Michelle Weller RGN, BSC (Hons) NMP, FSRH dip
Director of Nursing — Menopause
Michelle Weller, RGN, BSC (Hons) NMP, FSRH dip, is an experienced healthcare professional with over 18 years dedicated to women, sexual and reproductive health, with a particular focus on menopause. With a strong background in nursing, Michelle's career is highlighted by her passion for women's health advocacy and her role as a Non-Medical Prescriber (NMP).
Her advanced qualifications, including a Diploma in Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (DFSRH), have cemented her as a leading authority in her field. Demonstrating exceptional leadership skills, Michelle has effectively managed and motivated large teams throughout her career. As the Director of Menopause at Peppy, she applies her extensive knowledge to provide tailored healthcare solutions for women, whilst continuing her efforts to advance the sector.
Laura Carter-Penman
Director of Nursing
Laura qualified as a nurse at the University of East Anglia in 1996 and has worked in various NHS and private health care settings, before establishing her fertility knowledge at the world's 1st IVF clinic, Bourn Hall.
Laura is the current Chair of SING (Senior Infertility Nurse Group) providing peer support to lead nurses across the UK and Ireland. As part of this role, Laura works closely with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) on publications and sits on various committees including the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) add-ons Group.
Laura won the nurse presentation prize at Fertility 23 for her work on supporting Male Factor fertility.
Laura is passionate about nurse education and empowering nurses, she regularly presents and chairs national conferences and has taken part in podcasts and radio broadcasts including BBC’s The Naked Scientist.
Francesca Steyn RN
VP Clinical
Francesca Steyn is the Director of Fertility and Women's Health services at Peppy and Chair of the RCN (Royal College of Nursing) Fertility Nurses Forum. She has over 17 years experience as a fertility specialist, both in the NHS and private sectors and has published Department of Health guidance on surrogacy best practice and care in surrogate births.
She was awarded surrogacy professional of the year in both 2018 and 2019 at the National Surrogacy Awards and is also a member of the legislative reform advisory group, appointed by the HFEA to modernise the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act.
Alex Fryer
Senior Menopause Practitioner
Alex Fryer trained at Guy’s Hospital, London. She has over 35 years of experience as a women’s health practitioner. Her work at Peppy ensures that women have access to the support and guidance they deserve as they navigate through their menopause journey.
Kathy Abernethy MClinSci RN
Founding Clinician & Menopause Specialist
Kathy is a highly-qualified and experienced menopause specialist and Director of Menopause Services at Peppy. She is a founding member, current Trustee and the past Chair of the British Menopause Society (BMS).
Through her work, Kathy raises awareness of the impact of menopause and connects people to personalised, expert-led menopause support.