Rachel Arthur BHSc. BNat (Hons) MNHAA
Rachel Arthur is a respected and widely published Australian naturopath specialising in integrative nutrition. With over 20 years of experience in both the clinic and the classroom, Rachel has become one of Australia’s leading nutritional educators, delivering post-graduate training & mentoring to allied health care professionals and doctors alike. Regularly asked to speak at key conferences and contribute work to authoritative texts, including all 4 editions of the award-winning: Herbs & Natural Supplements – An Evidence Based Guide (Elsevier), while still maintaining a stimulating private practice. Rachel’s ongoing enthusiasm for integrative health and for education make her presentations both inspiring and empowering experiences for attendees and attract wonderful feedback.
30 minute talk for practitioner audience:
Dysbiosis and Endogenous Toxins: Causes of Chronic Illness and Strategies for Eliminating Them
The human microbiome in recent years has received increasing attention for the role it plays in both physical and mental/emotional health, connecting imbalanced large intestine flora and the presence of microbes in the small intestine (SIBO) with inflammation, endogenous toxicity, and pathologies both within and beyond the gastrointestinal system. Traditional naturopathic medicine has acknowledged the connection between GIT inflammation and systemic illness for many years, to the extent that, along with dietary interventions, correcting microbial imbalances and supporting detoxification systems serves as a foundation of modern naturopathic practice for most chronic illnesses. The focus of this presentation will be on the relationship between dysbiosis in the GIT, systemic inflammation and the burden placed by these on the body’s detoxification systems. Therapeutic strategies that include correction of dysbiosis, dietary intervention, and support of the liver and other detoxification systems from a traditional naturopathic perspective will be discussed.
Dr Robyn Cosford is an integrative medical practitioner of many years standing, having lectured to post graduate medical practitioners for over 20 years as part of the ACNEM faculty. She has an honours degree in medicine, and is a Conjoint Lecturer for the University of Newcastle. Her interest in brain-immune-gut concepts dates nearly 20 years, when she convened the Mind of a Child conferences in Australia in 1998 and 2000. She has been involved in ongoing clinical practice and research in these areas.
Presenter Biography
Dr. Rosalba Courtney is an osteopath with over 35 years experience and was one of the first practitioners of the Buteyko Method in Australia in the early 1990s. She received a PhD from RMIT University for her research on the topic of “Dysfunctional Breathing: Its Parameters, Measurement and Clinical Relevance” in 2011. She is internationally recognized for her work in this field, having published many reviewed articles and several book chapters on this topic. Rosalba has presented at many national and international conferences, including the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand annual conference in 2015 and the International Society of Respiratory Psychophysiology Conference at Rutgers University in 2104. She is actively involved in research and mentoring of osteopathic students at Southern Cross University in Lismore. Rosalba is renowned for her ability to synthesis complex information from the scientific literature to extract its practical significance for the clinician.
Rosalba conducts training programs for Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Dentists, Speech Therapists and other health professionals on Integrative Breathing Therapy. She practices in Sydney and integrates osteopathy, breathing retraining and orofacial myology to treat a broad range of conditions in children and adults.
Oral Health – A User’s and Practitioner’s Guide
The mouth provides a wealth of information about a person’s health. When you know what to look for you can deliver significantly better health outcomes to your patients.
The mouth is the beginning of the respiratory and digestive systems, the site of the two most common human infections (i.e. gum disease and tooth decay) as well as being highly innervated neurologically. With the choice of dental materials the issues of toxicity and biocompatibility also need to be considered
When oral health and function are compromised the health of rest of the body is affected. It is surprising that given its significance oral health is so frequently ignored when treating a patient’s general health.
Dr Kelly Francis is a GP specialising in Integrative Healthcare and Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. She has a particular interest in treating brain-gut disorders (Autism, ADHD, anxiety, bi-polar, depression, behavioural & mood disorders) which she does by focusing on dietary changes, removal of food allergens, correction of nutrient deficiencies, correction of gut microbial imbalances, and use of nutrient therapy to combat biochemical problems.
Dr Francis has trained with ACNEM, Bio-Balance and Mindd Foundation. She enjoys providing holistic care to her patients, and strives to provide treatment that is based on each patient’s unique biochemistry. The gut is always a focus of her treatment approach.. She uses a blend of naturopathics, nutrients, bio-identical hormones, and pharmaceuticals where needed. A major part of the treatment involves dietary changes and significant effort on the part of the patient.
