Meet Verena Vaiciurgis – A Glow Group Body Inclusive Dietitian

Meet Verena Vaiciurgis – A Glow Group Body Inclusive Dietitian

Welcome, we are so glad you are here.

Healthcare can be an overwhelming space, particularly when trying to find the right clinician to fit your needs.

By way of introducing Glow Group and our philosophies, we thought it may be helpful to share a little more ourselves, our lives and the reason we feel such a strong connection to the work we do each and every day.

Thank you for being here.


Verena’s Story  

During my Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, I often questioned whether I was on the right path until a lecture on Health at Every Size ® (HAES) completely transformed my perspective. It introduced me to a way of practicing Dietetics that resonated and aligned with my values. After graduating, I followed my curiosity to pursue a PhD focused on reducing diet related health inequities for individuals experiencing extreme socioeconomic disadvantage. 

I am deeply passionate about meeting people where they are, fostering person-centred spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected. My approach emphasizes  non-judgemental, neuro-affirming, trauma-informed support, reflecting my commitment to inclusive care. 

In addition to my clinical work, I volunteer with organisations that support people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, and collaborate on research projects largely focused on nutrition, mental health, and health inequities. My goal is to contribute to evidence that drives systemic change, advocating for greater investment in preventative health services and improving access to quality food and care for those who need it most. 

I feel fortunate to have found Glow, whose philosophy aligns with my own, especially through initiatives like the Safer Space Program, which provides accessible support to those often overlooked by our health system.  


Keys to Me 

So, here’s just a little about me, my life, and how I like to practise. 

    • I understand that everyone’s life is unique in experience and that nervous systems are wired differently, so I will meet you where you’re at and tailor support to your individual needs.
    • I prioritise delivering non-judgemental, neuro-affirming, and trauma-informed support, creating a person-centred space where individuals can share their untold stories and feel heard, valued, and respected. 
    • I strive to understand all aspects that impact a person’s ability to engage with their health, recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellbeing..
    • As a lived experience professional, I combine my training with empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges my clients face, in relation to eating disorders, IBD, and neurodivergence. 
    • I provide holistic and inclusive nutritional support in partnership with my clients, using Responsive Feeding and the Non-Diet Approach® to promote health and wellbeing. 

 

Loves 

  • Travelling anywhere and everywhere 
  • Time in nature  and being outdoor 
  • Pickling things and eating all things pickled
  • Margaritas
  •  Sharing a meal with friends and family  


Hates 

  • Wearing shoes 
  • Unequal access to health care and its impact on the health status of different social groups
  • The mass spread of nutrition misinformation and unsolicited health advice from unqualified sources 
 
 

My Clinical Passion Areas 

Supporting individuals with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating or Chronic Dieters to find peace (or neutrality) with food. 

Including support for: 

  • / Disordered Eating  
  • / Body Image concerns   
  • / “Emotional eating”  
  • / “Over eating”  
  • / Chronic dieting   
  • / Food anxiety   
  • / Sensory differences impacting eating 
  • / Related gut health concerns


Neurodiversity Affirming Nutrition Care – Adults and Paediatric Clients 

  • / Neurodivergence and its intersection with eating disorders  
  • / Nutrition in the context of executive functioning   
  • / Nutrition for ADHDers 
  • / Feeding differences 
  • / Tailoring nutrition care to accommodate the unique needs, preferences, and sensory experiences of neurodivergent individuals.  
 

Nutrition for Digestive Concerns and Gut Health 

  • / Exploring the links between gut health & mental health (the gut-brain axis)  
  • / Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease  
 

Nutrition Support for those Navigating Complex Mental Health and Trauma 

Including but not limited to:  
 
  • /Nutrition in the context of C-PTSD  
  • / Nutrition in the context of depression and anxiety   
  • / Nutrition in the context of bipolar, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia


NDIS Nutrition for Adults and Paediatric Clients 

Nutrition in the context of physical, neurological, intellectual and psychosocial disabilities. With a particular interest in supporting clients living with Huntingtons Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Muscular Distrophy and Complex Mental Health. 
 
