The Nutritional Supplement

What Course(s) did you graduate from at CNELM and when did you graduate?

BSc (Hons) Nutritional Science in 2013.

What did you do before doing this course?

Before having a family, I worked in event catering and hospitality management. My re-training in nutritional therapy started with a 9-month online course, moving to ION in 2008, and graduating in 2011. 

What made you decide to embark on this course of study and what attracted you to CNELM?

I was at a conference where Kate discussed the concept of mechanism reviews, and Sian presented her work. It made so much sense and I knew instantly that was what I wanted to do ... so I eagerly signed up! 

How soon were you able to build up a successful practice after graduating?

I’d been running community nutrition programmes whilst studying, then started seeing private clients as soon as I’d qualified, adding workshops a couple of years later. 

In 2014 I was invited to work at an integrative medical centre with a team of functional medicine specialists. I took time out for research in 2015 when we published our book and then returned a year later, dividing time between my own business and the centre. 

At the start of this year I left clinical practice to focus on research and also moved countries, setting up a Re-Wilding project – conservation aimed at restoring and protecting natural processes and core wilderness areas.

Tell us a bit about your work at CNELM.

At CNELM I’m an MSc Research Supervisor. It’s such an honour to be a part of student’s research journey, with each step unfolding week by week. To say I love my job would be an understatement! 

I’ve also recently started training as a course interviewer, speaking with prospective students about possible study options at CNELM.

On that note…I’d really welcome any feedback from current students about the interview process and if there’s anything they’d have liked to have been done differently. 

Tell us about your PhD plans.

PhD plans ... well yes, I have many moments of madness which have been going on for some time, as James Neil could confirm!  The bigger picture is I’m awaiting funding.

Meanwhile, my research “The Impact of Tantric Meditation on (various aspects of) Female Health”, is being supported by two meditation specialists. Quite something! 

Do you combine your knowledge of Reproduction and Development with nutrition in practice/work?

Well, I undertook the MSc in Reproduction and Development at Bristol to deepen my understanding of hormonal, sexual and reproductive health, planning to work within the fertility field. 

By the end of it though I’d been put off the whole medicalisation of fertility, so I haven’t utilised it in the ways I’d imagined. 

However, my interest had been piqued in the effect of thoughts on the hormonal cascade, the wisdom of wombs, sperm, and the interactions between them all. So, I guess the answer is a mix of yes and no! 

Is there anything you wish you’d known before finishing your studies that you might have prepared for differently?

I wish I’d known: 

• That the big things are really the small things – and the small, the big. 
• That integrative team work (or working with a partner) is so much easier than running a practice alone. 
• To move away from chairs and swap to a fitness ball - great for hip swirling and back bends. Bouncing with client’s changes consultation dynamics entirely!

What or who has most inspired you in your work?

My clients. To be in sacred space with an individual who entrusts personal life stories with me is very humbling. Humans are incredible. And of course...the work itself! 

Miracles happen in clinic. Life, science and food can never be the same once you’ve been touched by it. 

Do you have any tips, hints, things you’d have done differently...?

• Self-care - look after yourself - you are precious. 
• Collaborate with positive people.
• If things get too much play the yes/no game – if it’s still too much play yes/no/no. 
• Always have a mentor or three.
• Love and Laugh!