MEET OUR TEAM

At Coastal IVF, you’ll receive personalised care from a dedicated team of doctors, embryologists, nurses, midwives, and administrative staff.

We believe that our close-knit, collaborative approach is key to delivering exceptional, high-quality patient care, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

DR PAUL STOKES
DR PAUL STOKESObstetrician & Gynaecologist, Medical Director
With over 35 years of experience in IVF and fertility, Dr Paul Stokes leads the Coastal IVF team with unmatched expertise and a deep commitment to patient care.

Dr Stokes graduated from UNSW medicine with Honours and undergraduate research in embryopathology and embryo culture techniques. In 1982, he began working in one of Australia’s first IVF units before furthering his training in the UK. In 1987, he established a private practice with a special interest in infertility and diagnostic ultrasound.

In 1996, Dr Stokes made history by introducing IVF to the Sunshine Coast, founding Coastal IVF in Maroochydore, where he has continued to provide exceptional care to patients ever since.

DR BENJAMIN STOKES
DR BENJAMIN STOKESObstetrician & Gynaecologist, Clinical Director
Dr Ben Stokes joined the Coastal IVF team in 2022, bringing a wealth of expertise to our clinic. After graduating from Monash University, he completed his specialty training at several major hospitals in South East Queensland. During this time, he earned a Masters in Reproductive Medicine and developed a keen interest in minimally invasive surgery.

As the first gynaecologist to introduce robotic surgery to the Sunshine Coast, Dr Stokes offers patients the latest advancements in keyhole surgery for conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, and hysterectomy.

Ben is passionate about helping individuals and couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. He believes that building a family is one of life’s greatest joys, and it’s this drive to support healthy pregnancies that led him to specialise in infertility and gynaecology.

DR ROBERT NORTH
DR ROBERT NORTHObstetrician & Gynaecologist
Dr Robert North spent eight years from 2007 to 2015 as a GP Obstetrician and practice principal in rural Victoria, where he developed a deep passion for obstetrics. He found this aspect of his work to be the most rewarding, which inspired him to pursue further specialty training in obstetrics and gynaecology to expand his expertise.

Dr North is committed to providing continuous, high-quality care to his patients. He offers a broad range of specialist services, including obstetrics, gynaecology, fertility treatments, and advanced robotic surgery. With his extensive experience and compassionate approach, Rob is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient he treats, supporting them through every stage of their journey.

DR MELISSA ACREMAN
DR MELISSA ACREMANObstetrician & Gynaecologist
Dr Melissa Acreman will be joining the Coastal IVF team in February 2025. She is a compassionate and highly skilled Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist dedicated to empowering women’s health. With a special focus on vaginal surgery, prolapse repair, advanced laparoscopy and high risk obstetrics, she offers expert care tailored to your unique needs.

As a respected educator, Dr Acreman coordinates training for Griffith Medical Students and hosts the popular podcast The Uterine Sound, sharing valuable insights into women’s health.

Melissa’s commitment to excellence is evident in her top performance in the RANZCOG written and oral examinations. When you choose Dr Acreman, you’re not just receiving exceptional medical expertise; you’re partnering with a physician who genuinely cares about your health and well-being.

LIZ HANSEN
LIZ HANSENDirector of Embryology, Laboratory and Quality Manager
Liz Hansen joined the Coastal IVF embryology team in 2021, bringing with her extensive experience in the field of fertility science. With a passion for reproductive science, Liz initially worked in stem cell research before transitioning to a career in embryology.

She is highly trained in all aspects of embryology and andrology, including embryo biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing, ensuring the highest level of care for our patients.

Liz also has a strong background in quality improvement and laboratory compliance, areas in which she is deeply committed. Her focus on these aspects contributes directly to improving patient outcomes, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care and results.

PETER JACKSON
PETER JACKSONSenior embryologist
Peter Jackson is a graduate in medical laboratory technology from the University of Rhodesia, with over 30 years of experience in IVF laboratories across South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In 2002, he relocated to the Sunshine Coast to become our Director of Embryology.

Peter has a particular interest in gamete and embryo micromanipulation, and he is a respected member of several professional organizations, including the European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE), the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA), and Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT).

In addition to his clinical work, Peter is a Senior Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where he teaches in the Clinical Embryology course as part of the Biomedical Science degree program, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation of fertility professionals.

ASHLEY JOHNSTONE
ASHLEY JOHNSTONEEmbryologist
LOUISE BURRELL
LOUISE BURRELLPractice Manager R.N, R.M
Louise graduated from Homerton College in Cambridge UK 25 years ago, first as a registered nurse and 2 years later qualifying as a Midwife. Louise emigrated to Australia in 2006. During this time, she worked for many years in a local private hospital undertaking a variety of nursing and midwifery roles including both clinical, supervisory and Managerial positions.

Louise joined Coastal IVF in early 2020, and her role as Practice manager involves all aspects of practice administration and management. Louise is the person to contact regarding queries related to treatment fees, queries about Medicare and the private health industry. Louise also assists when required with nursing management and for patient procedures.

SARAH ROBINSON
SARAH ROBINSONRegistered Nurse & Midwife
Sarah has worked as a Registered Nurse for almost 25 years, and as a Midwife for 20 of those. Sarah is a member of both the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA) and the Fertility Nurses Association (FNA). She was awarded the midwifery prize at the Australian Catholic University for her clinical and academic achievements.

Sarah has experience working in a large tertiary hospital in all areas of midwifery (special care nursery, antenatal and postnatal wards, and birthing suites). She held a senior position in the specialist area of Maternal Fetal Medicine and the Young Women’s Outreach Program. Sarah has developed antenatal education programs for both public and private hospitals.

ERIN HAWKIN
ERIN HAWKINRegistered Nurse & Midwife
Erin has over 18 years’ experience as a registered nurse and midwife and has been part of the Coastal IVF since 2010.

She previously held a variety of clinical roles at several maternity units in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. She was a Lecturer and Clinical Facilitator for Enrolled Nursing Students. Erin previously worked for one of the largest IVF companies in Australia and helped establish clinics in both Queensland and Victoria.

Erin’s role at Coastal IVF includes the co-ordination and management of patient clinical cycles, and the liaison between the varied multi-disciplinary medical teams involved in fertility management.

JO GILES
JO GILESRegistered Nurse & Midwife
Jo joined our team in 2022 bringing over 30 years of experience as a nurse and midwife in both the public and private sector. She worked at the Mater Mothers in Brisbane before relocating to the Sunshine Coast in 2005, when she started working at Buderim Private Hospital.

Jo enjoys working in all areas of her field, including antenatal care, education, labour, postnatal and general nursing. While maintain a casual position at Buderim Private Hospital, she is now grateful and excited to support families throughout their fertility, pregnancy, and birthing journeys.

JENNIFER STOKES
JENNIFER STOKESDirector & Registered Nurse
Jenny is a Registered Nurse who has worked in adult and neonatal intensive care.

She has 15 years experience in private medical practice management. As well as general nursing responsibilities including surgical procedures in the unit Jenny is responsible for the administration and financial enquiries at Coastal IVF.

Make An Appointment

Don’t wait – start your journey today!

We’re here for you the entire way.