Meet our Team
Meet Our Specialists
Dr Krishanthi Ariyawansa
Paediatric Immunologist and Allergist, General Paediatrician
MBBS, FRACP
Dr Krishanthi Ariyawansa is an Australian trained specialist paediatric allergist and immunologist who is dual trained in general peadiatrics and paediatric immunology and allergy. Dr Krishanthi graduated with MBBS in 2005. She completed her speciality paediatric training in both rural and metropolitan hospitals across Queensland through Queensland Children’s Hospital and works as a senior medical officer.
Dr Krishanthi has over 20 years of experience in paediatrics and provides care to children from neonates to 17 years of age. She has experience in management of children with eczema, allergies, autoimmune and immunological conditions. Dr Krishanthi has special interest in diagnosis and management of eczema, food allergies, Food protein induced enteropathy syndrome (FPIES), allergic rhinitis, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, drug allergies, stinging insect allergies, recurrent infections, autoimmune and immunological conditions in children. She offers skin prick testing, supervised food and drug challenges and immunotherapy. She incorporates evidenced based practice and practical approach to her patient care to optimise their quality of life by taking ownership of their conditions.
Dr Krishanthi is a member of various national and international professional organisations, including the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the Clinical Immunology Society and Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCiS) etc. As a mother of 3 children of her own, Dr Krishanthi understands the challenges of parenthood and passionate about caring for children and families with allergic and immunological conditions to support them through their journey to attain their full potential.
Dr Mariana Melo
Paediatric Immunologist and Allergist
MBBS, FRACP
Dr Mariana Melo specialises in paediatric allergy and clinical immunology, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with allergic and immunological conditions, including:
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Eczema
- Asthma Allergic rhinitis (hayfever)
- Anaphylaxis
- FPIES (Food Protein–Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome)
- Eosinophilic oesophagitis
- Drug allergy
- Urticaria and angioedema
- Immunodeficiency
- Allergen immunotherapy (Food and Environmental desensitisation)
She has a particular interest in infant food allergy and allergy prevention. Her clinical practice includes diagnostic skin prick and intradermal testing, oral food challenges, and allergen immunotherapy (food and environmental desensitisation).
Dr Melo has been practising medicine in Australia since 2008. She undertook her paediatric training through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, working across the Queensland hospital network, including the Mater Children’s Hospital and the Queensland Children’s Hospital. She completed a Fellowship in Paediatric Immunology and Allergy at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, where she currently works as a consultant.
In addition to her broad interest in immunological diseases and allergy, Dr Melo has a particular focus on drug allergy. She is the Lead Medical Consultant to the Drug Allergy Clinic at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, where she is dedicated to antibiotic and other drug allergy investigation, research, and education.
Dr Melo is a member of numerous national and international professional organisations, including the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), the World Allergy Organization, the Clinical Immunology Society, and the Australian and New Zealand Anaesthetic Allergy Group (ANZAAG).
As a mother of two children with allergies, including one with food allergy, anaphylaxis, eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, Dr Melo understands firsthand the challenges families face. Her goal is to provide the highest quality of care, helping children with allergies lead safe, normal, and fulfilling lives, and supporting families in managing these conditions with confidence.
Dr Mounavi Vemula
Paediatric Immunologist and Allergist, General Paediatrician
MBBS, FRACP
Dr Mounavi Vemula is a Paediatric Immunologist & Allergist and General Paediatrician. She graduated from Bond University in 2016 and has trained across both metropolitan Brisbane and regional Queensland, including the Queensland Children’s Hospital and Cairns Base Hospital.
She cares for children of all ages from birth to 18 years presenting with a wide range of conditions, including food and drug allergies, anaphylaxis, eczema, asthma, urticaria, angioedema, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and immune system disorders. With her expertise as a General Paediatrician, Dr Mounavi understands the significant impact allergies can have on a child’s wellbeing and development. She is committed to providing compassionate, holistic care that is guided by the latest research and evidence-based medicine. Dr Mounavi has an interest in understanding the interplay between a child’s environment, lifestyle, and gut microbiome – and is passionate about translating emerging evidence with practical, child-friendly strategies that support healthy immune development.
Dr Mounavi is a member of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) and is actively involved in research, with presentations at national conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals. She is also a member of the European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and has completed the EAACI-UEMS Paediatric Examination in Allergology and Clinical Immunology.
Outside of medicine Dr Mounavi values balance and wellbeing; she enjoys spending time in nature, practicing meditation, and relaxing with her two fur babies and family.
Dr Sophie Willcocks
Paediatric Immunologist and Allergist, General Paediatrician
BMed DCH FRACP
Dr Sophie Willcocks specialises in paediatric clinical immunology and allergy. She has expertise in the assessment and management of a variety of conditions in babies, children, and adolescents, including:
- Food allergies and anaphylaxis
- Allergies to stinging insects
- Drug allergies
- Eczema
- Allergic rhinitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Asthma
- Urticaria and angioedema
- Suspected immune deficiency or dysfunction
Alongside consultations, Sophie offers allergy testing (including skin prick and oral challenges) as well as treatment plans including allergen immunotherapy.
Sophie graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from the University of Newcastle in 2011, practicing medicine in Northern New South Wales and South-East Queensland from 2012 onwards. She began her career in paediatrics in 2014, completing her dual training in Paediatric Immunology and Allergy and General Paediatrics in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In addition to her fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Sophie is an active member of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.
Since obtaining fellowship, Sophie has cared for children with allergic and immunological disorders in private practice and the public sector including an active consultancy at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
As a mother of three, Sophie is passionate about supporting each of her young patients and helping their families to navigate the stress and challenges of living with allergies or immunological disorders. Sophie loves working with children and feels privileged to be in a position where she can help her patients grow and develop into healthy, confident, and thriving young people.
Katie Palmer
Allergy Nurse
With 20 years of nursing experience, including 16 years in paediatrics, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for children and their families as they navigate the challenges of allergic conditions. I am passionate about supporting families through every stage of their allergy journey, ensuring they feel informed, confident, and supported.
As both a clinician and a mother of two children with allergies, I understand the emotional and practical challenges that come with managing allergies at home. This personal experience has shaped my family-centred and empathetic approach, allowing me to provide care that is both clinically thorough and deeply understanding.
I take great joy in caring for children and their families, with warmth, understanding, and a little bit of fun along the way.