About MRKH Australia

For some people an MRKH can be devastating. Usually identified in a person’s mid-to-late teens, the variations in the development of the reproductive system can significantly impact a young person’s growing sense of identity. Isolation, loneliness and mental health challenges can follow as people struggle to come to terms with how MRKH will impact their lives. With the right support, this may significantly lessen or better still, never happen.

MRKH Australia is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation that provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for people impacted by MRKH.

We do this by informing and connecting: by providing a bank of clear and trusted information for people impacted by MRKH, their families and their medical practitioners, as well as a safe space to find connection and support.

Trusted information for people impacted by MRKH, their families and their medical practitioners, as well as a safe space to find connection and support.

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Our Values

For some on the journey with MRKH it can be a highly sensitive and private matter. MRKH Australia is committed to providing a safe space where people can come to learn, understand and connect, secure in the knowledge that their privacy is respected at all times.

A sense of a shared experience, and the feeling of belonging that this creates, can be crucial in a person’s journey with MRKH. We strive to create a welcoming, optimistic and accepting community where everyone is invited to connect and share as much or as little as they like.

MRKH Australia welcomes everyone whose lives are impacted by MRKH, from people and cultures all around the world. We value everyone’s unique experience. MRKH does not discriminate, and everyone who seeks information and/or connection is welcome in our community.

We are committed to excellence in all we do. We provide those impacted by MRKH, their families and their medical practitioners with the most up-to-date information so that people can continue to make empowered choices about the options available to them.

Above all, we are driven and sustained by resilience. A journey with MRKH is never linear, and can call upon strength of character at every turn. We, as people impacted by MRKH as well, are motivated by the resilience demonstrated in our community, every day.

Our Board

Sarah-Jayne (SJ) Duryea is a Reproductive and Perinatal Psychologist and the Founder of Happy Minds Psychology (www.happyminds.net.au), a psychology clinic specialising in working with women all around Australia. She has worked closely with women at various stages of their MRKH journey, from initial diagnosis to finding ways to cope with the implications of the disorder.
She has a strong interest in working with reproductive trauma and the treatment of eating disorders. Sarah-Jayne works with women and couples committed to pursuing their dream of having a family, whether via IVF, surrogacy, sperm or egg donation, or adoption. She is a passionate advocate for Surrogacy in Australia and about helping individuals navigate finding alternative ways to create a family. Sarah-Jayne also works with women experiencing sexual issues and has completed training in sex therapy.
Throughout Sarah-Jayne’s 18-year career as a psychologist she has worked in a broad range of psychological settings, from starting her early career in forensic psychology and moving onto organisational psychology and working as a coaching psychologist with senior executives and peak performers such as Olympic athletes and musicians.
After experiencing her own fertility journey, she brought her experiences together and created her own clinic focusing on women who are trying to create a family – or survive in one! Her focus is on helping individuals develop psychological resiliency, mental toughness and grit.
Outside of work, you will usually find Sarah-Jayne with her head stuck in a book with a cup of tea in her hand or spending time with her young family.
She is crazy about English literature and her two golden retrievers who are always by her side.
Gwen has been actively involved in the community for many years and is a trained peer support worker; psychology and counselling student; psychodrama trainee; qualified chef; sole trading disability worker; South African expat; non-for-profit director and passionate about improving the lives of people living with the experience of being born with a body that is labelled as "different".
Natalie (Nat) has recently joined the MRKH community after almost 10 years of navigating MRKH with little support. As a corporate professional and holistic breathwork practitioner, she is passionate about raising awareness of MRKH and how families and friends can support women in this community.
Dr Mikhaila Lazanyi is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with a special interest in people aged under 25.
She has an International fellowship in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology and has also completed a Masters of Public Health.
Dr Lazanyi is passionate about holistic healthcare, which promotes wellbeing rather than managing disease. She thrives on empowering her patients through evidence-based education. She is approachable and compassionate and provides personalised care to everyone she sees.
Jemma lives in Bathurst NSW with her family. She is passionate about mental health and education, and spends her days working as a leader in Inclusive Education.
Jemma was diagnosed with MRKH at 17 and has navigated the many challenges of this diagnosis with little support.
It is her dream to increase awareness amongst the medical community to prevent experiences of medical trauma, and build a sustainable network of support for people living with MRKH and their families.
I am a social worker and I have 2 years of work experience in youth mental health. I am passionate about creating awareness about MRKH and supporting people with MRKH to navigate their journey, develop resilience and coping skills to manage the mental health struggles accompanying MRKH.
I am also interested in working with families by providing them information on how to support their loved ones with MRKH. Outside of work, I love travelling and spending time with family.