I can support you with:  
 
  • / Malnutrition & poor appetite  
  • / Texture modified diets for dysphagia (in collaboration with your Speech Pathologist)  
  • / Meal planning, including grocery shopping and recipe supports  
  • / Person Centered Food Exploration  
  • / Sensory Differences Impacting Eating  
  • / Feeding & Eating Concerns  
  • / Nutritional guidance for medical conditions such as, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, constipation/diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) & irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)  
  • / Support worker/ carer /family training based on your unique nutritional needs  
 

Training and Credentials   

Qualifications  

  • / Master of Nutrition and Dietetics  
  • / Doctor of Philosophy – Health Science 
 

Credentials   

  • / Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) 
  • / NDIS Registered Dietitian    
 

Post-Graduate Training  

  • / The Non-Diet Approach for Dietitians – Fiona Willer & Fiona Sutherland  
  • / RAVES Eating Model – Shane Jeffrey  
  • / Trauma Informed Dietetic Care – Fiona Sutherland and Tracy Brown  
  • / Inclusive Dietetic Care for the Trans and Gender Diverse Community – Ari Spanos and Majella Jones  
  • / Feeding Therapy Australia Post-Graduate Feeding Course  
  • / Managing and Measuring Growth National Paediatric Training  
 Professional Publications
 
  • Vaiciurgis, V. T., Charlton, K. E., Clancy, A. K., & Beck, E. J. (2022). Nutrition programmes for individuals living with disadvantage in supported residential settings: A scoping review. Public Health Nutrition, 25(9), 2625-2636.
  • Vaiciurgis, V. T., Clancy, A. K., Charlton, K. E., Stefoska-Needham, A., & Beck, E. J. (2024). Food provision to support improved nutrition and well-being of people experiencing disadvantage–perspectives of service providers. Public Health Nutrition, 27(1), e36.
  • Vaiciurgis, V. T., Clancy, A. K., O’Reilly, G., & Beck, E. J. (2024). Perceived nutrition needs of people experiencing disadvantage in utilizing support services: An Australian case study. Food Science & Nutrition, 12(6), 4133-4142.
  • Vaiciurgis VT, Clancy AK, Charlton KE, Stefoska-Needham A, Beck EJ. Supporting the nutrition-related health and well-being of people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage: Findings from a national survey. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2024; 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.13340. Accepted 4th June 2024. 

    •   

        

      How do I like to practise? 

       
      My clients have always been my greatest teachers. I’m passionate about meeting people where they are, creating supportive, person-centred spaces you feel heard, valued, and respected. My approach is non-judgmental, neuro-affirming, and trauma-informed—and sometimes a little “neurospicy,” with tangents and analogies along the way! As a neurodivergent ADHDer, I truly believe diverse brains, although sometimes challenging, make the world a beautiful and more interesting place. (This also means we’ll likely go on tangents, use plenty of analogies, and try to save the world all within our appointment time!)  
       
      If you have made it this far, thanks for joining me! 

       

      To learn more about our other clinicians click here.

      Alternatively, if you would like to book an appointment, please fill out our appointment request form here. 

      Meet Olivia Mcdonnell – A Glow Group Body Inclusive Dietitian

      Olivia Mcdonnell Dietitian

      Meet Olivia Mcdonnell – A Glow Group Body Inclusive Dietitian

      Welcome, we are so glad you are here.

      Healthcare can be an overwhelming space, particularly when trying to find the right clinician to fit your needs.

      By way of introducing Glow Group and our philosophies, we thought it may be helpful to share a little more ourselves, our lives and the reason we feel such a strong connection to the work we do each and every day.

      Thank you for being here.

       

      Olivia’s Story  

      While completing my bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, I realised that I always wanted to work within the eating disorder space. After graduating, I felt a strong desire to explore how to navigate this field through a non-weight-centric lens, which contrasts with the traditional approach taught to dietitians. 

      During my final year of university, I decided to focus clinically on eating disorders. The Glow Group was a perfect fit for my values and philosophy, as it creates a space for individuals with eating disorders to have autonomy while striving to recover from such a challenging period in their lives.  

      In addition to my clinical work, I have pursued my passion for research by working on my PhD, aiming to provide more evidence and support for the eating disorder field.  

      Growing up in rural New South Wales, I have seen firsthand the health gap between metropolitan and rural areas. This experience has given me valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by individuals in rural areas compared to those in metropolitan settings, and it has fuelled my desire to address these disparities in healthcare by providing an accessible platform for adequate support.  

       

      Keys to Me 

      So, here’s just a little about me, my life, and how I like to practise. 

      • I have had my own lived experience with an eating disorder during my adolescent years, which allows me to truly empathise with my clients and understand how challenging this period in their lives can be.  
      • I believe that nutrition is highly individualised and requires a holistic approach. Therefore, I strive to consider all aspects of a person’s health before making any nutritional recommendations or providing guidance. 
      • My approach is gentle and client-centred, meeting individuals where they are and ensuring they feel heard and comfortable in the space I provide.

