The Bardo

We are a leading private and confidential health retreat located between Brisbane & the Gold Coast regions.

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Our Team

Greig Sutton

Director of The Bardo

Greg Roberts

Director of The Bardo

Greig is a passionate advocate for addiction recovery, with a commitment to transforming lives by providing high-quality, personalised care. His journey into the realm of mental health and drug and alcohol services began in 2008, a path profoundly influenced by his personal battle with alcoholism and addiction.

Since starting his career, Greig has assumed pivotal roles in the field. For 10 years he served as a program coordinator for a 15-bed withdrawal unit and independent living program in Victoria. There he gained invaluable experience in helping individuals navigate the challenging process of mental health and addiction recovery. More recently, he managed a private retreat in New South Wales, further honing his expertise in providing holistic care and support to those eager for change.

Today, as the Director of The Bardo Health and Wellness, Greig, alongside his wife Lesley, a registered nurse, realised a dream of creating a private retreat offering highly individualised programs of recovery. Greig’s guiding principal is that ‘no two client’s lived experiences are the same so why should their program of recovery be the same?’ Having worked for over 12 years in a system which favoured the medical model and ‘one size fits all approach’ Greig identified a gap in support services which he has endeavoured to plug with The Bardo.

To accomplish this, they have assembled a formidable team of compassionate professionals who share their dedication to helping individuals rediscover a path to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

The Bardo embodies Greig and Lesley’s dream of creating a sanctuary of hope, a place where transformation and healing flourish under the team’s compassionate and considerate client centred approach.

Lesley Sutton

Clinical Nurse Manager

Lesley Sutton

Clinical Nurse Manager

 

Lesley, a co-owner of The Bardo Health and Wellness, brings over 25 years of experience as a registered nurse in diverse sectors such as Community Nursing, International Health, Paediatrics, and Practice Nursing. She holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and has taught courses in the Bachelor of Nursing and the Diploma of Nursing.

For more than a decade, Lesley dedicated her expertise to the Humanitarian Aid and Community Development sector, primarily managing health and nutrition programs in countries like Afghanistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Africa.

At The Bardo, Lesley serves as the Clinical Nurse Manager, where her primary responsibility is guiding clients through the detox phase. She collaborates with The Bardo's Nurse Practitioner to create safe and comfortable withdrawal plans for clients. Lesley assists clients in transitioning into the rehabilitation phase by providing education, informal counselling, and being readily available to address their needs. With the client's consent, she can also coordinate with their external medical team.

Lesley also handles various management tasks and supports Greig in the operational aspects of The Bardo. In her free time, Lesley enjoys outdoor activities, spending quality time with friends and family, and showcasing her culinary skills in the kitchen.

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Bronwyn Schlesinger

Counsellor

Bronwyn

Counsellor

Bronwyn has supported and counselled people struggling with addiction, homelessness and mental health for 20 years. Bronwyn also has extensive experience counselling Veterans. She holds a Social Science and Policy degree with a major in Sociology, as well as a Dual Diploma in Mental Health and Addiction. Her employment spans from crisis accommodations, mental health organisations, ten years in a public rehabilitation setting to now private retreat style, health and wellness settings. She has worked with clients from every walk of life and with every type of issue. She is passionate about helping people find themselves and their truth so they can lead a life that accepts more and struggles less. She also aims to lead clients to work on their relationship with the most important person of all: themselves. She believes that self compassion and self honesty is the key to experiencing a life that will finally be about living and not just existing. With a keen interest in the field of counselling and finding the missing puzzle of one's life, she is a keen researcher of all philosophies and methodologies that aim to achieve this outcome. Bronwyn is therefore flexible and adaptable and able to adopt whatever approach is needed to meet the clients individual needs. Bronwyn is ready to help you explore your issues and to be with you on your journey.

