Our

Medical Receptionist

Sarah Abelha

Sarah joined the Western Obstetrics team in 2021 whilst completing her honours degree at UWA, which investigated women’s experiences establishing breastfeeding following Caesarean birth, under the supervision of our very own Dr Sharon Perrella.

Prior to this, Sarah completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with a major in Pharmacology and has now completed her Honours in Medical Research degree, where she graduated with first class honours.

Sarah loves working at Western Obstetrics and especially loves newborn snuggles during six week checks and helping distract babies during their vaccines.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending her time at the beach, listening to Drake and travelling!

Psychologist

Melissa Baunton

Melissa Baunton completed her Bachelor of Psychology at Murdoch University in 2006. She is a registered psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working with individuals and couples and is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for all her clients; walking alongside them through whatever challenges they may be facing. She has practiced in both the private and public sector where the majority of her work has been focused on significant life events and the impact of these on mental and emotional wellbeing and the individuals’ capacity to cope.

Melissa was drawn to working in the perinatal space following her own challenges with conception and the impact that this had on her adjustment to parenting following the birth of her son. As such she is incredibly passionate about helping to normalise the variety of emotional responses and reactions that can be experienced during conception, pregnancy, birth and beyond and to help others navigate these experiences with self-compassion, insight and confidence in their abilities as a parent.

In addition to her work at Western Obstetrics, Melissa is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors’ Association (ANZICA) and the senior counsellor at Fertility Specialists of Western Australia providing psychological support to individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatment including those exploring alternative pathways to parenthood through donor conception.

For more information on Melissa, please click here. 

GP Obstetrician

Dr Katherine Comparti

Dr Katherine Comparti is a GP Obstetrician, with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Western Australia, and Fellowship of the Australian College of Remote and Rural Medicine through WAGPET. Kath completed her obstetrics and gynaecology training at King Edward Memorial Hospital and Osborne Park Hospital.

Kath has spent 7 years in rural general practice in Narrogin, including emergency, ward admissions, skin procedures and obstetrics. In addition, Kath has 4 years experience in Perth tertiary hospitals, gaining experience in paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, emergency medicine, ENT, trauma, geriatrics, general medicine, general surgery, orthopaedics, ICU and plastic surgery.

Kath has recently moved back to Perth from Narrogin to spend time with her family. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her 2 dogs, and enjoys the outdoors and playing sports.

Why do you do Obstetrics?

Being part of a birth is a privilege. I enjoy following my patients through such an exciting journey and providing great continuity of care as their children grow up.

What is your birth philosophy?

I pride myself on assisting my patients to navigate the birth of their children in a safe environment which fulfils their birth plan. The health and safety of mum and baby is also important to me, as well as maternal satisfaction and providing an inclusive service, which is why I am happy to be part of Western Obstetrics.

What gives you joy?

Spending time with my family and my pets. 

Midwife

Erin Connolly

What led you to a career in midwifery?

I trained to become a midwife in Ireland after having my first baby, where the continuity of care that I received made a huge impact in having a positive birth experience. 

What is your birth philosophy?

Having a baby is such a wonderful life changing experience. The potential for individual growth is colossal. I believe that women should feel empowered and supported to make informed decisions for themselves and their families and that this is the crux of maternity care. 

What is the most rewarding part of being a midwife?

As a midwife I am in a privileged position as I get to bear witness to a woman becoming a mother and a couple becoming parents. 

What attracted you to be part of Western Obstetrics?

I was drawn to work with Western Obstetrics as I feel that the entire team share the same vision off what is important in maternity care. 

Medical Receptionist

Kathy Craig

Kathy Craig comes to Western Obstetrics with 5 years of experience in administration. Prior to this, she worked as a retail manager for 20 years. During this time Kathy also undertook training in medical terminology.

Outside of work Kathy enjoys spending time with her 4 sons and 5 grandchildren. She also enjoys traveling and spending time in the outdoors.