Dr Francis has recently done an open-label pilot trial with Griffith University that involved using nutrient therapy only to treat violent boys between the ages of 4-14.
MBBS (Hons QLD) FRACGP, FACNEM
Dr Golik graduated from University of Queensland with 2nd class Hons in 1975; 2 years junior RMO at Royal Brisbane Hospital; 1 year as senior RMO at Atherton Hospital, Nth Qld. He commenced in solo Private Family Practice in Clayfield, Brisbane in 1979. He later formed a multi disciplinary clinic in Clayfield in 1995. In 2016 he had moved his clinic to more spacious and functional facility at Stafford in Brisbane. Dr Golik gained his fellowship in the RACGP in 1982; and is a Fellow and occasional lecturer of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. His special areas of interest and passion are Autism, ASD, ADHD, Musculoskeletal medicine; Dietary and lifestyle therapy; Thyroid conditions; and the Metabolic Syndrome. He has attended the Walsh Outreach / Training since 2005 and has also attended the MINDD conferences since 2005.
ND, BNat(Hons), PhD, FNHAA, MASN, FACN
The Vaginal Microbiome – The Vital Roles of this Under-Appreciated Ecosystem
Humans, like all animals, coexist in intimate, mutually-dependent relationships with microorganisms – generally referred to as microbiomes. There are a number of microbiomes that play key roles in human health. The most well-known, and well-researched, is the gastrointestinal microbiome. In this lecture, however, we’re going to be exploring another vital, but generally underappreciated, ecosystem – the vaginal microbiome.
Learning Objectives:
- Detail what characteristics define a healthy vaginal microbiota
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of this ecosystem to a woman’s health
- Discuss two of the most common vaginal dysbiotic patterns – bacterial vaginosis and Group B Streptococcus – and their potential health implications.
- Explore natural medicines that can be used to nurture the vaginal microbiome, restore it to a healthy state after disruption, and treat bacterial vaginosis and Group B Streptococcus.
Jason Hawrelak, PhD, is a research scientist, educator, naturopath and Western herbalist with more than 18 years’ clinical experience. His passion for gastrointestinal health, the human microbiome, and probiotics was ignited during the final year of his naturopathic training. Subsequently, Dr Hawrelak did his Honours (First Class) and PhD degrees in the areas of the gastrointestinal microbiota, irritable bowel syndrome, the causes of dysbiosis, and the clinical applications of pre- and probiotics. He has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters – and his research has been cited over 800 times.
Dr Hawrelak has taught health professionals at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level for the past 18 years. He currently coordinates and teaches the Evidence-based Complementary Medicine Programs in the College of Health & Medicine at the University of Tasmania (Hobart, Australia) and is the Gastrointestinal Imbalances lecturer in the Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program at the University of Western States (Portland, Oregon). He is also a Visiting Research Fellow at the Australian Research Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM) at the University of Technology Sydney (Sydney, Australia).
ND, BNat(Hons), PhD, FNHAA, MASN, FACN
Dr Hawrelak is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and in July 2015, Jason was awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems.
Women’s Health Workshop – “The interplay of the immune system and the microbiome across the lifecycle”
(Pre conception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, neonatology, paediatrics, adolescence and women’s health)
Biography
Leah Hechtman
PhD (Candidate), MSciMed (RHHG), BHSc (Naturopathy), ND, FNHAA
Leah is an experienced and respected clinician and has been in practice for over 20 years. She specialises in fertility, pregnancy and reproductive healthcare for men and women. Her primary passion is her clinical practice where she is inspired and humbled by her patients.
She has completed extensive advanced training and is currently completing her PhD through the School of Women’s and Children’s Health (Faculty of Medicine [UNSW]).
She is a keynote speaker, author and educator to her peers; Director of The Natural Health and Fertility Centre, Sydney; and mother to two gorgeous boys.
Safe Removal of Dental Amalgams
Dental amalgams containing mercury can drive sever chronic and complex illness from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ADHD to auto-immune disease.
Dr Prue King is the founder & co-director of Lotus Dental and Lotus Health in Neutral Bay, Sydney. She actively supports dental health in the context of the whole body by working with other practitioners including naturopaths, chiropractors, osteopaths, massage therapists, holistic GPs, and psychologists to help improve the structural, biochemical and emotional integrity of the body. Dr King has special interests in non-extraction orthodontics, improvement of the airway to help treat sleep & breathing disorders, safe amalgam replacement with biocompatible materials and children’s dentistry – with a philosophy of close monitoring of growing children. Dr King is a member of Australian Dental Association, International Association of Orthodontics, International Association of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT), American Academy of Craniofacial pain, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.