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Danielle Drew

Wellbeing Counsellor and Social Worker

Danielle Drew

Wellbeing Counsellor

 
Hi, I’m Danielle Drew, a wellbeing counsellor with ‘The Bardo’. I strive to provide a calm, safe, supportive space where we can explore issues most important to you. We will find a balance between gentle, active listening and teaching practical skills and tools that can work to transform your overall wellbeing.

As a dedicated Social Worker with over a decade of experience working in Adult Mental Health Services with Qld Health, I have gained a broad range of valuable knowledge and skills to inform my practice today.

More recently I have been on my own journey of grief, loss, and healing. With the tragic, unexpected passing of my partner and father to my two beautiful adult daughters in 2021 I took time away from my career in Social Work. I found solace and healing in the rainforests of Tamborine Mountain and made the decision to become a Certified Forest therapy Guide. I completed my six month program with the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) in March 2023 and will be offering forest therapy sessions on Tamborine Mountain in 2025.

I look forward to working with you at The Bardo drawing on a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and abilities to support your path to improved health and wellness.

Jesska Leroy

Yoga, Yin Yoga & Bodywork Therapist, Breath-Centred Anatomy

Jesska Leroy

Yoga, Yin Yoga & Bodywork Therapist, Breath-Centred Anatomy
(BS. Behavioural Science & PGDip Psychology)

 

Jesska is a breath-centred movement and stillness therapist at The Bardo, offering targeted and personalised practices to all clients.  Through the development of versatile and individualised programs, client’s needs will be met.  She has a wealth of knowledge in Psychology, Yoga and Human Anatomy, Zen Thai Shiatsu Therapy, Chinese Elemental Therapy, Breathwork, Meditation and philosophy.

Jesska has a passion for teaching, and her goal in every client session is to form a non-judgemental and reciprocal relationship where learning can be freely shared between herself and the client. Part of this includes

She aims to facilitate self-respect and guides self-connection demystifying the inner functions of the biopsychosocial system (the mind-body-energy triad). When these three elements are brought into harmony, you are more capable of adaptation, enjoyment and experiences in life, creating empowerment, stability and vitality. Eventually, together you will seek to release old patterns and behaviours that impede your health and happiness.

The underlying philosophy that guides Jesska's work is - 'You have the power to heal yourself', and she endeavours to support this journey whilst creating space for your unique experience.

Email: jesska@vividlifeco.com.au

Website: www.vividlifeco.com.au

Namaste.

Chad Noble

Chef

Chad Noble

Chef

 

Chad is a dedicated chef with a lifelong passion for the culinary arts, having honed his skills in kitchens both in Australia and abroad. In recent years, he has cultivated a deep appreciation for local, seasonal, and organic produce, which forms the cornerstone of his culinary creations. He takes great pleasure in uncovering the diverse flavors that the local land has to offer.

Under the banner of his current venture, Community Table, Chad brings his culinary expertise to life. Through this business, he orchestrates his own events, caters to a wide range of industries, and provides private chef services.

When Chad isn't busy in the kitchen, he indulges his creative side through activities such as drawing and dance, expressing his artistic flair in any way possible. Additionally, he finds solace and balance in practices like yoga and meditation. Chad's adventurous spirit also leads him to explore the world, fueling his love for travel.

Marja-Liisa Rintala

Art Therapist

Marja-Liisa Rintala

Masters in Mental, trained Art Therapist and Drama Therapist

 

Marja-Liisa serves as The Bardo's Arts Therapist. With over 8 years experience in Art Therapy, she has a passion to help others live lives of authenticity, self connection and creativity. Marja-Liisa draws on her training as an arts therapist, drama therapist and her Masters in Mental Health to provide a well rounded approach to creative based therapy.

Marja-Liisa's art therapy approach focuses on supporting clients to express themselves effectively through art making, with the attention being on the process and not the end product. Using the art materials as a way to communicate, clients are supported to approach their concerns in new ways and seek out new solutions.