       

       

      Loves 

       

      • Beach 
      • Any outdoor activity 
      • Summer 

       

       

      Hates 

      • The cold 
      • Societal norms that perpetuate weight stigma 
      • Unqualified people offering nutrition advice

       

       

      My Clinical Passion Areas 

      Supporting individuals with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating or Chronic Dieters to find peace (or neutrality) with food. 

      Including support for: 

      • / Bulimia Nervosa   
      • / Binge Eating Disorder  
      • / Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder   
      • / Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders  
      • / Disordered Eating  
      • / Body Image concerns   
      • / “Emotional eating”  
      • / “Over eating”  
      • / Chronic dieting   
      • / Food anxiety   
      • / Sensory differences impacting eating 
      • / Related gut health concerns, including a particular interest in coeliac disease

       

       

      NDIS Nutrition

      Including support for:

      • / Malnutrition & poor appetite
      • / Texture modified diets for dysphagia (in collaboration with your Speech Pathologist)
      • / Meal planning, including grocery shopping and recipe supports
      • / Sensory Differences Impacting Eating
      • / Feeding & Eating Concerns
      • / Nutritional guidance for medical conditions such as, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, constipation/diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) & irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
      • / Support worker/carer/family training based on your unique nutritional needs

       

       

      Training and Credentials  

      Qualifications 

      • / Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics Hons (2023) 
      • /Doctor of Philosophy – Nutrition and Dietetics (current)

       

      Credentials 

      • / Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) 
      • / NDIS Registered Dietitian   

       

      Post-graduate training 

      • / Nutrition Counselling for Eating Disorders – Marci Evans 
      • / Health at Every Size Training 
      • / Inside out Institute; Eating Disorder Community Training for Dietitian 
      • / Inclusive Dietetic Care for the Trans and Gender Diverse Community – Ari Spanos and Majella Jones  

         

         

        How do I like to practise? 

        I take the time to understand and acknowledge each individual through a holistic approach, aiming to provide sustainable solutions that help them meet their goals. I advocate for overall well-being using a Health at Every Size (HAES) lens, fostering a positive relationship with food. My goal is to create a space where individuals can unpack their journey with food, offering empathy, support, and guidance to simplify their relationship with food. 

        If you have made it this far, thanks for joining me!

        To learn more about our other clinicians click here.

        Alternatively, if you would like to book an appointment, please fill out our appointment request form here.

        Meet Karly Rugolo – A Glow Group Body Inclusive Dietitian

        Dietitian Karly Rugolo

        Meet Karly Rugolo – A Glow Group Body Inclusive Dietitian

        Welcome, we are so glad you are here.

        Healthcare can be an overwhelming space, particularly when trying to find the right clinician to fit your needs.

        By way of introducing Glow Group and our philosophies, we thought it may be helpful to share a little more ourselves, our lives and the reason we feel such a strong connection to the work we do each and every day.

        Thank you for being here.

         

        Karly’s Story  

        When I graduated from university with a degree in dietetics, I was passionate and idealistic about helping people achieve health through traditional dietary advice and approaches. However, my personal battle with an eating disorder and poor body image forced me to question the impact and limitations of these traditional approaches. In my early career, I discovered the non-diet philosophy and intuitive eating, which challenged my beliefs but also provided a path to healing. Through embracing these principles myself, I healed my relationship with food and my body, finding freedom from years of weighing, restriction and food rules. I have never looked back.  

        This journey has transformed the way that I practice as a dietitian. I am passionate about utilising non-diet, weight neutral approaches in supporting clients on their own journey of healing their relationship with food, health and their body. I understand it is an incredibly difficult journey to be on and no one should have to do it alone.  

         

         

        Keys to Me 

        So, here’s just a little about me, my life, and how I like to practise. 

        • I prioritise building meaningful connection with my clients and allow a space for them to share their own unique stories and experiences   
        • As a lived experience professional, I combine my training with empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges my clients face  
        • I strive to provide care that is weight-inclusive, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming. My approach is aligned with the principles of Health at Every Size, focusing on respecting and accepting all body sizes 
        • I am passionate about supporting clients to heal their relationship with food and body, whatever that might look like to them 

         

         

        Loves 

        • Travelling (especially to places with pretty nature and views!) 
        • Shopping (even if it is to have a browse) 
        • Freshly baked bakery items (especially bread!) 
        • Afternoon walks with a podcast or audiobook (especially if its sunset hour) 
        • Being cozy with a book (or TikTok) 

         

         

        Hates 

        • Diet culture and how difficult it is to escape  
        • Weight stigma  
        • Our inequitable health care system  
        • Celery and Bread that has been toasted for too long 

         

         

        My Clinical Passion Areas 

        Supporting individuals with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating or Chronic Dieters to find peace (or neutrality) with food. 

