Mindd International Forum 2026

Years ago, gut health wasn’t on my radar. I was fast-tracking my career, feeling invincible and thought I had life all figured out.

On my 37th birthday, everything changed. I was diagnosed with . It was the culmination of years of relentless health challenges that had left me a shadow of my former self.

I was sitting in my doctor’s office, and I was just diagnosed with ‘severe depression’ (on top of everything else) and was handed a new prescription, this time for antidepressants.

I realised then, something had to change. It made no sense at the time, but from that moment I promised myself no more processed food, dairy, gluten or refined sugar. I couldn’t cook well at the time but vowed to somehow eat more fruit and veg.

Within two weeks of this new path, my energy returned. My sleep improved. My migraines stopped immediately. My immune system strengthened. So I kept going…

Five months in, all my symptoms vanished. No more asthma, hay fever, steroids or daily medication.

I was stunned by my recovery. How did a “severely depressed stay at home mum” accidentally heal herself when all the experts could only “manage” my symptoms with a truckload of meds?

I needed to understand what had happened and with my newfound energy I studied integrative nutrition which revealed the answer.

Larry Palevsky is a New York State licensed pediatrician, who utilizes a holistic approach to children’s wellness and illness. Dr. Palevsky received his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine in 1987, completed a three-year pediatric residency at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City in 1990, and served as a pediatric fellow in the ambulatory care out-patient department at Bellevue Hospital, New York City, from 1990-1991. Since 1991, his clinical experience includes working in pediatric emergency and intensive care medicine, in-patient, and out-patient pediatric medicine, neonatal intensive care medicine, newborn and delivery room medicine, and conventional, holistic and integrative pediatric private practice. Dr. Palevsky is a diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine, and Past–President of the American Holistic Medical Association. He received his pediatric board certification in 1990, and passed his pediatric board recertification exams in 1997, 2004, and 2011.

Rowena is the current ATMS Practitioner of the year. She is an award-winning Psychotherapist and bachelor degree Naturopath, holding an advanced diploma in nutrition, alongside postgraduate training in Neuro Emotional Technique (NET). She is also a trained in Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT,) meditation, shamanic medicine, Ayurveda, psychosomatic massage, NLP, hypnosis, homeopathy, and is an international yoga instructor of 22 years.

With over two decades in the field, Rowena operates her Sydney clinic, specialising in mental health. She serves high-functioning women with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, and the often associated gut-health. She employs an integrative approach using many modalities to empower her clients to return to health and realise their potential. Rowena is currently a co-therapist on the EMPACT trial at the Australian National University for Psilocybin in Treatment Resistant Depression. Additionally, Rowena leads workshops and retreats and serves as a senior leader for Tony Robbins international.

She is the author of the bestseller “The Joy of Real Food”, featured on Hay House Radio, and is a co-author of “Within,” which became an Amazon bestseller in six categories. Rowena has featured on CNN, Good Morning Australia, and Australian Yoga Journal, and writes for Complete Wellbeing Magazine in India. Having triumphed over rheumatoid arthritis, an eating disorder, and trauma-related anxiety & ADHD, her journey ignites the passion she embodies to help others.

With over 15 years of experience, Rita Shamoun is a dedicated paediatric speech pathologist and mother of three. She brings both professional expertise and personal insight to supporting young children with communication challenges.

Rita is highly regarded for her work in early intervention and has extensive experience across both public and private sectors. She is recognised for her advanced clinical skills and her ability to deliver engaging, practical workshops for parents and educators.

In addition to her work as a speech pathologist, Rita specialises in orofacial myology supporting children’s jaw development, oral functions such as feeding and speech, and airway health through targeted, evidence-based care.

Rita is also the host of Wine with Wita the number one podcast for parents navigating life with children who have communication difficulties and/or disabilities

Anke was born in the Netherlands. She graduated with a Doctorandus degree (Drs) from the University of Leyden in 2 Majors: Biochemistry and Mathematics and Theory of Education as her sub-Major. She taught Organic chemistry and Biochemistry at Universities in the USA and UK before coming to Australia in 1984, where in 1985 her third child, Friso, was born with a severe brain injury.

