I was born in Monsanpolo, in the province of Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region.
Being the youngest of seven children, my parents thought it unnecessary for me to be formally educated, so after completing grade 5 I began an apprenticeship in hairdressing as this was a particularly popular trade in the 60’s and ensured employment. Had things been different, I would have chosen to continue my formal education. This would have allowed me to pursue a career such as physiotherapy.
My parents then decided to migrate to Australia to join my siblings, and here I secured a hairdressing position with Joseph’s Gallery of Beauty, which at the time was one of the most prestigious hairdressing salons in South Australia.
I was especially unhappy to leave my homeland and friends behind for an unknown country, but on arrival in Australia I soon made new friends and met my husband Tony, whom I married in 1969.
In 1970 our daughter, Deborah Jane was born and six years later, a son, Eric Anthony. I continued working as a hairdresser until I opened a restaurant in Pulteney Street. As I have always enjoyed mixing with people of different cultures, I thoroughly enjoyed my seven years in the business.
In 1983 I was approached by Dr and Mrs De Pasquale to participate in raising funds for the Italian Village Nursing Home This gave me a great sense of pride and achievement and instilled in me a desire to help others.
I always felt the need to return to my homeland as, since my arrival in Australia, I felt I did not belong here. So, when the opportunity arose for me to return to Italy, I was ecstatic. To my surprise, I found I did not belong there either: I did not seem to belong anywhere.
Arriving back in Australia, I was at a loss to understand my feelings and tried hard to resolve these issues.
I did gain confidence when I realised that, even though I did not possess a formal education, I could still fulfil my dream of obtaining a Diploma in a field that enabled me to help other people in a more meaningful way.
At that time a few members of my family and some friends were experiencing health problems, so I decided I wanted to help them using natural remedies in conjunction with orthodox therapies, hence my interest in homoeopathy was born.
I studied this for four years and in 1995 obtained my Diploma in Advanced Homoeopathy, Anatomy and Physiology at the Adelaide Training College of Alternative Medicine.
At about the same time I was elected President of the Marche Club where I still serve as President and Function Coordinator. I combine this with seeing patients at two clinics weekly.
When I manage to find some spare time, I indulge myself by playing a round of golf.
August 1999