Endorsed Midwife

Steph Emmons

Stephanie Emmons finished her nursing degree in 2013 prior to working at Royal Perth Hospital for 3 years. During this time she also studied midwifery through ECU, completing her training at King Edward Memorial Hospital. Since 2017, Stephanie has been working at St John of God Hospital in Midland in all areas of maternity; labour and birth, antenatal, postnatal care and the neonatal nursery. Over the past few years she has also volunteered as a nurse with Canteen, the children’s cancer support foundation, and did a small stint in Africa in 2019 volunteering as a midwife educator. After having her own child in 2020, Stephanie’s passion grew for educating and supporting women through this amazing but challenging transition in their life.

What led you to a career in midwifery?

I’ve always wanted to be in a career that helps people. So I started studying nursing and as I learnt more about the different fields in nursing and what being a midwife was about, I knew that was the career for me. It is such a privilege to be there for women in such a significant and amazing part of their life. I couldn’t imagine doing any other job.

What is your birth philosophy?

I believe every woman has a right to choices and knowledge. Part of our role as a midwife is to educate women and families about the choices available to them, and to help them achieve the birth they always have hoped for.

What is the most rewarding part of being a midwife?

It’s so rewarding to be able to be that support for new mums and dads and to have that family put their complete trust in you in caring for their most special bundle of joy, just makes being a midwife the best job in the world.

What attracted you to be part of Western Obstetrics?

I love how Western Obstetrics offers a continuity model of care. To be able to be there for the woman during her pregnancy, then to see them with their beautiful baby after the birth is very special.

Medical Receptionist

Jenny George

Jenny is the our wonderful Rockingham clinic receptionist, greeting you with her warm and welcoming smile. She has worked in the medical field for over 20 years in various roles including receptionist, senior receptionist, 2IC and medical screener and is also trained in some areas of occupational health. Interestingly, she started working with a GP Obstetrician. Jenny has seen so many changes over the years working for small practices through to large clinics.  

Jenny was born in KEMH in Subiaco and considers herself WA born and bred, as they say. She lives local to the Rockingham area and is excited to see just how far Western Obstetrics goes and to be a part of that. She feels that there is no greater journey in life than being a parent, and being able to watch families be created at Western Obstetrics is a great honour. 

Outside of work, Jenny loves to entertain with friends, gardening and reading.

Endorsed Midwife

Holly Jones

Holly Jones is a registered nurse and midwife with 9 years experience in the field. She studied her Bachelor of Nursing at Curtin University before going on to complete her Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery in 2012. After graduating from university, Holly has spent a majority of her time providing midwifery services in remote Western Australia including; Kalgoorlie, Leonora, Karratha, Hedland, Geraldton and Northam. During this time, Holly has also worked at Armadale Health Service for 2 years. Here she worked as a Registered Midwife on the maternity ward for the first 18 months providing antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care and home visiting services, before moving to work within the Midwifery Group Practice for 6 months, providing comprehensive and holistic midwifery care in a moderate-risk metropolitan hospital. Holly continues to expand her training and is currently studying her Masters of Primary Maternity Care. Holly is dedicated to providing women-centred care.

What led you to a career in midwifery?

I first wanted to become an RFDS flight nurse, and started my midwifery training in the wild west of Kalgoorlie. At my first birth, I was hooked! Being a midwife is all I’ve ever wanted to do since, I love seeing families transition to add a new member to their family, and being able to support that precious time in life is just such a privilege.

What is your birth philosophy?

I believe that if someone is truly aware of all their choices and what each of them means, and has been supported in the ways they need to be as an individual, then they will make the decisions that work best for them, and have a positive and respectful birth. This is what I’m working towards with every piece of care I provide!

What is the most rewarding part of being a midwife?

Seeing one of the parents overjoyed about a moment of transformation – whether it’s the mum yelling “I did it!” as her baby is born, or the partner having a lightbulb moment about how baby snuggles really do fix everything. When I see that, I feel over the moon with how privileged I am that I get to be a witness to that moment.

What attracted you to be part of Western Obstetrics?

Their ethos of respectful and individualised care really drew me in, and when I walked into the clinic for my interview I just felt like I was where I needed to be. Everyone is friendly, helpful and there to support each other while keeping the clients the focus of their care.

