Presenter: Jessie Johns, Nutrtionist
The Role of Histamine in Neuroinflammation, Mental Health, Spectrum and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Histamine is a critical neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness, attention, appetite regulation, and immune signalling. However, when histamine regulation becomes impaired, it can contribute to neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and a wide range of mental health and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
This presentation explores histamine beyond its traditional role in allergic response, positioning it as an important but often overlooked driver of anxiety, mood instability, cognitive dysfunction, and neurodivergent presentations. Attendees will gain an understanding of histamine’s role within the central nervous system, including its influence on mast cell activation, the gut-brain axis, and key neurotransmitter pathways in relation to specific health presentations.
Using a functional medicine lens, this session will examine common contributors to histamine dysregulation such as impaired clearance pathways, nutrient insufficiencies, dysbiosis, oestrogen dominance, and genetic polymorphisms. Through case examples, a practical framework for assessment and evaluation will be discussed, alongside evidence-informed therapeutic strategies including dietary modifications, targeted nutritional and herbal support, microbiome modulation, nervous system regulation, circadian biology and more.
Attendees will learn how to recognise histamine-driven mental health presentations and apply targeted interventions to support those – whether it be their patients, themselves or their family members – with presentations including anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, PMDD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mood-related conditions.
Sandy Sanderson has a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNSW 1979. After solving her own health crisis of magnesium-deficiency-induced heart arrhythmia and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, she created the Australian brand Elektra Magnesium in 2008, and together with her husband Peter Sanderson who is the product formulator, developed a comprehensive range of magnesium skin and muscle care products that allow for optimal magnesium absorption without requiring digestion.
Sandy gained insight into autism and the effects of stress due to her adult daughter Candice’s autism and the many traumas of life encountered by such sensitive and naive individuals. Candice in her younger adult years achieved a high level of artistic competence with paintings that were sold or used to make commercial prints. However, she experienced some meltdowns due to not coping with heightened anxiety, fearing danger from other individuals, or inability to solve problems in communication. The difficulty in communication under stress led to many wrong assumptions, misunderstandings, misdiagnoses and a deterioration in health and cognition. Sandy will share parental insights into the lifelong management of a child with Autism.
Presenter: Matt Bourke, Chiro
Safe to Feel: Building emotional intelligence and parental presence
Our children do not learn emotional regulation from what we say they learn it from the state of our nervous system, which determines how we respond to life.
In this powerful and practical presentation, we explore how emotional presence, cellular energy, and subconscious patterning shape the atmosphere of the home and the development of a child’s brain. Drawing on neuroscience, emerging research in mitochondrial health, and the principles of Neuroemotional Technique, this talk reveals how unresolved stress and inherited emotional patterns influence our reactions, our health, our children’s sense of safety and the programming we pass on.
When a parent is chronically stressed or emotionally dysregulated, the nervous system and immune system remain in defence. Mitochondrial energy production shifts into survival mode. This affects mood, patience, clarity, and connection. But when we cultivate felt safety within ourselves, cellular energy improves, the brain becomes more flexible, and we move from reaction to conscious response.
Through the lens of predictive processing, attachment science, and energy physiology, you’ll discover:
Connection, love, and respect are not parenting strategies, they are nervous system conditions. When we choose to heal ourselves, regulate our physiology, and bring conscious awareness to our emotional patterns, we create homes where children feel safe to feel, safe to express, and safe to become who they truly are.
The greatest gift we can give our children is not perfection, it is our presence.
