Sydney Forum 2011

Practitioner Training

Dr Nancy O’Hara MD

Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board-certified pediatrician who taught children with autism prior to her medical career. She was graduated in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and earned a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh. She began her general private practice in 1993, and in 1998 began her consultative, integrative practice solely for children with special needs. Dr O’Hara is one of the leaders for clinicians’ training in the US and abroad.

Dietary Intervention Practitioner Workshop

Julie Matthews

Julie Matthews is a leading US autism nutrition expert specializing in biomedical autism diet and supplementation intervention, (as well as healthy pregnancy and babies). Her book, Nourishing Hope for Autism, and her work are based in scientific research and an understanding of the biochemistry of ASDs and the role of nutrition to restore health. She presents at leading autism conferences, hosts multiple radio programs, writes for autism publications, and teaches “Cooking To Heal” cooking classes. Julie has a private nutrition practice and radio show in San Francisco and works with clients from around the world.

Abnormal Transmethylation & Transsulfuration Metabolism

David W. Quig PhD

Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry

David Quig received his Masters degree in Human Nutrition from Virginia Tech and his Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Illinois. He was then a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Cornell University for five years, prior to serving as a Senior Cardiovascular Pharmacologist with a major pharmaceutical company for seven years. For the past 26 years, he has performed and published research pertaining to nutrition and chronic diseases. He regularly gives presentations at international and national biomedical conferences. Dr. Quig is currently Vice President, Scientific Support for Doctor’s Data, Inc. where he conducts studies pertaining to the effects of heavy metal and chemical toxicity on nutrition and metabolism and advises medical practitioners about the interpretation of laboratory test results and treatment options for their patients.

The Role of Enzymes in Digestive Disorders

Devin Houston PhD, Founder, Houston Enzymes
B.A. Biology, B.S. Medical Science, Ph.D. Biochemistry

Dr. Devin Houston is a Ph.D. biochemist and owner of Houston Enzymes. Dr. Houston received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and was involved in academic research for the following ten years at the University of Virginia and Saint Louis University Schools of Medicine. Dr. Houston directed research and development at National Enzyme Company for several years. In 1998, he formulated the first enzyme product targeted to the unique dietary needs of those with autism. He has continued the development of enzyme products that address different aspects of digestive needs.

Michael Fenech PhD
Adjunct Professor, University of South Australia
CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences

Professor Michael Fenech is renowned internationally for his research in nutrition and genetic toxicology and for developing the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay which is a gold standard method used internationally to measure DNA damage in human cells. His key goal is to determine the nutritional requirements for DNA damage prevention. In 2003-05, Dr Fenech proposed a novel disease prevention strategy based on personalised diagnosis and prevention of DNA damage by appropriate diet/life-style intervention, which has led to the Genome Health Clinic concept which has been translated into practice (www.reach100.com.au). In 2000-2006 his laboratory further developed the CBMN assay into a ‘cytome’ assay consisting of six complementary biomarkers of DNA damage and cytotoxicity and in 2009 developed an improved method to measure absolute telomere length, a molecular biomarker of accelerated ageing. He was awarded the Flinders University’s Convocation Medal in 2007, the Alexander Hollaender Award (USA) in 2008 and the honorary title of Adjunct Professor (University of South Australia) in 2009 for his leadership/contributions to environmental/public health sciences internationally.

Hormones & Brain Chemistry in developmental disorders

Henry Osiecki
B. Sc (Hons) Grad Dip Nut

Henry Osiecki is a leading Clinical Nutritionist. Over the past two decades he has changed people’s perception of nutritional thinking from one that is diet based to one that is biochemically and physiologically based.

Henry pioneered nutritional supplementation in Australia. With over 33 years in the field of nutritional biochemistry, Henry has published eight books on nutrition; numerous articles on nutrition and disease in scientific journals, has participated in TV media, radio broadcasting (hosting his own segment) and in print newspaper where he penned his own nutritional column. Henry is a highly acclaimed lecturer in nutrition on both the national and international arena. His experience in this field has also seen him involved in sports nutrition at State, National and Olympic level. For more than twenty years, Henry’s dedication to the field of nutritional biochemistry has provided the foundations for practitioner education in Australia.

