We are privileged to work with a great team of very experienced midwives, fertility nurses and medical admin officers. We understand that not all healthcare journeys are straightforward and stress free. Our team is dedicated to making your experience personalised, informed, and safe.
Our Vision
At Akoya Health, we understand that fertility, pregnancy, gynaecology and reproductive health care is deeply personal. Our aim is to provide care that is calm, respectful and genuinely supportive from the moment you reach out.
Our vision is to provide care for individuals, couples and families navigating fertility, gynaecology, pregnancy and reproductive health in a way that is thoughtful, clear and compassionate. We bring together clinical experience, evidence-based medicine and open communication with the aim of supporting patients to make informed choices.
We understand that many patients come to us carrying questions, uncertainty, hopes or past experiences that matter. Our aim is to listen carefully, explain your options in plain language and create care plans that consider your values, your body and your goals. Our practice is built on respect, inclusivity, trust and high standards of clinical care, with a shared commitment to supporting patients with clear information, compassionate care and thoughtful guidance at each step.
Our Patient Care Approach
Our approach to care is grounded in safety, respect and partnership. From your first appointment, we aim to create a space where questions and concerns are welcome, talk through concerns and take the time you need to understand what may be right for you.
We combine clinical training and experience with thoughtful, individualised care. This means your care plan is guided by the best available evidence, while also reflecting your personal values, circumstances and goals. We believe high-quality care should be clear, considered and collaborative, with room for your questions and your voice throughout the process.
- We listen first, so your concerns and priorities are understood.
- We explain clearly, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
- We provide evidence-based guidance, tailored to your body, goals and circumstances.
- We support shared decision-making, with a collaborative approach that allows time for discussion.
- We practise with inclusivity and respect, welcoming individuals, couples and families at every stage of care.
Above all, our aim is to support patients with respectful care, clear information and shared decision-making in collaboration with a team that understands how personal this journey can be.
Our female led team
Choosing a doctor can feel like an important and personal decision. Our doctors each bring their own background, perspective and clinical interests to the care they provide, but they share a gentle, thoughtful approach to meeting patients where they are. Together, these profiles offer a closer look at the care, experience and individual perspective each doctor brings to Akoya Health.
Dr Kellie Tathem
Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Fertility Care
Bachelor of Biomedical Science · MBBS (Hons) · FRANZCOG
Her particular interests and advanced training are in:
- Fertility care
- Obstetrics
- Gynaecology
- High-risk obstetrics
- Minimally invasive gynaecological surgery
- Continuity of care
Dr Kellie is an obstetrician and gynaecologist with experience in fertility care and a thoughtful, collaborative approach to women’s health. She is drawn to care that feels safe, practical and respectful, and she values the opportunity to support women and families through different stages of their reproductive health.
Kellie completed her obstetrics and gynaecology training in Queensland at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, with a focus on high-risk obstetrics and minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. Her work across gynaecology, fertility care and obstetrics allows her to support women throughout their reproductive lifespan, with an emphasis on continuity of care and management plans that reflect each woman and family.
Having worked in both public and private healthcare in Australia, Kellie is a strong advocate for maintaining safe, high-quality and sustainable specialist women’s health care in this country. To achieve this, she is currently serving on the Executive Committee of National Association of Obstetrician & Gynaecologists (NASOG) who regularly engage directly with federal policymakers, state government representatives, private health stakeholders, and other medical associations. Outside of work, she enjoys moving her body through Peloton and hot Pilates, spending time at the beach, reading and sharing good food with friends.
“I want to offer care where women are heard, respected and involved in decisions about their care. My aim is to help you understand your body, consider your choices and develop a plan that reflects what matters most to you and your family.”
Dr Julie Buchanan
BNURS MBBS FRANZCOG
Dr Julie Buchanan is passionate about women’s health and wellbeing. As a fertility specialist with a personalised approach, she offers patients support throughout their entire fertility journey – from pre-conception advice and fertility treatment through to pregnancy and delivery, as well as the management of gynaecological problems such as menstrual irregularities and pelvic pain.
Julie has a special interest in the complex and potentially challenging journey to parenthood, including infertility, pregnancy, and delivery as well as the sensitive nature of gynaecological problems. She places emphasis on communicating clearly and compassionately so that women feel confident with her advice and ensures she explores all treatment options.