GP Obstetrician

Dr Julia Marcello

Dr Julia Marcello completed her training at the University of Western Australia. She graduated with honours and went on to complete her training as a GP Obstetrician through King Edward Memorial Hospital. Julia has had over 10 years experience working in both metropolitan and rural areas within Western Australia, practising Women and Infants Health and General Family Medicine. After training at King Edward she completed her General Practice training in Perth. She spent time training and then later working in Kalamunda Mead Medical, Bentley Hospital, Joondalup Hospital and in the coastal suburb of Trigg. She has also spent time working in Port Headland doing locum work.

Why do you do obstetrics?

It is such a privilege and an honour to help families navigate pregnancy, the birth of their child and then the reality of life as a parent. To help people through the most joyous and sometimes the most challenging time in their life, is the reason I became a doctor.

What is your birth philosophy?

I try to keep my philosophy very simple – a healthy mum and a healthy baby. An individualised, patient-centred approach – where all patients (both mum and baby) are safe, is how I confidently practise obstetrics.

Obstetrics is an area of medicine where things can sometimes change in an instant. Practising obstetrics in 2023 – I firmly believe in empowering my families with the ability to adapt to an ever-changing situation. I encourage my families to keep an open mind. With these core principles everyone stays safe and happy and healthy. At Western Obstetrics we have created a village of support for families. This support empowers families with knowledge and comfort that they are not alone on their perinatal journey. This support allows our team to care for families, provide excellent continuity of care, and support their individual birth philosophy in the best way possible

What gives you joy?

In my vocation as a GP Obstetrician I love seeing the smiles…. The first scan when families hear the heartbeat, the partner’s smile when the baby comes out, the couple that have been trying to get pregnant for 10 years and finally it happens, the mum that has been expressing for 2 months who finally manages to stop expressing, the smile from the mum that has transitioned to formula feeding to prioritise her mental health (because breastfeeding can be really, really hard). There are so many smiles in my job that bring me joy. Assisting families through the journey of parenthood is truly a privilege.

In day- to-day life as a mother of two beautiful little people, my family bring me so much joy. Watching my children grow up to be kind little humans with empathy, a sense of adventure and enjoying nature is what make me happy. We all enjoy anything in, or on the ocean – surfing, kite-surfing, watching sunsets, snorkelling, dog beach treks and building sand castles. I feel grateful to have that joy in my life.

Operations Manager

Sharon Moyser

Sharon is our Operations Manager and currently looks after our three locations at Balcatta, Midland and Rockingham. She has worked in various medical services across Perth and has operations experience in a variety of areas including, General Practice, Occupational Health, Travel medicine, Visa immigration, Sports medicine and now Maternity services. Her various roles have seen her travel and work across Australia and to many remote/regional locations in our Pilbara region.

Sharon loves the challenge of growing Western Obstetrics and enjoys working alongside the great team we have here at Western Obstetrics and meeting all the new additions that have become our Western Obstetrics Community. The highlight has been fitting out and opening the new clinic in Balcatta in May 2021 along with the pursuit of offering new services across the 3 locations.

In her spare time, Sharon loves to travel and has taken advantage of our beautiful state, taking long weekend escapes when she can.  

Medical Receptionist

Danni Newcombe

Danni Newcombe is a proud parent to two energetic boys, aged 4 and 18 months, keeping life full of laughter (and a bit of chaos!). With over 16 years of pharmacy experience and time spent in a GP setting, she knows her way around healthcare. Dani has had adventures living in both Thailand and the remote beauty of Christmas Island, adding some global flair to her life story. When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you’ll find her listening to music, getting lost in a good book, or soaking up family time.

Endorsed Midwife

Claire Oldfield

Claire Oldfield is an experienced Midwife, having worked at a tertiary maternity hospital for the past 20 years and more recently as an Endorsed Midwife in GP clinics around Perth.

Over the years she has trained as a Naturopath, Registered Nurse and Midwife, and has a passion for women-centred care from pregnancy through to the postnatal period.

