
Trauma-Informed Care
Phillip prioritizes a trauma-informed approach, ensuring every client’s sense of safety, control, and choice is respected. His sessions often incorporate gentle, slower-paced modalities such as MFR and light Swedish strokes. These techniques focus on encouraging relaxation and mindful body awareness, helping to support a calmer and more grounded state of being.
Areas of Therapeutic Focus
Phillip provides supportive care for clients experiencing:
- Chronic Musculoskeletal Tension
- Tension-Related Headaches
- Managing Discomfort Associated with Fibromyalgia
- Stress Management & Relaxation Support
- Sleep Hygiene & General Wellbeing
- Nervous System Calming & Grounding
Ready to Begin?
Start your journey with a trusted integrative health team in Manly. Our practitioners provide personalised, evidence-informed care designed to support your recovery, resilience and long-term wellbeing.
Book your appointment and take the first step toward sustainable health.
