Our Team

Co-Founder and Director of Anam Cara Program Director & Lead Facilitator
Founder of Signs of Life Psychology, AMAPP Chair.

Dr. Lani Roy is a psychologist, social worker, and therapist at the forefront of integrative mental healthcare and psychedelic harm reduction. She is the Co-Director of Anam Cara, Chair and Founding Board Member of the Australian Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Practitioners (AMAPP). Director of The Signs of Life Psychology and Associate Research Fellow at Swinburne University. Lani brings 15 years of experience in mental health, suicide prevention, trauma, and family violence to her work. She specializes in harm reduction for psychedelics, sexual abuse, and complex traumaworking with Ayahuasca, vegetelista, and Ashanika dieta lineages, as well as engaging in ketamine and cannabis-assisted psychotherapy. Her commitment extends to participating in clinical trials and volunteering with DanceWize to support drug education at festivals, all while striving to build an ethical, skilled, and compassionate psychedelic ecosystem. She loves nothing more the growing psychedelic informed communities and connecting in meaningful ways with people on this path.

Co-Founder and Director of Anam Cara Program Director & Lead Facilitator, Psychedelic Medicine Integration Coach, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher 

Melissa Warner is a multidisciplinary researcher, educator,
technologist, and artist working at the intersection of neuroscience,
contemplative science, extended reality, and psychedelic therapy. As a Research
Fellow at Swinburne University and The Intangible Realities Laboratory, her
research explores how altered states such as psychedelics, meditation and
virtual reality can foster wisdom and well-being. In her role as Secretary of
the research charity Psychedelic Research in Science and Medicine (PRISM), Melissa has supported Australia’s first clinical trials of psilocybin and MDMA. She also serves as Director of Cyberdelic Nexus and PATHS XR, where she creates immersive virtual reality experiences designed to inspire contemplative insight. A meditation teacher at Signs of Life Psychology, Melissa supports individuals on their contemplative path, through connection with heart-mind. Melissa also contributes to psychedelic-assisted therapy training
programs in Australia, designing and teaching short and extended programs
informed by ethical clinical practice and harm reduction.

Lead Clinical Advisor

Dr Llew Lewis is the Honorary Clinical Fellow at the Australian National University and Principal Investigator in a randomised controlled trial of Psilocybin in treatment resistant depression with the Australian National University Medical School. Dr Lewis has over 27 years experience as a psychiatrist in public health psychiatric health teams in the UK, South Africa and Australia. He started his medical career working in trauma and acute settings in South Africa townships during the periods of civil unrest. Dr Lewis spent 12 year as a frontline psychiatrist working in rural, acute and crisis teams on psychiatric intensive care and forensive wards and has held positions of Director of Clinical Services in Canberra and Clinical Director in the U.K. National Health Service. Dr Lewis is currently 13 the psychiatric lead in the crisis team in Canberra Hospital and has been awarded the UK National Royal College of Psychiatrists Adult Psychiatry Team of the Year Award, 2014.

Clinical Psychology Researcher Investigating nature-based interventions & consciousness studies at Monash University.

Jean-Luc is a fourth-year psychology student at Monash University, working toward becoming a clinical psychologist. With a strong foundation in psychology, philosophy, and bioethics, Jean-Luc has cultivated a deep interest in the theoretical and practical aspects of psychedelic therapies and contemplative practices. Jean-Luc’s current fourth-year psychology research project is focused on investigating the impact different meditation techniques, practised within a virtual nature setting, have on an individual’s sense of connectedness to nature. In response to recent criticisms of mindfulness research, Jean-Luc’s focus on construct validity and specificity aims to contribute to a more nuanced and evidence-based understanding of how different facets of metacognition, promoted by different meditation techniques, can enhance a sense of connectedness to ourselves, each other and the environment. Apart from volunteering at Lifeline and Griefline, Jean-Luc is a volunteer coach at the McGuire Programme, a stuttering treatment program. There, he continues to overcome his own stutter while assisting in the treatment of tens of thousands of other stutters worldwide. When Jean-Luc is not studying and volunteering, he can often be found practising breathwork in his sauna or writing music for his band, Psilovibin.

