A Warm Welcome to Ms Michele Hunter
A Warm Welcome
The Investigative Work of Michele Hunter, Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist
Published 8 September, 2026
We’re pleased to welcome Ms Michele Hunter, Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist to Red Health.
For Ms Michele Hunter, behaviour has never been random noise. It is a pattern waiting to be understood. Long before neuropsychology became her professional focus, she was drawn to the relationship between brain and behaviour and to the investigative work of asking why people do what they do.
That curiosity has shaped a career across public and private health settings, including adult mental health, geriatric medicine, brain injury rehabilitation, diagnostic assessment and evidence-based treatment. Michele is dual-qualified as a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist, with postgraduate training in clinical neuropsychology through The University of Queensland and a Master of Clinical Psychology through Charles Sturt University.
I’ve always been interested in brain-behaviour from a young age, and that led me to pursue and attain a Clinical Psychology qualification. What I find most interesting is every behaviour does have a reason behind it, and I enjoy discovering what that reason is. Oftentimes the patient might not know, and during the process they find out as we explore together. It’s fascinating to explore their history and what causes a person to behave the way they do.
While I was working for over 15 years as Clin. Psych in Outpatient Hospital Services, I learnt a lot about the treatment of major mental disorders. I enjoy working in a multi-disciplinary team, and seeing how the team comes together to look at the assessment, diagnosis and treatments for patients, to improve their quality of life. I naturally progressed in to further study of the brain, that led me into a career in Neuropsychology. I then expanded my skill set working in private sector, including rehabilitation of patients with stroke and traumatic brain injuries.
What comes through in speaking with Michele is not simply technical expertise, but a particular kind of professional patience. She enjoys the complexity. She likes the presentation that does not resolve neatly at first glance. In her words, there is satisfaction in “cracking the code” on a difficult client presentation and helping the wider team move toward a clearer diagnosis, better treatment planning and a more useful outcome.
Her clinical background gives that curiosity breadth. Michele has worked in outpatient hospital services for more than 15 years, developing deep experience in the assessment and treatment of major mental disorders. She has also worked with people recovering from stroke and traumatic brain injuries, and her current assessment work spans complex cognitive, psychological, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and psychiatric presentations.
It is work that suits someone who sees assessment as more than a test result. Michele talks about history, context and collaboration: the process of exploring what sits underneath a presentation, then bringing those findings into a multidisciplinary discussion with geriatricians, neurologists and other clinicians. The goal is not a label for its own sake. It is a clearer path forward.
Outside work, the same appetite for patterns and small meaningful changes shows up in less clinical places. Michele loves to cook, especially an Italian home-style feast shared with family and friends. A little chilli in a sauce can change the whole dish. It is a nicely Michele detail: precise, practical and quietly delighted by the effect of one thoughtful adjustment.
She is also the owner of two big dogs, which Michele says is still something of a surprise to someone who grew up with cats. These days, they are part of the rhythm of her life, often literally setting the pace when she runs. She cycles too, has recently bought golf clubs, and is happy to admit that golf may be a longer-term project rather than an immediate strength.
If given the chance to host a dinner table of impossible guests, Michele would invite Newton, Galileo and Einstein, not for celebrity value, but to ask them what they understood about the universe. It is a fitting answer from someone who describes herself as factual at heart. She wants to know how things work.
There are lighter convictions too. Pineapple does not belong on pizza. Winter wins, provided there is snow. The bush calls more than the ocean, partly because the coast was once home and the quiet of birds now feels like a change. And although she insists she is not a great singer, Michele is more than willing to find herself in a karaoke bar, preferably with Billie Eilish, jazz, or Nina Simone rather than Celine Dion.
I love to crack the code on a difficult client presentation, and contribute to positive outcomes using an evidence-based perspective. I currently work with a varied team for assessment, including several Geriatricians and Neurologists. During the diagnosis process we collaborate with a team meeting to present findings and discuss diagnosis.
I have two big dogs that I love to spend time with, and that includes running. Although sometimes they run me off my feet too! I grew up with cats, so I never expected I’d end up with big dogs. I also enjoy to cycle. I’ve bought a set of golf clubs, so I’m getting out onto the green and driving range to practice whenever I can. Although I think that might be a retirement hobby for me, so plenty of time for improvement.
Newton, Galleilo, Einstein – I’d be asking them what they know about the universe and how it works. I’m quite a factual person at heart, so I’d love to pick their brains on the science and their thoughts.
I’m absolutely cooking – I’d spend hours preparing in the kitchen for an Italian home style feast. Plenty of spaghetti, meatballs and delicious desserts. I love coming home at the end of the day and getting to explore my creativity in the kitchen. Small changes (like adding a little chilli to a sauce) can really make a huge impact, sharing that with friends and family is a little joy of life.
