Meet Our Team

I'm Sarah and I’m the owner of The Wellbeing Cottage. I relocated to Toowoomba in 2009, after living in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Roma. I decided to open this business over 6 years ago as I’ve always had a passion for helping people. I had worked extensively in Corporate Management, but after having my children I felt inspired to create a sanctuary for people needing support with their mental, physical and spiritual health & wellness.  I wanted to create a space that offered a holistic approach to health & wellness, and so my business baby was born into this world. Originally called Tranquil Minds Holistic Therapies, the business has grown and evolved and I rebranded to The Wellbeing Cottage in 2020, as I moved from a one-woman show, to a team of talented holistic health and wellness therapists.

For those that know me I am a perpetual student and forever learning more to better assist my clients. I have completed a Bachelor Degree in Psychology, Diploma in Counselling,  Certificate in Hypnotherapy, Practitioner Certificate & Master Practitioner Certification in Hypnotherapy, Practitioner Certificate & Master Practitioner Certification in Coaching, Practitioner Certificate & Master Practitioner Certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Practitioner Certificate & Master Practitioner Certification in Time Line Therapy, Reiki levels I, II and Masters, Certificate in Therapeutic Massage, Diploma in Therapeutic Massage, Certificate in Pregnancy Massage, Certificate in Ho’oponopono, plus other short courses in Counselling, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing & Crystal Healing.

I am a solo mother of two gorgeous girls that are my absolute world.  I absolutely love being out in nature, and going on adventures, and recharge my batteries when I’m at the beach or in a forest so will flock to these whenever I get the chance! I enjoy spending time in the spa, cheese platters, meditation, bushwalking, and lifting weights at the gym.

I hope to see you soon at The Wellbeing Cottage so we can help you recharge too, or assist you to make some amazing changes in your life!

Much Love, Sarah

Annette commenced her career in natural health in 1990 whilst living on the NSW Central Coast. Following completion of her studies in Swedish and Remedial Massage, she had the honour of being instructed in Bowen Therapeutic Technique by the late Tom Bowen’s own assistant, Oswald Rentsch and his wife Elaine, making her one of the first Bowen therapists trained in the world. She found herself to be a natural healer, easily recognizing and working with imbalances in the body, which led to her studying polarity therapy and Reiki.

At the Ettalong Beach Gym, Annette came into contact with Kevin Owen, a very experienced sports massage therapist who encouraged her to join him as part of the sport’s medicine team for the Terrigal-Wamberal Sharks RLFC, and Pat Randall’s Tuggerah Sports World. After this, she opened her own clinic, Central Coast Natural Therapy Centre, where she continued working with local road cyclists, triathletes, swimmers and surfers. In 1995, she and her husband opened a new age shop attached to the clinic, and expanded the clinic to include a naturopath, a herbalist, a hypnotherapist and two additional massage therapists. The more she worked, the more she realised that for most of her clients, body aches and pains were just one of many symptoms of health imbalance they were experiencing, and so she decided to further her studies in health by studying Naturopathy at Nature Care College. Her areas of study included Naturopathic Nutrition, Herbal medicine, Flower Essences, Yoga and Meditation, Iridology and Homoeopathy. However, due to an imminent move to SW Queensland, Annette had to cut her studies short, and was granted a Diploma of Nutrition from the college. During this time, she also completed a Bachelor of Health Science through the University of New England.

Following her move to Queensland in 2004, Annette ran her own part-time clinic initially in Jandowae, then Dalby, before finally settling in the Highfields area.

She is really looking forward to being able to use her unique knowledge-base, experience and skills to improve the lives of others, as she works alongside Sarah and the other therapists at The Wellbeing Cottage.

Annette and her husband, Norm, are devoted to their large family, and love big family gatherings for special occasions. In her time away from clinic, Annette’s hobbies include making her own aromatherapy skincare products, growing organic herbs and vegetables, various handicrafts, and cooking. Her current favourite craft is mosaic with glass tiles, and favourite exercise is swimming. She and her husband also have a love of gardening, home decorating and improvement, and can often be found in the aisles of the local hardware stores and garden centres, especially the ones with cafes!

Aleena is a local mum of two. Aleena has worked in nursing for many years, but decided to pursue her passion for alternative health and wellness. Aleena has a passion for helping people feel their best, and has been trained in Lomi Lomi Massage (including Hot Stone, Cold Stone, Side Lying and Seated Lomi Lomi). Aleena's hobbies include gardening and healthy cooking (and eating). Aleena absolutely loves what she does and wants to share it with our wonderful clients.

Chantal is a proud Mum of five. She is a Grandparent, Educator, DFV & AFV Advocate, Meditation Teacher, Holistic Therapist & Training Provider. Chantal is certified in a variety of holistic healing modalities. She is currently studying towards her Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy & her Masters in Holistic Counselling.  As a Conscious Parent and someone who has a background in Early Childhood Education, she has found a personal interest in Emotional Literacy Development and is also trained to facilitate several Social & Emotional Learning programs for children and their families.  

Chantal describes herself as a lifelong learner and enjoys volunteering in her local community, meeting new people & hearing their stories. She also enjoys Photography, Live Music, Dancing, Family Karaoke & Movie Nights, Quirky Cafes & Laneways filled with Art. Sunflowers, Bubbles, Rainbows, Sunsets, Waterfalls & Fairy Lights.....Bongo Drums, Coffee, Walks in Nature,  Peppermint Tea, Crystals, Salt Lamps, Candles, Oils, Oracle Cards and Singing Bowls - those are some things that bring her joy too. 