Organisational Development Consultant Registered Psychologist, Coach, Transpersonal Psychology Master’s Student

Professionally, Gianna works as an organisational development consultant. She combines her experience in occupational and organisational psychology with academic foundations in transpersonal psychology to support businesses. Gianna is also a registered psychologist and coach, with a passion for grounded and accessible, holistic approaches to well-being and growth. Gianna takes a psycho-spiritual approach to her work and life, supporting herself, individuals, and organisations, toward authentic expression.

Cannabis & Functional Medicine Expert
Functional Medicine, Authorised Cannabis Prescriber and President of the Australian and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP)

Dr Orit Holtzman (MBBS, PhD) is the co-founder and director of Leura Wellness, and co-founder and president of the Australian and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP). Dr Holtzman is one of Australia’s most experienced cannabinoid medicine practitioners and educators She holds a bachelor of science in biology and psychology from the University of Tel Aviv (summa cum laude), a PhD in neuroscience from the University of NSW and an MBBS from the Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney. After working in the public hospital system, Dr Holtzman started to explore holistic health solutions and became passionate about utilising medicinal cannabis as a therapeutic agent. She began prescribing cannabis in 2019 and has since treated over 1,000 patients who have been prescribed medicinal cannabis for various indications under her care. Dr Holtzman shares her experience and research in cannabinoid medicine in her work as a medical educator, teaching doctors about medicinal cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. She lives in the beautiful Blue Mountains in NSW with her husband and three children.

Lead Cannabis Prescriber and Integrative Medicine Lecturer.

Holotropic Breathwork Facilitator Psychotherapist and Holotropic Breathwork practitioner

Anthony Olsen is a Melbourne-based psychotherapist and Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. He incorporates transpersonal perspectives within a relational model, offering both Holotropic breathwork and Process Oriented psychotherapy as therapeutic tools. Anthony had his first experience of Holotropic breathwork in 1997, with one of Australia's pioneering Holotropic Breathwork practitioners, the Reverend Alf Foote. Alf Foote was a part of the key month-long workshops at the Esalen community during the 1980's when Stan Grof started to form the set and setting for Holotropic Breathwork Anthony worked closely in a therapeutic context with Alf Foote over a number of years exploring the power and potential of Holotropic Breathwork, which eventually lead to starting the Grof Transpersonal Training certification program in 2006. Anthony attended the training certification in 2013.

Psychedelic Medicine Specialist
General Practitioner, General Practitioner Supervisor, and Psychedelic Psychotherapist

After graduating from the University of Adelaide, Dr. Helman went on to further study obtaining Masters degrees in both clinical nutrition and psychiatry. He has also pursued his interest in various aspects of holistic and complementary medicine, including naturopathy and acupuncture. Dr. Helman has worked as a senior General Practitioner (GP) educator with the RACGP and is passionate about teaching general practitioners in training. Alongside his work as GP, practice principal and supervisor, Dr. Helman is also a certified addictions GP and methadone prescriber, and psychedelic psychotherapist for various psychedelic trials, including at Monash University Clinical Psychedelic Lab, Swinburne University, and Monarch Mental Health.

Lecturer.

Clinical Psychotherapist Clinical Supervisor

Lana is a Clinical Psychotherapist trained in Gestalt Therapy and Process-oriented Psychology, Mindfulness and Compassion therapies. She has worked in private practice for over 20 years and in psychiatry, facilitating inpatient and outpatient groups. She also specialises in addiction and consulted to a private residential rehab for 15 years. Lana is devoted to practising meditation and is an accredited facilitator and trainer of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy groups. She finds the combination of psychotherapy, process work including somatic work, mindfulness and compassion models effective in working with clients.Lana is part of Monash University’s Clinical Psychedelic Lab having been trained in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). She is currently a therapist on the MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy trial for severe PTSD. Lana has also done training with Dr Justin Dwyer and Dr Margaret Ross in using Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment Resistant Depression and is part of the 3PAP Trial at Swinburne University.She has been a clinical supervisor for over a decade working with individual clients, psychology students and clinical groups. She facilitates Reflective Practice Clinical Supervision groups for the Trauma and ICU teams at The Alfred Hospital. As a clinical supervisor, Lana is informed by the process work model.

