ATMS extends huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists in our annual Natural Medicine Awards for 2024!
On Saturday 9 November, ATMS hosted the Awards Gala Dinner where the winners for Practitioner of the Year, Clinic of the Year, Lecturer of the Year and Student of the Year were announced. All winners demonstrated excellence in their contributions to their modalities, industry, and overall commitment to the advancement of the health of the Australian community.
Special thanks to everyone who entered or nominated in the awards. We had an impressive volume of entrants, and we applaud the efforts of every single entrant for their contribution to natural medicine in Australia.
We are thrilled to introduce the 2024 winners for the ATMS Natural Medicine Awards!
Meet your 2024 Practitioner of the Year
Cath Minter
Cath Minter Medical Herbalist
Cath is a classically trained Medical Herbalist and university qualified clinician with a Master’s in Science, with over 30 years’ experience. She has a driving passion for advancing skills in integrative oncology – cancer care and women’s health and specialises in evidence-based and traditional western herbal medicine.
High quality, skilled patient care is Cath’s driving focus after seeing first-hand the profound life changing impact this can have on a patient’s life. Cath loves the sweet spot where traditional medicine intersects good quality evidence-based practice.
For the past 10 years Cath has also worked in the VET sector and Higher Education sector as clinical supervisor, writing bachelor course work for clinical studies, providing external moderation for Bachelor of Naturopathy course work and lecturing in academic research skills.
Our Practitioner of the Year finalists:
Anna Munoz
Anna is a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist trained at Evolve College, one of Australia’s leading massage schools. Anna’s passion for massage began during the completion of her Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy at Nature Care College in 2018, where she first encountered massage as an elective. After gaining her qualification as a Naturopath, it led her to pursue a Diploma of Remedial Massage, and this has shaped her approach to holistic health.
Currently, Anna is completing her Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy, further deepening her understanding of integrative health practices. Anna’s focus is on helping clients feel their best by addressing pain, tension, and stress through personalised massage techniques.
Anna is also trained in Myofascial Release, a gentle yet effective technique that targets the fascia to relieve chronic pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall body function. Witnessing the positive impact of massage on her clients’ lives—whether through reduced discomfort, improved mobility, or moments of relaxation—brings Anna immense joy.
Samantha Bake
ReMed
As a founding member of the ReMed Kids clinic, Samantha Bake possesses a comprehensive understanding of the role of the gut-immune-brain axis in the development of anxiety, tics, and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. She specialises in applying the principles of The Moore Method to facilitate lasting improvements in PANS & PANDAS.
As a qualified Clinical Nutritionist and mother of two, Samantha brings a unique perspective to her paediatric focus. Her passion for clinical nutrition was ignited by her own children’s food allergies, insomnia and anxiety, and she went on to complete a Bachelor of Health Science before commencing further studies in Western Herbal Medicine.
With extensive experience working with children, Samantha extends her influence beyond borders, working with families across Australia and internationally. She offers practical advice to parents exploring dietary changes for their kids or investigating the potential impact of food allergies or intolerances. Committed to flexibility, Samantha works with clients and their families to adapt diets realistically, employing gradual steps, clever substitutes and ‘tricks of the trade’.
2024 Clinic of the Year winner
Melbourne Functional Medicine
Melbourne Functional Medicine is a leading clinic in Australia that combines functional medicine, naturopathy, and health coaching to provide personalised care for chronic conditions. As one of the first clinics to also focus on optimising health span and longevity, the clinic offers a forward-thinking approach that goes beyond recovery to help patients thrive long-term.
The clinic’s experienced team of clinicians and health coaches, led by founder Jabe Brown, is dedicated to addressing the root causes of health issues. With a strong focus on research, education, and community engagement, the team provides holistic, science-based care that empowers patients to achieve lasting improvements in their wellbeing.
Our Clinic of the Year finalists:
Rebalance Chinese Medicine
Rebalance Chinese Medicine are dedicated to providing holistic, compassionate care to support individuals through all stages of life, with a special focus on women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum wellness. Led by Dr. Julia Bartrop, the clinic integrates the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern approaches to health. They believe in empowering clients to achieve optimal health and balance through personalised treatments including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and acupressure.