As a mother to three children, she remembers the journey to pregnancy and the uncertainty that can occur. It is important to her to foster a relationship with women, focusing on being by their side throughout every step. She wants her patients to know and trust that any unexpected fertility, gynaecology or obstetric issues will be dealt with appropriately and sensitively.
During her training, Julie was fortunate to train under various gynaecology subspecialists obtaining skills including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery to treat endometriosis, fibroids and perform hysterectomies. She performs minor surgery for heavy menstrual bleeding such as endometrial ablation. Julie has trained at obstetric tertiary facilities and delivers at the Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital Brisbane. She offers fertility treatment through Queensland Fertility Group and aligns with their dedication to provide excellent scientific and family focused care.
Julie feels it is important to keep up to date by attending conferences and teaching junior doctors and medical students. She is a member of the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery Society and the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand. She helped set up the University of Queensland clinical program in Ipswich and plays an important role in maintaining the education of medical students both at University sites and within the hospital settings.
Dr Kate Strawson
MBBS FRANZCOG
Dr Kate Strawson is an experienced Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist who is passionate about providing personalised, compassionate care for women at every stage of life. She believes in empowering women with the knowledge and confidence to understand their bodies, make informed decisions and actively participate in their healthcare. She is committed to providing evidence-based care with empathy, transparency and open communication, creating a calm environment where patients feel informed, confident and nurtured.
Kate has a special interest in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery and the management of endometriosis. Her gynaecology practice encompasses care from adolescence through to menopause, with interests in adolescent gynaecology, heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, endometriosis and colposcopy.
As an Obstetrician, Kate provides woman-centred pregnancy and birth care, developing strong and trusting relationships with her patients. She has extensive experience in managing more complex pregnancies, including VBACs, multiple pregnancies, preterm birth and pregnancies complicated by medical conditions requiring multidisciplinary care. Her training in tertiary maternity centres has given her experience across the full spectrum of pregnancy, birth and postnatal care.
Kate offers preconception consultations, fertility and fertility-preservation care in collaboration with Queensland Fertility Group (QFG), supporting individuals and couples as they plan for their future families.
Personally, Kate is a mother of three children. She enjoys good coffee, exercise, and spending time with family and friends. Her warmth, professionalism and commitment to personalised care are at the heart of her approach to every patient.
Dr Laura
Fertility GP
FRACGP · MBBS
Her particular interests and advanced training are in:
- Fertility assessment
- Preconception counselling
- IVF pathways
- Women’s reproductive health
Dr Laura is a Fertility GP with a calm, compassionate and patient-centred approach. Since 2023, she has worked exclusively in fertility medicine, supporting individuals and couples through fertility assessment, preconception counselling, IVF pathways and reproductive health decisions. Laura’s style is gentle and clear, with a focus on supporting patients as they work through information and next steps.
With a background in community general practice and broad medical experience across Australia and the United Kingdom, Laura brings a practical and reassuring perspective to consultations. She enjoys helping patients understand their options and make informed decisions at their own pace.
Dr Laura consults with all Akoya fertility patients to provide advice in optimising both female and male fertility, and to ensure a complete fertility workup prior to specialist doctor assessments and treatments.
Outside of work, Laura is usually happiest in the garden with her two children, embracing creative and often messy projects, or challenging herself in a dance class.
“I know fertility care can sometimes feel like a lot to take in. I’m passionate about creating a calm, supportive space where your questions are welcome and your concerns are heard
Angela
Registered Midwife
Knowledgeable, caring and empowering, Ang supports women and families with warmth, guidance and respect. Ang has a disarming natural ease about her with an innate ability to help women and families feel comfortable, reassured and heard. Her family-centred approach helps patients feel confident in making decisions that are right for them and their loved ones. As a Registered Nurse since 2006 and Midwife since 2009, Ang brings many years of experience and a deep commitment to supporting women, newborns and families. With postgraduate study at Masters level, Ang’s practice is centred on providing women and family-centred care that is warm, respectful and individualised.
“I love providing knowledge and guidance to help clients feel empowered to make decisions that are right for them and their family. Supporting families through pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period is a privilege, and watching families grow and welcome new little loves is one of the greatest highlights of my career.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, hiking and cooking. I look forward to welcoming you to the clinic and supporting you with care, knowledge and kindness throughout your journey.”
