May 1 - 3, 2025, Sydney

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MIF25

CommUnity Schedule

Join our supportive community for 2 days of inspiring lectures, cooking demos, interactive panels and networking with experienced clinicians, well-informed vendors and determined parents and patients.

Food Is Medicine & Regenerative Living

Friday May 2

TIMELECTURESPEAKER
7:45 AM - 8:00 AMAnnouncements / Introduction to the day
8:00 AM - 8:45 AMFood is MedicineHelen Padarin, ND
8:45 AM - 9:30 AMGut Health & Health ChallengesJames Neuenschwander, ND
9:30 AM - 10:30 AMMorning Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AMCooking Demonstrations (samples)Helen Padarin and team
11:30 AM - 12:15 PMFood is Medicine Panel
12:15 PM - 1:30 PMLunch
1:30 PM - 2:15 PMHealthy Home
2:15 PM - 3:00 PMRegenerative LivingCindy O'Meara
3:00 PM - 3:30 PMAfternoon Break
3:30 PM - 5:00 PMRegenerative CommUnity Panel

*Schedules subject to slight revisions*

Natural & Neuro Therapies

Saturday May 3

TIMELECTURESPEAKER
7:45 AM - 8:00 AMAnnouncements / Introduction to the day
8:00 AM - 8:45 AMLanguage of the BodyHelen Padarin, ND
8:45 AM - 9:30 AMMicrobes & Mental HealthNancy O'Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP
9:30 AM - 10:30 AMMorning Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AMAutism and ADHD NutrigenomicsHeather Way, PhD
11:30 AM - 12:15 PMOptimising Brain Energy
12:15 PM - 1:30 PMLunch
1:30 PM - 2:15 PMKids & COVIDLiz Mumper, MD, MPH, FAAP
2:15 PM - 3:00 PMPrenatal Care
Reducing Chronic Illness in Children		Sheridan Austin
3:00 PM - 3:30 PMAfternoon Break
3:30 PM - 4:15 PMNatural Therapies
4:15 PM - 5:00 PMNeuro Therapies

*Schedules subject to slight revisions*

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Sheridan Austin

Nutritionist, GAPS

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.

Cyndi O’Meara

Nutritionist, Farmer

Cyndi O’Meara is a leading nutritionist, filmmaker, best-selling author, TEDx Speaker and Founder of Changing Habits, The Changing Habits Farm, The Nutrition Academy and co-founder of The Packing Company. Her greatest love is to teach, both in the public and corporate arenas to educate people on making better nutritional and environmental choices. Her direct and down-to-earth delivery of extensively researched information challenges and encourages others to question and eliminate unhealthy habits while purposefully choosing what goes in their body. Confronting her audiences with industry truths, Cyndi has the courage to call out deception and misinformation and believes in arming people with the tools and resources to not only reach their goals but optimise their health.

Matt Bourke

Chiropractor

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.

Dr Kelly Francis

MBBS

Dr. Kelly Francis is a passionate Integrative Medical Practitioner, entrepreneur, and health advocate based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. With a profound dedication to enhancing health, wellness, and vitality, Dr. Kelly has been at the forefront of the healthcare industry for over a decade. Dr. Kelly grew up in Sydney, Australia, where she attended the prestigious James Ruse High School. She completed her Medical Degree at the University of New South Wales in 1998 and subsequently undertook her formal General Practitioner training with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Her journey into integrative medicine began during her medical school years when she faced a significant health crisis. Frustrated by the limitations of mainstream medicine, which offered little beyond a diagnosis, Dr. Kelly sought alternative healing modalities. A chance encounter with a Chinese Herbalist sparked her interest in holistic health, leading her to explore nutrition, naturopathy, and various complementary therapies.

Presenter: Heather Way, PhD

Title of Talk: Using Nutrigenomics to Treat Complex Chronic Conditions and Improve Immunity

Dr Way will share her findings on the genes associated with complex chronic health disorders including depression, mold illness and PANDAS with a special emphasis on long Covid. There will be a deep dive into immunity, inflammation, oxidative stress and detoxification pathways and how they affect these chronic health conditions. The natural interventions that have been scientifically proven to favorably modulate genes expression will be discussed.