Presenter: Rita Shamoun
Neuro Therapies
Many young children experience communication delays, but therapy progress can be influenced by underlying factors such as sleep, regulation, gut health and neurological function. Combining functional medicine and neurology with speech therapy helps identify these barriers and supports the child’s readiness to engage. Therapy continues to target foundational pre-verbal skills such as imitation, turn-taking, gestures and play, while goals are adapted when blocks occur. Insights from my clinical work, predominantly with paediatric populations, highlight how multidisciplinary approaches improve engagement and meaningful communication outcomes.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, participants will:
Presenter: Sheridan Austin
Rethinking Nutrient Deficiencies, Repletion and Mental Health
Nutrient deficiencies are well-recognised drivers of mental health concerns due to their influence on neurotransmitter production, energy metabolism and stress resilience. The conventional response often relies on synthetic isolated nutrients, yet growing evidence shows this approach can often fall short and/or pose potential harm to the individual being exposed. An individual’s response depends on many factors such as the form of the synthetic nutrient, genetic variations, their diet and lifestyle and more. Therefore, bioavailability, nutrient interactions, and genetic individuality all shape whether synthetic nutrients help, hinder, or actually leave underlying imbalances unresolved or worse.
This presentation will address how deficiencies in nutrients such as B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, iodine, essential fatty acids, amino acids and more, impact mood, cognition, and behaviour, particularly in neurologically sensitive conditions, while also highlighting the limitations and potential drawbacks of a synthetic approach.
Through a functional nutrition lens, practitioners and/or the general population will learn how to move beyond a one-size-fits-all model, using food as medicine and wholefood-based strategies to effectively achieve a better and more sustainable outcome in their clinical practice or homes when it comes to restoring nutrient status in neurological and mental health presentations.
Presenter: Rowena Jayne, Psychotherapist, Naturopath
Mindd Forum Experiential Practice
Discover how just 7 minutes a day can regulate your nervous system, cultivate calm and
clarity, and ignite your brain’s learning power.
Across three daily guided sessions at the Mindd Forum, Rowena Jayne will take you on an
experiential soulful journey blending holistic meditation with breath regulation and
grounding through an earth spot technique.
You’ll move gently through yoga postures, energise with Breath of Fire pranayama, and
activate your brain and body’s power using Touch for Health methods. You’ll also learn a
simple meridian tool to balance and support your organs.
These practical, powerful techniques are perfect for your own self-care and to share with
your patients – because thriving practitioners create thriving healing spaces.
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
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 severe depression. 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.
Jessie Johns is a Clinical Nutritionist with a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, and is the founder and director of The Common Ground Clinic. She has extensive clinical experience working across the integrative medicine and functional health spaces, with a strong emphasis on food as medicine and whole-body physiology. Her clinical work focuses on complex chronic health presentations where gut health, immune activation, neurological function, and hormonal and reproductive conditions intersect.
Jessie has a particular interest in nutritional biochemistry in cases of histamine dysregulation, mast cell activity, and impaired biochemical clearance pathways, and how these patterns contribute to anxiety, mood instability, cognitive symptoms, and neurodivergent presentations across the lifespan. Jessie works within a family medicine framework, supporting individuals from infants and toddlers through to adults and elderly. Alongside her clinical work, Jessie works in product development within the food-based supplement industry and mentors emerging practitioners as they transition into clinical practice.
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.
Anke is a highly credentialed educator and clinician whose career was redefined by a
personal mission. Originally from the Netherlands, she holds a Doctorandus degree
(Drs) in Biochemistry and Mathematics from the University of Leyden. After teaching Organic Chemistry and Mathematics at universities in the USA and UK, her life was turned upside down when in 1985 upon moving to Australia, her third child, Friso, was born with a severe brain injury.
Driven to support her son’s recovery, Anke pivoted from traditional academia to studying the latest neuro developmental and nutritional therapies. Her journey led her to become an Advanced Kinesiology Practitioner, Specialised Naturopath, Herbalist and Homeopath.
When Autism became more prevalent, she became particularly interested in finding out how these conditions could be reversed, so she earned a Master’s degree in Health Sciences (specialising in Nutrition Medicine) and completed extensive MAPS and MINDD practitioner trainings.
As the Director of the Optimum Learning & Health Centre in South Australia, Anke now specialises in the recovery of (regressive) Autism, ASD, AD(H)D, learning difficulties and neuro-developmental delay. She is the developer of several proprietary programs, including Autism Recovery Therapy (ART) and TINTRA (Targeted Individualised Nutrition Therapy for the Recovery of Autism & Autism Spectrum Disorders), the SureReading method and is a co-author of the international bestseller Elevate Your Health.
