Governance

Modern office with green plant for healthy enviromnment

Board & Leadership Team

ATMS is governed by a Board of up to 11 company directors who define the strategic goals and oversee the financial management of ATMS. The Board is accountable to the Members for ATMS business and operations.

Key responsibilities of the Board include:

  • Leadership and strategic direction
  • Governance
  • Financial and risk management

Up to 9 ATMS Board members are elected for a three-year period but are eligible for re-election to a maximum of three terms. Terms run from the close of each Annual General Meeting.

A maximum of 2 Independent Directors may be appointed by the Board for a term determined by the Board but not exceeding 2 years. An Independent Director may serve for not more than 2 consecutive terms.

Professional meeting between two females
Teal castiron teapot

Meet The Team

Board of Directors
Rebecca Lang
Rebecca Lang
President Director elected 2020
Rebecca Lang

Rebecca Lang is a passionate naturopath, entrepreneur, and advocate for natural medicine. With a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) and advanced diplomas in Naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine, and Nutritional Medicine, Rebecca has spent her career blending traditional wisdom with modern health science. She’s also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience, adding depth to her understanding of the mind-body connection.

Rebecca’s journey into natural health wasn’t a straight path. She started with a background in taxation, bookkeeping, marketing, and financial planning, skills she now applies to running her businesses. While studying, she worked in a hospital, alongside specialists and surgeons, and in pharmacies, which gave her valuable insights into the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Today, Rebecca wears many hats. She runs a thriving naturopathic clinic, a popular juice bar and vegan café, and a publishing company. She’s also a co-author of three books, a business mentor, and a retreat facilitator. Through her internship program, she supports and inspires up-and-coming naturopaths and nutritionists to thrive in their careers.

Rebecca’s mission is simple but powerful: to elevate natural medicine and help therapists build successful, respected practices within the healthcare system. She’s deeply committed to creating a future where natural and conventional medicine work hand in hand for better health outcomes.

Donna Eddy
Donna Eddy
Vice President Director elected 2020
Donna Eddy

Donna Eddy is an active Remedial Massage Therapist & Acupuncturist. She has experience presenting nationally and has taught the current diploma of massage since 2015. Donna was invited as a co-contributor in “Fascia and Sport & Movement” First Ed, 2015, as a result of her strong background in Movement Training and Stretch Therapy. In 2019, her Posture Plus program launched with innovative and integrative ways to optimise treatment results and client compliance to home care. As an ATMS director, Donna aims to utilise her position to engage the industry and is keen to broaden the scope and reach, for both massage therapists and acupuncturists.

Chantel Ryan
Chantel Ryan
Vice President Director elected 2021
Chantel Ryan

Chantel Ryan is an admitted lawyer (non-practising since 1 July 2025) with over 15 years of experience in commercial  law. After graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), she worked at several top-tier law firms and spent over five years as General Counsel for a national media company.

Chantel later retrained in natural health, completing an Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy and certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. While studying, she developed and delivered corporate wellness programs, which sparked her passion for integrative care.

Chantel ran her own legal consulting firm for many years before formally stepping away from legal practice. She now supports health practitioners through legal education and contract templates via her business, Legally Healthy, and runs a separate clinical practice, Real Functional Health, offering naturopathic and functional health services. She proudly serves on the board of ATMS.

Cass Duffill
Cass Duffill
Treasurer Director elected 2022
Cass Duffill

Cassandra Duffill is a seasoned Business & Marketing Success Strategist, specialising in empowering wellness practitioners, therapists, coaches, and heart-led entrepreneurs. With a passion for helping clients attract their ideal clientele, she simplifies marketing strategies for effortless implementation, fostering business growth and diversification.

Transitioning from a successful corporate career to naturopathic practice following personal health challenges, Cassandra leveraged her marketing expertise to achieve multi six-figure success in her first year as a solo parent. After a decade of private practice, she pivoted to support fellow health and wellness entrepreneurs in achieving their business goals.

Cassandra’s mission is to bridge the gap between practitioner expertise and marketing proficiency, believing that with the right mindset and monetization strategies, anyone can achieve success. Based in Australia’s Gold Coast, she speaks at industry events and is celebrated for her insights, featured by renowned platforms like the Female Entrepreneur Association.