Claire believes that all women and their families deserve to experience a close relationship with their midwife throughout their unique journey and having one to one midwifery lead care enables couples to feel safe, nurtured and informed during an exciting yet sometimes confusing time.

Claire enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, children and dog as well as going to the beach, bushwalking, meditation, breathwork and Pilates.

What led you to a career in midwifery?

I did work experience at 15 years old at Woodside Hospital in Fremantle, where I saw my first birth! I loved the experience and just knew this was my calling!

What is your birth philosophy?

That women should feel supported and empowered to make the right choices for their birth, their body, their baby and their family. Each woman will have individual birth preferences and it is my job as a midwife to educate her on her options and support her decisions.

What is the most rewarding part of being a midwife?

Getting to know women and their families from the beginning of their pregnancies all the way through to after the birth, sharing their journey to motherhood and meeting their beautiful babies at the end. It is such a privilege to be a part of.

What attracted you to be part of Western Obstetrics?

I love the collaborative approach to maternity care. Women require holistic care and Western Obstetrics offers this by looking after their bodies, minds, spirits and babies!

Endorsed Midwife

Danielle Ovens

What led you to a career in midwifery?

I began my career as a paediatric nurse, but always found myself drawn to families with young babies and talking to them about their birth and transition to parenthood. It was then I realised I was passionate about caring for families during their lifechanging time, and wanted to help make pregnancy, birth and early parenting an empowering experience, which sets up a family for success. 

What is your birth philosophy?

I believe that all women deserve evidence-based midwifery care, delivered with compassion, which empowers them to make choices that feel right to their individual circumstances. After having my own baby, I witnessed the immense physical, mental, emotional and relationship changes that can come with this transition and believe that women and families can thrive in this time with the right support. I am passionate about physiological birth, but support women to make informed choices which feel good for them, their baby and their families. 

What is the most rewarding part of being a midwife?

I love getting to know women and their families through out pregnancy and sharing this transformative journey. I enjoy being able to guide women to navigating the changes, and seeing the joy that can come from welcoming a new baby. 

What attracted you to be part of Western Obstetrics?

I believe that continuity of care models, like that provided through Western Obstetrics, fosters the best outcomes for women and bring great satisfaction to midwives. 

Lactation Consultant

Sharon Perrella

Sharon Perrella is registered nurse and midwife with postgraduate qualifications in neonatal intensive care nursing and child, adolescent and family health nursing, a MSc, and a PhD completed with the Geddes Hartmann Human Lactation Research team at UWA. Sharon has also completed Neurodevelopmental Care (NDC) training and is an accredited NDC practitioner.

Sharon has previously completed the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) voluntary breastfeeding counsellor training, and served as a volunteer counsellor and group leader for several years.

Sharon has clinical experience in paediatric, midwifery and child health nursing, with over 15 years in neonatal intensive care nursing at KEMH. I have 10 years of experience as an IBCLC in private practice, and 3 years working within a mutlidisciplinary team as an IBCLC at One for Women. Her community experience related to her role as lactation consultant includes that of a voluntary breastfeeding counsellor, providing individual counselling, group information and education sessions, and outreach activities within the community.

Sharon has completed 7 years as a post doctoral researcher at UWA, and regularly lectures and presents to post grad nursing and health students as well as midwives and other health care providers.

Sharon is married with 3 teenage kids and a very energetic dog, and outside of work loves watching her kids play sport, go for bush walks, and cook!

General Practitioner | Lactation

Dr Amy Powles

Dr Amy Powles is a General Practitioner with a special interest in lactation medicine, and part of the amazing lactation team at Western Obstetrics.

Amy completed her medical degree at the University of Western Australia in 2009. After graduating she worked at various hospitals in WA, including 18 months working in Paediatrics at both Joondalup Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital. At this time Amy discovered a love of working in child health and went on to complete her Diploma of Child Health. Subsequently Amy obtained her Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners while working in the northern suburbs of Perth.

Amy has a special interest in infant and child health and enjoys providing holistic health care for children and families. Amy is passionate about supporting breastfeeding within the community and in helping mothers and babies with breastfeeding difficulties. Amy is working towards her International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) qualification.