Nicci
Endorsed Midwife
Nicci is warm, confident and relationship-focused. Her thoughtful and individualised approach helps each person feel supported in a way that is right for them. After completing a Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Queensland, followed by Midwifery Nicci attained her Endorsement through Griffith University, Nicci has been fortunate to work across a variety of clinical areas at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane. For the past 8 years, Nicci’s clinical speciality has been within Birth Suite, the Pregnancy Assessment Centre and operating theatres.
“I have a strong passion for working in the private sector within a continuity of care model, where I can build meaningful relationships with women and their families throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. I recognise pregnancy and birth as an incredibly precious time in people’s lives, and I feel privileged to be a small part of each family’s journey.
My approach is gentle, individualised and supportive, meeting each person where it best fits for them. I love being part of the dynamic and supportive team here at Akoya and value working alongside others who are so committed to providing warm, thoughtful and personalised care. I value building meaningful connections with women and their families throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Outside of work, I love spending time at the beach with my family and being a doting aunty. I look forward to welcoming you to the clinic and supporting you with kindness, reassurance and care throughout your journey.”
Paula
Endorsed Midwife
Compassionate, grounded and deeply experienced, Paula provides calm and nurturing support through fertility, pregnancy, birth and loss. Her gentle and empathetic approach helps families feel held, understood and cared for during some of life’s most meaningful and tender moments. Paula is a Registered Nurse and Endorsed Midwife with more than 23 years of experience supporting women and families across fertility care, pregnancy and birth.
As an experienced Fertility Nurse, Paula also supports individuals and families through their unique journeys to parenthood.
“I am especially passionate about caring for families experiencing stillbirth, pregnancy loss and pregnancy after loss, offering compassionate guidance during some of the most tender and challenging times in their lives. I value providing calm, thoughtful and personalised care, and I feel privileged to walk alongside patients through such meaningful stages of life.
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active through the gym, Pilates and hiking, as well as catching live music whenever she can. Most of all, I treasure time with family and friends who bring me energy and joy. As a proud mum of three children, aged 12 to 22, I understand the beautiful busyness of family life and have a focus of bringing plenty of warmth, resilience and connection to everything that I do.”
Sam
Endorsed Midwife
Sam exudes a thoughtful and gentle approach to patient care. She is reassuring and naturally calming, with a warm presence that helps women and families feel comfortable and at ease. She is passionate about providing informed, respectful and individualised care, ensuring every patient feels heard, valued and supported throughout their journey. Prior to joining Akoya, Sam worked at Mater Mothers’ Hospital for more than 11 years across both the private and public sectors, with much of her experience in Birth Suite and the Pregnancy Assessment Centre. Sam recently obtained her midwifery endorsement and joined the Akoya Health team as an Endorsed Midwife, while continuing to work between Akoya Health and Mater Mothers’ Hospital.
“What I enjoy most about working at Akoya is the opportunity to provide the kind of care I passionately believe every woman and family deserves — care that is informed, intentional and tailored to each individual. I feel privileged to support patients through such meaningful stages of life and to help them feel heard, respected and cared for throughout their journey from pregnancy, birth to beyond.
Outside of work, I am in my own season of motherhood with three young children. With a Sri Lankan background, I naturally enjoy good food, good fashion and travel. I look forward to welcoming you to the clinic and supporting you with warmth, understanding and individualised care.”
Bayleigh
Administration Coordinator
With a Certificate III in Individual Support specialising in Aged and Disability care, and 10 years’ experience in specialist medical practice settings, Bayleigh brings a warm, compassionate and deeply patient-focused approach to her role. Her background spans mental health, cancer care, obstetrics, gynaecology and fertility, giving her a strong understanding of the importance of sensitive, supportive care during some of life’s most significant and emotional moments.
Bayleigh’s deeply patient-focused approach is immediately evident.
Bayleigh brings a calm, respectful and supportive presence to every interaction.
Her caring nature helps patients feel welcomed, reassured and genuinely looked after from the moment they contact the clinic.
Bayleigh also plays an important role in leading our secretarial team, supporting a collaborative and organised environment that helps both patients and clinicians feel well cared for.
“What I love most about working with our patients is being able to help them feel welcomed, supported and cared for from their very first interaction with the clinic. I feel privileged to support patients throughout their healthcare journey and to play a part in creating a calm, reassuring and positive experience. Outside of work, I enjoy running, Pilates and spending time outdoors. I also love quality time with my family, friends and my two golden retrievers.