Anthia Koullouros, naturopath, herbalist, author, educator and founder / CEO of Ovvio Organics is determined to make good health simple. Using hand-blended, certified organic – teas and tisanes, liquid herbal tonics and elixirs, herbs & spices and refreshingly honest nutrition advice, Anthia has helped clients become well and happy for over 24 years.
Anthia began consulting as a naturopath, herbalist and organic food, health and lifestyle educator in 1994. These beginnings inspired Ovvio and formed the basis of Anthia’s naturopathic philosophy, practice, prescriptions, teachings, writings, workshops and her range of premium organic teas. In 2004 Anthia opened Ovvio The Organic Health & Lifestyle Store and Naturopathic Clinic in a quaint Paddington terrace reminiscent of old-fashioned apothecaries and teahouses. Ovvio Organic Teas and Herbs & Spices are served and sold through Australia and International restaurants, cafes and food stores.
Everyday Ferments – How and Why?
Learn how to create easy to make, flavorsome condiments to encourage daily inoculation of your beneficial gut bacteria. These kid-friendly affordable ferments provide guerilla nourishment that you can incorporate into almost any meal.
Using products that you have in your garden or seasonally available at your local farmer’s markets and organic stores, you can create some amazing chutneys, salsas, and sauces. Make them as a family and encourage personal flair, taking into account any individual dietary needs.
Gillian Kozicki
Ferment Revivalist
Gillian Kozicki is the passion behind Cultured Artisans, where she empowers people to engage in their wellness journey by combining her love of home prepared whole foods that support good health and wellbeing. When she was introduced to fermented foods and tonics she felt that a missing element fell into place combining her permaculture background, her love of food and the questions she had about maintaining a healthy life. Whole foods and a healthy organic diet were a starting point but fermenting and traditional wisdom provided the link that she needed. Gillian has spent many hours researching and experimenting to find a ferment rhythm that is working for her, her family and those she teaches. This has given rise to sharing her passion to ‘ferment to better health’.
BHSc. (Nutr. Med.) GradCert. (Hum. Nutr.)
Among the notable leaps and bounds in understanding that have been made around the significance of the gastrointestinal microbiome to health in recent years, the focus has often remained on the individual. This certainly is progress, in terms of the ever-present need for more personalised models of healthcare, however this may neglect an equally growing need for researchers and clinicians alike, to further explore some more of the impacts that mother’s flora may have on child. Some exploration of impacts on metabolism, immune and nervous systems may be particularly warranted, as well as some of the ways this can be clinically assessed, and ideally addressed. To find the greatest harmony with these residents, and optimised legacy, possible.
Warren Maginn is a Clinical Nutritionist and College Lecturer, specialising in the personalised and functional management of chronic metabolic and immune disturbances. Warren holds a bachelor degree in Nutritional Medicine as well as postgraduate qualifications in Human Nutrition, and teaches bachelor students of Clinical Nutrition in Brisbane, whilst serving as the National Chair of Nutrition for the Australian Natural Therapists Association, and acting as a Scientific Advisor to practitioner resource companies, supporting Naturopathic and Medical practitioners in their use of Functional Pathology Testing, and tailored prescribing within personalised and integrative healthcare practice.
M.D., MPH, FRACP, FAAP, DTMH, IBCLC:
Dr Leila Masson is an integrative paediatrician who combines Western medicine with a nutritional, environmental and biomedical approach to help her patients attain optimal health. She received her medical doctorate from the University of Berlin, did her paediatric specialist training at the University of California at San Francisco. She received her Masters in Public Health from Harvard University and her Diploma in Tropical Medicine from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.Leila has practiced in the US, New Zealand and Europe and volunteered for 2 years setting up a health clinic in rural Pakistan. She currently divides her time between Sydney and Berlin. She specialises in integrative treatment for children with ADHD, autism, behaviour and developmental problems, allergies and other childhood issues. Dr. Masson is the author of “Children’s Health A-Z”, a parents’ guide on treating common childhood illnesses with a natural yet effective approach. For more information see www.drleilamasson.com and FaceBook DrLeilaMasson where she posts about current research on children’s health. Dr Masson is a member of the Mindd Scientific Advisory Board.