An award-winning practitioner and registered teacher, Anke is dedicated to helping
parents identify and address neuro-developmental challenges. She offers free half
hour introductory consultations to families worldwide via phone or online. You can
contact her by mobile: +61-423763273, email: akoelman@ozemail.com.au or via
autismrecovery.com.au.
Presenter: Jalal Khan, BA Dentistry, BA Medical Science
Quantum Dentistry: a Unique Perspective on the Mouth-Body Connection
Dr Jalal will take us on a deep dive into the intricacies of the mouth-body connection. Specific areas covered will include the cranial-dental link as well as the mouth’s influences on neurology. Jalal will share how his team’s integrative approach to care can yield powerful results in the areas of breathing, sleep, nervous system regulation and brain health.
Learning Objectives
– the link between dentistry and osteopathy
– the craniodental paradigm’s influence on breathing, sleep and nervous system regulation
– how the mouth can significantly influence neurology
– a unique take on sleep apnoea
Presenter: Lisa Moane, Naturopath
Beyond the Diagnosis: Rethinking ARFID Through a Holistic Lens
ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is being diagnosed at increasing rates, yet many children receive this label without a thorough investigation into underlying causes. This presentation challenges the assumption that ARFID is purely behavioural and explores biomedical drivers such as coeliac disease, gut dysbiosis, nutrient deficiencies, and toxic load. Through case studies and clinical insights, attendees will learn why a holistic, multidisciplinary approach is essential before accepting an ARFID diagnosis.
Presenter: Robert Melillo, PhD Chiro, MA Neuroscience, MA Neuropsychology
A Universal Brain-Based Model of ASD and Comprehensive Multimodal Treatment Approach To Remediation.
It is very hard to clinically change a condition if you don’t know what is happening in the brain and in the body. Autism is one of the most complex conditions of all neurobehavioral issues. There is such a wide variety of symptoms yet there are specific similarities that make it a spectrum. What has been missing is a Universal model of autism that explains all the variations of presentation and symptoms in terms of the brain. Autism is foundationally a brain developmental issue and the brain regulates every system. The root cause is in the brain. In this lecture we will tie all of this together into one comprehensive model of autism in specific terms of advanced functional neuroanatomy and brain development. We will then connect it to all motor, sensory, cognitive, immune, autonomic, and detoxification issues. Understanding the root cause we will then describe the specific goals of a comprehensive multimodal treatment program that is designed to specifically address the root cause of autism and all associated symptoms. This model provides insights into a range of brain conditions including; ADHD, OCD, ODD, learning and language delay, mood disorders.
Presenter: Robert Melillo, PhD Chiro, MA Neuroscience, MA Neuropsychology
Brain Stem Autonomic Nuclei Development as The Root Cause of Gut Dysfunction, Neuroinflammation, and Immune Dysregulation.
Immune and Autonomic dysregulation plays a major role in ASD, ADHD and developmental delay. Leaky gut, food sensitivities, malabsorption, motility issues, chronic inflammation, autoimmunity and many more are all common in learning delay and behavioural conditions. In this lecture we will show how the root cause of all of these issues starts in the development of the brain stem. The brain develops from the bottom up and it starts in the medulla and PONs. Primitive reflexes come from those areas as well, retained reflexes interfere with the normal maturation of the medulla and brain stem. This prevents the maturity and development of parasympathetic nuclei in the medulla which leads to many gut and immune issues. We will discuss the role of sympathetic vs parasympathetic in pro inflammatory and anti inflammatory responses and how this is related to the balance of TH1 and TH2 systems in the immune system.
Presenter: Robert Melillo, PhD Chiro, MA Neuroscience, MA Neuropsychology
Brain Asymmetry Maturational Hemispheric Delays, Imbalances and Variations in Symptoms of Developmental Delay
Autism is considered a spectrum because there can be such a wide variation in symptoms. How can we understand this variation of symptoms that can impact all systems in the body in different ways. In this lecture we will discuss the evolution and development of brain asymmetry in the human brain. We will also begin to create a model of autism that can explain all the variations in symptoms along the spectrum in terms of advanced functional neuroanatomy and maturational developmental hemispheric imbalances. This model provides insight into other brain conditions including; ADHD, learning and language delay, mood and socialisation conditions.