Jessie is a Clinical Nutritionist with a deep reverence for the body’s innate wisdom and a passion for integrating food-based healing with the science of Nutritional and Integrative Medicine.

With over 5 years of study, 4 years of clinical experience, and a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, Jessie has worked collaboratively across the Natural, Functional and Integrative Medicine spaces. Her approach is holistic, evidence-based, and deeply personal – centering on client education, empowerment, and a strong belief that true healing begins when we understand and honour our body’s unique needs and nutrient demands.

Jessie knows nutrients underpin every biochemical reaction in the body, and therefore believes consistently meeting the body’s nutritional requirements with adequate wholefoods is fundamental – not only to restoring good health, but to truly heal and thrive. She is especially passionate about upholding this foundation, even amidst the modern-day pressure for convenience and quick fixes. 

Lisa is an experienced naturopath, dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the children she cares for. She founded The Paediatric Naturopath, one of Australia’s leading online Naturopathy clinics focussed solely on the needs of children. With 3 children of her own, Lisa weaves together the technical know how with the practicalities of family life to ensure achievable positive outcomes for children.

Qualifications & Training:

Grad Dip Child and Adolescent Health (University of Western Sydney)

Adv Dip Nutritional Medicine

BHsc Naturopathy

Associate Nutritionist (Nutrition Society of Australia)

MSc Food Science

SOS Feeding Therapist (Level 3)

The Get Permission Approach to Anxious Eaters, Anxious Mealtimes — Marsha Dunn Klein

ARFID Masterclass — Melanie Potock

My Munch Bug Feeding Development Course

Certified GAPS Practitioner

AIP Certified Coach

Olga is a degree-qualified clinical naturopath (B. Health Sc) and a medical scientist (B. Biomed Sc with Hons) with postgrad studies in Psychoneuroimmunology, Functional Naturopathy and Women’s Health.

Years of researching, learning, and implementing different healing techniques in private clinics and the corporate and community sectors have made Olga a thorough and knowledgeable health practitioner. She has worked internationally in various educational and research roles, including as a health and nutrition consultant and trainer at Amway and a medical writer for a leading integrative medicine database.

Since 2016 she applied her expertise in the areas of women’s health, and fertility as well as gut-brain physiology, nervous system dysregulation, brain health and hormonal imbalances to guide countless patients on individualised paths of recovery.

Olga is passionate about sustainable and empowering approaches to health and creating meaningful relationships with individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and long-term well-being. In her experience, it is only by meeting someone’s unique needs, whether through functional testing, nutritional advice, herbal medicine, or mind-body practices that they can find true long-term relief. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing people reclaiming their health.

Olga has found deep personal meaning in traditional healing practices of indigenous communities and yoga, advocating, teaching, and expressing this passion.

Soulla is a cooking instructor specialising in real & traditional foods, a health coach, an advocate and teacher of toxic free living, a public speaker, a wellness blogger, a lover of the sun and sea, and a mother! Her mission started with bringing nutrient-dense traditional wholefoods back to the modern table for vibrant health and longevity and has grown into empowering people to live a vibrantly healthy life in all areas of their life but focusing first and foremost with the food, personal care products, cleaning products and medicines that people choose to bring into their home. Soulla has been instrumental in pioneering a traditional wholefoods and holistic lifestyle movement across Australia and further afield over the past 2 decades. She is a passionate spokesperson on food as medicine and provides people with the tools and resources to swap out dietary and environmental toxins in their home in a positive and empowering way. Small changes, big impact. It was her first hand experience as a burnt out corporate lawyer and former ‘hard core’ vegetarian/vegan that was the catalyst to seek an alternative approach to heal herself and her family.

