Dr Ivana Rizzuto
Dr Ivana RizzutoConsultant gynaecologist · FRCOG · FRANZCOG

Meet the Liberty team

Care starts
with people.

Get to know the practitioners and clinic team who support you at Liberty Women’s Wellness.

Meet Dr Ivana Rizzuto

  • Robotic and laparoscopic surgery for benign gynaecology
  • Treatment of uterine vaginal prolapse
  • Cervical screening and colposcopy
Meet Ivana — Dr Ivana Rizzuto

Dr Ivana Rizzuto is a medical practitioner with specialist registration in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Ahpra registration: MED0002347513. She holds FRCOG and FRANZCOG fellowships.

Her stated areas of practice include general gynaecology, menopause, vulval disorders, colposcopy, gynaecological oncology assessment and minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. Consultation information is individual and includes discussion of potential benefits, risks, recovery considerations and alternatives where relevant.

Areas of practice

  • Proficient in robotic and laparoscopic surgery for benign gynaecology
  • Treatment of uterine vaginal prolapse
  • Cervical screening and colposcopy

Many disciplines. One welcoming place.

Meet the wider team

Explore each person’s experience, interests and approach to care.

12 profiles · full biographies

Dr Sarika Bhadange

Gynaecologist

Dr Sarika Bhadange

Personalised gynaecological care for women and adolescents.

Read biography — Dr Sarika Bhadange

Becoming an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist has always been my passion. After completing my medical degree and postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Mumbai, India, I moved to Australia with my family in 2006. Australia soon became home, and I found my purpose in building a career dedicated to women’s health.

I completed my specialist training across several Queensland hospitals, including QEII Hospital, Redland Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Mackay Base Hospital, and was awarded my FRANZCOG in 2017.

In 2018, I completed a Fellowship in Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Queensland Children’s Hospital.

I established Excel Womancare Pty Ltd with the belief that every woman deserves compassionate, respectful and expert gynaecological care. Since 2019, I have also worked as a Consultant Gynaecologist at Ipswich Hospital, where I enjoy contributing to research, teaching and mentoring the next generation of doctors.

My goal is to provide personalised, evidence-based care while ensuring every woman feels heard, respected and supported.

Dr Laura Careless

Endocrinologist

Dr Laura Careless

Hormonal, metabolic and bone health care.

Read biography — Dr Laura Careless

Dr Laura Careless is a medical practitioner with specialist registration in Physician, Endocrinology. Ahpra registration: MED0002070905. She holds MBBS, MMed and FRACP qualifications.

Her stated areas of practice include menopause, PCOS, diabetes, thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, metabolic and bone-health conditions. Appointments involve individual assessment and discussion of relevant investigations and management options, including potential benefits, risks and alternatives.

Consultant psychiatrist

Dr Nicola Petzl

Women’s mental health and the connection between physical and mental wellbeing.

Read biography — Dr Nicola Petzl

Dr Nicola Petzl is a Queensland trained consultant psychiatrist with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. She is a general adult psychiatrist well versed in treating ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, mood disorders, and psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. Nicola has a particular interest in women’s health and the intersection of mental and physical health conditions and has experience treating people with chronic pain and those undergoing cancer treatment. Nicola will be expanding her existing role in private practice, in order to also join with us at Liberty women’s Wellness, with a particular focus on women needing holistic healthcare from a multidisciplinary team.

Dr Nicola Petzl completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Queensland. She went on to complete her fellowship training at both Ipswich Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where she worked across a diverse range of settings including both inpatient, emergency and community settings. Dr Petzl attained Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2019, after which she has gained extensive experience as a consultant psychiatrist in both public and private settings.

At Liberty Women’s Wellness, Dr Petzl will specialise in women’s mental health and will be accepting referrals for a wide range of mental health conditions that affect women including PMDD, ADHD, mental health issues that worsen or emerge around menopause, anxiety, mood disorders and psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. She has a special interest in grief and loss, as well as the intersection of mental and physical health conditions and has experience treating people with chronic pain and those undergoing cancer treatment.

Dr Petzl utilises an evidence-based approach to treatment and considers each patient holistically, including both their life circumstances and physical health. Dr Petzl is well versed in the medical management of mental health conditions but also understands the importance of the therapeutic relationship and always strives to work collaboratively with every individual.

Kelly

Pelvic health physiotherapist

Kelly

Support through pregnancy, recovery and pelvic health.

Read biography — Kelly

Kelly is a passionate Pelvic Health Physiotherapist with a strong background in:

  • Acute maternity
  • Antenatal
  • Postnatal care and gynaecology

She holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (ACU) and a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Redesign (UTAS) and has completed further training in pelvic health through the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

Kelly has extensive experience supporting women within hospital and clinic maternity and gynaecology services across the state. Her clinical work has shaped a holistic, evidence-based approach that focuses on education, empowerment, and restoring confidence in movement and body awareness.

With her own lived experience in pelvic health, Kelly brings a deeply empathetic and understanding approach to care.

