Alex Howard Group

Our Team

Martina Cowen

BsC Psych (Open) Dip CNM Nut mBANT rCNHC

Martina's journey into the world of nutrition started after pursuing a career in logistics, where she discovered her unwavering passion for food and health. Martina's enthusiasm for functional health led her to obtain a BSc(Hons) in Psychology and she then went on to graduate from the College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Martina further honed her skills and knowledge by gaining valuable clinical experience in her own private practice, allowing her to understand the intricacies of working with clients and providing personalised care. To expand her expertise, Martina pursued a Clinical Education and Support role with a leading functional medicine diagnostic laboratory. This opportunity provided her with the chance to deepen her understanding of the latest research developments and testing applications within the ever-evolving nutrition industry.

Martina is also a lecturer at the prestigious College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she shares her expertise in the field of nutrition. Her dedication to education allows her to contribute to the development of future practitioners and inspire a new generation of professionals in the field.

Martina approaches her practice with a calm, warm, logical, and empathetic demeanour. She firmly believes in empowering and encouraging her clients on their journey to regain their health and well-being.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Martina indulges her passion for organic and biodynamic practices through her allotment gardening. This hobby reflects her commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to food and agriculture.

Our Team

 Jess Thompson
Clinical Director

Jess completed a psychology degree in 1995 followed by a PGCE in primary education and, after a 10 year career in teaching...

Alex Howard
Founder and Chairman

Alex Howard is Founder & Chairman of The Optimum Health Clinic, which he set up after his own 7 year struggle with ME...

Ana Bárbara Pereira

Ana Bárbara’s interest in integrative health and psychology began while dealing with her own chronic illness...

Bebe Kohlap
Practice Manager

Bebe entered into nutrition quite unexpectedly when she went to an open day at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, just to...

Charlotte Thomson

Charlotte initially trained as a musician and worked as a performer and teacher for several years before embarking on...

Claire Sehinson
Head of Research and Protocol Development

Claire is an educator, researcher and functional medicine trained nutritional therapist. Claire has over a decade of...

Next Up:

Our Psychology Department

Continue Reading