OUR TEAM

Dr. Choppy Somjee’s therapeutic approach to the rehabilitation of sports injuries is based on the understanding that the body possesses an innate self-healing system.

A registered Osteopath, Choppy completed his Masters in Osteopathy at Southern Cross University, alongside an undergraduate degree in biomedical physiology. This education in manual therapy is coupled with a background in strength and conditioning, and used to effectively prescribe exercise and rehabilitation strategies tailored to the individual.

Choppy remains passionate about transitioning clients from the treatment room to their natural playing environment. He works with anyone who wishes to improve their mobility and function, integrating different manual therapy techniques into his treatments, to allow the body to support its own healing.

Dr Alexander Dawson is a Byron Bay local who completed his Masters of Osteopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University. For Alex, becoming an osteopath finalises a long journey of learning about human structure and function, as well as holistic health modalities.

His osteopathic studies have been complemented by both his training as a yoga teacher, and an undergraduate degree with honours in philosophy from the University of Sydney. It’s the culmination of these experiences which continue to influence and enhance Alex’s clinical reasoning and manual therapy skills.

Comfortable performing both direct and indirect manual therapy modalities, in combination with exercise and rehabilitation advice, Alex is devoted to providing comprehensive support to guide clients on their health journey.

Marco is qualified and registered osteopath who has made a new home for himself in the Byron Bay community. His treatments combine his knowledge from formal university eduction with a diverse background in physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation.

A variety of different manual therapy techniques are woven into Marco’s treatments, but he maintains a special interest in biodynamic osteopathy in particular. This approach recognises that the embryological forces (those that create the embryo) are also the forces of growth and development and the sustaining restorative forces through life.

In the beginning of 2019, Annabel completed her first massage training, through a short course as part of her Osteopathy degree, this incited a deep fascination with the human body and the benefits of manual therapy. She has been a yoga and Pilates teacher for near to a decade and wanted to take the next step in facilitating and empowering others towards their own healing. 

Annabel’s connection to her clients is inclusive, nurturing and intuitive. She aims to provide a space for healing and expansiveness through her growing osteopathy and massage knowledge. She has since completed a full body massage certification, Shiastsu training, pregnancy massage, cupping and many external Osteopathic massage short courses. 

She aims to empowering you physically and mentally, integrating breath, body and movement, connecting the elements and in doing so calming the body and mind. Mindfulness and self-inquiry are interwoven in her treatments to help you become proactive in your own healing.

She will help you feel lightness and joy in your own body and mind, in the hope that you leave feeling like there are sunbeams shining out of your cells and greater freedom in your mind.

Passion for the role of movement and breathing in overall health and vitality led Mercedes Herranz to the holistic health space and massage therapy in particular.

She likes to arm her patients with the tools needed to achieve optimum health inside and outside of the treatment room, taking a deep dive into each patient’s history and lifestyle to identify the root of the problem. It’s from there that she can treat each individual, interweaving into each session her interest in Chinese medicine, kinesiology, acutonics and myofascial release, alongside her experience as a yoga and Qi Gong teacher.

Jiayen Nomchong, a Master’s graduate in Nutrition and Dietetic Practice and an Accredited Practising Dietitian, also holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy and a Bachelor of Clinical Science in Human Nutrition.

Jiayen provides holistic care by integrating these modalities, offering personalised treatment plans. Specialising in gut health and nervous system functions, Jiayen works with a diverse clientele, including individuals with disabilities and complex medical conditions, to enhance overall well-being.

Louise has spent the past decade working as a developmental coach, facilitating the inner freedom of her clients through identifying what’s been holding them back.

Her style of intentionally disruptive coaching  empowers her clients, encouraging a new awareness in their behaviour – reframing un-resourceful thinking and shifting old patterns in the process.

Having previously worked as the in-house coach for five star health retreat, The Golden Door (now Elysia Wellness Retreat), Louise also consults as an executive and leadership coach at: The Design Coach, New Beginnings, The Coaching Room and Select Wellness. Today Louise focuses on 1:1 and Group Developmental coaching programs, incorporating The Enneagram (personality profiling tool). She also facilitates regular retreats and workshops across the Northern Rivers and Central Coast NSW regions.

Kate began her massage therapy journey in 2010, earning a 3000-hour diploma of remedial massage on Vancouver Island. With extensive training in human anatomy, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice.

Returning to her hometown in West Kootenay’s, British Columbia, Kate immersed herself in snowboarding and yoga, enhancing her skills with a 200-hour yoga teacher training.

For seven years, Kate treated thousands of clients, gaining experience in chronic and acute injuries alongside a chiropractor and at a remote ski lodge. Now based in Byron Bay, she specialises in pre and postnatal massage, supporting women through pregnancy.

With expertise in myofascial release, trigger point release, lymphatic drainage, muscle stripping, deep tissue, sports and pregnancy massage, Kate creates a sanctuary for healing where you can come to relax and find alignment. When not with her family, she enjoys surfing and fostering a balanced lifestyle that she also encourages in her clients.

The welcoming committee for BoMI clients, Zoy is the resident practice coordinator. With more than 10 years in the health and wellbeing industry under her belt, she takes great pride in the friendly service offered by herself and the team. Zoy also remains committed to making sure that visitors get the most out of their wellbeing experience at BoMI, exploring health goals and tailoring appointment schedules to the individual and their lifestyle.

With over 16 years of experience in the therapeutic and healing arts, Patrick Hanly is a highly skilled holistic wellness practitioner dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their bodies, minds, and spirits. His expertise includes remedial massage, zenthaishiatsu, yoga, reiki and meditation. He blends structural and energetic healing techniques with mindfulness practices for transformative results. Patrick holds a Diploma in Remedial Massage, 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training, and certification in Zenthaishiatsu Therapy. He has also taught Zenthaishiatsu, yoga, and meditation in Thailand, inspiring students to explore alignment, energy flow, and self-awareness. Guided by sensitivity and intuition, Patrick tailors treatments and teachings to address physical, emotional, and energetic needs, fostering long-term healing and balance.