| World-class and highly qualified professionals make up the Gunnebah team.
Led by Doctor Jennifer Parer, the goal of the Gunnebah team is to provide the latest evidence-based world’s best practice addiction treatment methods to break addictions and replace them with good physical and mental health and provide the tools for permanent recovery. (Read more about our method and our program). Our Team |
 Dr Jennifer Parer, MBBS, FRACGP, DipRACOG – Medical DirectorBachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, Diploma of Obstetrics, Fellow of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Dr Jennifer Parer is a General Practitioner on the Gold Coast with 26 years experience and special interests in mental health, addiction medicine, women’s health and preventative health care. She has an honours degree in Medicine, a diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and is a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. She visits clients twice weekly or as needed providing general and mental health care. See Jennifer talk about health at Gunnebah. |
 Warwick Parer, LLB – Managing DirectorBachelor of Laws, Solicitor Supreme Court Queensland, Captain Australian Army Reserve Warwick practised law for 14 years before moving into the world of business where his involvements ranged from Ship Repair to Retail, Manufacturing, Property Development and Financial Management. Warwick has always had a passion for exercise and nutrition and through this has developed a strong belief in holistic wellness which is a core belief in the Gunnebah philosophy. Outside work he is the proud father of six children and was also a Captain in the Australian Army Reserve. See Warwick talk about the background to Gunnebah. |
 Madelyn Cox, BPsy, DipHyp – TherapistBachelor of Psychological Science, Diploma Clinical Hypnotherapy Madelyn comes from a background of supporting marginalised people to cope with the now, motivate for the future and reconnect with the community. Her recent program in private practice focused on long term weight-control issues and offered therapeutic support to those seeking to delve into early life experiences to repair self-esteem, whilst instilling methods of practical behavioural change. Madelyn incorporates hypnotherapy into her work to assist in accessing the beliefs found in the subconscious mind to build healthy thought processes. She advocates a mindful relation to nature, our higher purpose and human connection in the journey to recovery from addiction. Madelyn utilises Cognitive Behavioural therapy and, Motivational Interviewing and Motivation Enhancement Technique in everyday practice and is also a certified SMART facilitator. |
 Sheila Murray BHSc, ADipAT, ADipNNHM, DipTeach, MCouns&PsychTh (2021) – TherapistBachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), Narrative therapies Level 1, Advanced Diploma of Art Therapy, Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy, Nutrition and Herbal Medicine, Diploma of Teaching, Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy (2021) Sheila has a broad range of talents and experience and a broad role at Gunnebah. Apart from therapy, she also makes sure guests are comfortable and safe at night and conducts art therapy sessions as another tool to support guest processes. Sheila is passionate about helping people find their way towards living their best lives. She is currently completing a Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy. In her spare time she enjoys walking, yoga and writing. |
 Ana Almagro, BSc (Hons),MProfPsych, MClinPsych, CertYT – PsychologistBachelor of Psychological Science, Master of Professional Psychology, Master of Clinical Psychology, Certificate in Yoga Teaching As a registered psychologist, Ana has been supporting people to deal with addiction since 2015. She utilises a range of approaches in her practice and is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trauma therapy. EMDR allows individuals to move through painful past events which may be affecting their current wellbeing. Ana is particularly interested in interpersonal relationships and has trained in the Gottman method of relationship therapy. As a qualified yoga teacher, Ana also works with clients to support the integration of mind and body in recovery. When she is not working, Ana enjoys yoga, kickboxing, the beach, scuba diving, snorkelling and travelling as much as possible. |
 Trinity Parer BBA, DipBus, Dip AOD – Administration ManagerBachelor of Business, Diploma of Business, Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs Trinity has been working as a part of the admin team since we opened our doors in 2017. Since she finished her Bachelor in Business management in 2018, she has been full time as the administration manager. Trinity has also completed her Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs in 2020, which has helped her gain a better understanding of guest needs. She has a passion for healthy living through fitness and nutrition which she enjoys sharing with guests. In her spare time she breeds border collies and the puppies are a special treat when they make a visit to work |
 Danielle Small, AVNAT, Cert IV Vet N – Administration AssistantCertificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing Danielle spent four years as a qualified veterinary nurse and technician. A positive change of scenery caused Danielle to recognise her passion for Mental health, make a move to Gunnebah and begin studying to become a mental health support worker. She is passionate about helping people and seeing them make a positive change in their lives. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys drawing, camping, and the company of her family and her dog. |
 Helen Boland – CookCertified Food Preparation Supervisor, Cert. IV Enterprise Management Helen has a wealth of experience encompassing restaurant management, meals preparation, and retail & business management. People-centric, married to a design consultant and having two designer sons, her work is influenced by the concept of design excellence. Together with a passion for the authentic country lifestyle and a preference for natural, organic produce, Helen is inspired to design & prepare meals which excite the taste buds, stimulate good health & wellness, and which unite the Gunnebah team & guests as extended family. |
 Mark Miller – CookMark has over 18 years of experience working in high-pressure environments running kitchens and restaurants in three countries. Fresh food has always been his passion. Being in addiction recovery himself, Mark understands the importance of healthy eating but also knows that healthy can be delicious. Marks enjoys using his recovery experience to help him connect with our guests and showing them how life in recovery can be great. In his spare time, Mark enjoys exercising, yoga and fishing. |
 Christopher Gibbings MSA, MEd, BSc, CertP, CertTD – Manager Strategic SystemsMaster of Social Administration, Master of Education (Pastoral Guidance), Bachelor of Science, Permaculture Design Certificate, Certificate in Training and Development Chris has 20 years of experience in community development, permaculture design and Information Technology. He has established a successful ecovillage and for ten years was a Director of the Association for Sustainable Communities as well as a Vision Councillor for the Global Ecovillage Network Oceania and Asia. A former Community Development Coordinator for Brisbane City Council and Red Cross international worker, Chris has led numerous homelessness and refugee projects. Together, Chris and Warwick spent an intense 20 months setting up Gunnebah as a rehab. Now, Chris is catching his breath and working part-time, with a focus on effective systems and processes to help Gunnebah thrive. In his spare time, he paraglides, is learning to surf, meditates, dances salsa and goes on extremely long hikes. See Chris talk about our location and facilities. |
 Lauren Thomas, DipFit – Fitness CoachDiploma in Fitness Lauren has been running a successful training facility in Murwillumbah since 2015. She designs functional fitness programs with an emphasis on offering a comfortable, fun training environment for clients of all ages and abilities. In the 2019 Tweed Shire Business Excellence Awards, Lauren was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year and was also a finalist in three other categories. When she is not encouraging clients to “drop and give me ten!” Lauren loves to spend time with her young family, hanging out in the beautiful creeks and swimming holes in the area. |
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Now that you know some of our team, take a look at our method and our program or contact us to find out more. |
The program is informed and sophisticated but for me it is the passion and enthusiasm in each member of the team that makes the place truly exceptional. I have heard more than a few horror stories about rehabs in Australia and I consider myself extremely lucky to have found Gunnebah. ~ Felix M.