        Including support for: 

        • / Bulimia Nervosa   
        • / Binge Eating Disorder  
        • / Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder   
        • / Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders  
        • / Disordered Eating  
        • / Body Image concerns   
        • / “Emotional eating”  
        • / “Over eating”  
        • / Chronic dieting   
        • / Food anxiety   
        • / Sensory differences impacting eating 
        • / Related gut health concerns  
        • /PCOS and it’s intersection with eating disorders, disordered eating and body image 

         

         

        Neurodiversity Affirming Nutrition Care 

        • / Neurodivergence and its intersection with eating disorders 
        • / Nutrition in the context of executive functioning  
        • / Tailoring nutrition care to accommodate the unique needs, preferences, and sensory experiences of neurodivergent individuals. 

         

         

        Nutrition for Digestive Concerns and Gut Health 

        • /Exploring the links between gut health & mental health (the gut-brain axis) 
        • /Irritable Bowel Syndrome  
        • /Digestive symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and wind 
        • /Inflammatory bowel disease 

         

         

        Nutrition Support for those Navigating Complex Mental Health and Trauma   

        Including but not limited to: 

        • Nutrition in the context of C-PTSD 
        • Nutrition in the context of depression and anxiety  

         

         

        Training and Credentials  

        Qualifications 

        • / Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (2015) 

         

        Credentials 

        • / Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) 
        • / Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician (CEDC) 
        • / NDIS Registered Dietitian   

         

        Post-graduate training 

        • / Motivational Interviewing – Tara McGregor 
        • / The Non-Diet Approach for Dietitians – Fiona Willer & Fiona Sutherland 
        • / Nutrition Counselling For Eating Disorders – Marci Evans 
        • / Eating Disorder Training for Dietitians (Fiona Sutherland and Shane Jeffrey) 
        • / RAVES Eating Model – Shane Jeffrey 
        • / Trauma Informed Dietetic Care – Fiona Sutherland and Tracy Brown 
        • / Inclusive Dietetic Care for the Trans and Gender Diverse Community – Ari Spanos and Majella Jones 
        • / Low FODMAP Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Monash University 

         

         

        How do I like to practise? 

        As a dietitian, I practice with gentleness, compassion, and empathy, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for my clients. I prioritise being a good listener, allowing space for clients to share their stories and experiences without judgment, while centring my approach on building meaningful connections and understanding each individual’s unique journey. I guide clients with a gentle, respectful manner, honouring their pace and preferences, and providing care that meets their personal needs and values. 

        If you have made it this far, thanks for joining me!

        To learn more about our other clinicians click here.

        Alternatively, if you would like to book an appointment, please fill out our appointment request form here.

        Meet Mali Unahi – A Glow Group Body Inclusive Dietitian

        Mali Unahi - Dietitian

        Meet Mali Unahi – A Glow Group Body Inclusive Dietitian

        Welcome, we are so glad you are here.

        Healthcare can be an overwhelming space, particularly when trying to find the right clinician to fit your needs.

        By way of introducing Glow Group and our philosophies, we thought it may be helpful to share a little more ourselves, our lives and the reason we feel such a strong connection to the work we do each and every day.

        Thank you for being here.

         

        Mali’s Story  

        After finishing my Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons), I was unsure of the direction that I wanted to go in the dietetics space. We live in a world fuelled by diet culture and weight stigma, and I knew that I did not want to be a dietitian that was involved in that. Unfortunately though, uni doesn’t always exactly show you what else is out there. As soon as I found Glow Group, I knew that that was the kind of space where I wanted to be, to help create the right kind of change.  

         

        Keys to Me 

        So, here’s just a little about me, my life, and how I like to practise. 

        • / Traditional nutrition interventions and treatments tend to be very black and white. I believe that everyone’s body, life, lived experiences and personal food story are very different, therefore I believe that nutrition interventions should not be one size fits all. I focus on applying a very individualised approach to each client, in the hopes to provide a space where clients feel heard, respected and empowered.  
        • / I strive to always provide care from a weight-inclusive, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming lens, aligned with the principles of Health at Every Size 
        • / Everyone deserves to eat enough and enjoy themselves whilst doing so. I am passionate about working together to explore your relationship with food and assist you in finding your food freedom.
           