Born in the Lockyer Valley, Chantal spent the majority of her childhood in the Toowoomba area before settling in the Ipswich Region for 16 years to raise her own family and relocated to the Darling Downs Region in 2021.  A holistic approach was used in an effort to improve their mental health & wellbeing, rebuild their lives and thrive in their new community. This lived experience is why Chantal chose to become a holistic therapist and is so passionate about using Mindfulness, Meditation, Holistic Counselling skills and alternative healing modalities such as Reiki, Access Bars and Drumming Therapy to relieve symptoms relating to Stress, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD/ CPTSD, improve and transform relationships and to support overall wellbeing. 

When Chantal is not working, studying, writing, running family errands, attending events or getting lost on a road trip somewhere - you might find her in the hammock reading a book or bird watching, listening to music around the fire, exploring nature, wandering a park, market or op shop, attending a workshop of some kind and of course spending quality time with loved ones.

Kirsten is a light worker, psychic medium and intuitive healer who spends every day wanting to help people. A 3/5 Manifesting Generator in Human Design led by a Sacral Authority.

She is a wife and mother, who has dedicated 18 years to prioritising her 6 children, some of whom are ASD, and is now able to follow her guided directive from Spirit to hold space for others to receive for their highest good. As a mum of many diverse little people, Kirsten has experience with babies, children and teenagers and their energy.

If we look back, Kirsten grew up immersed in holistic and complementary therapies and was taught over the years through observation by our very own, Annette Purcival, her mother. At just 8 years old, Kirsten was taught the principles of reiki and energy healing when her 9 week old kitten, Sooty, was injured. Sooty received reiki daily and lived a long life after his recovery.

In 2023 after years of personal development, self-reflection, private education and a thirst for understanding the metaphysical and the veil between the realms, Kirsten decided to formalise her knowledge of Reiki and received certification in Traditional Usui Reiki Level 1 & 2. Kirsten is currently undertaking her Cert IV in Personal Training and has just completed her Level 2 Accreditation in Sound Therapy.

“My goal is for every client to come in and fall into completely immersive relaxation. Allowing for the reiki energy to penetrate into the deepest parts of their body and heal where it’s needed. Leaving the cottage feeling lighter and with greater awareness and peace.”

Melanie has a unique knowledge base, a lifelong desire to heal, and a calling to help others feel empowered and in control of their own health.

After essentially curing herself of the ‘incurable’, debilitating, chronic pain condition, fibromyalgia, Melanie graduated from her nursing degree with distinction. She went on to work as a Registered Nurse in mental health, paediatrics and general practice. She loved nursing, but would hear or see ‘messages’ in her mind, telling her that there was a healthier, more holistic approach that could help the patient in front of her. It became increasingly difficult for her to continue nursing in the one-size-fits-all medical system.

Melanie then became a certified Health Coach, and appreciated being able to use her knowledge, experience, and expanding intuitive abilities, to help others to heal and improve their health in a more empowered, person-centred way.

When Melanie discovered Intuitive Medicine, something ‘clicked’ inside her – it just felt right. As a Medical Intuitive, Melanie is able to explore and observe the human body, and to help people, in ways that modern medicine cannot.

For an Intuitive Medicine session, a safe and sacred space is created by Melanie and her team in spirit. In this space of connection and healing, Melanie will see beyond her client’s physical human state, to observe the flow of energy through their chakras and body systems.

With guidance from her spirit team, Melanie identifies the emotional, spiritual and physical origins of the symptoms of pain and ‘dis-ease’ experienced by her clients. By bringing awareness to the ‘hidden’ causes of physical symptoms, Melanie is able to provide her clients with clear steps for improving their well-being and health, so that they can get back on track to living the dream life that they want.

Apart from raising her two special young humans, Melanie enjoys spending her time doing yoga, exploring new places, connecting with likeminded souls, reading, lazing about on the couch, meandering around markets, learning about homeopathy remedies, and creating oracle decks.

Our Naturopath Kate holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) and graduated in 2016 from Endeavour College of Natural Health.

Kate originally worked as a Naturopath in Brisbane after the completion of her degree. After starting a family, Kate and her partner have moved back to Toowoomba to be closer to family, and  bring all of her knowledge and experience in Naturopathy to our wonderful clients at The Wellbeing Cottage.

Kate is passionate about providing an individualised and holistic approach to her clients through a mixture of herbs, nutrition, dietary and lifestyle changes. 

Her special areas of interest include assisting women and their health across all life stages whether it be hormonal conditions, preconception care, stress and anxiety, post partum support, skin conditions, post OCP use and peri/pre menopause. 

In her spare time Kate enjoys spending time with her family and friends. You will often find her at a cafe or park on the weekend, travelling, gardening, cooking and learning new crafts (currently learning to crochet). She also has a keen interest in living sustainably and is always working on ways her family can be better at this.

Kate is currently away on Maternity Leave and will be back in 2024!

Angelique offers a professional and gentle approach to counselling, valuing a holistic and intuitive practice. She holds space for her clients with compassion and understanding, delivering a strengths-based and person-centred service.

Angelique holds a Bachelor of Human Services, Diploma of Counselling and Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention. She is a level 2 Registered Counsellor with the ACA (Australian Counselling Association) and has 7 years’ experience in therapeutic and supportive roles with young people, families, and individuals.

Angelique has a personal practice and interest in Mindfulness, Nature- based Therapy and Expressive/Creative therapy. She is currently completing a Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice to further this passion. Other professional development she has completed include applications of Polyvagal theory and Playwork & Nature Connection Mentoring.

Angelique’s education, experience and interests uniquely position her to assist youth and adults with issues such as parenting, family relationships, life transition, identity work and personal struggles including stress and overwhelm.

Angelique is Mum to 3 daughters who she loves spending time bushwalking, playing, birdwatching and being creative with.

If you are seeking to understand yourself better, gain clarity through change or structure support in your life, reach out.

Angelique is currently not taking on any new counselling clients - she is seeing existing clients only.