Clients may wish to continue their art therapy journey, and can find Marja-Liisa at her private practise at www.artstherapyco.com

Debra Woodfine

Massage Therapist

Debra

Massage Therapist

 

Debra, the owner of Tranquil Massage, holds qualifications in Massage, Aromatherapy, and Reflexology since 1998. She is also a Reiki Master and teacher, constantly dedicated to expanding her skill set to remain at the forefront of her field.

Currently, Debra resides and operates as a mobile therapist on Tamborine Mountain while serving clients in the Gold Coast and its surrounding areas. In addition to her core offerings, her range of treatments includes Swedish, Hot Stones, Pregnancy, Corporate, Hawaiian, Balinese, Couples, and Spa treatments. Debra collaborates with five other qualified and fully insured therapists to ensure an exceptional service.

Debra has been happily married for 33 years and has two grown children. Originally from the UK, her family relocated to the Gold Coast in 2006.

Website:  www.tranquilmassage.com.au

Email: tranquilmassage@live.com.au.

Trent Taylor

Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional

Trent Taylor

Personal Trainer

 

For the past 15 years, Trent, a dedicated personal trainer, has been transforming lives through expert guidance in fitness and nutrition. His exceptional work has not only earned him three national awards but also the opportunity to work with elite clients in the health industry. Trent harbors a deep-seated passion for helping others and believes in the power of physical activity and proper nutrition to enhance both physical and mental well-being, viewing these as crucial steps towards a more fulfilling and controlled life.

Adopting a holistic approach, Trent assesses the overall health of his clients, tailoring training, nutrition, and supplementation plans to meet their current needs. His training techniques are more than just exercise routines; they're tools to build confidence, leaving clients feeling capable and positively charged after each session.

Viv Pic for website

Vivian Crick

Life Coach & Master NLP Practitioner

Vivian Crick

B.Occ.Thy, Master NLP Practitioner, NLP Practitioner Trainer, Mindset & Resilience Coaching, Breast Cancer Strategist, Speaker & Trainer

 

With over 30 years in health, coaching, and personal transformation, Vivian Crick is a highly experienced Master Practitioner Coach, Occupational Therapist, and NLP Trainer. She specialises in guiding individuals through major life transitions, helping them build resilience, redefine their identity, and create a thriving future beyond adversity.

Vivian’s approach is deeply informed by her own journey—navigating significant life challenges while forging a path of strength, purpose, and empowerment. She integrates mindset coaching, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and practical strategies to help clients shift from feeling stuck to embracing confidence, choice, and self-leadership.

At The Bardo Retreat, Vivian works closely with clients to break through limiting patterns, reconnect with their personal power, and design a life that aligns with their values. Her expertise spans emotional resilience, mindset shifts, and sustainable personal growth, making her coaching both insightful and transformative.

With a background in occupational therapy, psychosocial risk management, and coaching individuals across corporate, health, and community spaces, Vivian understands the intricate connection between mindset, behaviour, and quality of life. Her coaching is compassionate, solution-focused, and designed to create lasting impact—helping clients step forward with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

viviancrick.com

 

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Shae-Lee Ryan

Clinical Nutritionist

Sara Kallis

Nutritionist

(BHSc.Nut Med)

I’m Shae and I am a qualified Clinical Nutritionist. I am extremely passionate about Gut Health, Women’s Health, Nutritional Pyschology/Mental Health, the Gut-Mind connection and Body Image. I believe that the approach to health and wellness is not only holistic but integrative and transformative, looking at health as a lifestyle. I truly believe food is medicine and after my first hand experience in my own journey of healing through food, I wanted to be able to help others gain an understanding about the amazing things real, whole food can provide.

Instagram: @_thewholefoodhub

Sean Wright

Acupuncture Therapy & AOD Support Worker

Sean Wright

Acupuncturist, AOD Counsellor, Addiction Support Worker.
(BHSc(Acupuncture), DipAODcounselling, CertIVBowentherapist)

 

Sean is an allied health professional with over 7 years of experience successfully managing his own health practice. For over 5 years Sean has worked specifically in alcohol and other drugs detox and rehabilitation. During this time, Sean has consistently applied a comprehensive approach to promote healing in the realms of mind, body, and spirit for individuals affected by alcohol and substance use.