        Loves 

        • / Woodfired bread from Totti’s 
        • / Pilates 
        • / A soppy romance novel 
        • / Chardonnay  

         

        Hates 

        • / Zucchini noodles 
        • / Health stigma and our inequitable healthcare system 
        • /  The pressure that social media places on people to look a certain way  

         

        My Clinical Passion Areas 

        Supporting individuals with Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating to find peace (or neutrality) with food.  With a particular interest in assisting young people (adolescents to 25 years) navigate this journey.

        I can support the following presentations:

        • / Anorexia Nervosa  
        • / Bulimia Nervosa  
        • / Binge Eating Disorder 
        • / Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder  
        • / Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders 
        • / Disordered Eating 
        • / Body Image concerns  
        • / “Emotional eating” 
        • / “Over eating” 
        • / Chronic dieting  
        • / Food anxiety  
        • / Sensory differences impacting eating 

         

        Neurodiversity Affirming Nutrition Care 

        • / Neurodivergence and its intersection with eating disorders  
        • / Nutrition in the context of executive functioning – how we can best manage your spoons! 

         

        NDIS Nutrition  

        Nutrition in the context of physical, neurological, intellectual and psychosocial disabilities. With a particular interest in supporting clients living with Huntingtons Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Muscular Distrophy and Complex Mental Health.

        I can support you with: 

        • / Malnutrition & poor appetite 
        • / Texture modified diets for dysphagia (in collaboration with your Speech Pathologist) 
        • / Meal planning, including grocery shopping and recipe supports 
        • / Person Centered Food Exploration 
        • / Sensory Differences Impacting Eating 
        • / Feeding & Eating Concerns 
        • / Nutritional guidance for medical conditions such as, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, constipation/diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) & irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 
        • / Support worker/carer/family training based on your unique nutritional needs 

         

        Training and Credentials  

        Qualifications 

        • / Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons) 2022 

         

        Credentials 

        • / Accredited practising dietitian (APD) 
        • / NDIS registered dietitian  

         

        Post-graduate training 

        • / Motivational Interviewing – Tara McGregor  
        • / Nutrition Counselling for Eating Disorders – Marci Evans  
        • / RAVE eating model – Shane Jeffrey  
        • / Inclusive Dietetic Care for the Trans and Gender Diverse Community – Ari Spanos and Majella Jones 

         

        How do I like to practise? 

        Listening to experiences from my clients, it seems common for the lead up to appointments with health practitioners to be a stressful and anxiety inducing time, due to the fear of being judged, shamed or not listened to. These are not the kind of feelings I want to my clients to experience. I aim to have a compassionate approach, creating a space where we can safely unpack your journey, your food story and your personal intentions/goals, whatever they may be.  

        If you have made it this far, thanks for joining me!

        To learn more about our other clinicians click here.

        Alternatively, if you would like to book an appointment, please fill out our appointment request form here.

        Meet Jess Tilbrook – Glow Group Director & Body Inclusive Dietitian

        Jess Tilbrook - Body Inclusive Dietitian

        Meet Jess Tilbrook – Glow Group Director & Body Inclusive Dietitian

        Welcome, I am so glad you are here.

        Healthcare can be an overwhelming space, particularly when trying to find the right clinician to fit your needs, and even more so if past experiences with health professionals have been less than “optimal”.

        By way of introducing Glow Group and our philosophies, I thought it may be helpful to share a little more about myself, my life and the reason I feel such a strong connection to the work I do each and every day.

        Thank you for being here,

        Jess

         

        Our Story

        I founded Glow Group in 2018 as a safer space for people pursuing support in the nutrition space. Traditionally, Dietitians have been viewed as the “food police” with many clients experiencing shame or guilt at the hands of our discipline. This needed to change.

        Glow Group practices from a body inclusive, trauma informed and neurodiversity affirming lens.

        Meaning:

        • We rarely, if ever, weigh our clients (and if we do, it is for a very particular clinical condition, and with consent)
        • We believe health is not a size, but rather, a spectrum and looks different on everybody
        • We work hard with our clients to break food rules, not make them
        • We are aware that everyone’s nervous system is wired differently, and will meet you where you are at.