The Medical Benefits of Fasting for Brain and Body
Helen is a clinical naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist in Sydney with post-graduate training in integrative treatment for metabolic, neurologic, digestive and immune disorders. She has been in clinical practice since 2001 and is regularly called on to speak at events for both professionals and the public and has lectured at the NZ institute of Sport. She wrote the chapter on paediatrics and ASD for the highly respected clinical textbook “Clinical Naturopathic Medicine” (Elsevier), coauthored “BubbaYumYum” with Charlotte Carr and Chef Pete Evans and “The Complete Gut Health Cookbook” with Chef Pete Evans. Helen is passionate about conscious living, real food, vital health and empowering individuals, families and organisations to find the joy in being well and fulfilling their potential. See www.helenpadarin.com for more info.
M.Pharm., M.P.S., Dip. Herb. Med.; M.N.I.M.H.(UK), F.N.Z.A.M.H.
Using Herbs to Fight Bacterial Infections
Herbal medicine shows much potential to help manage bacterial infections, and antibacterial activity has been shown for a large number of different phytomedicines, including against antibiotic resistant microbes. Additionally, several plant extracts and phytochemicals exhibit the ability to inhibit the development of drug resistance, and may make useful adjuncts to antibiotic therapy.
Phil will discuss some of the research into these areas, and appraise specific herbs and herbal strategies, for their potential to help reduce the strong selective pressure exerted by conventional antibiotics to promote bacterial resistance.
Nutritional Solutions for Social Anxiety/Pyroluria
This presentation will cover social anxiety and pyroluria for the whole family – the symptoms (in adults and teens/children), the protocol, dietary considerations, other supportive nutrients like the amino acids, stress reduction and meditation, and trouble-shooting when you’re not getting the expected results.
Food Mood Expert Trudy Scott is a certified nutritionist on a mission to educate and empower anxious individuals worldwide about natural solutions for anxiety, stress and emotional eating. Trudy serves as a catalyst in bringing about life enhancing transformations that start with the healing powers of eating real whole food, using individually targeted supplementation and making simple lifestyle changes.
Trudy also teaches nutrition and mental health professionals, sharing all the recent research and how-to steps so they too can educate and empower their clients and patients. She is known for her expertise in the use of targeted individual amino acids, the social anxiety condition called pyroluria and the harmful effects of benzodiazepines.
Trudy is the author of The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings and host of The Anxiety Summit, now in its 4th season. More at www.theanxietysummit.com Trudy is passionate about sharing the powerful food mood connection because she experienced the results first-hand, finding complete resolution of her anxiety and panic attacks.
Our bodies are intricately connected with our eco-system. Operating on this principle there are a range of natural therapies that gently support the body’s innate ability to heal, grow and thrive. Learn how and which microbes can benefit the body and brain for conditions as diverse as asthma, allergies, ADHD, migraines and other conditions; how nature improves mood and function; how diet can transform cognitive performance and overall body health. Dr Shetreat-Klein will cover; Terrain Medicine, Benefits of Dirt and Nature, Diet, Supplements, Botanicals, Essential Oils, Homeopathy, Flower remedies, Indigenous Healing.
Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD is a neurologist, herbalist, urban farmer, and author of The Dirt Cure: Healthy Food, Healthy Gut, Happy Child (Simon and Schuster, 2016), which has been translated into ten languages. She has been featured in the New York Times, The Telegraph, NPR, Sky News, The Dr. Oz Show and many more. Board certified in adult and child neurology as well as pediatrics, Dr Shetreat-Klein completed the University of Arizona’s Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, and now serves on their faculty. She works and studies with indigenous communities and healers in Ecuador. In her book and her practice, she offers an integrative and spiritual approach to allow moving beyond chronic health problems in children and adults. She also founded the Terrain Institute, where she teaches Terrain Medicine™, an earth-based program for transformational healing.
Dr Elisa song is a board-certified, Stanford -, NYU-, UCSF-trained holistic pediatrician. She founded Whole Family Wellness (formerly Whole Child Wellness), an integrative pediatric practice in Belmont, CA – one of the first and most highly regarded holistic pediatric practices in the country. Dr Song created Healthy Kids Happy Kids – dedicated to empowering parents to take charge of their kids’ health … naturally!
Dr Song is a holistic pediatrician, integrating conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils. She is also a lecturer for the Center for Education and Development in Clinical Homeopathy (CEDH), Academy for Pain Research, Institute for Functional Medicine, and Holistic Pediatric Association, among others.
