Meet Our International Speakers

Dr Carol Samuel

Carol is highly regarded in the field of reflexology and is an accomplished practitioner in several different complementary modalities.  Amongst her many accomplishments she holds a PhD in ‘Reflexology and Pain Management’.

Carol has published in both National and International press and in peer reviewed journals. 

She is an invited speaker at a variety of conferences both medical and complementary and works to bridge the gap between orthodox medical practices and complementary support through science and clinical reasoning. 

In 2021 she published her first book 'The Tenacious Student' Non-academic to PhD. 

Awards gained:
2014 Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) Excellence in the field of research
2017 Association of Reflexologists (AoR) Excellence in the field of research
2018 runner-up in the National Complementary Therapy Awards 'Pain management, injury prevention and rehabilitation’
2019 Federation of Holistic Therapists 'Tutor of the Year'

Meet Some of Our Interstate and Local Speakers

Sue Ehinger

Sue Ehinger, (Dip. Reflex., Dip. Nutr., Certificate in Journeywork, Dip. Radiog.) is a founding member of the RAoA and has been practicing reflexology since 1985.

Sue completed her Initial training in Switzerland followed by studies with the Interenational Institute of Reflexology. She has studied Chinese methods of Reflexology in Beijing as a guest of the China Reflexology Association, as well as learning applications of TCM in reflexology whilst studying under Lisbeth Nielsen in Denmark.

Sue founded the Australian School of Reflexology in Sydney in 1990 where she taught accredited practitioner courses for 16 years. She is passionate about the growth of professional reflexology, her particular focus now being postgraduate training for qualifies reflexologists- in particular Facial Reflexology. After training under Lone Sorensen for Denmark in 2008 and 2009, she eventually went on to train as an instructor in Facial Reflexology after seeing its effectiveness for herself in her own clinic.

Greg Trevena

Greg is an Australian essential oil specialist having started the business ‘Essentially Australia’ back in 2012 and his plantation in 2014. Prior to this, Greg created the business ‘Refreshed Lemon Myrtle’ which he created in 2000 then sold in late 2009.

Greg will be providing an introduction on 2 new essential oils he discovered, grows and distils from his Byron Bay hinterland plantation.

These new Australian essential oils were released for the first time in 2022, they are called ‘Mango Myrtle’ and ‘Pineapple Myrtle’. With the assistance of Southern Cross University and a French chemist, the chemical profiles and the oils properties will be revealed.

Some of the Australian essential oils he grows and distils are found with no other company in the world, these oils are very useful, unique and highly aromatic.

The road to the development of some of these new Australian essential oils has at times been long and difficult but the end result is a range of remarkable, very useful and highly attractive Australian essential oils.

Greg will explain the story, development journey, oil chemistry and oil properties of each so that you can gain a strong knowledge of these two new Australian essential oils, the advantages of each and their wellness uses. 

Kristy Hollis

Kristy is a herbalist, naturopath and flower essence therapist with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice. Her clinical interests are women’s health, fertility, and stress support. Kristy has been on the Complementary Medicine Association board for seven years, with the last four years as president. 

Kristy is passionate about incorporating herbs into everyday life so she developed a range of organic herbal tisanes which are for sale at numerous outlets around Darwin. When she isn’t working she’s enjoying ‘grounding’ time in nature, or chilling with her husband and friends with good food and wine. It’s all about B-A-L-A-N-C-E!

Margie Braunstein (via zoom)

Margie Braunstein is a senior facilitator with the Quest for Life Foundation and has facilitated thousands of people in their quest for peace and happiness. Margie’s professional practice is based on contemporary neuroscience, positive psychology and a commitment to holistic approaches to health.

Margie uses humour and warmth to engage and inspire people to take charge of their own happiness using conscious choice. She is motivated by the incredible human potential we possess to develop across our entire lifespan.

Margie is a Clinical Psychotherapist and holds a Graduate Certificate in Adult Education and Diploma in Contemporary Somatic Psychotherapy.

