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.