Dr Brad McEwen Phd
Dr Brad McEwen Phd
Director elected 2021
Dr Brad McEwen Phd

Dr Brad McEwen PhD is a Nutrition Scientist, Naturopath, Herbalist, Educator, Researcher, and mentor, with over 23 years of clinical experience. Brad has a PhD from University of Sydney, Master of Health Science (Human Nutrition), a Masters of Public Health (MPH) & many other qualifications in complementary medicine modalities. He is also a Senior Lecturer at Southern Cross University, a published researcher and peer reviewer for international journals. Currently Brad is the Head of Products, Trends, and Innovation at Complementary Medicines Group (CMA). He also sits as a Director & Vice-President on the ATMS board.

Kathleen Daniel
Kathleen Daniel
Director appointed 2022
Kathleen Daniel

Kathleen Daniel is a qualified Naturopath, Homeopath, Herbalist & Nutritionist. She holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Naturopathy) & Lead Auditor qualifications and Cert IV in Training & Assessment. Kathleen has spent the last 24 years in the fields of Education & Natural Medicine, 13 years with an RTO as an administrator & 11 years with Endeavour College as CEO. At Endeavour she founded Articulation Abicus – an online application system for credit assessment for the college. Kathleen also serves as an independent ATMS Director, sitting on the Academic Review & Research Committees.

Sandra Grace
Sandra Grace
Director elected 2024 Bestowed 18/11/2018
Sandra Grace

Sandra Grace is a leader in natural medicine education and research. She is a Professor in the Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University. She has a long history of service to ATMS as a Director and active member of a number of its committees, including the Academic Review Committee. She established ATMS’ Research Committee. She is committed to ensuring the highest standards of natural medicine education and has an outstanding research record in natural medicine. Sandra was in private practice for over 30 years as an osteopath and chiropractor.

Geraldine Headley
Geraldine Headley
Director elected 2024
Geraldine Headley

Geraldine Headley is a Naturopath, Herbalist, Hypnotherapist & Nutritionist based in Adelaide South Australia.

Integrating 25 years of paediatric nursing with 2 decades of naturopathy, Geraldine has worked in major hospitals, as well as 3rd-world communities around the globe, specialising in paediatric and adult surgery & medicine. Geraldine is dedicated to promoting natural medicine, especially physical therapies which she regularly enjoys!

For the last decade, Geraldine has dedicated her focus to complementary medicine, not just as a clinical practitioner, but as an educator and mentor. In 2017, she rolled out her highly successful mentorship – ‘The Graduate Program’ and educational offering ‘The Paediatric Online Practitioner Mastery Course’, and has since been nominated for a number of awards.

Her extensive professional & industry knowledge allows her to easily bring her own experiences into her clinic and her teaching, which promotes an unrivalled level of authenticity and guidance, confidence and nurturing with just a hint of sass.

Coby du Preez
Coby du Preez
Director elected 2024
Coby du Preez

Coby du Preez is a Remedial Massage Therapist with over 24 years of experience in soft tissue therapy and bodywork. His career has spanned multiple roles, including operating as a sole trader, collaborating within multidisciplinary clinics, teaching at The Australasian College of Natural Therapies, and managing his busy clinic, Muscle Medicine, in Double Bay. As a clinic director, Coby leads and mentors a team of skilled therapists, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous professional development.

Throughout his career Coby has developed a strong professional network with allied health professionals, including Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, and Exercise Physiologists, as well as health professionals such as General Practitioners, Sport and Exercise Physicians, and Orthopaedic Surgeons. This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach reflects his commitment to integrated care and facilitating the best possible outcomes for clients.

Passionate about the advancement of bodywork, Coby is dedicated to fostering an in-clinic mentoring culture within the industry, while also promoting continuing education and advocating for sustainable industry practices.

Coby has been an ATMS member since 2002 and a Fellow of the Association since 2020. As a member of the ATMS Board of Directors, Coby is committed to supporting the ATMS directive, advocating for bodyworkers, and fostering a strong, supportive community among massage therapists. Through his leadership and practical expertise, he aims to drive initiatives that enhance the profession, strengthen professional networks, and ensure the sustainable growth of the industry.

ATMS Team
Annie Gibbins
Annie Gibbins
CEO
Annie Gibbins

Multi Award Winning CEO Women’s Biz Global | Global Media Executive | TV & Podcast Host and Producer | Magazine and Book Publisher | Keynote Speaker | Best Selling Author

With 25 years’ experience as a change management CEO and multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Annie has become a highly sought-after mentor, speaker, author, and publisher, renowned for her ability to inspire and motivate individuals and businesses to achieve next level success.

