The Nutritional Supplement

Which course did you graduate from at CNELM and when did you graduate?

BSc Nutritional Science, 2017. 

What did you do before doing this course?

I previously worked as an Investment Manager to ‘high net-worth individuals’ at JP Morgan before ‘retiring’ when I had my first child as somewhere deep-down, before I knew what I know now, I knew I’d make myself ill trying to do both well. I was a very anxious first-time mother. So, basically, I went into the degree at CNELM as a full-time mother (and by this stage also addicted triathlete – having learnt to swim at aged 40 for my first race).

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

A number of reasons - I knew I needed more mental stimulation as my children got older and whilst I loved triathlon, I was going longer and longer in racing and training and knew this wasn’t healthy not to mention what would I do if I got injured. Post school, I had gone to medical school but dropped out (long story…), however, I had never lost my interest and love of science. Nutritional Science ticked many boxes as well as allowing me flexibility around family life. I found out about CNELM from Justin Roberts (NT, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Anglia University) whose research study at Herts Uni I had been on. When seeking his advice he’d mentioned Kate Neil and how ‘functional nutrition’ was the way forward – I’d never heard of it or of Kate but looked up CNELM, liked the sound of it, reckoned Justin knew what he was talking about so signed up!

What was your first role after graduating?

I’d always planned on working on a 1-2-1 basis as I like this type of interaction as opposed to group work – I’ve also always talked I believe with a passion about nutrition and what I was learning to anyone who would listen and my running and cycling friends gave me an avid audience! This has helped hugely in me hitting the ground running with client and referrals. My other very early role was thanks to my dissertation and Ian Craig (Founder of CISN) who offered me the role of lecturing on his course on GI Dysfunction in Endurance Athletes post an article I’d written for his magazine FSN Sports Magazine (based on my dissertation). 

How did you kickstart your practice / career?

Really as above – client referrals and going above and beyond what they paid for in terms of time and service. Getting good outcomes always helps! I also picked up referral work from a couple of amazing private GP’s in London where I have the opportunity to work with fabulous clients. By the nature of what I do in sport, coaches, physios, Pilates teachers etc who I know refer to me and vice versa. 

Where has your career taken you so far?

I work mostly with 1-2-1’s as above, I also lecture on a variety of subjects and do talks to sports groups, mentor other NT’s and mostly just enjoy learning and helping others as well as earning my own income. I have done additional training in Eating Disorders with NCFED and just completed a 6 month training course with Nina Fuller-Shavel on Cancer – not to specialise specifically but to allow me to work with greater ability and confidence with complex cases. I’m also just completing the training to be a qualified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner which I’ve done due to the amount of trauma I see in practise and realisation how this can be a real block to progress. Finally, it has helped me I think stay fit, strong and healthy through my (triathlon) training and help be a more balanced mother (maybe..)!  

Do you specialise in a particular area of health? 

I have a bit of an issue with this pressure to specialise as in the functional world, everything is interconnected so we need to understand and be able to work with most of it. There are a few exceptions (such as cancer and eating disorders). Whether it is autoimmunity, female hormones or skin conditions – one client may invariably come presenting with a myriad of conditions/imbalances and you need to have a good grasp of the complexities and inter-connectedness of them all. Having said that, I have a particular affinity for anyone who loves their sport/athletes, mental health issues including eating disorders and complex cases. 

Which part do you think has been the most rewarding or successful? 

Feedback from clients and hearing how their lives have improved as a result of the work we have done together. Some of them are very inspiring in the way they embrace change. 

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

More detailed knowledge of blood chemistry! This is something I use a lot in practise and I think it would be really beneficial to get deeper and broader training in this area prior to qualifying.

What or who has most inspired you in your work? 

My clients inspire me. Practitioner wise, Jonathan Cohen from Functional DX has helped me enormously in terms of time and knowledge and I’ve gained a lot of clinical knowledge from Robyn Puglia and Alex Manos on their AFMPP practitioner course. I love Robyn’s passion for pathways! 

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

Manage your client load carefully. Work out what you want to be able to give to a client in terms of time, research and planning and then charge appropriately. It may be more than many of your peers but have the confidence to value your knowledge and ability to potentially turn people’s lives around. Give clients what you would want yourself – a great service, time and energy from you along with a plan that is fluid and adaptable will pay dividends. Finally, in the early days, taking on a mentor whom you trust and look up to can be hugely beneficial.   What would I have done differently – nothing really as even things I have ‘got wrong’ I have learnt from.