Consciousness Research & Psychedelic Studies Founding Director of the Australian Centre for Consciousness Studies, Lecturer at Monash University, Associate Editor at the Journal of Psychedelic Studies and Board Member of the Australian Institute of Parapsychological Research.

Alex De Foe is a Melbourne-based writer, educator, and counsellor focused on transcendent states of human consciousness. He holds a Master’s of Counselling degree from Monash University and PhD in experimental psychology from Monash. His foundational work was on transpersonal development, especially in the areas of out-of-body experience (OBE) and dualism states of mind. Presently he is working on projects centred on spiritual neurodiversity and developmental/evolutionary models of consciousness. He is involved in numerous collaborations nationally and internationally, including with the Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium. As a researcher, he has published over 30 papers, spanning social neuroscience (e.g., on Jung’s archetypal approach), developmental neuro-anthropology (toward a soul-centred theory of psychedelic use), and consciousness (psi and spectral models of human potential). He has supervised honours/masters and PhD student projects on these topics, and is presently available to supervise students in the PhD and Master of Developmental and Educational Psychology programs at Monash. Lecturer of Consciousness and Psychedelics.

Counselor/Psychotherapist, Clinical Sexologist, EMDR

Ella is an Accredited Counsellor / Psychotherapist, Clinical Sexologist and EMDR Therapist and Supervisor who has supported hundreds of individuals and couples over the last 10 years. She specialises in relationship counselling, sex therapy, EMDR and Internal Family Systems. Ella offers individual and couple counselling for a range of client concerns. Sessions are available in person in Cairns, Tropical Far North Queensland Australia, or via Zoom from wherever you are.

Ella is passionate about supporting individuals and couples to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Ella can provide guidance for people wanting more fulfulling relationships and sex lives, and also offers deeper therapy for those who want to overcome the past, so that they can move through life with a sense of lightness and ease.

Lecturer of Psychedelics, Sexuality, IFS.

External/Independent Integration Specialist Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of ACER Integration

(ACER as an elective)

Dr Rosalind Watts is a clinical psychologist, a mother, and a nature lover. Her work as the Clinical Lead for Imperial College London’s psilocybin trial has made her one of the most prominent voices and minds in the field of psychedelic research.Dr Watts has been named as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Psychedelics as well as one of the top Top 16 Women Shaping the Future of Psychedelics. However, what sets Dr Watts apart is her focus on integration, harm-reduction and inclusion in the psychedelic space. Dr Watts builds tools and structures to foster connectedness after psychedelic experiences, finding inspiration for their design from nature. Through all her work, Rosalind's main learning has been that safe and effective use of psychedelics requires substantial integration support. As a result, she co-founded the UK's first psychedelic integration group, and in 2022 launched ACER (‘Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore’) Integration - a global online integration community where participants follow a 13-month process together to connect more deeply to the self, others, and nature.

Lead Facilitator & Clinical Psychologist Director of ACER Integration.

Yoga & Breathwork Instructor Qualified Gita Yoga Teacher and Yin Yoga Teacher, Founder of Sparkly Yoga

Mickey's dedication to training yoga teachers is rooted in a lifelong commitment to the practice and exploration of yoga, which has colored every aspect of his rich and diverse journey. Having embarked on his initial 900-hour teacher training in 2006, Mickey has since immersed himself in further trainings and certifications, honing his expertise without the need for enumeration. Prior to his formal training, he spent eight transformative years in Thailand, complemented by travels to India where he studied under various esteemed teachers in the Iyengar and Sivananda lineages. Since completing his training, Mickey has wholeheartedly embraced a career in full-time yoga instruction. Renowned for his presence in some of Melbourne's premier studios, Mickey has also dedicated recent years to nurturing the next generation of teachers. In his classes, Mickey offers a blend of physical challenge, anatomical insight, and spiritual inspiration, all infused with his trademark lightness, humor, and joy. He endeavors to remind students that while yoga bestows tangible physical and mental benefits, its ultimate purpose lies in the rediscovery of inner peace and stillness. Mickey's journey of exploration continues, enriched by encounters with self-realized mentors and a deepening understanding of Tantric and Advaita Vedanta philosophies. With a lifetime of dedication to yoga, Mickey embodies a wealth of wisdom and experience, making him a highly sought-after teacher trainer. We are truly privileged to have him as our senior lecturer.

