Good People Doing Good For Our Community

(03) 9380 8099

1/68 Melville Road, Brunswick Melbourne

​At Brunswick Health, our approach to Naturopathic Medicine is unique and specialised. We recognise the complexity and diversity of the human body, which is why each of our Naturopaths is a dedicated expert in their specific area of Natural Medicine. Rather than being generalists, our practitioners are masters in their fields, committed to ongoing post-graduate studies in their chosen areas of health and wellbeing. This specialisation ensures they offer the most informed and effective treatments available. Our team includes:

  1. Sara Canney: An expert in gastrointestinal health, detoxification, immune support, and managing stress & anxiety.
  2. Carmen Farrugia: Specialises in all aspects of fertility and pregnancy care.
  3. Jess Pensa: Focuses on endocrine system health, thyroid disorders, and treatment of hormonal acne.

While there is some crossover in their areas of expertise, each practitioner brings a distinct and focused approach to their field, ensuring comprehensive and targeted care for our clients.

 

Scroll down to read more about each Naturopath

 

 

Meet Sara Canney, a distinguished Gut, Immune and stress Naturopath, renowned for her deep expertise and diverse experience in the field.

Sara’s journey in naturopathy is marked by her collaborations with some of the most esteemed Naturopaths and Colonic Hydrotherapists worldwide. Her leadership in managing detox centres abroad showcases her adeptness in overseeing comprehensive client care.

Her insights have reached a wide audience through her contributions to Cosmopolitan Magazine and Australian Natural Health Magazine, alongside her active engagement as a health blog writer. Sara’s work illuminates a range of contemporary health issues, offering valuable perspectives.

At the heart of her practice lies a passion for detoxification. Sara believes in the transformative power of healing the digestive system, recognising its ripple effect on overall health. She skillfully addresses a variety of conditions, including Thrush, Sluggish Bowel, Allergies, Fatigue, IBS, Anxiety, Stress, Eczema, and Weak Immune System, to name a few.

Sara’s academic achievements include a Diploma in Naturopathy and Nutrition, Certification in Colonic Hydrotherapy, and a Diploma in Remedial Massage & Reflexology. As a proud member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), Sara continues to be a guiding force in naturopathic healing.

Discover more about Sara’s journey and expertise on her LinkedIn profile, and embark on a path towards better health under her skilled guidance.

Introducing Carmen Farrugia, a trailblazer in the realms of Pregnancy and fertility Naturopathy, who seamlessly merges her expertise as a midwife and registered nurse to offer a comprehensive and integrative approach to reproductive health.

Carmen’s extensive 30+ year background as a registered nurse and midwife, combined with a decade of collaboration with a distinguished holistic GP, uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between natural and mainstream medical pregnancy and fertility services. This synergy offers her clients a significant advantage in their fertility journey.

Her tenure began with notable roles at the Women’s Hospital and Frances Perry House in 1992, laying the foundation for her specialized focus in fertility, pregnancy, and holistic family health. Carmen’s passion extends to supporting couples with fertility issues, offering IVF support, and guiding clients through the pre-conception, pregnancy, and postnatal stages. She aims to create enriching pregnancy and childbirth experiences and adeptly addresses menstrual disorders, PCOS, menopause, anxiety, and depression, recognising their interconnectedness with hormonal health.

Carmen’s approach is characterised by a deep understanding of individual uniqueness. She meticulously assesses and investigates underlying health concerns, factoring in personal goals, circumstances, and genetics to craft tailored treatment plans. Her arsenal includes nutrition, herbal medicine, dietary planning, pathology testing, and stress management techniques.

Carmen’s academic achievements are extensive, encompassing an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing, and a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery. She is also a respected Natural Fertility Lecturer, Author, and Mentor.

Her professional achievements are impressive, including authoring a popular pregnancy-specific eBook, developing webinars for health practitioners, and contributing significantly to the Royal Women’s Hospital through the development of maternity services, antenatal guidelines, and mentoring programs.

Carmen is a valued member of several Australian Government Regulatory Bodies & Professional Associations, including AHPRA and ANTA, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and expertise in her field.

As part of the Brunswick Health team, Carmen Farrugia is celebrated for her exemplary standard of care, bringing an unparalleled level of expertise and compassion to her clients.

Jess Pensa stands out as an Acne and thyroid Naturopath, whose dedication and expertise are evident in her approach to holistic health. Holding a robust 4-year Bachelor of Health Science degree in Naturopathy, Jess specialises in endocrine disorders, particularly focusing on thyroid and autoimmune conditions, as well as addressing acne and hormonal imbalances.

Jess’s approach is characterised by her deep commitment to achieving healthy hormonal balance in her patients, effectively alleviating fatigue, anxiety, and depression. She eschews the one-size-fits-all methodology, favouring a more individualised care approach that acknowledges the significance of lifestyle, diet, and genetics in unraveling the root causes of chronic health issues.

Her innovative approach to skin treatment is particularly noteworthy. Recognising hormonal imbalances as a common cause of skin issues, Jess offers natural skin treatment protocols that stand out for their effectiveness, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional treatments that often rely heavily on antibiotics.

As a qualified naturopath, Jess’s repertoire includes a wide range of naturopathic testing and analysis, aimed at obtaining a comprehensive understanding of her patients’ health. She focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of conditions, preferring non-invasive and natural therapies that align with the body’s natural healing processes.

Jess’s extensive training encompasses Nutritional Therapeutics, Nutritional Biochemistry, and Lifestyle Nutrition, allowing her to provide tailored dietary analysis and planning. Her qualifications in Advanced Herbal Medicine enable her to offer a variety of natural therapies, which can be used either as alternatives or in conjunction with conventional treatments. Moreover, her expertise in Integrative Complementary Medicine facilitates collaborative efforts with specialists and general practitioners, ensuring optimal clinical health outcomes.

As a member of the Australian Natural Therapist Association (ANTA), Jess Pensa exemplifies a commitment to holistic well-being, blending her expertise and passion to deliver enduring health solutions to her patients.