She believes women should feel heard, respected and empowered at all stages in life.

Kelly can assist in your pelvic health journey with:

  • Pregnancy-related pain (including lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis pain)
  • Birth preparation
  • Postnatal recovery and return to exercise
  • Abdominal separation (rectus diastasis)
  • Pelvic floor muscle assessment and strengthening
  • Bladder dysfunction (including urinary incontinence, incomplete emptying)
  • Bowel dysfunction (including faecal and flatal incontinence)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse assessment and treatment
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Persistent pelvic pain

Bookings are now available to see Kelly. Book online or call 34726107.

Candice West

Senior physiotherapist

Candice West

Women’s health, pelvic health and musculoskeletal care.

Read biography — Candice West

Candice West is a registered physiotherapist with interests in women’s health, pelvic health and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Ahpra registration: PHY0001929157.

Her training includes a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and postgraduate pelvic-health education. Appointments are based on individual assessment, informed consent and discussion of the proposed approach, possible discomfort, limitations and alternatives.

Penny Pennapa

Myotherapist / massage therapist

Penny Pennapa

Massage, myotherapy, lymphatic drainage and reflexology.

Read biography — Penny Pennapa

Penny Pennapa provides massage, myotherapy, lymphatic drainage and reflexology services. Her listed qualifications include massage therapy, myotherapy, lymphatic drainage and reflexology. These professions are not registered through Ahpra.

Sessions are planned according to the person’s health history, goals, preferences and relevant clinical advice. Massage and related services do not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual experiences vary.

Julie Marsh

Accredited dietitian / kinesiologist

Julie Marsh

Nutrition assessment, education and individual planning.

Read biography — Julie Marsh

Julie Marsh is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a PhD candidate at The University of Queensland. Dietetics is not an Ahpra-registered profession; the Accredited Practising Dietitian credential is administered by Dietitians Australia.

Her appointments may include nutrition assessment, education and an individual plan based on health history, eating patterns, goals and relevant clinical information. Referral or coordination with a medical practitioner occurs where appropriate. Outcomes vary.

Kerri Speyers

Life empowerment coach

Kerri Speyers

Emotional-intelligence education and life coaching.

Read biography — Kerri Speyers

Kerri Speyers provides emotional-intelligence education and life coaching through Life Choices Coaching. Coaching is not an Ahpra-registered profession.

Sessions may involve discussion of personal or professional goals, priorities, habits and practical actions. Coaching is not a substitute for psychological, psychiatric or medical assessment or treatment. No particular personal, professional or health outcome is promised.

Jesse

Clinical Coordinator & Nurse

Jesse

Clinical coordination, nursing and patient support.

Read biography — Jesse

A valued part of the Liberty Women's Wellness community, Jesse is the Clinical Coordinator and Nurse, passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive experience for women throughout their healthcare journey.

With a background in healthcare administration, clinical support and nursing, Jesse works closely with our doctors, patients and wider healthcare team to coordinate care and help ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Paula

Practice & Marketing Manager

Paula

Clinic management, communications and community connections.

Read biography — Paula

Paula brings more than 20 years of experience in business development and management across South East Queensland. Throughout her career, she has built strong expertise in business growth, relationship management, client engagement and strategic development.

Paula is deeply passionate about women’s health and about helping women access the support, information and care they need across all stages and areas of their health and wellbeing.

At Liberty Women’s Wellness Clinic, Paula combines her extensive business experience with this passion for women’s health. She oversees the day-to-day management of the clinic while also leading its marketing, communications, community engagement and business development.

She is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where women feel valued, heard and cared for. Through her work, Paula aims to build strong connections within the community and with healthcare professionals, helping Liberty Women’s Wellness Clinic continue to grow as a trusted destination for women’s health and wellbeing.

Jenny

Receptionist

Jenny

A warm welcome and a connection to the local community.

Read biography — Jenny

I’ve lived in the area for over 40 years and raised my four children here, so I feel very connected to the local community.

Before working in reception at Liberty, I owned a wholefoods bulk food store for seven years, which sparked my long-standing interest in health, nutrition, and everyday wellbeing.

I’ve also studied health coaching and am a certified life coach, mindset coach and Master NLP Practitioner. I’ve spent time working with women and this gave me a deeper understanding of how life, health, and personal challenges often overlap.

These days, I bring all of that into my role at the clinic. I value creating a calm, welcoming space and helping people feel comfortable and supported when they walk through the door.

Yvonne Baker

Business Manager

Yvonne Baker

Staff, finance and general clinic operations.

Read biography — Yvonne Baker

Yvonne Baker is the Business Manager at Liberty Women’s Wellness. She supports staff, finance, administration, communications and general clinic operations.

Yvonne has more than 25 years of administration and management experience and training in business management and leadership. Her role is non-clinical.

We’re here to help

Let’s find your next step.

Speak with our reception team about appointments, referrals and the right person for your enquiry.

Meet the Liberty team