I look forward to welcoming you to the clinic and helping you feel supported every step of the way.”
Hannah
Medical Secretary
With a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland, majoring in Accounting, Commercial Law and Criminology, Hannah is bright, authentic to the core and her enthusiasm is boundless. She brings warmth and positivity to her role while helping patients feel welcomed and supported. Organised, reliable and detail-oriented, Hannah combines strong administrative skills with a genuine interest in people, making her a valued part of both the patient experience and our wider team.
Prior to joining the team, Hannah worked as a dedicated accounting and finance assistant, where she developed a strong eye for detail and a passion for efficient, well-organised systems.
Her experience at Queensland Fertility Group helped her become well-versed in managing the day-to-day tasks that keep a busy medical practice running smoothly.
“I enjoy taking initiative, completing tasks efficiently and working closely with the team to help provide the best possible patient experience. What I love most about my role is being able to provide excellent service to patients and support them throughout their journey from start to finish. I am passionate about creating a welcoming, organised and supportive experience, and I feel privileged to play a part in each patient’s care.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends, trying new restaurants and working out at the gym. I look forward to welcoming you to the clinic and helping make your experience as smooth, positive and supported as possible”.
Olivia
Medical Secretary
Olivia is gentle, approachable and caring, bringing a warm and quietly confident presence to both patients and the wider clinic team. With a strong interest in obstetrics, she especially values supporting patients throughout their pregnancy journey and helping them feel comfortable, informed and cared for during each visit. With a Certificate in Pathology Collection and 6 years’ experience in specialist medical reception, Olivia also has 4 years’ experience as a clinical assistant in pregnancy and gynaecology-related care, including bloods, results and procedures.
“What I love most about working in women’s health is the warmth of the industry and being able to support patients throughout their pregnancy, fertility and gynaecology journeys. It is a privilege to be part of a team that helps patients feel welcomed, cared for and supported during such important stages of their lives.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, my two cats, Tulip and Shelby, and relaxing with cross stitching. I look forward to welcoming you to the clinic and helping make your experience feel warm, comfortable and supported.”
Rylee
Medical Secretary
With a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Honours research in pregnancy and development through UQ and Mater Research, Rylee brings a strong interest in women’s health, fertility and patient care to her role. Rylee began working in administration with QFG in August 2023 and became part of the Akoya team full-time in 2025. Curious, enthusiastic and warm-hearted, Rylee brings a genuine love of learning and patient connection to her role. With her infectious smile and bright, positive energy, she has a beautiful way of lighting up the room and helping patients feel welcomed, cared for and at ease.
“One of the things I love most about my role is the opportunity to learn from our doctors, who are wonderful role models. I feel very fortunate to work with such beautiful patients and to witness the continuity of care provided across fertility, obstetrics and gynaecology. It is especially heartwarming to see patients through their fertility journey, celebrate when they fall pregnant, and then continue to support them throughout pregnancy. Postnatal appointments are always a favourite, especially when we get to meet the gorgeous new babies. Outside of work, I love spending time with my golden retriever, Rocky, going to hot Pilates, heading to the beach and catching up with friends. I look forward to welcoming you to the clinic and helping make your experience feel warm, supported and cared for. I feel so lucky to be part of each patient’s journey and look forward to helping make every visit feel welcoming, supported and positive.”
Lisa
Practice Manager
Team-focused, encouraging and naturally collaborative, Lisa is passionate about supporting our dedicated team to grow, thrive and provide exceptional patient care. With more than 20 years’ experience in the medical space, including 15 years across leadership roles such as Practice Manager, Business Development Manager and Regional Operations Manager, Lisa brings a broad understanding of specialist practice and the importance of compassionate, well-coordinated care.
Her experience spans ENT head and neck surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, veteran healthcare and women’s cancer care. Alongside her Diploma of Practice Management, Lisa holds Certified Practice Manager accreditation, Fellowship with the Australian Association of Practice Management, and is a Practice Manager Affiliate of AMA Queensland.
“What I love most about my role is supporting both our incredible team and our wonderful patients. I am proud to help create an environment where education, collaboration and continuous improvement are valued, and where patients feel instantly welcomed, safe and genuinely cared for.
Outside of work, I enjoy nutrition and fitness, spending time with my family and pup, and exploring this amazing, expansive natural world.”
Charities we support