Author, Health Blogger
Alexx is on a mission to share the importance and joy of a low tox life, helping people transition in a positive and empowering way. Having had a full career spanning the cosmetics and hospitality industries, Alexx’s passion for uncovering the truths behind what goes ‘on’ and ‘in’ us, quickly became her main professional focus, after healing herself from chronic illness an holistic way. She creates articles, recipes, books and courses to help people towards better health for them and for our planet. Alexx says “Do not Feel Guilty about what you didn’t know yesterday, feel excited about what you’re going to change today”. Alexx is a Mindd Foundation Ambassador.
The Breastmilk Microbiome and Glycobiome – A sweet milky defence system
In the last five years there has been a dramatic expansion in the knowledge of the human milk microbiome and glycobiome (special sugars within breastmilk), both with regards to what they consists of and the role they play in infant health including, seeding and nourishing the infant microbiome, protection from infection, and the “training” of the infants immune and metabolic systems. During this workshop we will discuss some of these pertinent and intriguing findings. We will identify medical and lifestyle factors that can affect the breastmilk microbiome and outline simple steps for obtaining good breastfeeding help to support optimal breastfeeding. Ultimately we want to do what we can so that mothers and babies access these important and formative health functions.
Dawn Whitten
BNat (Hons), IBCLC,FNHAA
Dawn Whitten is a Naturopath, Western Herbalist, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Researcher and Educator. Passionate about protecting and nurturing the microbiome of the next generation, Dawn has a broad base of clinical experience with a focus on women’s health through pregnancy and beyond, as well as infant and toddler health. She has been in clinical practice for 15 years.
Dawn particularly loves to share her lactation knowledge with clinicians and she regularly presents at both National and International Conferences and Online Events. Dawn’s work is published in the peer-reviewed literature and she has contributed to clinical textbooks (including the Breastfeeding chapter in the soon to be published Advanced Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, Elsevier).
Dawn has been a research assistant in the area of herbal medicine safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding at Southern Cross University and has peer-reviewed in this area for the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Dawn coordinates two units within the Evidence-based Complementary Medicine Program in the College of Health & Medicine at the University of Tasmania. She is part of the research team at Probitic.Advisor.com and a clinical director at Goulds Natural Medicine in Hobart.
Dawn obtained a Bachelor of Naturopathy with First Class Honours from Southern Cross University (NSW, Australia). Her Honours topic was within the field of herb-drug interactions and part of this work was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Dawn has been awarded a Fellowship by the Naturopath and Herbalist Association of Australia for her contribution to the field of herbal medicine in Australia.
Resilience in healing and the power of Cultured food.
Achieving balance within the body takes time. Often up to two to three years. It takes perseverance, determination and an understanding community around you for you to succeed. The courage needed to reshape your families life cannot be overlooked and the sheer grit that a parent needs to overcome adversity, sometimes on a daily basis can often be overwhelming. It takes resilience but the outcome is more precious and rewarding than any other experience in life. The power of cultured food plays a key central role in this process of healing. It is the cornerstone of making lasting change, ensuring that you remain resilient and true to your healing path.
Health Bloggers
Quirky Cooking for Gut Health
Jo Whitton began her blog ‘Quirky Cooking’ in 2008 as a place to share her recipes and tips for healthy cooking, especially for those with diet challenges. Her best selling cookbook, Quirky Cooking, was published by Thermomix in Australia in 2014, and awarded “Winner of the Gourmand Awards Best Corporate Cookbook – Australia” in 2015. More recently Jo has partnered with chef Fouad Kassab on a Paleo & Wholefoods cookbook with. Due to her son’s health issues, Jo’s family began the GAPS diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) in October 2014, and she regularly documents their progress and her new recipe developments on her social media platforms, and her podcast, ‘A Quirky Journey’. She has also developed an online program called ‘Quirky Cooking for Gut Health’ to help people with cooking for GAPS intro. Jo’s passion is nurturing families with healing foods, and supporting those who need to change their diet. Jo speaks at seminars around Australia and overseas, on podcasts and webinars, teaches private and public cooking classes and coaches via Skype.
MBBS, MRCP (London), MSc (Nutrition)
Dr Yeoh practiced environmental medicine at the Bracksphere Clinic in England before moving to Sydney. She specialises in the management of allergies, autism, chronic infections and chronic fatigue conditions. She has a broad knowledge of nutritional and environmental medicine as well as Energy Medicine as well as Chiropractic and a range of Allied Therapies. She previously trained with the DAN! group and the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. She is a member of the British and Australian colleges of Environmental Medicine, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society and the Australian Integrative Medicine Association. She is a GAPS certified practitioner and a member of the Mindd Forum Advisory Board.