The clinic fosters a calming, welcoming atmosphere designed to help you feel at ease from the moment you step in. At Rebalance, they focus on creating a supportive environment where you can connect with your body’s natural rhythms and healing potential. People visit the team because they take the time to truly listen, offer tailored treatment plans, and provide a space for relaxation, healing, and renewal. Whether you’re seeking relief from pregnancy-related discomfort, addressing hormonal imbalances, or simply looking for natural ways to support your overall well-being, Rebalance is here to guide you on your health journey.
Lymph Movement Studio
Lymph Movement Studio is a lymphatics-focused practice in Adelaide established by Clinical Nutritionist, Lymphatic Therapist & Health Coach Kylie Bradley. The vision was to provide a space for people with fluid-related issues to receive treatment, while also offering a supportive environment for like-minded practitioners working in lymphatics & oncology rehabilitation to come together.
Joining Kylie in the Lymph Movement team are physiotherapist Kirsty Kirkland and Remedial & Lymphoedema Therapist Kim Bolto who bring with them a wealth of experience treating lymphoedema, lipoedema, post-surgical oedema and cancer rehabilitation.
In addition to hands-on therapies, compression therapy, infrared sauna and SOZO BioImpedance Spectroscopy technology are used to enhance assessment, treatment & monitoring of clients. The use of innovative technologies in the practice led to local recognition with Lymph Movement Studio winning the Leader in Transformation, Innovation & Growth category at the inaugural City of Unley Business Awards in September 2024.
2024 Lecturer of the Year winner
Lis Conlon
Dip Herb Med, Dip Irid, Adv Dip WHM, BHSc
Lis Conlon has been an accredited Herbalist-Iridologist in Sydney, Australia, since 1991 and is a Fellow of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS). Over the three decades which she has been assisting others with their health, she has had the honour and privilege of treating three to four generations in some families.
Lis is a passionate, innovative, and versatile educator with a keen interest in adult learning styles and tailored teaching techniques. Over the past 25 years, she has taught thousands of emerging practitioners in leading Australian colleges and supervised student clinics. Lis focuses on fostering warm, engaging, and inclusive learning environments where students feel nurtured and empowered.
Lis’s past academic leadership roles include Board of Education Adviser, Trainer Coordinator, and the dual role of Head of Department for Herbal Medicine and Naturopathy. In these roles, she employed a collaborative approach to ensure that every colleague and student felt seen, heard, and valued.
In addition to her extensive teaching experience, Lis has developed course curricula for many subjects, maintaining a commitment to excellence, relevance, and evidence-based content.
Our Lecturer of the Year finalists:
Kira Sutherland
BHSc, Grad Dip Sports Nut (IOC), Adv Dip Nat, Adv Dip Nut, Adv Dip Herbal Med. Dip Homoeopathy MATMS.
Kira Sutherland is an Australian Naturopath, Nutritionist, Herbalist and Sports Nutritionist with over 28 years of clinical experience. She balances her time between clinical practice, teaching at the undergraduate level in both naturopathy and nutritional medicine, and mentoring health practitioners in holistic sports nutrition. Known for her straightforward and vibrant teaching style, Kira aims to empower her clients and students to achieve their best selves, whether as athletes or practitioners. As a lifelong endurance athlete herself and the current Performance Nutritionist for the Sydney Marathon, Kira’s journey exemplifies dedication to wellness, inspiring others to pursue their paths to optimal health.
Kira has an extensive history in higher education, she has lectured in naturopathy, nutrition and herbal medicine as an undergraduate and previously at the advanced diploma level, and she has also supervised in student clinic for naturopathy, nutrition and herbal medicine for 25 years.
Rafael Bucater
Dip RMT, Dip SIT, Cert DN, Cert MFR, Cert TPT, Cert MFC, Cert AYM, Cert ST
Rafael has dedicated himself to his education, achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. He then pursued further studies abroad, earning a Post-Graduate Degree in Exercise Physiology.
Additionally, he completed a comprehensive diploma program in fitness, sports, and remedial massage in Australia.