Integrative Practice-Putting It All Together

Dr Frank Golik
MBBS (Hons QLD) FRACGP MACNEM

Frank set up his solo Private Family Practice in Clayfield Brisbane in 1979, some ten years ago he formed a multi disciplinary clinic in Clayfield. Dr Frank Golik gained his fellowship in the RACGP in 1982. His special areas of interest and passion are autism, ASD, ADHD, Musculoskeletal medicine; Dietary and lifestyle therapy; Thyroid conditions; Chelation therapy; and the Metabolic Syndrome. Biomesotherapy forms a significant part of the therapeutic approach of his clinic

The Triad of Health; Structure, Biochemistry & Emotion

Suzanne Labrie

BSc (Hons) MSc

Suzanne Labrie BSc (Hons) MSc is the Director of Pure Health Solutions Clinic and Metabolics Australia and is a respected Chiropractor with more than 12 years experience using Applied Kinesiology in a clinical setting. She combines her knowledge of AK with other structural and emotional techniques, and nutritional supplements. With a background in biochemistry, pharmacology and marketing, she is passionate about holistic therapies.

Liver Detoxification and Disease Prevention and Treatment

Rachel Arthur
ND

Rachel Arthur qualified as a naturopath from Southern School of Natural Therapies in 1998. She has been actively engaged as a naturopath specialising in nutrition since this time in a variety of capacities, including private clinical practice, lecturing, research, writing and corporate health.

Dr Marilyn Dyson

Dr Dyson is a General Practitioner in Turramura, where she combines Functional Medicine with therapies to promote neurodevelopment. She developed an expertise while helping her own child with neuro-developmental issues. She has a unique understanding of both the biochemistry and neurology of language and learning disorders.

Dr Braham Rabinov
MB.BS. Diploma of Health Education

Dr Braham Rabinov is a medical graduate from Melbourne University and has a Diploma of Health Education from La Trobe University.

Braham is a board member of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine.

He integrates nutrition with conventional medicine in the treatment and prevention of illness and has a special interest in health education for his patients; he is also finalising a book on nutrition, body function and health.

Dr Sinclair Bode

Dr Sinclair Bode is an Integrative doctor who graduated in 1987 from Adelaide University. Dr Bode works primarily with children on the ASD spectrum and has been using a biomedical approach to their treatment for over twelve years. Dr Bode still works in a General Medical Practice and applies an Integrative and Biomedical methodology according to the individual patient.

Dr Lily Tomas

Dr Lily Tomas is the Vice President of AIMA (Australasian Integrative Medicine Association) and Editor of the Journal of Integrative Medicine. She is a member of ACNEM (Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine) and ALMA (Australian Lifestyle Medicine Association) and is an active Integrative Medical Practitioner.

Dr Lily Tomas is a passionate speaker and medical journalist. She is also the co-author of the Self Help book; Live Your Best Life! Whole Mind, Whole Body, Complete Health -The integrated guide to diet, happiness and life; that strongly advocates the use of Integrative Medicine.

Lily has also recently contributed to two separate integrative medical textbooks designed for medical students and GPs to be published by Elsevier in June 2010

Dr Robyn Cosford
MBBS(Hons)FACNEM

Conjoint Lecturer, University of Newcastle School of Biological Sciences. Dr Robyn Cosford is one of Australia’s foremost complementary medicine practitioners.

Dr. Robyn Cosford is founder and Director of the Northern Beaches Care Centre where she combines Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Kinesiology and Orthodox Medicine to treat the whole person. She is the recipient of the Royal Australia College of General Practitioners Medal For Community Medicine.

Healing Health and Heart with Homeopathy

Sam Adkins.
BA (Hons), Adv Dip Hom (Syd)

Sam Adkins is an experienced Homeopath, who has practised internationally in both the UK and Australia. Her clinic is currently based in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Double Bay. She has been in practice since 2003.

Sam treats a wide range of ailments and problems, and has a particular interest in treating behavioural problems in children. Her firm belief is the homeopathic approach is an effective alternative in many cases to the use of medicines such as Ritalin.
Sam is co-founder and practitioner at The Happy Baby Clinic, which is a Natural Holistic Centre for mothers and their babies. She specialises in Homeopathic Coaching and runs www.TheHomeopathicCoach.com to enable and empower individuals to use basic homeopathy in at home.

Sam Adkins is also a sought after speaker, and is well known for providing valuable insights into health and wellness. She is a member of the Australian Register of Homeopaths and the Australian Homeopathic Association.

