Our Practitioner
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Melissa Rivard is a registered clinical naturopath, nutritionist, medical herbalist,
& health coach.
Melissa is a highly qualified and experienced health practitioner who is passionate about evidence-based practices that support health and wellbeing. Educating and coaching her clients based on behaviour science principles, movement medicine, nutrition medicine, and mindfulness is at the core of her practice.
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Melissa also values an integrated and shared-care approach to health, working collaboratively with other practitioners such as GPs, Psychologists, and Physiotherapists to ensure the best possible outcomes for her clients.
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When Melissa is not at the clinic, she is supporting the mental health and wellbeing of youth at a local school, teaching yoga, coaching strength & conditioning classes, or hanging outside somewhere with family and friends.
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 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: 548)
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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 (Naturopathy & Herbal Medicine) (New Zealand)
Bachelor of Science - Psychology (Honours) (Canada)
Post-Graduate Diploma of Teaching (New Zealand)
Qualified Yoga Teacher (200+ hours)
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Level 1 certified crossfit coach and NASM certification​
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Health Coaching Certificate (Prekure)
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In progress - Advanced Mental Health Coaching Certificate (Prekure)
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South Pacific College of Natural Medicine Excellence in Clinical Practice Award 2021 (courtesy of SPCNM Board of Directors)