Outside of work Amy enjoys spending time with her family and being a mum to two young daughters. When she gets the rare moment to herself she loves to exercise or read.

GP Obstetrician

Dr Stuart Prosser

Stuart has worked as a Procedural General Practitioner, practising both Anaesthetics and Obstetrics, for over 15 years. During his initial General Practice training he completed his Advanced Diploma in Obstetrics and his JCCA in Anaesthetics. Throughout this period, Stuart has continually focused on enhancing the patient experience.

Stuart has completed a Master in Medicine, with a focus on perioperative medicine and health care systems and leadership. He has also recently completed a Master of Business Administration through the University of Melbourne. Stuart has a long standing commitment to ongoing education, he currently holds an associate professor teaching role at Curtin University.

While keenly interested in antenatal care, Stuart also has experience in early pregnancy management (including initial ultrasound) and management of early pregnancy problems (including bleeding and morning sickness). Stuart has a particular interest in the postnatal period and manages all aspects including mental health issues, irritable babies (including sleeping issues), poor weight gain for your baby and any concerns about your recovery after child birth. Stuart also believes partners are a very important, and often ignored, part of the adjustment to parenthood. As such he has a particular interest in partner’s adjustment to parenthood and partner mental health issues. 

Why do you do Obstetrics?

Being part of a patients pregnancy journey is a joy. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing patients successfully navigate the initial journey into parenthood.

What is your birth philosophy?

My approach is simple – the patient has to be the centre of everything that we do. I love working within a team based environment, in which we work collaboratively with each team member to deliver excellence in care. At all times, I believe that the patient needs to be involved in the decision making process. Ultimately patients need continuity of care throughout their pregnancy and into the postnatal period.

What gives you joy?

Family. I love being part of my patient’s families. I especially love it when they come back for their second and third babies and watching the older siblings come in (feeling 100% confident in our obstetric practice) and be part of the journey. BUT most importantly I love being part of my own family – watching my wife achieve amazing things in her life and watching my kids grow into wonderful human beings gives my immense joy. There is nothing better than sharing in their achievements, the moment when they ride a bike for the first time. My ultimate favourite thing was reading Harry Potter out loud with each of my children, although I think I fell asleep most nights listening to my wife read to them or as they got older them reading to me.

Senior Accounts Administrator

Cherie Snell

Cherie Snell is one of our amazing administrative assistants currently working from our Balcatta location. She has previously worked as a hairdresser before changing her career path and working in the healthcare industry. Cherie comes to Western Obstetrics with administrative experience in general practice, occupational health, worker’s compensation and now, maternity services. 

Cherie is a busy mum to her beautiful two year old daughter, Lilly and enjoys working at Western Obstetrics as she feels she can relate closely to our lovely mums to be. Her highlight would be following the pregnancies of our beautiful families and then, meeting their beautiful additions.

In her spare time, Cherie loves spending time with friends and family, as well as camping and travelling.

Lactation Consultant

Heidi Thomson

Heidi Thomson is a registered nurse and Lactation Consultant. Over her nursing career, Heidi has developed a passion for supporting patients and families in what can be their most challenging times. With this in mind, she has aimed to create a career that builds upon what she has learnt working with cancer patients and their families, and now working closely with parents and their newborns. She feels that her skill set, specialist knowledge and compassion enables her to provide this care at a high standard. 

Heidi is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and has also completed her Post Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health. She endeavours to combine the skills and knowledge she has learnt from her acute nursing practice with the specialist skills and knowledge she has received through her postgraduate and lactation studies.

What led you to a career as a Nurse and Lactation Consultant? 

Since my early teens I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Whenever I found myself in a situation where someone was sick or injured, I wasn’t happy until I knew what to do. Working in a tertiary neonatal unit has enabled me to pursue my passion for helping families navigate the newborn journey. This has then led me to become a Lactation Consultant as I knew I wanted to help mothers establish beautiful breastfeeding relationships with their babies.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a Nurse and Lactation Consultant?