Helen Padarin is a Naturopath, nutritionist and medical herbalist who has been in clinical practice since 2001. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Health Sciences (Naturopathy), advanced diplomas in nutrition, herbal medicine and has completed extensive post-graduate training in treatment for metabolic, neurologic, digestive and immune disorders and Somatic Experiencing. 

For over 23 years, Helen has been one of Australasia’s leading experts in the revolution of holistic health driven by real food. Helen is passionate about conscious living, vital health and empowering individuals, families and organisations to find the joy in being well.  She gains constant inspiration from seeing clients make conscious changes to their physical health to find that it also benefits their emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing as well. 

Through her clinic, books and online courses, she has inspired patients, parents, health professionals, community groups and thought leaders by promoting a truly holistic approach to health and in doing so creating a supportive community.

Helen is a member of the Mindd Foundation Advisory Board as well as a Mindd Foundation ambassador.

 I’m Sheridan Joy Austin, and I am a speaker, nutrition consultant, recipe creator and writer. I am a qualified holistic Nutritionist and a certified Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) practitioner, whereby I use food as medicine to support health and vitality. I was conditioned to believe that my symptoms were normal. Sinus infections, digestive issues, chest infections, asthma, hay fever, rashes, extreme fatigue, a foggy mind and so on. I lived off antihistamines, asthma puffers and antibiotics. I have always had a deep fascination, love and interest for food, but I wasn’t sure why and what to think of it while I consistently exposed myself to man-made, packaged and processed foods. This interest led me to becoming a Qualified Nutritionist and a Gut and Psychology Syndrome Practitioner. Through further constant personal research I have since freed myself from many of the symptoms that were robbing me of a life filled with energy, vitality, confidence and excitement.

Hi there, I’mJalal. You can call me Dr. Khan if you prefer, but I’m not so big on formalities.

See, dentistry is a very personal thing for me. After all, you’re entrusting me with your health, and maybe even your family’s. It’s really an honour.

What drives me is my deep commitment to empowering my patients with optimal health. This means pushing myself to find the cutting edge of not just dentistry, but also medicine. The latter has been covered by my endless study in the field of quantum biology. However the former was unfinished business.

Over the years, my approach to my patients has graduated from teeth to jaws. However I still felt there was something missing. By combining with Cole, I genuinely believe this to be the holy grail of dentistry. 

Understanding that the jaws are an extension of the cranium and using this appreciation to guide craniofacial development in children and craniofacial rehabilitation in adults.

I haven’t been this excited about dentistry since I graduated.

From dentist to oral physician.

Dr Carlo Rinaudo is a registered Chiropractor, researcher and educator. He is the clinic director and founder of Brain Hub, with

Dr Carlo Rinaudo is a registered Chiropractor, researcher, and educator with over 25 years of clinical experience in the management of complex neurological and vestibular conditions. He is the Founder and Clinical Director of Brain Hub and Brain Hub Kids, multidisciplinary clinics in Sydney specialising in functional neurology and brain-based rehabilitation for both adults and children.

Dr Rinaudo holds a PhD in Vestibular Rehabilitation from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Neuroscience Research Australia, where his research focused on innovative approaches to balance and vestibular dysfunction. He remains actively involved in research, currently contributing to studies on post-concussion syndrome in collaboration with Macquarie University.

He holds multiple postgraduate qualifications in functional neurology, sports injury management, and childhood neurodevelopment, and is an early adopter of advanced technologies and therapies. His clinics are at the forefront of delivering neuromodulation interventions and provide bespoke, individualised therapy programs for patients with complex neurological and developmental needs.

Dr Rinaudo is widely recognised for his teaching and regularly presents nationally and internationally on topics related to vestibular neuro-rehabilitation, concussion, and functional neurology.

over 21 years of clinical experience. He has completed a PhD in Vestibular (balance) Rehabilitation at University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Neuroscience Research Australia (www.NeuRA.edu.au), and is currently involved in further research in vestibular neuro-rehabilitation. Dr Rinaudo frequently presents and teaches practitioners across the world on similar topics.