Presenter: Robert Melillo, PhD Chiro, MA Neuroscience, MA Neuropsychology
Unique features of Human Brain – Development, Milestones, Interoception, Proprioception, Immunoception and the Neuroscience of Speech
Why Can’t Kids With Autism Speak? 40 % of those on the spectrum have non or low speaking Autism. No one has clearly explained what prevents them from speaking. Many of these kids have hyperlexia and they seem to have all the words available, and they understand fully. So why can’t they speak? In this lecture we will use advanced developmental functional neuroanatomy to explain the unique features of human brain development and also the unique vulnerabilities. We will discuss the importance of prenatal and post-natal milestones, their relationship to movement and primitive reflexes and what happens if they are missed or skipped. We will understand the role and neuroanatomy of interoception, proprioception and how this impacts speech in Nonspeaking autism. We will also discuss the concept of immunoception which relates to the brain’s lead in sensing and regulating inflammation and anti inflammation in the body.
Julie Matthews is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and published researcher who received her master’s degree in medical nutrition, with distinction, from Arizona State University. She is a globally respected nutrition expert, published researcher, award-winning author, and inspirational educator. Her guidance is backed by over twenty years of clinical experience and scientific research with complex neurological and physiological needs; particularly autism. She has lectured in more than 60 cities across three continents, been on television, radio, newspaper, blogs/podcasts and more, and published scientifically referenced articles in journals and websites. Julie’s been featured by Price-Pottenger, honored by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, sits on two scientific advisory boards including the Autism Nutrition Research Center. Julie is co-author of “gold standard” scientific research published in the journal Nutrients, demonstrating the efficacy of diet and nutrition intervention for autism spectrum disorder and a study on “The Effectiveness of 13 Therapeutic Diets for Autism” published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine.
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.
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.
Presenter: Heather Way, PhD Molecular Pathology, MA Molecular Physiology
From Genes to Gains: The Overlooked SNPs That Shape Cognition, Focus and Behaviour in Autism and ADHD
Advances in personalised medicine have expanded the clinical application of genomics, yet many variants with direct relevance to neurodevelopmental outcomes remain under-recognised in mainstream practice. This presentation draws on over 15 years of original research and clinical application investigating genes related to autism and ADHD. Focusing on a selection of high-impact SNPs rarely addressed in conventional frameworks, the session will explore their roles in key biological pathways underlying cognition, attention, language development, fussy eating, obsessive–compulsive traits, and emotional regulation. Mechanisms discussed include neurotransmitter signalling, neuroimmune interactions, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and cognitive flexibility—alongside practical, evidence-informed strategies to support these pathways.
Attendees will gain insight into how targeted genomic analysis can guide individualised treatment pathways, supported by real-world case studies demonstrating measurable improvements in cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Grounded in published research and extensive clinical experience, this presentation offers a data-driven, systems-based approach for practitioners seeking more precise, root-cause strategies in the care of neurodivergent children.
Presenter: Carlo Rinaudo, PhD, DC
Case Studies of a Functional Neurological Approach to Complex Cases and Neurodevelopment
Hi there, I’m Jalal. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
I’m Dr. Erin Taylor Hann, a chiropractor who believes in the power of connection — both with ourselves and the world around us. My journey began in a home where disconnection was the norm, and that’s what I see in many families today. Parents of neurodivergent kids often feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to support their child’s nervous system. I’ve been there myself, and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping parents understand the deeper reasons behind their child’s behaviors.
I’m not here to give you quick fixes — I’m here to give you the tools and understanding to create calm, connected spaces where your child can thrive. Through a combination of chiropractic care, functional neurology, and brain-body integration, I empower families to decode their child’s needs and unlock the potential for growth, connection, and healing.