Annie is the Founder and CEO of Women’s Biz Global, a women’s empowerment enterprise dedicated to unlocking the untapped potential of women in business on a global scale, garnering multiple prestigious international women in business awards. Annie is also a Founder and Director of the Australasian College of Optical Dispensers, Optical Dispensers Australia and Australasian College of Audiometry.

Her previous roles include CEO of Glaucoma Australia, CEO of the Australian Institute of Ultrasound, and CEO of the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine.

Connect with Annie on LinkedIn.

Natalie Hume
Natalie Hume
Education and Partnerships Manager
Natalie Hume

Natalie has over 15 years’ experience in the natural medicine industry as a Naturopath and is the Relationship Coordinator at ATMS.

Natalie is passionate about building and developing student and college relationships to ensure students are set up for a successful future.

Vinitha Verma
Vinitha Verma
Operations Manager
Vinitha Verma
Stephanie Mortimer
Stephanie Mortimer
Relationships and Events Coordinator
Stephanie Mortimer
Karlene Skinner
Karlene Skinner
Communications and Events Coordinator
Karlene Skinner
Bhunesh Patel
Bhunesh Patel
CPE Audit & Health Fund Officer
Bhunesh Patel
Susan Denner
Susan Denner
Member Services and Logistics Coordinator
Susan Denner
Bridget Ferry
Bridget Ferry
Membership Officer
Bridget Ferry
Sakina Zraika
Sakina Zraika
Member Services Officer
Sakina Zraika
Max Clement
Max Clement
Member Services and Events Officer
Max Clement
Adi Chettiar
Adi Chettiar
ICT & Accounts Administrator
Adi Chettiar

ATMS Committees

ATMS Committees are responsible for the implementation and delivery of ATMS strategy and objectives.

ATMS has 6 Committees.

Regulatory Committee

Reporting to and working with the ATMS Board, the Regulatory Committee (RegCo) will:

  • Review and monitor Regulatory issues, which may impact on the Society, industry and professions.

Regulatory Committee Members

  1. Chantel Ryan  – Chair
  2. Brad McEwen
  3. Sandra Grace
  4. Rebecca Lang
  5. Cassandra Duffill
  6. Coby du Preez
Finance Audit and Compliance Committee

Reporting to and working with the ATMS Board, the Finance, Audit & Compliance Committee (FACC) will:

  • Direct the preparation of the annual budget, strategic plan and all other key financial statements
  • Direct the preparation and monitor a risk management plan for ATMS
  • Liaise with the society’s external auditors and oversee the scope and conduct of the annual audit of the society’s financial statements.
  • Provide expert advice to the IEC and the ATMS Board on the Society’s financial performance as well as the financial implications of future strategic plans.
  • Develop submissions, strategies and other initiatives on behalf of the society.
  • Provide leadership and policy direction in regard to issues that relate to financial matters.

Finance Audit and Compliance Committee Members

  1. Cassandra Duffill – Chair
  2. Donna Eddy
  3. Rebecca Lang
  4. Kathleen Daniel
Academic & Research Committee
  • Provide advice to the Board on recognising modalities, colleges and courses.
  • Support research in natural medicine through education and grants.
  • Disseminate current research and publish a peer reviewed journal.

Academic & Research Committee

  1. Brad McEwen – Chair
  2. Sandra Grace
  3. Donna Eddy
  4. Rebecca Lang
  5. Kathleen Daniel
  6. Geraldine Headley
Complaints Committee

The role of the Complaints Committee is to manage complaints received by ATMS from consumers or members of ATMS and, where appropriate, make recommendations to the ATMS Board on sanctions or referrals in regard to complaints.

Complaints Committee

  1. Donna Eddy – Chair
  2. Rebecca Lang
  3. Chantel Ryan
  4. Cassandra Duffill
  5. Henry Ko
Marketing and Continuing Professional Education Committee

Reporting to and working with the ATMS Board, the Marketing and Continuing Professional Education Committee will:

  • Prepare a marketing plan aligned to the Strategic direction of the Society
  • Develop a budget for all marketing activities.
  • Implement the agreed plan
  • Oversee and be responsible for reviewing and monitoring the overall CPE program; and
  • Ensure that the CPE program offers a high standard of educational opportunities for members to complete their CPE activities.

