Our team - Real people. Real care.

Real community.

Meet Our Team

  • Elderly man in a suit and tie smiling

    Dr Brent Thomas - Psychiatrist

    Dr. Brent Thomas brings over 30 years of expertise in adult and geriatric psychiatry, having served in both public and Catholic health systems. With qualifications from Australia, England, and the USA, Dr. Thomas has held significant roles including Clinical Director at
    Blacktown/Mount Druitt Mental Health and Director of Aged Care Psychiatry at St Josephs’ Hospital, Auburn.

    At the Health Hub in Medowie, Dr. Thomas is continuing his dedicated work in psychiatry. He adopts a comprehensive approach to mental health, collaborating closely with a network of specialists to craft personalised treatment plans that address all aspects of a patient’s
    health. His clinical interests are broad, focusing on conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and substance abuse, as well as providing specialised care for older adults experiencing cognitive or behavioural issues. Dr. Thomas also has significant experience in managing Huntington Disease.

    An esteemed educator, Dr. Thomas has a wealth of experience teaching both
    undergraduate and postgraduate students, and training general practitioners. He is also a Supervisor with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and practices privately.

    At the Health Hub, Dr. Thomas is committed to enhancing patient outcomes by identifying and reinforcing mental health resilience, aiming to improve overall quality of life through targeted, individualised care.

  • A person with short blonde hair smiling in front of green foliage.

    Chantel Walker - Speech Therapist

    Introducing Chantel, our esteemed Speech Pathologist at the Health Hub. Graduating with Honours from the University of Newcastle in 2022 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Chantel brings a personal touch to her professional role. Her passion for speech therapy was ignited when her own child required early intervention, providing her with unique insights into the profound impact of speech and language support.

    Chantel has cultivated extensive experience across various settings, including clinics, schools, homes, hospitals, community centres, and aged-care facilities, allowing her to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to individuals of all ages—from children to
    adults.

    Proficient in both standardised and non-standardised assessments, Chantel utilises a range of diagnostic tools such as the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF), Pre-School Language Scales (PLS-5), Renfrew Action Picture Testing (RAPT), and the Articulation Survey Test. Her meticulous method ensures precise and personalised care plans for her clients.

    An active member of Speech Pathology Australia, Chantel is dedicated to continuous professional development, ensuring she remains at the forefront of her field. Her commitment to her practice is evident in her patience, responsibility, and unwavering dedication to her clients’ progress and wellbeing.

  • Woman smiling outdoors with curly hair, wearing a green sleeveless top, blurred background.

    Emma Barron - Occupational Therapist

    Emma Barron is a Mental Health Occupational Therapist (OT) with over 7 years of experience supporting children, teenagers, and young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and Autism, as well as mood disorders including ODD, Depression, and Anxiety. She works with clients aged 18 months and older, specialising in therapy for those facing learning difficulties, trauma, and emotional and behavioural challenges. Emma tailors her approach to each individual, combining psychological theories, occupational therapy clinical reasoning, and a client-centred focus to ensure meaningful and effective outcomes. She is committed to working holistically, collaborating closely with families, schools, and other important stakeholders to create supportive environments that nurture her clients' long-term growth, independence, and emotional wellbeing.

    Emma’s therapeutic style is warm, empathetic, and strengths-based, always aiming to build a trusting relationship where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. She firmly believes that every child and young person deserves to be seen for their unique strengths and supported to achieve their fullest potential. Emma is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice and adapts her therapy to meet each client where they are, honouring their pace and individual needs.

    Emma is proud to contribute her knowledge, leadership, and passion for inclusive, person-centred therapy to any team, helping to shape a service that truly makes a difference in the lives of young people and their families.

  • Smiling woman with short dark hair wearing a black sleeveless top, standing against a plain gray background.

    Shannon Sakun - Receptionist

    Shannon is the friendly face that welcomes everyone to The Health Hub in her role as Receptionist. With a background in the allied health sector, Shannon brings a wealth of understanding and empathy to her front-desk role, ensuring clients feel supported and at ease from the moment they arrive or call.

    Previously, Shannon worked as an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, gaining extensive experience across private practice, NDIS, Medicare, and aged care. Her leadership as an NDIS team leader and her involvement in impactful nutrition-focused projects, such as advocating for better support for NDIS participants and leading educational seminars on enteral feeding, demonstrate her commitment to meaningful care and service.

    Now, in her receptionist role, Shannon applies the same compassion, professionalism, and people-first mindset that defined her clinical work. She plays a pivotal role in maintaining the smooth day-to-day running of the clinic, providing outstanding customer service and administrative support to both clients and The Health Hub team.

    Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending time with her partner and their two dogs, Pepper and Nala, often exploring the outdoors on camping adventures.

    Shannon’s values of empathy, excellence, and a genuine care for others remain central to her work, making her an invaluable part of The Health Hub team.

  • Person holding a sign with the quote "Be the reason someone smiles today" in home office.

    Agi Mooy - Hypnotherapist / Life Coach

    Agi Mooy is a highly skilled and experienced Registered Clinical and Medical Hypnotherapist, Master NLP Practitioner, and accomplished Life and Business Coach. With a passion for helping individuals unlock their full potential, Agi seamlessly integrates advanced hypnotherapy techniques, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and personalized coaching methods to support clients in overcoming challenges and achieving lasting personal and professional growth.

    Agi’s services cater to a diverse range of needs, including smoking cessation, weight management, overcoming phobias, and addressing emotional barriers. She also specialises in hypnotherapy for PTSD, pain management, and medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiac concerns, oncology support, IBS, and tinnitus.

    In addition to working with adults, Agi offers tailored programs for children dealing with issues like bedwetting, school refusal, bullying, low self-esteem, and exam stress. Her expertise extends to EMDR for trauma, emotional release techniques, empowerment coaching, inner child work, time-line therapy, and Quantum Leaping.

    Dedicated to fostering holistic wellbeing, Agi is committed to providing compassionate, client-centred care that empowers individuals to achieve positive change and thrive in all areas of life.

  • A woman with long hair smiling in front of indoor plants in a well-lit room.

    Lauren Le Compte - Receptionist / Plan Management Assistant

    Lauren Le Compte is the welcoming face and friendly voice of The Health Hub. As our Receptionist and Plan Management Assistant, Lauren is often the first point of contact for our clients, whether it's a phone call, an email, or a friendly greeting at the front desk. Her warmth, professionalism, and genuine care set the tone for the supportive and inclusive environment we pride ourselves on.

    Lauren brings outstanding organisational skills and a strong commitment to client service, helping to ensure every interaction at The Health Hub is smooth, positive, and stress-free. She expertly manages a wide range of tasks, from scheduling appointments and assisting with enquiries to providing essential administrative support for our Plan Management services. Her attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities allow our clinicians to focus on what matters most.

    With a passion for helping others and a natural ability to make people feel at ease, Lauren plays a vital role in ensuring that every client feels heard, valued, and supported from their very first interaction with us. Whether you're calling to ask a question, attending your first appointment, or needing a helping hand, Lauren is here to make the process as easy and welcoming as possible.

  • Woman with curly hair smiling in a pink shirt outdoors.

    Nicole O'Neill - Director

    Introducing Nicole, the visionary Director of the Health Hub and the driving force behind its inception. Nicole’s journey began with a personal challenge—navigating the complexities of accessing multiple specialists and allied health professionals for family members. This experience, compounded by the logistical difficulties of travel, fuelled her determination to centralise such essential services for the Port Stephens community, simplifying access to healthcare.

    As well as The Health Hub, Nicole is also the director of Lotus Assist, where she hones her exceptional problem-solving skills and financial acumen. A passionate supporter of community and teamwork, Nicole fosters a collaborative environment at the Health Hub.

    Nicole holds a Diploma in Business Administration and a Certificate IV in Accounting & Bookkeeping. Whether she’s balancing the books, crafting a gourmet meal, or sharing a dance, Nicole’s zest for life and commitment to making a difference are unmistakable. At the Health Hub, she’s not just building a business; she’s creating a community hub that enriches lives.

  • Smiling woman outdoors with curly hair and patterned scarf

    Helen Marquez - Director

    Helen is the inspiring Director of The Health Hub, driven by a passion for creating accessible, centralised healthcare for the Medowie and Port Stephens community. With over two decades of experience supporting individuals with mental illness and vulnerable community members, Helen brings deep compassion, leadership, and expertise to her role.

    In addition to her role at The Health Hub, Helen is also the Director of Lotus Assist, where she continues her work supporting NDIS participants. Her extensive career includes managing family and gambling support programs, leading psychosocial support teams, coordinating mental health and suicide prevention services, and playing a key role in facilitating NDIS transitions and system reforms.

    Of Spanish heritage and fluent in both English and Spanish, Helen connects easily with people from diverse backgrounds. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, cooking, shopping, and volunteering to support an Aboriginal youth basketball team.

    Helen’s leadership reflects her lifelong commitment to community, inclusivity, and empowering individuals to access the care and support they deserve.