I believe every child deserves to feel safe and understood, and that begins with us — their parents and caregivers. Together, we can create a foundation for growth that is built on safety, compassion, and connection. I’m here to help you feel confident, supported, and connected, so you can be the parent your child needs — even on the hard days.
Community Talk: Beyond Behavior: Understanding the Hidden Brain-Body Disconnect in Neurodivergent Children
Overview: In this talk, Dr Erin Taylor Hann (DC) will guide parents and the community to see challenging behaviours in a new light – not as defiance, but as communication from a nervous system seeking safety. Through the lens of brain development, primitive reflexes and connection. She’’ll share a powerful story of hope and healing, offering practical tools and heartfelt encouragement to support neurodivergent children with compassion, understanding and love
Practitioner Talk: The Hidden Link: Primitive Reflexes and Their Role in Behavioural Dysregulation.
In this talk, we will dive into how primitive reflexes, when not fully integrated, can underpin common challenges like meltdowns, lack of focus, and sensory issues in neurodivergent child. Ill explain how these reflexes shape the brain and body’s development and how approaches like the Mellilo Method can support better regulation and learning outcomes.
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.
Elly is a registered nutritionist with over 18 years of experience working within the health science industry in both private practice and compounding laboratories. She loves working with children, from infants to teens and adults and has a special interest in supporting gut health, strengthening immune function, and calming inflammation.
Presentation Overview:
The role of wellness technologies in ‘Biohacking’ complex
healthcare conditions
Where can you turn when ‘go to’ remedies and ‘best practice’ therapies are not
working as expected or offering limited results?
Nominated for cost, ease of use and compliance; we will explore a number of
devices and their potential in overcoming some of the key ‘roadblocks’ to health and
healing.
Learning Objectives:
Darren J Sassall ND, is the co-owner and director of Core Naturopathics, providing
an innovative and client centred approach to chronic disease and peak performance.
With qualifications in Sports Science (Wollongong University 1989) and Naturopathy
(Nature Care College 1997), Darren has over 35 years of experience in the health
and fitness industry. An Adjunct Professional Fellow in the National Centre for
Naturopathic Medicine Southern Cross University QLD, he is a pioneer in the field of
Adaptive Medicine and leader in integrating cutting-edge technologies, AI, and
functional screening methods into Naturopathic practice. With a deep focus on
assisting clients overcome the inertia of chronic disease, Darren has introduced
targeted therapeutic ‘stacking protocols’ into clinical practice to promote self-
regulation and reestablish homeostatic balance. Darren’s collaborative work with
business partner and industry leaders has advanced AI-driven clinic systems,
sustainable licensed clinical models, and product development, positioning him as an
innovator in modern naturopathic healthcare.
Françoise, the founder and director of the Australian Tomatis® Method, is a renowned psychologist with over three decades’ experience in applying the Tomatis® Method around the world. Françoise was trained by Dr. Tomatis in the late 1970s, and since 1983 has been involved in the training of Tomatis® consultants in France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Australia, and, lately, the Philippines.
Charlie, an award-winning grazier and passionate advocate for regenerative farming practices, has transformed his family’s 5,000-acre property in Boorowa, New South Wales, Australia, from a conventional high-input farm into a biodynamically principled, holistically managed farm in harmony with nature. Over the past 20 years, Charlie has embraced regenerative agriculture principles that align with his innate connection to the land and his commitment to producing quality food.
Hanaminno now operates using organic, biodynamic, and holistic grazing principles to produce chemical-free, pasture-raised beef, lamb, and pigs. Prioritising animal welfare and the health of both land and consumers, the farm prides itself on being “Certified by Community” – fostering transparency, openness, and strong connections with clients, who are considered co-producers.
