ABOUT US
History
Janine McDonald Naturopath Clinic opened on the 9th March 2000. Opening the clinic fulfilled Janine’s dream of bringing quality Naturopathic services to the country. She became Inverell’s first fully qualified resident Naturopath. Following the guidelines “treat the person, not the disease”, Janine has spent the last ten years employing her skills to encourage patients to make lifestyle and diet changes that empower them, help them learn how to take responsibility for their own health, and how to trust nature.
Over the years the practice has grown by mainly word of mouth attracting people from Moree, Glen Innes, Armidale, Tamworth, Walcha, Gunnedah, Mungindi and other areas. Out of town patients enjoy making a day of their trip to the clinic and often bring friends and family along to dine in town for lunch and indulge in a spot of shopping. In 2002 Janine introduced the Ultralite Weight Management program to the region to further expand patient services. Julie File, after completing her training to become an Ultralite consultant, has managed the Ultralite program for the last three years.
In 2004 the clinic entered the next chapter in its history. Janine’s husband Terry, after completing his studies in massage and bodywork joined the team. Another change in 2004 was the completion of a new building at Terry and Janines property at Fernhill Road that has specially been designed to provide a complete experience for patients in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. With the broadening of services to better cater for our patient’s wellbeing needs, the time came for a name change to better reflect what we offer. The “Fernhill Wellbeing Centre” was declared open in September 2004.
Janine started in the health and fitness industry as a Fitness instructor twenty years ago and had her own successful group fitness business for a number of years. She always had a passion for health and read widely on the subject. After the early death of her father she decided she wanted to do more to contribute in this area and decided to formally study her life long interest of naturopathy.
Janine spent five years studying medical sciences as well as naturopathic modalities. She attained an Advanced Diploma of Applied Science Naturopathy, Diploma in Natural Hygiene. She also did post graduate courses in Microscopy Blood Analysis and Electro Dermal Screening. Janine is continually updating her skills and expanding her knowledge through further education.
Janine has a passion for natural medicine and for empowering people to reach their highest health potential. Opening Fernhill Wellbeing Centre is the fulfilment of a goal Janine has had to expand the services offered and to further support people in their journey towards optimal health and vitality.
Terry has been interested in health and fitness all his life. He has been a keen sportsman, triathlete and cyclist. He has competed in the Grafton to Inverell Bike race twice. Eight years ago Terry had a chronic back injury. The back specialist told him the only answer was an operation and even then he would not be able to participate in sport or physical labour again. Terry decided to pursue a natural solution to his back problem. He used natural supplements, therapies and exercises and was able to avoid surgery and make a full recovery. This had a life changing affect on Terry and his life direction. He decided to pursue his dream of working in the health industry and helping people using natural therapies. He studied remedial massage, sports massage, bodywork and Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy. Terry brings to “Fernhill Wellbeing Centre” a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of fitness and health. Terry uses his skills in bodywork to add a new dimension of services to the clinic. He has also completed his training in lifestyle education and is involved in patient education and support.