Dr. Suzanne Labrie is an experienced chiropractor with over 25 years in clinical practice. She holds an Honours degree in Biochemistry and Pharmacology as well as a Master’s in Chiropractic. Dr. Labrie is the Director of Pure Health Chiropractic and the founder of Pure Health Solutions, an enterprise established to import and distribute Metabolics’ pure liquid vitamins and minerals from the UK.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Labrie is actively involved in professional education. She regularly presents seminars to health care practitioners, focusing on clinical nutrition and the integration of multidisciplinary approaches into clinical practice. With a strong commitment to health, nutrition, and personal development, she is dedicated to empowering both practitioners and the broader community through knowledge-sharing and education. “There is a growing need to support health care professionals in their work as the industry evolves with an increasing range of resources and treatment options. With so many choices available, it can be challenging, not only for patients but also for practitioners, to navigate and identify the most effective products, therapies, and systems to achieve meaningful health outcomes.

Dr Robert Melillo is one of the leading experts in the world in developmental neurological conditions such as ADHD, Autism, OCD, Tics, Dyslexia, Anxiety, Depression as well as Brain Health, in children and adults. He has a working knowledge of the intricate and complicated functions of the brain as well as anyone in the world today. Most importantly he not only understands what is happening in the brain that is the root cause of neurobehavioral and neuroimmunological disorders ,he has perfected a multi modal method of how to change the brain in specific noninvasive ways that can significantly improve and or correct many of the most pervasive neurologic based disorders today .His expertise in Functional clinical neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is unmatched and he has a rare combination of 30 years’ experience as a clinician as well as being a professor, brain researcher and bestselling author who has worked with thousands of patients. His book Disconnected Kids is one of the most successful books in this genre and has been translated into 16 languages. He is the cofounder of Brain Balance Achievement centers and the developer of the Melillo Method ® the ultimate culmination of his expertise. He operates the Melillo center for Developing Minds in NY. He is also director of his research lab, The National Institute for Brain and Rehabilitation Sciences. He and his wife Carolyn created a web series called Disconnected Kids Reconnected families where they go into the homes of struggling families. It has had over 3 million views in just this past year. He also hosts his own podcast, The Melillo Method Podcast, Everything Brain. He is an expert in human behavior and the neuroscience of goal setting, habit formation, and motivation. He has multiple graduate and post graduate degrees and certifications including PhD in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Clinical Rehabilitation Neuropsychology, Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine, Diplomate and board certified in Neurology, Fellowship in Childhood Developmental Disorders and many more.

John Gaitanis, MD, is a pediatric neurologist at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Gaitanis received his medical degree from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. He completed a residency in pediatrics at Strong Memorial Hospital through the University of Rochester Medical School, as well as a residency in neurology at Boston Children’s Hospital through Harvard Medical School. He completed a fellowship in epilepsy and neurophysiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center through Harvard Medical School.

His clinical research focuses on finding improved biomarkers and therapeutics for epilepsy, and improving EEG signal acquisition with advancements in electrode design and software processing techniques.

Dr. Gaitanis previously served as an associate professor of pediatrics at Tufts Medical School and chief of pediatric neurology at Tufts Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Gaitanis is a member of several professional organizations including the Child Neurology Society, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American Epilepsy Society.

Dr. Elizabeth Mumper, MD, FAAP, IFMCP, is a seasoned pediatrician with several decades of experience in clinical practice and medical education. Dr. Mumper’s extensive clinical experience includes over a decade as Director of Pediatric Education in a Family Practice Residency Program, 16 years as clinical faculty at the University of Virginia, and five years as Medical Director of the Autism Research Institute. Her dedication to pediatric education extends to her current role on the faculty of the Medical Academy for Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), where she developed the first advanced clinical training in pediatrics for the Institute of Functional Medicine, of which she is also a certified member. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Mumper has contributed to the medical field through writing book chapters, publishing her clinical research from the Rimland Center in peer-reviewed journals, and lecturing both nationally and internationally. Her commitment to pediatric health and education has made significant impacts in the field, providing invaluable resources and knowledge to both medical professionals and parents. She is the originator of FLCCC’s I-CARE: For Kids treatment guide, which aids parents in preventing and managing COVID-19 in their children. Dr Mumper is also a founding member of the Mindd Advisory Board.