Driven by a deep passion for knowledge and a gift for connecting ideas from the scientific, spiritual, and emotional landscapes, Sean applies these insights to his current practice. As a result, each session is custom-tailored to the individual, accommodating their unique needs and circumstances.

Sean firmly believes in the power of mental and emotional healing to instigate behavioural and life transformations. He places great importance on the practice of establishing healthy boundaries, fostering acceptance, and promoting self-care and self-love. Sean's primary goal is to create a secure environment for clients to explore, comprehend, and address their past traumas, focusing on delivering tangible results in the process.

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Katrina Richard

Chef

Rachel Fitzpatrick

Chef

Meet Katrina, a seasoned chef with over 16 years of culinary expertise. As a private chef, she excels in crafting bespoke menus that highlight seasonal flavours and cater to diverse dietary needs, including those of NDIS clients.

Outside the kitchen, Katrina values family time, outdoor adventures, and indulges in crafting custom cakes. Her passion for both the art and science of cooking is matched by her love for meditation, which helps her bring a sense of calm and creativity to every dish she prepares.

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Rob Goddard

Life Coach and Wellness Practitioner

Rob Goddard

Master Practitioner Coach and Master NLP Practitioner

With over a decade in the health and wellness space, Rob Goddard has helped people transform their lives—physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and spiritually. As a Master Practitioner Coach and Master NLP Practitioner, he specializes in guiding individuals through life transitions, breaking through limiting beliefs, and stepping into a more empowered, authentic version of themselves.

Rob’s journey has been shaped by his own experiences of overcoming challenges, shedding societal expectations, and designing a life of growth, purpose, and alignment. His approach blends mindset coaching, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), bodywork, and holistic wellness, providing clients with the tools to rewrite their stories and take control of their future.

At The Bardo Retreat, Rob works closely with clients to shift from survival mode to a state of clarity, confidence, and purpose. His expertise includes working with men facing major life changes, helping them find direction, rebuild with intention, and create lasting transformation.

With a background in remedial massage, sports and fitness, mental resilience coaching, and NLP, Rob understands the deep connection between the body and mind. His coaching is practical, compassionate, and results-driven—helping clients not just envision a better life, but take the steps to make it a reality.

 

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Dr Dawn Macintyre

Clinical Counsellor

Dr Dawn Macintyre

Clinical Counsellor

Dr Dawn Macintyre is an experienced clinical counsellor who has worked in private practice for nearly 3 decades and supervises counsellors to assist them in their professional practices.  Dawn's career has been diverse, encompassing academic, clinical, and managerial roles in universities, government agencies, and private practice.

Dawn’s personal and professional life reflects her passion to make a difference, to speak up when others are silent and to actively provide opportunities for every person to become the best they can be. 

In 2008, she authored 'Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes' to demystify the counselling process, reduce the confusion, and establish a more balanced relationship between therapist and client. Her goal was to place information and opportunities in the hands of consumers where they rightfully belong.

In 2010, following a life-altering event, Dawn enrolled in a PhD with the intent to be a voice for those that had not been heard, highlighting the needs of traumatised families and the existing gaps in support. Little did Dawn realise then that she herself was about to go down a deep dark tunnel, experiencing emotions of loss and grief, stigmatisation and desperation which reflected many similar signs to those identified in her doctorate research.

Dawn hopes that her book, ‘Living with Chronic Pain – From OK to Despair and Finding My Way Back Again’ whilst showcasing her own story, also represents the voice of many, so we can collectively have a better understanding of life with chronic pain and find the support we need to be the best we can be.

Dawn is also a proud and happy daughter, wife, mother, foster mum, grandmother, animal lover and she says, hopefully, good friend. She has 4 rescue ‘oodles’ who are a major part of her life.

 Website: www.drdawnmacintyre.com

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