Performance & Wellbeing Dietitian

Nutrition is a science, but eating is a behaviour.

Hi! I’m Helen, an Advanced Sports Dietitian and Eating Disorder Nutrition Therapist based in Melbourne.

For 15 years I’ve been helping folks translate and apply the power of nutrition into their daily lives.

Having specialised in Sports Nutrition since graduating from Deakin University in 2008, and furthering my training in Disordered Eating & Eating Disorders, I understand the link between high pressure environments and the influence it can have on eating behaviour and body image.

Experiences across my career include fulfilling the role of Lead Dietitian at Cricket Victoria for 12 years, initiating education programs during the inaugural AFLW National Academy program, Western United Football club seasons, and in 2023, launching Waverley Gymnastics Centre’s first Performance Nutrition Program. These High Performance environments have continually informed me on the unique pressures my clients face. I am privileged to be able to use this experience to drive and guide my person-centred approach.

Working as your ‘Food Coach’, my goal is to be your ally in Nutrition.
Offering a relaxed and non-judgmental space, let’s get brain storming! I will help you navigate through the sea of nutrition information. We will tailor a realistic plan to get you moving towards your health, performance & wellbeing goals.

With a warm and gentle approach….

I practice a health behaviour driven, Non-Diet, Health At Every Size (HAES) philosophy. I’m passionate about integrating strategies with flexibility and respect to your individual context. Equipping you with the best maps and tools, my goal is to put you in the driver’s seat of your own health & performance journey.

Combining scientifically backed nutrition advice with a practical and empathetic approach

Lets work together…..

Let me help you select the right strategies to match your personal circumstances, resources and preferences.
I will coach you through what you need to know and what you can do to

Improve energy levels

Find your ideal pattern and choices that work for your lifestyle. No room for fad or restrictive diets here!

Create and maintain positive relationships with food and body

This is your space to escape the pressures of diet culture and look for resources and support to tune in to your body cues and your relationship with food.

Be supported with care and compassion if you have been diagnosed with an Eating Disorder

Here to work collaboratively with you/or your loved one and your treating medical care team.

On appropriate referral from a medical practitioner (General Practitioner, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist) under a Eating Disorder Management Plan (EDMP), patients will be able to access Medicare rebates for: up to a maximum of 20 sessions with a dietitian in a 12 month period. These 20 sessions will be inclusive of any sessions provided by a dietitian under the Chronic Disease Management plan in the same calendar year of the EDMP being established.

For an EDMP to be eligible it must include all mandatory information, including:

Patient must be referred under the Eating Disorder Management Plan
Patient diagnosis clearly noted
Number of sessions available to claim with a Dietitian or Psychologist
Date of referral processed

If you require guidance around the Eating Disorders Management Plan (EDMP), speak to your GP

Prevent Injury

Avoid under fuelling leading to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) , gut distress, Bone injury eg. fracture, soft tissue eg. strains, tears, concussion,

Heal and rehabilitate from injury and surgery

Know how to eat optimally in the lead up to and post surgery to enhance healing.

Have an informed approach to optimising body composition

Get a wholistic understanding of how to build lean mass and manage healthful body fat levels. Receive the same coaching I offer my elite athletes. Let me empower you with awareness of the benefits and potential risks for you to make your own decisions

Anything else about food, nutrition or supplements

Pick my brain, no question is too ‘out-there’ or random when it comes to nutrition. After practicing in the health, nutrition, high performance sport industry for 13 years , nothing much surprises me any more!

Accreditations

Advanced Sports Dietitian
ANZAED Credentialled Eating Disorder Clinician (CEDC)
Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
Accredited Nutritionist (AN)

Qualifications & Memberships

IOC Diploma of Sports Nutrition
Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics
Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA)
Dietitians Australia (DA)

Further training

Motivational Interviewing (Tara Macgregor)
CBT-E Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders (The Victorian Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders)
ACT as a Brief Intervention (Russ Harris)
Dietitian Essentials: Treatment of Eating Disorders (Inside Out)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Russ Harris)
Eating Disorders in Sport – Training for Sports Dietitians (Sports Dietitians Australia)

Get in touch today

Private practice

My office is located within the Malvern East Psychology clinic, 1141 Dandenong Road, Malvern East, Melbourne, 3145.

Hours:
Tuesdays 9am-2pm (telehealth only)

Wednesdays 8am-3pm (in-person or telehealth).

Book here: Halaxy If telehealth, please specify in booking notes.

GP referrals and care team correspondence accepted via post or fax (03) 91025361 or email

ABN: 128 2017 6811