Meet The Team

Meet Dr. Abi

Dr Abi has had a long history caring for women on the Northern Beaches. She was one of the first female Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to practice in the area working as a Staff Specialist at both Manly and Mona Vale Hospitals. She continues this role at the Northern Beaches Hospital and has recently been appointed at North Shore Private Hospital. She brings a combination of up-to-date knowledge, in depth experience of over 20 years and genuine caring and understanding of the local community to her practice. As a devoted mother of three and having navigated challenging pregnancies herself, Dr Abi brings a profound empathy and understanding to women embarking on their unique journeys. Her focus is on providing care that is tailored to the needs of each woman and her family. Originally from Malaysia, Dr Abi earned her medical degree at The University of The West Indies in Trinidad. She trained in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the United Kingdom and began her extensive career there. After meeting her Australian husband she relocated to Sydney. Dr Abi’s professional training unfolded in some of the most dynamic and bustling hospitals in the UK and Sydney – including Guys and St Thomas (London), The John Radcliffe (Oxford), and St George Hospital (Kogarah). She approaches the care of all pregnancies, whether normal or high risk, and varied gynaecological issues with confidence and compassion. Her extensive experience of more than 20 years makes her a calm presence in any challenging situation.

Dr Abi has a special interest in pre-pregnancy counselling to ensure women are at their optimum health before pregnancy. She also has a particular focus on caring for women with previous birth trauma. With her Midwife, she aims to ensure that couples receive appropriate debriefing following a challenging outcome or unsatisfactory birth experience. Driven by a passion for empowering couples and fostering a sense of security as they embark on their subsequent pregnancy and birth journeys, she is committed to instilling confidence and fostering resilience.

When she is not caring for women and delivering babies, like many women, Dr Abi spends her time chauffeuring, helping with homework and cheering on her children at Saturday sport. She loves cooking and travel and enjoys the family’s annual camping expedition in the bush fostering her children’s spirit of adventure.

Meet Alice Holland

Midwife/Registered Nurse/Practice Manager

Alice has been a practicing Midwife for over 30 years. She is also a Registered Nurse and holds a certificate in Sexual Health. She has many years of experience in pregnancy care and education and brings a wealth of knowledge and genuine care and compassion for women from all walks of life.

Alice taught Antenatal Classes for many years and has a genuine enthusiasm for education supporting women’s individual needs during pregnancy and childbirth. She has coordinated a mental health support clinic for pregnant women in the past. She is passionate about supporting women’s mental health – both to support women with mental health challenges and to help women maintain good mental health throughout pregnancy and the journey to motherhood.

Alice continues to also work two days per week in the Antenatal and Gynaecology Clinic at a busy teaching hospital in Sydney.

Most importantly, Alice is a Mum too – she has two beautiful daughters who have grown into smart, funny and independent young women both studying (very different degrees!) at University. Alice has a wonderful husband, five chickens and a rescue doggie named Norman (who is really a giant, hairy toddler).

Alice and Abi have worked together for many, many years and their mutual love and respect for each other and appreciation for each other’s knowledge and skills is apparent in the holistic and collaborative care provided to their women.

Meet Genevieve Farrell

Receptionist

Gen is our warm and friendly Receptionist and Admin Support. A newer addition to the team, she is capable and competent and an absolute favourite with our women. Gen has had her own challenges with fertility and women’s health issues and so brings genuine empathy and understanding to her interactions at Forest Women’s.

Gen is a busy local Mum. She and her husband are raising their three lively children on the Northern Beaches. She loves her animals (currently 1 beagle – Leo) and the environment. She enjoys nature and camping, creating art with many mediums, tinkering and fixing things, and adores snow skiing, when possible, within her busy life!