        And

        • We appreciate that how neurodivergent individuals relate to food is not a problem to be ‘fixed’. There is no forcing you to eat broccoli here!

        Learn More About Our Philosophy Here

         

        Key to Me

        So, here’s just a little about me, my life and how I like to practise.

        • / I’m a dreamer, and love to create!
        • / I’m a Lived Experience Professional, having recovered from my own eating disorder as a young adult.
        • / I’m Neurodivergent, an ADHDer, and truly believe diverse brains make the world a beautiful place.
        • / My daughter lives with a rare neurological condition and is an NDIS participant. I am passionate about advocating for good dietetic care in the NDIS space.

         

        Loves

        • / Art Journalling
        • / Thrifting
        • / Reading
        • / Rediscovering Movement – my own way

         

        Hates

        • / Unsolicited health advice
        • / Weight stigma
        • / Red tape and barriers to healthcare access
        • / Cooked capsicum!

         

        My Clinical Passion Areas

        Supporting individuals with Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating to find peace (or neutrality) with food.

        Including support for:

        • / Anorexia Nervosa
        • / Bulimia Nervosa
        • / Binge Eating Disorder
        • / Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
        • / Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders
        • / Disordered Eating
        • / Body Image Concerns
        • / “Emotional Eating”
        • / “Over Eating”
        • / Chronic Dieting
        • / Food Anxiety
        • / Sensory Differences Impacting Eating
        • / Related Gut Health Concerns

        Neurodiversity Affirming Nutrition Care

        • / Particularly, Neurodivergence and it’s intersection with Eating Disorders
        • / and Nutrition for ADHDers

         Nutrition support for those navigating complex mental health and trauma.

        Including, but not limited to:

        • / Nutrition in the context of C- PSTD
        • / Nutrition in the context of depression, anxiety, OCD
        • / Nutrition in the context of bipolar, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia

        Reproductive Health

        • / Particularly PCOS, and it’s intersection with eating disorders, disordered eating and body image.

        NDIS Nutrition

        • / Nutrition in the context of Psychosocial Disability and Complex Mental Health
        • / Tube Feeding (Enteral Feeding)
        • / NDIS Advocacy

         

        Training and Credentials

        Qualifications

        • / Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (2014)
        • / Graduate Diploma Psychology (Current)

        Credentials

        • / Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
        • / Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician (CEDC)
        • / Dietitians Australia Eating Disorder Interest Group Executive
        • / NDIS Registered Dietitian

        Post-Graduate Training

        • / Motivational Interviewing – Tara McGregor
        • / Nutrition Counselling For Eating Disorders – Marci Evans
        • / RAVES Eating Model – Shane Jeffrey
        • / Trauma Informed Dietetic Care – Fiona Sutherland and Tracy Brown
        • / Inclusive Dietetic Care for the Trans and Gender Diverse Community – Ari Spanos and Majella Jones

        Professional Presentations/and or Publications

        • / Co-Presented “An Introduction to Working with Body Image for Dietitians” for Dietitians Australia 2023
        • / Developed “Gut Health and Eating Disorders” clinician resource for Dietitians Australia 2022
        • / Presented ‘Healthy Relationships with Food At Home” for the Facebook Head Office, Australia

         

        How do I like to practise?

        I feel my clients would describe my approach as gentle, warm and a little lighthearted and silly (where appropriate). I am a proud intersectional feminist, so this also comes across strongly in my work. I take my time to understand you, and your story, and will do my best to centre your health intentions, and guide you when you feel ready.

        If you have made it this far, thanks for joining me!

        To learn more about our other clinicians click here.

        Alternatively, if you would like to book an appointment, please fill out our appointment request form here.

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

        Mindful eating: 6 tips to reduce stress around meal times

        Reducing stress around meal times

        Co-written by Serena Hodge 

        What is Mindful Eating?

        The practise of mindful eating is about being fully present and bringing your attention to your environment, thoughts and feelings when you sit down to eat a meal. In doing this you can remove the anxiety, guilt and distractions surrounding meal times. This allows you to fully enjoy and appreciate every bite of the food on your plate without fear or judgment of yourself.

        Below I will share with you 6 ways you can begin to practise eating mindfully based on guidelines set by Eating Disorders Victoria (2016) as well as my own personal experience.

        1. Give yourself permission to enjoy food without guilt. This is one of the most important first steps when learning how to eat mindfully. This is about removing restrictions and giving yourself permission to appreciate the pleasurable experience that food can bring. In doing this, you can shift your focus to eating foods that make you feel good. Remember that this can include eating your favourite foods. So next time you go to snack on your favourite chocolate bar or a dessert, start by telling yourself that it is okay to enjoy the experience.