Dr. Anju Usman Singh is director and owner of True Health Medical Center and Pure Compounding Pharmacy in Naperville, Illinois. She serves as Chief Science Officer for family-owned nutraceutical company, True Healing Naturals. She specializes in biomedical interventions for children with ADD, Autism, PANDAS/PANS, Down Syndrome and related disorders. Shas been involved in research regarding copper/zinc imbalances, metallothionein dysfunction, biofilm related infections and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Dr Usman Singh serves on the Executive Board and faculty for MAPS (Medical Academy for Pediatric & Special Needs) and the medical advisory committees for TACA (The Autism Community in Action) and Autism Hope Alliance (AHA). Dr. Usman Singh received her medical degree from Indiana University and completed a residency in Family Practice at Cook County Hospital, in Chicago, Illinois. She is board certified in Family Practice and holds a certification in Homeopathy.

Dr Heather Way completed her PhD in molecular pathology and Master’s qualification in molecular physiology at the University of Queensland in Australia. Dr Way is in the unique position of being an Autism researcher, Clinician and Autism Mum (to two fully recovered, now adult sons). It was the diagnosis of ASD and ADHD for her sons that led her to repurpose her skill set to the field of autism genomics research 14 years ago. Dr Way is the Founder, Director, and Head of Research for The Australian Centre for Genomic Analysis (TACGA). The centre specialises in genomics solutions for autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, gut issues, and chronic infections including mold and PANS/PANDAS. Dr Way has helped to develop IBS and ASD microbiome sequencing tools, and neurodevelopmental nutrigenomic tools. These help to pinpoint the most serious issues and deliver targeted research-based interventions to help people with chronic conditions reach their full potential.

Dr Leah Hechtman (PhD) is a globally respected naturopathic clinician specialising in fertility, pregnancy, and comprehensive reproductive health. She is a passionate researcher, published author, and dedicated educator, sharing her insights and expertise through lectures, events, and programs.

With a commitment to bridging science and spirituality, Dr Hechtman (PhD) takes a collaborative approach to care, working closely with general practitioners, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. Her inter-professional focus fosters innovation and connection, ensuring holistic and integrative outcomes for her patients and advancing the field of reproductive health.

Dr Christabelle Yeoh has over 2 decades of experience in clinical care, most of which has focused on understanding root causes of chronic disease. She works with her patients to optimise their biophysical health, mitochondrial health, digestive function microbiome and brain performance. She is passionate about sharing her in-depth knowledge on the interconnectedness of human metabolism, biology and behaviour. She helps address the chronic conditions that can be related to adverse factors in her patient’s lifestyle, nutrition and environment to help optimise their overall function and wellbeing. Dr Yeoh graduated from medicine at the University of London in 1999 and obtained her membership with the Royal College of Physicians (UK). She has a Masters degree in Nutrition from King’s College London. After practicing hospital medicine, she worked as a general physician with an interest in Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. She was a director and past president at the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and is active on the teaching faculty.

Matthew is the founder, director and principal clinician at Optimum Health Essentials, an integrative natural health clinic that has been established on the Northern Beaches of Sydney for over 20 years. Matthew is a keynote speaker, personal health coach and mindset consultant, founder and facilitator of Optimum Health Essentials Detox Retreats in Byron Bay, and has been on the Mindd Foundation Practitioner Advisory Board since 2008, and has presented at multiple Mindd conferences. Matthew specialises in Chiropractic, Applied Kinesiology, Neuro Emotional Technique, Neurolinguistic Programming (Master Practitioner), Positive Psychology, Peak Performance, Functional Biochemistry and Breath Work. He has worked in Europe and Australia and studied Vedic philosophy and meditation in Australia and India.