Being there for women in the best and worst moments is extremely rewarding and I feel honoured that families allow me to be a part of that. Nothing makes me happier than seeing women and families overcome obstacles to have a successful and enjoyable breastfeeding journey. When I am working as a nurse in the NICU, the moments where I am able to facilitate a first cuddle or share in the joy of the babies medical miracles, are extremely rewarding and humbling.

What attracted you to be part of Western Obstetrics?

What I love most about Western Obstetrics is their dedication to providing thorough and holistic care to mothers and their families. Their continuity of care model is so effective in ensuring women feel well supported and empowered. I knew I wanted to be a part of such a caring group of people.

Endorsed Midwife

Sarah Walsh

Sarah Walsh is a Registered Midwife and Certified Hypnobirthing Australia ™ Practitioner.  She is passionate about childbirth education and working with families during their pregnancy, birthing and parenting journey. Sarah believes in the power of women and their amazing bodies and minds. She has had experience in community midwifery, and several maternity hospitals in Perth. Sarah became a midwife after her own pregnancy and parenting journey with her twin daughters. She has a Bachelor of Science (Midwifery) with Distinction and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion from Curtin University.

What led you to a career in midwifery?

I came to midwifery later in life, inspired by my own pregnancy, birth and parenting journey.  Midwives and other health professionals  gave me outstanding support through a challenging period, and essentially I wanted to give back, and  hopefully make my own impact on the journey of other women and their families.

What is your birth philosophy?

Every women should feel empowered and supported throughout their pregnancy, labour and birth, however this journey goes.  Every woman should  be able have confidence in their body’s ability to nurture and care for their baby.   

What is the most rewarding part of being a midwife?

Being witness to the strength and power women have in the labour and birth suite is always amazing. Now that I also teach childbirth education, it is  rewarding to see women and their birth partners  change their perception of childbirth and to help empower them to have a positive birth experience.

What attracted you to be part of Western Obstetrics?

It was the opportunity to provide continuity of care to women in the antenatal and postnatal periods, to be with them as they go through this journey to motherhood, and to continue to support them after they have given birth. I’m also very pleased to work with a great team again.

GP Obstetrician

Dr Celia Worth

Dr Celia Worth is a mother of two young children who is currently completing her qualifications as a GP obstetrician. She completed her medical degree at the University if Queensland in 2008. After finishing medical school, she discovered her interest in womens’ health and went on to complete five years of speciality training in obstetrics and gynaecology, predominantly at Liverpool Hospital a busy tertiary centre in Sydney. In 2017 Celia moved to Perth and since then has been working as a career medical officer in obstetrics and gynaecology at Joondalup Hospital, a GP obstetrician at Bentley Hospital and a GP obstetrician at the founding One for Women practice in Midland since the company’s initiation. In addition to this, she is working towards completing the general practitioner speciality component across two sites under the Mead Medical banner. 

Why do you do Obstetrics?

Because it’s a unique medical specialty where you are mostly dealing with one of the happiest times in people’s lives rather than when they are sick. In addition, you have the unique opportunity to look after more than one person, you are also looking after the fathers and the baby and need to take that into account when guiding decision making or discussing aspects of the pregnancy. Finally you get to build a relationship over time as you are seeing each other regularly over about a one year duration and then hopefully into the future.

What is your birth philosophy?

To support women in their choices throughout their pregnancy and labour. I think it is important to listen to women carefully and provide them with the amount of information they require to make informed choices in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for them as an individual. It is also important to me that I ensure they feel reassured and safe throughout their pregnancy and labour. Finally, I think it’s imperative to respect and incorporate women’s past experiences, cultural and religious background and personal preferences into the whole experience.

What gives you joy?

Getting to know my patients, watching the evolution of the pregnancy and seeing the end result – a baby in mum’s arms, surrounded by her chosen support people. It is truly the happiest moment for everyone involved and each time is uniquely achieved, uniquely emotional and often with a story behind it. It still to this day, takes my breath away and I feel incredibly grateful that this is an ongoing aspect of my career path. The best part of all is that I usually continue to see my patients in the GP setting. I can assist mum with everything that entails being a mum and I get to watch the babies grow and develop! Being a mum of two young children also certainly helps with this!