Theanna is a school food advocate, passionate about changing food in schools and feeding a brighter future. Theanna has a background in the arts, hospitality and health. When her kids started school, she gravitated to the canteen, using her skills as a chef and her qualification in naturopathy to help transition the menu and prepare tasty nutritious food on site, using quality fresh local ingredients. The community embraced it, and the success was proof that kids love real, nutritious food. In 2016 Theanna founded The School Food Project charity to mentor and empower schools to improve their food. The School Food Project Canteen Transformation Program DIY toolkit has been developed from a pilot in 6 NSW schools. In 2024, in a partnership with Berrima Public School, the innovative and equitable School Lunch Program was launched, where every child is fed every day a nutritious and delicious seated meal prepared by the school’s chef. Great school food and food education has the power to improve childhood health and happiness, and can reset a child’s relationship to food for life.
Passionate Jack of all Trades finding purpose in his regenerative story.
Having worked in many realms of business and activism, Blair’s true purpose is grounded in the advocacy of Regenerative Agriculture, manifesting itself as the director of Farmer’s Footprint Australia.
With vast experience in food systems, native ingredients, and soil health, Blair’s knowledge in these fields is equaled by his passion for community, sovereignty, and his family. As he continues to learn, listen, stumble, and be humbled by his journey, his focus is to educate, empower and activate humans toward a regenerative life.
Presenter: Dr Christabelle Yeoh, MBBS, MRCP (London), MSc (Nutrition)
Creating Brain Energy for Neuroplasticity
Cognitive health is on everyone’s mind, with ADHD and cognitive decline rates being higher than it’s ever been. What does it mean to have good cognitive health? This talk focuses on the bioenergetic aspect of neuronal function which is the foundation to creating the behaviours and the plasticity that we want to see in our brains. It is imperative to learn about what blocks it and what makes it flourish!
Understand what the important components of brain health are
Presenter: Dr Christabelle Yeoh, MBBS, MRCP (London), MSc (Nutrition)
Mitochondria- the Biophysics of Health Creation
Mitochondria are much more than the popular description: ‘powerhouses of the cell’. Mitochondria are transducers which means they convert one form of energy into another form. Chemiosmosis, a fundamental biological process housed by mitochondria (and chloroplasts) are driven by quantum mechanics principles. Understanding these allow patients and practitioners to harness the desperately needed bioenergetics to successfully drive the biochemistry protocols that we prescribe. It is foundational to health creation.
Presenter: Elyse Comerford, Nutritionist
Meat Stock – The Golden Elixir!
Bone broth gets a lot of attention (for good reason), but have you been focussing on meat stock? Elyse will take us through the do’s and dont’s of making the most important healing food for gut and connective tissue repair, how to include it in your diet (it doesn’t just have to be soup!), and how to get it in for even the fussiest eaters. Elyse will also take us through the cases where meat stock is better for healing than bone broth, and share some stories of healing from her clinic, ‘Well Belly Health Clinic’.
How meat stock functions as a healing food
How to make the most effective (and tasty!) meat stock
How to include meat stock in your current diet
Including meat stock for fussy eaters
Real life stories of the benefits of meat stock
Elyse Comerford is an Integrative Nutritionist and Certified GAPS Practitioner, Keynote Speaker, Mentor, and most importantly, Mum to Dylan & Bowie! Elyse’s primary focus for the past decade has been in private practice, helping hundreds of families overcome a whole host of health issues through the implementation of nourishing and healing principles, reducing toxic stress, and the GAPS protocol. This has become Elyse’s specialty, and has led her to work with families all over the world becoming well known for her specialisation in complex chronic health conditions. It has been a culmination of her education and experience in Nutrition, but most importantly her experience with her own healing journey that has driven her passion to empower as many people as possible with the key to their own health. Elyse’s approach is based on taking the normal “guilt, blame, shame and deprivation” approach and completely turning it on its head, focussing instead on healing, nourishing, and listening to the body at a deep root cause level.
Brittany Darling is a mum and nutritionist, with over 15 years of clinical experience. Frustrated by the lack of truly effective children’s supplements, she set out to create targeted, science-backed formulations that address specific health concern facing children today. Her multi-award winning supplement brand, I’m Nutrients is purpose led, providing only targeted formulations minus the junk.