Marketing and Continuing Professional Education Committee Members

  1. Cassandra Duffill – Chair
  2. Donna Eddy
  3. Rebecca Lang
  4. Chantel Ryan
  5. Geraldine Headley
Executive Committee

Reporting to and working with the ATMS Board, the Executive Committee will:

  • Support the Chair in delivering the Strategic Plan for ATMS.

Executive Committee Members

  • Rebecca Lang
  • Donna Eddy
  • Chantel Ryan
  • Cass Duffill

 

 

Recognition

Life Members
Christine Pope
Christine Pope
Member Number 18791 Bestowed 09/11/2024
Christine Pope

Christine Pope is a Director and Treasurer of the ATMS. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Health Science and Advanced Diplomas in Homeopathy & Nutrition. Christine practises as a Naturopath and Nutritionist in her multi-modality clinic, and taught at Nature Care College for nearly a decade. Prior to her career in natural medicine, Christine spent 20 years in Investment Banking and Venture Capital specialising in risk management and analysis of business. Her focus at ATMS is on representing the interests of natural medicine to parliamentarians & the public. Christine is also responsible for Natural Medicine Week – a successful ATMS, annual initiative that connects the Australian public with accredited practitioners to complement their health and wellbeing naturally.

Peter Berryman
Peter Berryman
Member Number 4080 Bestowed 09/11/2024
Peter Berryman

Peter Berryman is a qualified Naturopath, Homeopath, Medical Scientist and Educator who has spent over 35 years in clinical practice. Peter is a Director (2007-current) and a past President (2017-2023) of the ATMS, and has held the special role of representing the ATMS on the Chinese Medical Board of NSW, the Australia Council of Chinese Medicine and the Chinese Medical Board of Australia (2017-2023). He holds a Master of Science (Homeopathy), a Bachelor of Medical Science, a Bachelor of Science, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Health Science, an Advanced Diploma in Homeopathy, a Diploma in Naturopathy, a Graduate Certificate in Education, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Denis Stewart
Denis Stewart
Member Number 0012 Bestowed 18/11/2019
Denis Stewart

Denis Stewart has been in continuous practice for over 50 years. Referred to as the Godfather of Australian Herbalism,
Denis spearheaded a Renaissance in Australian Herbal Medicine in the early 1970’s. At the NSW College of Naturopathic Sciences,
Denis established/taught the inaugural 3-year full-time program in Herbal Medicine in Australia. For the National Herbalist’s Association
of Australia, Denis constructed professional examinations, course studies and curriculum for Herbal training and education.
In the late 1970s, Denis founded the Southern Cross Herbal School, offering undergraduate and post-graduate programs. From 2002-2007,
Denis was a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle and assisted in the construction of the Bachelor of Herbal Therapies
program at the Ourimbah campus. Denis was inducted into the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) Hall of Fame in 2012 and as an ATMS Life in 2019. He is a Fellow/Life Member of the National Herbalist’s Association of Australia (NHAA).

Sandra Grace
Sandra Grace
Director elected 2024 Bestowed 18/11/2018
Sandra Grace

Sandra Grace is a leader in natural medicine education and research. She is a Professor in the Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University. She has a long history of service to ATMS as a Director and active member of a number of its committees, including the Academic Review Committee. She established ATMS’ Research Committee. She is committed to ensuring the highest standards of natural medicine education and has an outstanding research record in natural medicine. Sandra was in private practice for over 30 years as an osteopath and chiropractor.

Bill Pearson
Bill Pearson
Member Number 0297 Bestowed 07/08/2009
Bill Pearson

Bill Pearson has been an accredited member of ATMS since the early 1980s and joined the board of directors in 1996. He held the position of ATMS president for 10 years and vice president for several terms, chairing numerous committees. He was bestowed Life Membership for his years of service to the members, ATMS, and the natural medicine industry in 2009. He graduated as a massage practitioner in 1984 and as an Acupuncturist in 1987 and has a clinical practice in Hobart, Tasmania. In the early 1980s, he also studied Medical Qigong and has since been invited to teach and present to numerous organisations, including for the female and male prisons in Hobart.

Bill has made Tai Chi mastery available through his Hobart-based  Jian Shen School of Tai Chi which he established in 1995.