For the past nine years, Rafael has been sharing his expertise in fitness and massage courses at the Australian Institute of Fitness, Adelaide campus. Rafael inspired sports trainers at the 2019 South Australian Sports Medicine FAST conference with his presentation on sports massage and self-care techniques.
Rafael is dedicated to empowering others through his webinars and workshops, providing valuable professional development courses in anatomy and physiology, and massage techniques.
2024 Student of the Year winner
Aiyana Ward – Torrens University
Aiyana Ward, a final-year Naturopathic student at Torrens University, discovered her passion for herbal medicine while caring for her mother. Inspired by an advertisement for the Southern School of Natural Therapies, she embarked on a journey to learn more about natural healing. Aiyana’s dedication to her studies has led to a deep appreciation for the unique characteristics and clinical personalities of herbs.
A recipient of the New Colombo Mobility Grant, Aiyana gained invaluable experience working in healthcare settings in Nepal. She has also furthered her professional development through the ATMS’ Simon Schot Grant, focusing on Herbal Energetics. Currently employed as a Dispensary Assistant at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine, Aiyana is eager to apply her knowledge and skills as an established Naturopath next year, balancing her career with the newfound joys of motherhood.
Our Student of the Year finalists:
Dianne Hill – Endeavour College of Natural Health – Perth
Dianne recently graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) with distinction in September 2024. Throughout her studies, Dianne maintained an exemplary academic record and was highly regarded by her peers, lecturers and clients for her caring and compassionate nature. As an accredited health coach and graphic designer, she uniquely combines these modalities with naturopathy using the best available science, traditional wisdom and insights from her lived experience to provide client-centered holistic healthcare.
Inspired by her own journey navigating a rare complex health condition, Dianne excelled in working with complex cases during her clinical practicum. Embodying the principle of Docere (doctor as teacher), she creates innovative educational resources, to empower clients in their health journeys.
Dianne’s commitment to natural medicine extends beyond academics. She mentors peers, volunteers to raise therapy dogs, supports the Butterfly Collective, and contributes to online health communities. With additional certifications in advanced functional pathology analysis, DNA testing, women’s health, and integrative naturopathic cancer care, Dianne exemplifies dedication to continuous learning in the industry.
Dianne recently opened her online naturopathy clinic, ‘Di Hill Wellness,’ with a mission to empower others to achieve optimal health and whole-body wellness while maintaining a balanced, value-driven life.
Louise Mace – Nature Care College
Louise completed studies for Ad Dip Clin Nutrition in December 2023 and Ad Dip Clin Naturopathy in August 2024, after enrolling in some short courses with Nature Care College in 2020 to reactivate her study brain.
This was her third attempt to finalise studies for her dream to be a Holistic Therapist, that commenced in 2007 but life committments prevented these studies but it also allowed opportunities for her to excel in the retail pharmacy industry, business management and leadership roles.
Living in the small rural town of Deniliquin, NSW, Louise is committed to making nutritional and holistic health support available to the town and surrounding isolated communities.
Volunteering in the Breakfast Program at her Grandsons’ Primary School, creating a Preschool Program “How to be a Food SuperHero” that she runs in Term 4 and a Community Representative on the Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee, allows opportunities to hear what her community really needs and where she can focus her business Nurture With Louise’.
Her clinic has evolved from a desire to break down the barriers of access and understanding of Holistic Healthcare, not only for the residents but the existing Medical services. Recognition as a Finalist in the recent Deniliquin Business Awards, New Business category, highlights Louise is dedicated to promoting her industry and has an eagerness to nurture her town and beyond.
A big thank you to all our finalists, and those who nominated and applied for the awards in 2024.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Meet the amazing practitioners who have already made an impact on our industry. Check out our previous finalists and winners.
2023 ATMS Natural Medicine Awards – finalists and winners
2022 ATMS Natural Medicine Awards – finalists and winners
2021 ATMS Natural Medicine Awards – finalists and winners
2020 ATMS Natural Medicine Awards – finalists and winners
2019 ATMS Natural Medicine Awards – finalists and winners
2018 ATMS Natural Medicine Awards – finalists and winners
2017 ATMS Natural Medicine Awards – finalists and winners
Other News In This Category
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr Sandi Rogers on 15 July 2025.