We’re delighted to introduce Carmen, our Nurse Practitioner at Maven Centre! With more than 20 years of nursing experience and a passion for women’s health, Carmen brings a wealth of knowledge and a thoughtful, patient-centred approach to our team.

She is passionate about empowering women to feel heard, informed and confident in their healthcare decisions. Get to know Carmen a little better below!

Can you tell us a bit about your professional background?

I’m a Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of nursing experience across primary healthcare, women’s and refugee health, paediatrics and chronic disease management. I hold a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner), with additional qualifications in counselling, family therapy and diabetes education.

My career has given me a broad foundation in clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, prescribing and the ongoing management of health conditions. I’m passionate about evidence-based practice and combining sound clinical judgement with a holistic understanding of each person’s health, circumstances and priorities. I believe excellent healthcare is about more than addressing an individual symptom or concern; it’s about understanding the person as a whole and working collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, on a personal level?

Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, cycling and reading. I value spending time with family and friends, and staying active helps me maintain balance and perspective in a busy professional life.

What areas of women’s health are you particularly passionate about?

I’m particularly interested in supporting women through the different stages of their lives, with a focus on perimenopause and menopause, sexual and reproductive health, cervical screening and preventive healthcare.

I’m passionate about helping women understand their health, navigate changes in their bodies and make informed decisions about their care. I also recognise that women’s concerns can sometimes be overlooked or dismissed, and I believe every woman deserves to have her concerns taken seriously and receive thoughtful, evidence-based care tailored to her needs. I believe that personalised care can make a real difference for all patients, especially when patients are provided with a safe non-judgmental environment to express their concerns.

What can patients expect when they come to see you?

Patients can expect a thoughtful, respectful and collaborative approach. I take the time to understand their concerns, explore their health history and priorities, and explain the clinical considerations and available options.

I place a strong emphasis on education and shared decision-making, so patients feel informed and confident in the choices they make. My aim is to create a space where women feel comfortable asking questions, discussing sensitive concerns and actively participating in decisions about their health, without fear of judgement.

What role will you play in supporting patients at Maven Centre?

At Maven Centre, I’ll contribute to patients’ healthcare through clinician-collected cervical screening, perimenopausal care, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) reviews, and six-week follow-up assessments after IUD insertion.

I’ll also support patients before and after surgery, helping them understand their care, address questions, and navigate the recovery process. I value continuity of care and the opportunity to support women beyond a single appointment or procedure.

Working collaboratively with the Maven team will allow me to bring my Nurse Practitioner experience, clinical perspective and patient-centred approach to a service focused on comprehensive women’s healthcare.

What do you believe is most important when empowering women to take charge of their health?

I believe empowerment begins with being heard, having access to reliable information and being supported to make informed decisions. Education, clear communications, and trust are essential to empower women in their health journey.

Women should feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns and exploring their treatment options without judgement. My role is to combine clinical expertise with clear communication and shared decision-making, recognising that each woman brings her own experiences, values and priorities to her healthcare.

Ultimately, I want women to leave their appointments feeling heard, informed and confident about their next steps in their healthcare journey.