Presenter: Frank Golik, MBBS, FRACGP, FACNEM

Title of Talk: Autism and Chronic Illness

Autism rates in “anglo” countries are epidemic, impacting roughly 1 in 36 children in the US, 1 in 63 in Australia and 1 in 100 in the United Kingdom. ADHD, Allergies, Asthma, Anxiety, Depression, Heart disease, Diabetes and Cancer are also affecting children globally at alarming rates. Identifying common underlying biological and physiological problems is essential to offering effective therapies for children and adults.  And understanding cultural influencers such as diet, environment, lifestyle and healthcare policy is key to future prevention. Dr. Golik will offer insights based on treating patients in Australia.

Presenter: James Neuenschwander, MD, ABIM/AAPS, ABIHM, BCEM/AAPS, FMAPS

Title of Talk:Cases in Metabolism

Abstract:

Many of the children I see have issues with mitochondrial function and metabolism. Whether it be a genetic somatic mutation or a mitochondrial dysfunction induced by malnutrition or toxicity. In this presentation, we will review a few cases illustration these issues and show how some of the interventions can lead to improvement in function even in the most severe cases.

Presenter: James Neuenschwander, M.D., FMAPS

Title of Talk: Biochemical Basis of the Integrative Approach

Abstract:
This whirlwind presentation will cover the biochemistry that underlies the integrative/biomedical approach. We will cover the methylation pathways and how they connect to sulfation and detoxification. We also look at the details for the gut-brain- immune triad and the impact of gut health on the entirety of health. We will dive into mitochondrial, its impact on cell signaling, and the importance of the cell danger response. We will look at the chemistry of membrane lipids and foundations of the type and balance of the fats that make up our membranes. Finally, we will look at the impact of toxins on the function of our kids’ physiology. For those of you with a firm grasp of biochemistry, this is a great review, and you will learn something new. For those of you that are new to the integrative approach, this will give you an idea of everything you will learn in our fellowship. By the time we are done, you will have a firm grasp of the biochemical basis of the biomedical approach.

Dr Pran Yoganathan

MBChB. (Otago), FRACP

Dr Yoganathan graduated in medicine from the University of Otago in New Zealand. His training in internal medicine was undertaken in the Westmead Public Hospital. His Advanced training in Gastroenterology was completed in major teaching hospitals in Sydney.  He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physician (FRACP) and a member of Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA). He has accredited expertise in Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Colonoscopy as certified by the Conjoint Committee for the recognition of training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Dr Yoganathan has a strong interest in the field of human nutrition.  He practices an approach to healthcare that assesses the lifestyle of the patient to see how it impacts on their gastrointestinal and metabolic health.

Dr Christabelle Yeoh

MBBS, MRCP (London), MSc (Nutrition)

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.

Heather Way, PhD

Nutrigenomics

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 Charlie Teo

AM, Neurosurgeon

Charlie Teo is an Australian neurosurgeon who is respected for his willingness to offer surgery to those who have been given no hope. He has had appointments in Australia, the USA, India, Vietnam and Singapore. As passionate about teaching as performing surgery, Charlie has been awarded Best Teacher awards in both the USA and Australia and devotes 3 months of every year instructing and doing live surgery pro bono in developing countries. He established a fellowship program that attracts over 600 applicants every year and has taught and mentored neurosurgeons from many of the leading universities world-wide such as Karolinska, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Duke, Yale and Harvard Universities and the Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr Teo was honoured with the Order of Australia in 2011 for his pioneering efforts in the development of minimally invasive techniques in neurosurgery, in 2012 when he was invited to give the Australia Day Address to the Nation and in 2013 when he was the first non-politician Australian to address the US Congress on the need for more funding for brain cancer research. Professor Teo was named the Most Trusted Person in Australia for 7 consecutive years.