In 2000 he was invited to attend the Medical Qigong symposium in Japan and later led an ATMS member delegation to China to further experience Chinese medicine.  In 2009 Bill also represented ATMS visiting Chinese medicine facilities and building relationships with training organisations for future study opportunities for members.

In 2017 as an Australian representative, along with participants from 17 other countries gathered for Tai Chi practice on the Great Wall of China. In 2019 Bill was nominated as Citizen of the Year in the suburb of Glenorchy, Hobart.

Maggie Sands
Maggie Sands
Member Number 0028 Bestowed 09/04/1999
Maggie Sands

Maggie has over four decades of experience in natural medicine. After qualifying in naturopathy and remedial massage in 1985 Maggie founded the School of Integrated Body Therapy (SIBT). SIBT was a founding ATMS-recognised college and in 1999 SIBT became an Australian Registered Training Organization (RTO) offering government training packages in remedial massages. She was invited to be an independent member of the Complementary Health Industry Reference Committee (2017-22) representing private RTOs and has assisted in developing six massage therapy health training package qualifications. Maggie is also the founder of the purpose-built LakeSpa Wellness Centre on the Central Coast of NSW established in 1989.  Maggie became a director of the ATMS in 1987 and has been a leading part of the natural medicine industry’s development. She has had the privilege of being mentored by ATMS pioneers, Dorothy Hall, Denis Stewart and Peter Derig and for her contribution to ATMS was awarded Life Membership in 1999.  Maggie held positions of president, vice president & treasurer, retiring from the board in 2023, her directorship spanning 36 consecutive years. Her contribution to ATMS is expansive and includes overseeing the initial rewrite of the constitution in 2013, initiating Natural Medicine Week, the CPC program, and Friends of Natural Medicine. During her presidency, Maggie also led the member insurance tender process bringing significant gains to ATMS and its members. She has travelled extensively presenting natural medicine seminars nationally and internationally and has several awards including the NATEX 2020 Trail Blazer award. Maggie also exported natural medicine education with the support of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) to several Asian countries. Maggie passionately remains a strong advocate for natural health care and ATMS.

Sandra Rogers
Sandra Rogers
Member Number 0039 Bestowed 09/04/1999
Sandra Rogers
Marie Fawcett
Marie Fawcett
Member Number Bestowed 09/04/1999
Marie Fawcett
Freida Bielik
Freida Bielik
Member Number 0009 Bestowed 09/04/1999
Freida Bielik
Roma Turner
Roma Turner
Member Number 0024 Bestowed 18/09/1999
Roma Turner
Nancy Evelyn
Nancy Evelyn
Member Number 0035 Bestowed 20/09/1997
Nancy Evelyn
Phillip Turner
Member Number Bestowed 16/06/1995
Phillip Turner
Catherine McEwan
Catherine McEwan
Member Number 0015 Bestowed 09/12/1994
Catherine McEwan
Hall of Fame
Denis Stewart
Denis Stewart
Member Number 0012 Bestowed 18/11/2019
Denis Stewart

Denis Stewart has been in continuous practice for over 50 years. Referred to as the Godfather of Australian Herbalism,
Denis spearheaded a Renaissance in Australian Herbal Medicine in the early 1970’s. At the NSW College of Naturopathic Sciences,
Denis established/taught the inaugural 3-year full-time program in Herbal Medicine in Australia. For the National Herbalist’s Association
of Australia, Denis constructed professional examinations, course studies and curriculum for Herbal training and education.
In the late 1970s, Denis founded the Southern Cross Herbal School, offering undergraduate and post-graduate programs. From 2002-2007,
Denis was a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle and assisted in the construction of the Bachelor of Herbal Therapies
program at the Ourimbah campus. Denis was inducted into the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) Hall of Fame in 2012 and as an ATMS Life in 2019. He is a Fellow/Life Member of the National Herbalist’s Association of Australia (NHAA).

Simon Schot
Simon Schot
Inducted 10/12/2015
Simon Schot
Garnet Skinner
Garnet Skinner
Inducted 22/09/2013
Garnet Skinner
Dorothy Hall
Dorothy Hall
Inducted 17/09/2011
Dorothy Hall
Marcus Blackmore
Marcus Blackmore
Inducted 17/09/2011
Marcus Blackmore
Peter Derig
Peter Derig
Inducted 17/09/2011
Peter Derig

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