 Topics that will be covered at this presentation are:

• 4 keys of resilience and peace as a basis for your life and practice
• Neuroplasticity and epigenetics in our daily lives
• Tools for managing difficult emotions
• Meditation and mindfulness as a foundation for life
• Understanding that who you are is as important as what do
• Prioritising self-care physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually

Greg Bantick

Greg Bantick began his training and clinical practice in Chinese medicine in 1975. He was part of a small group that set up the first college in Brisbane in the late 70’s. He has spent time in China and Japan, and taught around the world. He spent most of 20 years training, practicing and teaching in the U.S., where he held senior academic positions in two of the finest colleges.

In 1982 he spent time training at Kokutaiji Zen Monastery in Japan. For over 17 years he lived as part of the lay community of the Zen Center of San Diego training and teaching with Joko Beck. He has taught meditation in schools, work places and in intensive rural retreats. Greg has experience facilitating group work, and providing the space to explore feelings around difficult patient interactions.

Sonia Bailey (via zoom)

Sonia began her studies in reflexology in 2005 which included some training of Metamorphosis (developed by Robert St John last century). She fell in love with Metamorphosis straight away, and luckily soon after Lynn Hatswell came to Brisbane for an in-depth practical and glimpse into Robert’s thoughts and the ideas behind metamorphosis, which Sonia believe coincide with our expanded Consciousness today. Sonia is personally interested in a more expanded view of life, particularly Consciousness and how that relates to our bodies and our lives.

Sonia has been a professional reflexologist since 2006.  Reflexology studies included:  Lymph Drainage, Hormone Balancing, Maternity & Baby Reflexology, Facial & Hand Reflexology, Anatomy & Physiology; Biomechanics of the Feet; Reading the Feet; Brazilian Toe Technique; Foot care/Hygiene & Foot Exercises.  Also studied: Metamorphosis; TCM Meridian Therapy; Australian Bush Flower Essences (Level 1 & 2); Aromatherapy; Ailment Metaphysical Reasons; Emmett Technique for Reflexologists; Myotherapy and other minor studies.

From 2008-10 Sonia held the position of Qld Chairperson for the RAoA. In 2013, she became a Director of RAoA and was the National President from 2014-17 National.

Maria Voulgarakis (via zoom)

While most people find physical exercise dreary and feel they need to be coerced, Specialised Exercise Trainer Maria Voulgarakis’ great passion is to lure them into the fascinating world of fitness.

Join Maria at the Conference to learn how she assists her   clients discover that physical activity is not a painful experience to be endured in order to reach desirable gains. It’s not just pushing and pulling to build larger muscles but rather a natural approach to a healthy body and a way to connect to other people, manage stress, meditate,  and feel able, independent and happy.

Maria will explain and demonstrate how to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the forearms and hands to keep them healthy, supporting practitioners in taking care of their own bodies.

There will be basic advice on other areas of the body that also support our forearms and hands.

Maria’s qualifications include Diploma of Fitness, Certs III and IV - Older Adult Training, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Support, Pre/Post Natal, Balance and education on various modalities of exercise.

Maria’s empathetic nature, experience in teaching ESL for many years, managing her own language school and interest in healthy lifestyle choices have provided her with life experience and skills which contribute greatly to what she’s doing now.

To the same degree, she finds being a trainer fulfilling and rewarding in many ways; the perfect element to balance the other aspects of her life,which include family and friendships, travel, indulging in nature, science, history and the arts.

 John Bancroft

Title: Body Reflexology

In this 1 hour presentation John will provide you an introduction to a comprehensive modality called Body Reflexology.

John believes that when we have no constraints and treat the entire body, rather than just focusing on the feet for example, we can release more healing power by activating all the meridians, nervous and lymphatic systems. He will provide practical examples for integrating body reflexology into your existing treatment plan and a solid foundation on which to incorporate your expertise and personal passions.

John has been a qualified reflexologist for over 20 years. While John has focussed the majority of his study mainly within Australia, he has also broadened his knowledge by studying outside the normal reflexology arena. He also has qualifications in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, Auriculotherapy (Ear Acupuncture); Neuropuncture (acupuncture with electrical stimulation); Dry Needling and in recent times, Laser Therapy (which is now called Photobiomodulation) plus other post graduate reflexology studies.

John will share some of his knowledge with you at this presentation.