        2. Consider how you are feeling. Before you sit down to eat your meal, think about how you are feeling in the moment. Are you feeling stressed, or calm and relaxed? Does your body feel tense and uneasy? This is important as your thoughts and the way your body feels can increase your self-awareness and give you a good indication of your attitude towards eating.

        3. Deep breathing. As you sit down in front of your meal, take a moment to take a few slow, deep breaths. You can do this by closing your eyes, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. This is a good way to help you relax and bring you into the present moment.

        4. Chew slowly. As you begin to eat your meal, encourage yourself to eat slowly. This can help you slow down and relax while allowing you to savour and appreciate the flavours of the food.

        5. Remove distractions. Many of us are surrounded with a number of distractions during meal times. This can include things such as watching T.V., scrolling through social media, talking on the phone or being on the move and not taking the time to sit down. Next time you are about to eat your meal, take a moment to switch off and focus on the task of eating. Notice if this makes you feel more present and aware of the food you are eating.

        6. Eat with company. Surrounding yourself with the company of your family and friends when you eat can be a great way to shift your focus away from feelings of fear and anxiety when eating meals. When we realise that food and meal times are a time that can be celebrated and enjoyed, we can recognise that we have begun to take the first steps towards creating a positive relationship with food, free of fear and judgement.

        Remember that this is a guide to support you on your journey to becoming a mindful eater. This is not an absolute must to follow at every meal or snack time as lets be real, life doesn’t always allow for that. But the more we can move towards a more mindful direction and create more presence around our meal occasion, the more positive it will be for our physical and mental health.

        …

        Please note, that mindful eating and intuitive eating may not be appropriate for someone living with an active eating disorder. Please reach out to an Accredited Practising Dietitian to understand if this approach to eating is right for you.

        Reconnecting with Food and Friends this October Long Weekend

        Sharing a platter with friends

        Eating socially and with spontaniety is such an an important part of the intuitive eating process. So we thought we would create the ultimate list of activities for you this October Long Weekend.

        Not all are food related…. But the point is to encourage new places and new experiences. We hope you find something you enjoy!

        https://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/food-and-drink/whats-open-long-weekend-monday-2014-october

        https://www.timeout.com/sydney/restaurants/cafes-open-over-the-october-long-weekend-in-sydney

        https://www.leuragardensfestival.com.au

        https://gearsandbeers.org.au/

        https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/clarence-valley/yamba/events/eat-street-yamba

        https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/riverina/griffith/events/griffith-agricultural-show

        https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/queanbeyan-area/events/grass-glass-floriade-wine-bar

        https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/queanbeyan-area/braidwood/events/cheese-tasting-provisions-deli-and-grocery

        https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/mudgee-area/mudgee/events/mudgee-hopper

        https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/central-coast/gosford-area/terrigal/events/locals-nights-bring-your-own-wine

        https://southernharvest.org.au/farmers-market/

        What is weight stigma – and why should we be worried about it?

        Weight stigma

        Have you ever taken a moment to question your personal beliefs around weight and body size?

        How do these thoughts make you feel about yourself?

        How do they make you think about other people?

        September 23rd-27th marks the first Weight Stigma Awareness week where the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) are starting the conversation about weight stigma and the impact it can have on our health.

        Weight stigma is discrimination or stereotyping based on a person’s weight. The effects of weight stigma have been published in the literature for a long time. However, this research is typically overlooked due to the powerful influence diet culture has over us. For those unfamiliar with the term diet culture, it represents a society that places value on being a certain size, weight, and shape over actual health, and promotes the false notion that health always equals thinness. We have been raised to believe that ”thin=good” and “fat=bad” and that the size of our body determines our self-worth. (If you are curious about your own weight bias you can take the Harvard Implicit Associations Test https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html)

        Diet culture has taught us that being in a larger body is the fault of the individual. That weight gain is shameful and is the result of being “lazy”, “unmotivated” and “lack willpower”. While weight loss is applauded and encouraged even when resembling eating disorder behaviours such as restriction or excessive exercise. This culture has made us believe that by shaming someone for being in a larger body it will motivate them to lose weight and be “healthy”. However, when we look into the research properly, it does anything but….

        Such stigma poses numerous consequences on our psychological, social and physical health. Weight stigma can:

        • increase body dissatisfaction which is a leading risk factor in the development of eating disorders.
        • increase the risk for
          • depression,
          • low self-esteem,
          • poor body image
          • and binge eating.

