Bookings for Pathways to Success have now closed!
This inspiring panel session is designed for students and new graduates who are curious about the possibilities beyond private practice. The session explores the journey from graduation into the corporate world, offering real-world insight into the diverse pathways available within the profession.
Facilitated by Jacqui Fahey, the discussion brings together three accomplished women who have each forged successful corporate careers in different ways. With honesty and authenticity, the panel shares their individual journeys — including the challenges, turning points, and opportunities they encountered along the way — and how they navigated both the highs and the inevitable setbacks.
Our panellists are:
- Robbie Barbiellini, Business Development Manager, Blackmores Group
- Rebecca Edwards, Director of Education, Activated Probiotics
- Emily Sarkies, Educator and Clinical Support, Bioconcepts
Jacqui will also contribute her own perspective, sharing her journey from practitioner to Executive Officer of an Association, and the lessons learned along the way.
The Pathways to Success session aims to:
- Address the fear and uncertainty many new graduates experience when stepping into their careers
- Demonstrate that success looks different for everyone
- Explore the varied pathways our panellists have taken and how those paths led them to where they are today
- Highlight the wide range of career options available to students and new graduates
- Inspire attendees to seek out and explore opportunities that may not initially seem obvious
Students and new graduates are encouraged to continue the conversation by attending the ‘Let’s Connect’ networking drinks immediately following the session — providing a valuable opportunity to begin building professional connections and confidence within the industry.
As part of our commitment to supporting students on their journey, this session is FREE to NHAA student members, and you can attend even if you don’t have a ticket to the Summit.
Where might your qualification lead you? … come along to find out!
Date: Saturday 30 May, 2026
Time: 5:45 – 6:45pm
Location: Minyama Room 2
Cost: Included in your Summit Registration or if you’re not attending the Summit it’s FREE for NHAA student members or $20 for non-members
Following the panel discussion, you’re invited to join our delegates and sponsors for a cocktail hour – a great opportunity to start on your pathway to success! You’ll also receive a bag of goodies curated from our valued sponsors! Please register at the bottom of this page.
In the meantime, meet our fabulous Pathways to Success 2026 panellists:
Roberta Barbiellini
Roberta Barbiellini is a highly respected leader in the field of natural medicine, with over 30 years of experience spanning clinical practice, education, research, and corporate leadership in the complementary medicine sector. Roberta’s career reflects a deep commitment to integrating the art and science of natural medicine to deliver holistic, evidence-based care.
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Holding a Master of Education, a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy, a Diploma of Homeopathy, and a Diploma of Counselling, Roberta combines academic rigor with practical expertise. She is also an Adjunct Professional Fellow at the Southern Cross University National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine and an active member of the Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA).
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca Edwards (BA, Adv Dip Nat, Dip Nut) is a naturopath, speaker, writer and educator specialising in the systemic health effects of the gut microbiome and strain-specific probiotics. Initially practicing as a naturopath based in London, Rebecca has over twenty years of experience educating undergraduate students and health practitioners all around the world on all aspects of complementary and integrative health, including lecturing positions at colleges in Australia, the US and the UK.
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Since stepping into her role as Director of Education at Activated Probiotics in 2019, Rebecca shares her expertise in probiotic science with her team of educators, and the practitioner and medical communities internationally. Rebecca’s reputation as a probiotic and gut microbiome specialist has seen her appear as an industry expert discussing forthcoming trends in probiotics and immunity.
Rebecca has spoken at key industry events in Australia, Canada, and the UK frequently educating health practitioners around the world. Rebecca’s ability to present and communicate her passion for probiotic science has also made her a popular guest on a number of podcasts within the complementary medicine industry, discussing the benefits of targeted probiotics within clinical practice.
Emily Sarkies
Emily is a naturopath, practitioner mentor and educator with experience working within clinical practice, technical support and international integrative wellness.
Since completing a Health Science degree at Southern School of Natural Therapies (now Torrens University) in 2010, she has embraced opportunities that have taken her practice throughout Australia, the UK, India and Southeast Asia.
Her further training in naturopathic functional medicine, yoga and mindfulness-based therapies inspires a holistic perspective and the importance of self-compassion while navigating times of challenge.
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A highlight of her clinical experience is supporting the globally renowned Kayalaya Wellness Sanctuary (Koh Samui, Thailand) as Senior Naturopath alongside a multi-modality team – fostering a true appreciation for collaborative care.
Currently she resides in Brisbane with her family, fulfilling a dream role with BioConcepts, writing and producing education resources for their Engage platform, empowering practitioners by translating the latest research to guide meaningful practice, connection and community engagement.
Having first attended the NHAA summit as a student she is constantly in awe of its capacity to align intention with action and uplift our profession.
Jacqui Fahey – Moderator
With over 25 years of experience as a naturopath, educator and business developer, Jacqui is passionate about driving advocacy and supporting continued growth for complementary medicine through business partnerships, collaboration with practitioners and assisting higher education training institutions.
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In her previous role as Head of Education, Jacqui helped build an education team, delivering engaging and informative content for healthcare professionals and the public.
She is committed to building and nurturing partnerships with the practitioner community, industry, professional associations, government agencies and leading education institutions, fostering a collaborative and supportive team culture for improving public health and increasing support and awareness for the complementary medicine sector. Jacqui has been involved in several projects and initiatives to promote nutrition in hospitals and patient advocacy with Healthshare NSW.
In her spare time, she is an avid reader and traveller and loves a good chai tea.
NOTE: Registering to attend the Pathways To Success session does not include access to the remainder of the Summit program. Access to the remainder of the Herbal Medicine Summit is to be purchased separately prior to arriving on-site.