Creating Nutrient-Rich and Therapeutic Foods

Jillaine Wheeler
BHSc Nut Med

As a Nutritionist Jillaine operates a mobile consultancy supporting people with their diet-related health endeavours in their own home kitchens. Having encountered increasing numbers of families affected by autistic spectrum disorders Jillaine sought to find dietary cause, effects and remedies to this rapidly expanding problem. Attending last year’s MINDD foundation seminar in Sydney provided critical insights and focus for Jillaine. She is thrilled to be able to support the families of ASD children and others in this valuable role, offering dietary and practical support and solutions.

Maria Hunt

Maria Hunt is Head of Australia for Body Ecology (USA) and she is also the spokesperson for AGM Foods/Grainfields Australia.

Maria practises alongside a medical doctor in Sydney and she regularly commutes between her two busy practises in Sydney and Armidale, NSW. Whilst using the Body Ecology principles (B.E.D.) she also works within the parameters of the Pfeiffer and DAN protocols for individuals within the Autism spectrum.

Maria conducts consults all around the world via phone or in person. She presents at international conferences, lectures throughout Australia and she is a frequent guest on the TVSN health channel; successfully launching and advocating the benefits of fermented food products.

Holly Davis

Food By Holly Davis is nurturing, nourishing, delectable wholefood.

Holly’s vision ‘to feed people love’ has endured and is expressed in her inspiring and
informative cookery classes, through her articles and when she is catering or food
coaching private or commercial clients. Holly has nourished several children and their
families from pre conception to toddlerhood and beyond.

Holly is a patron of the MINDD Foundation, which is committed to providing bio medical
answers to ADD, Autism, Asthma and more.

Her cookbook “Nourish” (Simon and Schuster 1999) adorns all the best kitchens in
Australia, Britain and the USA. Nourish has helped make wholefood an attractive option
with the television series of the same name nearing completion.
Until it’s recent closure Holly wrote health pages for News Magazine’s ‘Notebook
Magazine’.

Carla Oates

Carla Oates, is also known as The Beauty Chef. She is a naturalist and is passionate about nature and the profound synergy we share with it. Carla has been researching and writing about natural beauty and health for the last ten years and is a great advocate for the organic industry, believing that organic skincare and food is the most sustainable choice for the health of both the individual and the environment. She is an avid beauty chef and formulator and has been creating beauty products from foods in her kitchen and herbs from her garden for the last ten years. Carla is the author of the best selling book Feeding Your Skin, the editor of Wellbeing Beauty Book and is the natural beauty columnist for both Wellbeing Magazine and G Magazine.

Kris Barrett

Kris is the mum of two beautiful children, one of whom is Tim, age 9, who was diagnosed with autism in 2004. After starting dietary and biomedical intervention a few months after his diagnosis, Tim is now mainstreamed at school with his peers and has made amazing progress. Kris founded Allergy Friendly Foods in 2005 to provide foods for the gfcf diet which helped her son so much. Her passion is diet and lifestyle changes which have been the backbone of Tim’s recovery. She is currently studying at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in the US to become a Health and Nutrition Coach with the aim of working with families of kids with autism, ADD and allergies.

Costa Georgiadis

My career in environment , landscape gardening and growing food began in my grandfathers backyard when I could crawl. It then expanded into an appreciation of the land on my godfathers 2000acre property in the Bylong Valley NSW. This connection to the land and growing things grew into my Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Degree at UNSW. During this time my interest in water, food and ecology was further expanded through ongoing Permaculture Design studies, Catchment Management as well as Aquaculture studies. Water became an underlying interest and passion, and research into the Keyline Design of agricultural land was applied to my design projects and my final year thesis ” Ecology, Sustainability, Awareness and Responsibilty For The Enrichment of Human Settlements”.

My passion for all things garden and growing has more recently translated into the co-creation, production and hosting of Costa’s Garden Odyssey on SBS. The show is all about engaging entertaining and informing people of the importance of our connection to chemical free food, its production in the landscape and the ongoing nurturing of landscapes of permanence.

Helen Padarin

Helen Padarin is a biomedical naturopath and nutritionist working to help children and adults with MIND disorders. Helen utilises nutrition, specific diets, such as GAPS and BED, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine and lifestyle habits. To achieve health and treatment goals. She is passionate about real food, fermented foods and educating and empowering individuals and families to take control of their health. Helen contributes articles to health magazines and has written a chapter on paediatrics, autism and ADHD for the textbook for practitioners and university students called “Clinical Naturopathic Medicine” published by Elsevier and released in June 2011. Helen has a practices in Sydney Australia and Wellington NZ. See www.nourish-ed.com for more info.