Helen Padarin, ND

Naturopath

Helen Padarin is one of Australia’s leading experts in the revolution of holistic health driven by real food. Having worked from one of Sydney’s most highly regarded integrative medical centres for the last 21 years, Helen now runs her own integrative health online practice, Well Embodied. Helen is passionate about conscious living, real food, vital health and empowering individuals, families and organisations to find the joy in being well. Since 2011 Helen has been a regular presenter and ambassador for the Mindd Foundation, and has presented for Health Masters Live and ACNEM, providing post-graduate education for GP’s, naturopaths, nutritionists and other health care professionals. While living in NZ for over 4 years, Helen also lectured in anatomy and physiology for the NZ College of Massage at the NZ Institute of Sport. Helen has a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences (Naturopathy) and advanced diplomas in nutrition, herbal medicine and massage. She has also completed extensive post-graduate training in treatment for metabolic, neurologic, digestive and immune disorders.

Leah Hecthman

MSciMed (RHHG), BHSc (Naturopathy), ND, FNHAA

Dr Hechtman is an experienced clinician and seasoned speaker who has been in practice for over 20 years.  She is the director of The Natural Health and Fertility Centre, Sydney where she specialises in fertility, pregnancy and reproductive healthcare for both men and women.  As an Integrative practitioner, Dr Hechtman listens carefully to her patients and regards communication as key to developing root cause solutions. Dr Hechtman received her PhD through the School of Women’s and Children’s Health at the University of New South Wales School of Medicine.

Dr. Frank Golik

MBBS (Hons QLD) FRACGP, FACNEM

Dr Golik’s special areas of interest and passion are Autism, ASD, ADHD, Musculoskeletal medicine, Dietary and lifestyle therapy, the Gut-Microbiome-Immune-Brain Interconnection, Streptococcal infections, Thyroid conditions, and the Metabolic Syndrome. Dr Golik is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of children of any age. MBBS (Hons QLD) FRACGP, FACNEM 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. Dr Golik commenced in solo Private Family Practice at Clayfield, Brisbane in 1979. 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. He is the first Australian doctor to complete the MedMAPS (USA) training and qualify for its Fellowship.

Dr Liz Mumper

MD, FAAP, IFMCP

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. Neuenschwander

MD, MPH, FAAP

Dr. Neuenschwander (a.k.a. Dr. Neu) has been practicing integrative medicine since 1988. He is the owner of Bio Energy Medical Center, a multidisciplinary, integrative medical practice with the philosophy of treating illness at its source using whatever tools are available.
Dr. Neu is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and is board certified in Emergency Medicine, Integrative and Holistic Medicine, as well as Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) as well as holds a certification in chelation therapy. He is a member of A4M, ACAM, and ILADS. He has been a DAN! Practitioner since 2007, a member of MAPS since its founding, and a MAPS fellow since 2014.

Nancy O'Hara

MD, MPH, FAAP

Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board certified Pediatrician. Prior to her medical career, Dr. O’Hara taught children with autism. She graduated with highest honors from Bryn Mawr College and as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She earned a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh. After residency, chief residency and general pediatric fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. O’ Hara entered general private practice in 1993, and in 1998 began her consultative, integrative practice solely for children with special needs. Since 1999 she has dedicated her functional medicine practice to the integrative and holistic care of children with chronic illness and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, PANDAS/PANS, OCD, Lyme and ASD. She is also a leader in the training of clinicians, both in the United States and abroad. Dr. O’Hara has written a comprehensive guidebook, “Demystifying PANS / PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Desktop Reference on Basal Ganglia Encephalitis”, which is available on Amazon in e-book or soft-cover formats. For more information on her membership and mentoring program, please visit www.drohara.com. Additionally, Dr. O’Hara’s research on Folate Receptor Auto Antibodies and PANS/PANDAS was recently published. (https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14020166)

Dr O’Hara is a founding member of the Mindd Advisory Board.

MIF2025 Session:
-Demystifying PANS/PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Guide to Basal Ganglia Encephalitis