The People behind the scene

Meet our team

A collective of innovative minds and spirited individuals, committed to bringing their best in a dynamic and supportive workspace.

Dr Ganesa Ponraja

Dr Ganesa is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practice and a member of the Skin Cancer College of Australia. He holds a Masters of Surgery from University of Sydney.

Dr Ganesa’s scope of practice experience is varied, encompassing internal medicine rehabilitation medicine, occupational medicine, emergency medicine and intensive care.

Dr Ganesa takes a patient-centred problem-solving approach and is an ardent practitioner of individualised evidence-based medical practice. He considers wellness and good mental health to foundational; that achieving optimal physical health requires a “mens sana in corpore sano” (a sound mind in a healthy body) approach. Dr Ganesa takes a collaborative approach in empowering the patient in their plant medicine care.

Dr Ganesa is a director of Verde Clinic and an authorised medicinal cannabis prescriber.

Dr Ganesa enjoys motorsports, travelling, programming and is a diehard fan of cyberpunk science fiction. Languages: English, Bahasa Malaysia/Bahasa Indonesia

Dr Shashi Ponraja

Dr Shashi is a GP with an interest in chronic disease, skin conditions, mental health and preventative medicine. He achieved Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Pracititioners in 2021. He is a member of the Skin Cancer College of Australasia, and has completed a Professional Certificate in General Dermatology.

Dr Shashi comes from an extensive background in psychiatry and family medicine. He has practiced in both rural and remote settings, and brings a long history of prescription in natural therapies.

Dr Shashi enjoys both the art and science of medicine, preferring to take an evidence-based approach in attending to his patients. He considers their problems deeply and takes a tailored, individualised approach to restoring good health.

Dr Shashi is a director of Verde Clinic and an authorised medicinal cannabis prescriber.

Dr Shashi enjoys travelling, reading and programming, and is an accomplished dancer in the style of the late Michael Jackson. Languages: English, Bahasa Malaysia/Bahasa Indonesia


Margaret Somerville

Margaret Somerville is an experienced practice manager with a proven track record in healthcare operations, patient care, and compliance.


​With extensive experience managing medical practices, she has played a pivotal role in streamlining operations and fostering patient-centered environments. Previously, she served as Clinical Systems Manager at Emerald Clinics and Practice Manager at Prendiville Medical Centre, where she oversaw daily operations, regulatory compliance, and team leadership to ensure the highest standards of care.


​Now, as Practice Manager at Verde Clinic, Margaret continues to drive operational excellence, supporting both patients and practitioners in delivering high-quality, holistic healthcare. She is committed to optimizing practice efficiency while maintaining a compassionate, patient-first approach.


​Margaret values collaboration and innovation in healthcare, believing that well-structured systems empower both providers and patients to achieve better outcomes. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring fine food and wine, and experiencing different cultures through their culinary traditions.​

Elizabeth Rose Burke

Elizabeth (Ellie) is our onsite MC Educator and Manager with over a decade of experience shaping the future of healthcare operations, compliance, and wellness.

Her career began in regenerative agriculture across Texas and California before transitioning to the rapidly evolving natural medicines sector on the U.S. East Coast. There, she built and managed multiple dispensaries, ensuring regulatory excellence while maintaining a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care. Her ability to blend compliance with compassionate service has led to significant commercial success—something she considers a natural outcome of “doing it right.”

Now based in Western Australia, Ellie is dedicated to integrating holistic healthcare into everyday life. She believes true wellness extends beyond prescriptions, requiring systems that recognize individuals as whole, complex beings. Her approach is both strategic and human-centered, ensuring that healthcare environments support both patients and providers.


​Ellie lives in Oakford on five acres with her partner, dog, and a flock of chickens. She enjoys growing hops, grafting apple varieties, and fostering connections that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.​