        Alarmingly, research has also shown an association between internalised weight stigma and increased biochemical stress in an individual, which has been correlated with

        • increased cortisol levels
        • inflammation
        • unhealthy blood pressure
        • poor blood glucose control
        • increased cholesterol levels

        Through the fear of weight gain and idealisation of thinness, we have all been a victim of weight stigma. However for the most part, it is those people living in larger bodies that wear the brunt of it. When you look around hard enough you can see how this happens almost anywhere- at home, in schools, the work place, media, social media and even in medical appointments.

        For this reason the conversation needs to change and needs to be made a priority. Not only for social justice and anti-discrimination, but for public health.

        How can you make a difference to this conversation and help put a stop to weight stigma?

        References

        NEDA (2018), ‘Weight Stigma’ https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/weight-stigma

        Tomiyama, A.J et al. (2018), ‘How and why weight stigma drives the obesity ‘epidemic’ and harms health’, BMC Medicine, https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-018-1116-5

        Puhl, R.M and Heuer, C.A. (2010), ‘Obesity Stigma: Important Considerations for Public Health’, American Journal of Public Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866597/

        Tomiyama, A.J et al. (2014), ‘Associations of Weight Stigma With Cortisol and Oxidative Stress Independent of Adiposity’, American Psychological Association, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25068456

        5 Steps to Joyful Movement

        Joyful movement

        A guest piece by Olivia Macdonald. Personal Trainer and Nutritionist.

        Before you read any further, let me ask you this; What is your motivation to exercise?

        Is it…

        To improve your fitness?

        Or

        Manage your stress levels?

        Or is it…

        To lose weight?

        Or

        Earn your dessert tonight?

        For many, uncoupling exercise from weight loss or calorie burning can serve as a challenge, particularly if you have had a rocky relationship with food or body image in the past.

        This post provides 5 steps to help you shift your focus away from the scales and bring more joy to exercise in your everyday life!

        Step 1 – Focus on How it Feels

        Keep track of how exercise makes you feel, both during and afterwards. Take mental notes or even jot them down on a piece of paper. Think about your stress and energy levels, are you able to handle stressful situations better? Can you concentrate for longer at work after exercise? Reflect on your general mood throughout the day and the quality of your sleep, do you possess a more positive outlook after bouts of exercise? Do you fall asleep quicker and wake up feeling re-energized?

        Step 2 – Aim for Health Outcomes Outside of Weight. 

         

        Remove the idea that weight loss is the only outcome of exercise, and try to celebrate the numerous health benefits that being active has to offer. Everyone can reap the benefits of exercise, including;

        • Improved mood
        • Increased energy levels
        • Improved sleep and ability to relax
        • Improved satiety cues and appetite regulation
        • & if we’re honest, it can be really really fun.

        Step 3 – Removing the ‘All or Nothing’ Mindset

         

        I’m sure you’ll be pleased to hear that you don’t have to be profusely sweating to reap the many benefits of exercise. In fact, a study conducted in 2011 reported that short bursts of moderate intensity activity were significantly associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness (McGuire et al. 2011).

        So next time you’re thinking “I only have 20 minutes, there’s no point!”, think again – it all adds up!

        Step 4 – Exercise with Others

         

        Consider making exercise a part of your social life, instead of your weekly ‘coffee date’ with a friend why not grab a coffee and head off on a walk? Or, rope your girlfriends in on your Saturday morning yoga class and then grab some breaky after – it’s a win-win!

        Equally, turn your kid’s weekend activities into fun family outings. Rock-climbing, swimming or trampolining – why should kids have all the fun?

        Step 5 – Choose Activities you Enjoy

         

        As the title of this post suggests, joyful movement is only going to be joyful if you’re actually doing things you enjoy! Don’t set a goal of running 5x per week if you absolutely detest running, chances are you won’t stick to it and you’ll be left feeling disheartened and disappointed.

        Set some time aside to really think about things you enjoy doing; walking, cycling, playing tennis, yoga, palates – you name it.

        Finally, don’t be afraid to try something new! Always wanted to play badminton? Join a local club, a great way of meeting like-minded people and adding variety to your routine.

        “Exercise should be a celebration of what the body can do, rather than punishment for what you ate”.

        Ross, R., and McGuire, A. (2011). Incidental Physical Activity Is Positively Associated with Cardiorespiratory Fitness. School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, CANADA.