Our Practitioner
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Melissa Rivard is a Registered Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist, and Certified Health Coach who specializes in helping purpose-driven women—such as teachers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers—recover from burnout and reclaim their vitality.
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With over 20 years of experience as a teacher herself, Melissa intimately understands the emotional and physical toll of always putting others first. This lived experience informs her compassionate, practical approach to healing and sustainable self-care.
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Melissa blends evidence-based nutrition, personalized herbal and supplement protocols, and sustainable lifestyle strategies to create wellness plans that are both effective and easy to integrate into everyday life. She also incorporates proven coaching techniques—including motivational interviewing and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)—to support deep mindset shifts and lasting behavior change.
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As a qualified yoga instructor and personal trainer, Melissa is a strong advocate for “movement as medicine,” encouraging clients to reconnect with their bodies as a source of energy and resilience.
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Through her holistic practice, Melissa empowers women to restore their energy, clarity, and sense of purpose—so they can continue making a difference in the world without sacrificing their own well-being.
Wellkind founded in 2022
Melissa founded Wellkind, knowing that if she could support individuals with their health and wellbeing, it would have a ripple effect in the communities around them. She strongly believes in prioritising health and wellbeing, seeing preventative medicine needing to have a stronger presence within our health care system. Her mission is to support clients connecting back to key fundamental components of holistic health (movement, good quality sleep, community, nutrition, mindfulness, connection, and mental fitness) in order to restore balance and thrive. Wellkind's vision and belief is that when the health and wellbeing holistic health of an individual is prioritised, the health and wellbeing of the community they are part of will benefit and grow.
Qualifications and Memberships
Awards
Registered Naturopath & Medical Herbalist with Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists of New Zealand (NMHNZ) (Registration number: 205)
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Registered Health Coach with Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand Association (HCANZA) (Registration number: 2023495)
Registered Nutritionist with Clinical Nutritionist Association (CNA) (Registration number: 9906413)
Bachelor of Natural Medicine
Bachelor of Science - Psychology (Honours)
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Health Coaching Certificate (Prekure) (2023)
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Advanced Mental Health Coaching Certificate (Prekure) (2024)
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Qualified Yoga Teacher
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Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certificate
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Mentorship program with Rachel Arthur Nutrition (2023)
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Hormone and Reproductive health Mentorship program with Rhiannon Hardingham (2025)
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​​​​South Pacific College of Natural Medicine Excellence in Clinical Practice Award 2021 (courtesy of SPCNM Board of Directors)