Herbalism & Somatic Therapy Herbalist, Bodyworker, and Educator

Lily of the Herbs employs a keen sense of intuition and softness of touch in her work as a herbalist, bodyworker and educator. She is committed to helping people lead a life more connected to the natural world and facilitates a variety of training on touch, movement and the use of plants. Lily practices a form of bodywork known as Zenthai Shiatsu which is a fluid mix of Thai massage, zen shiatsu and osteopathic technique. Zenthai is remedial and also deeply rejuvenating for nervous system, digestive and reproductive disorders. Lily also offers womb hara sessions, a combination of abdominal massage and herbal steaming that is incredibly beneficial for the digestive and reproductive systems of both women and men. Lily of the Herbs is passionate about marrying traditional healing modalities with modern scientific knowledge and has completed a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Western Herbal Medicine as well the nine-month Zenthai Shiatsu practitioner training.

Co-facilitates Cultivating Ecosystems of Support: Herbalism for Psychedelic Preparation, Integration, and Self-Care.

Spanish Interpreter
Biomedicial Scientist & Researcher

Maria, our interpreter is a native Spanish speaker, brings a rich blend of academic excellence, scientific research, and deep cultural awareness to our retreat. With a background in biomedical science, she has contributed to groundbreaking research at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience in collaboration with The University of Melbourne, exploring the links between microbiota, mental health, and cognition in mice.Her outstanding performance at Deakin University earned her the prestigious Deakin International Scholarship, and she graduated with distinction.

20 Beyond academia, Maria has spent over two years as a support worker for individuals with disabilities, fostering empathy, mindfulness, and strong interpersonal skills—qualities that shape both her scientific work and her role as an interpreter. With her passion for meaningful connections and cross-cultural experiences, Maria will help bridge language and understanding throughout our journey in Peru.

Spanish Interpreter for Cultural Immersion Dieta Retreat in Peru.

First Nations Curanderos Piompiri Healing Centre, Pucallpa

Brunswik and Romina are highly experienced curanderos at the Piompiri Healing Centre in Pucallpa, Peru. With over 20 years of dedicated practice in curanderismo, the traditional healing arts of the Amazon, they bring a profound depth of knowledge and commitment to their work. As a husband and wife team, Brunswik and Romina work together in harmony, creating a powerful and balanced healing environment. Their practice is deeply rooted in integrity, respect, and a commitment to the sacred traditions of their ancestors. They are known for their compassionate approach, guiding participants through transformative processes with wisdom and care. At the Piompiri Healing Centre, they work alongside their family, including their 1.5 yo son Ian, creating a sacred altar space where spiritual growth and deep connection to plan are fostered. Their combined experience and dedication make them exceptional guides for those seeking profound healing and a deeper understanding of the Amazonian spiritual path.

First Nations Curanderos for Cultural Immersion Dieta Retreat in Peru.

Retreat Facilitator Co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats

Neil is passionate about sharing the science-backed benefits of psychedelics in conjunction with the contemplative practices that support holistic well-being. At Beckley Retreats, he’s dedicated to building a business that operates with the utmost integrity, both internally and across the many communities it will touch. A Captain in the US Army Special Operations 2nd Ranger Battalion, Neil was deployed once to Iraq, and twice to Afghanistan. After, as an MBA/MIA masters student at Columbia University, he suffered from depression and PTSD. This led him to alternative wellbeing practices and marked the start of a profound healing journey with mindfulness and psychedelics. Prior to Beckley Retreats, Neil worked as the Chief Growth Officer for a $450M private equity portfolio company where he was responsible for all strategy and growth planning. Before that, he worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Co, where he also co-led the internal mindfulness program.

Runs Beckley Retreats.