Team Spotlight · World Receptionist Day 2026
Behind every meaningful patient experience at Alevia, there are people who make you feel seen before you even walk through the door. On World Receptionist Day, we’re shining a light on one of those people — Chenelle Jayawardena, our Admin Lead at Alevia Wantirna.
World Receptionist Day is celebrated each year as a reminder that the people who welcome, guide, and support us often shape our entire experience of care. And at Alevia, that couldn’t be more true. Across all of our clinics — Melbourne, Adelaide, Geelong, Mornington, Hobart, and beyond — we are so fortunate to have a reception and admin team that is simply exceptional. Today, we’re celebrating one of them.
If you’ve visited or called our Wantirna clinic, there’s a good chance you’ve already spoken with Chenelle. She’s the steady, warm presence that grounds the administrative heart of that clinic — the kind of person who remembers your name, answers your questions with genuine care, and makes sure that from the very first contact, your experience with Alevia feels safe and supported.
We sat down with Chenelle to ask her a few questions about her role, what she loves about working in obesity medicine, and what she most wants our patients to know about the team behind their care.
“It’s Not Just Admin Work — It’s Being Part of Someone’s Story”
How long have you been with Alevia, and what drew you to working in this space?
I’ve been with Alevia for seven years now — which still surprises me when I say it out loud! I recently stepped into the Admin Lead role at Wantirna, which has been such a rewarding next chapter. What drew me to this space in the first place, and what has kept me here, is knowing that the work actually matters to people in a really personal way. Weight management is something so many people struggle with quietly — it can affect confidence, health, relationships, and how someone moves through the world every day. Being part of a team that approaches all of that with genuine compassion and real medical expertise feels meaningful. It’s not just admin work — it’s being part of someone’s story.
What do you love most about your work at Alevia?
Honestly? The patients. Every single day I get to speak with people who are doing something brave — taking a step towards their health, showing up for themselves, asking for help. That takes real courage, and I never forget that.
I love being the person who can make that first interaction feel easy and welcoming rather than daunting. And I love our team. Everyone here genuinely cares — the doctors, the dietitians, the health coaches, the psychologists. There’s no judgment anywhere in this building, just a real commitment to doing right by each patient. That culture makes me proud to come to work every day.
“No question is too small or too embarrassing. You deserve to feel respected and comfortable from the very first phone call.” — Chenelle, Admin Lead, Alevia Wantirna
What would you most like patients to know about how the Alevia team can support them?
I’d want them to know that we are truly here for the whole journey — not just the appointments. From the moment you call or send an enquiry, you’re already being looked after. Our admin team works hard behind the scenes to make sure your bookings, referrals, paperwork, and any questions are handled with care and promptness. You don’t have to navigate any of this on your own.
I’d also want people to know that it’s okay to ask us anything — anything at all. No question is too small or too embarrassing. We understand that coming to a weight management clinic can feel vulnerable, and we take that seriously. Whatever it is that’s on your mind — whether it’s how a medication works, what to expect at your first appointment, or simply whether Alevia is the right fit for you — please just ask. We are here for exactly that.
You deserve to feel respected and comfortable from the very first phone call.
From the Alevia Team
At Alevia, we talk often about the importance of our multidisciplinary approach — our GPs, dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and health coaches working together in service of each patient. But that team extends further than the clinical room. It starts with the people who answer the phone, coordinate your care, follow up on your referrals, and make sure you feel genuinely welcomed every single time you arrive.
Having been with us for seven years, Chenelle brings a depth of knowledge about our patients, our programme, and our values that is truly invaluable. Her recent move into the Admin Lead role is well deserved — a natural recognition of the trust, skill, and dedication she has shown every single day. Chenelle is a perfect example of the Alevia spirit — warm, professional, and genuinely invested in every patient’s wellbeing. She brings to her role the same values we hold across our entire clinic: that every person who walks through our door deserves to be met with compassion, respect, and expertise.
On World Receptionist Day, we want to say it plainly: thank you, Chenelle. Thank you for showing up every day with such care, for making our patients feel at home, and for being such an important part of what makes Alevia the place it is.
And to every single member of our reception and admin team across all Alevia locations — thank you. You are the first voice patients hear, the first face they see, and the reason so many people feel brave enough to keep coming back. You matter more than you know.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you’re curious about our programme, unsure where to start, or ready to book your first appointment — our friendly admin team across all Alevia locations is here to help you feel informed, supported, and completely at ease.
There’s no pressure, no judgment — just a conversation with people who genuinely want to help.
Reach out to us today. Your journey starts with a single call.