Presenter: Liz Mumper, MD FAAP, FMAPS
Case Study in Immune Injury
Dr. Mumper will deconstruct the history of a difficult patient with baseline mold toxicity who worsened after he received a mRNA COVID vaccine. She will demonstrate the value of constructing a timeline to identify antecedents, triggers and mediators to lead to therapeutic strategies. She will examine lab evaluation of mold toxicity and resources for treatment protocols. Dr. Mumper will look at the pathology associated with spike protein and potential ways to help those suffering from prolonged spike exposure or adverse reactions to COVID vaccines.
To use timelines to organize history considering antecedents, triggers and mediators
To interpret labs to diagnose
To find resources for a step-wise treatment strategy
Presenter: Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP
A Functional Medicine Guide on Microbes & Mental Health
PANS & PANDAS are complex autoimmune diseases that require a multi-system approach. PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep) involves antibodies from a strep infection reacting with brain tissue (specifically the basal ganglia in the brain) and triggering an abrupt onset of immune dysregulation and movement, learning and behavioral problems including OCD, anxiety and tics. With PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), other infectious etiologies besides strep (especially Mycoplasma as well as COVID, viruses, other bacteria, and more), toxic exposures, and metabolic abnormalities are among other potential triggers for the immune dysregulation resulting in an abnormal autoimmune reaction and negative behavior, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive changes. Dr. O’Hara will discuss the latest research in the assessment and treatment of these devastating but recoverable illnesses. Participants will learn the research-based functional medicine approach to the care, diagnosis and treatment of these children.
The participant will be able to understand the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of PANS, PANDAS and Post Acute Infectious Syndromes (PAIS).
The participant will be able to differentiate causes of anxiety, OCD and tics, as it relates to autoimmune encephalitis.
The participant will be able to define the triad of treatments for PANS, PANDAS & PAIS.
Presenter: Presenter: Liz Mumper, MD FAAP, FMAPS
Kids and COVID
When COVID first emerged, everyone was confused – doctors, parents, patients,
government officials, and agency workers. However, it emerged rather quickly that COVID was
not a mortal threat for healthy children and adolescents. Nor were children with COVID a
transmission threat to immuno-compromised patients or vulnerable elderly. Dr. Mumper will
share her perspective, derived from four years of COVID research and collaboration, on how
different strategies should have been adopted during the first year of the crisis. She will argue
that mandates were never a good idea, that critical analysis of the initial clinical trials would
have led to different decisions, and that what the public was told differed from emerging
scientific truth.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Presenter: Liz Mumper, MD FAAP, FMAPS
Kids & COVID
COVID in healthy children and adolescents was very different than COVID in sick
adults with multiple co-morbidities. Dr. Mumper will argue that a “one size fits all” strategy
focused on a novel gene therapy technology was misguided. She will review the data about risk
factors, early treatment and potential repurposed medications. She will outline the fallacies
inherent in testing and isolating people without symptoms and review the limitations of PCR
testing.
The vaccine “safe and effective” mantra is not nuanced enough to describe what really
happened during roll-outs of COVID injections. Dr. Mumper will critically analyse evidence that
the shots were not studied for and did not decrease transmission, that those who received
injections were more likely to get COVID multiple times, and that more adverse events were
reported than for other vaccines combined. She will share documentation of adverse events in
the following categories: cardiac, autoimmune, reproduction, cancer, and neurologic.
Clinicians may leave the lecture pondering such topics as the autonomy of healers, the role of
truly informed consent, and the insertion of politics into medical crises.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Presenter: Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPS
Tick-Borne Diseases, Mold & MCAS
PANS & PANDAS are complex autoimmune diseases that require a multi-system approach. With PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), infectious etiologies such as Borrelia, Bartonella and Babesia, are among potential triggers for the immune dysregulation resulting in an abnormal autoimmune reaction and negative behavior, physical, and cognitive changes. Tick-Borne Diseases and Mold may cause or contribute to an acute or subacute presentation of fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, OCD, tics and more. These symptoms need to be assessed and treated appropriately. Participants will learn the research-based functional medicine approach to the care, diagnosis and treatment of these children. She will present this informaiton in a case study format.
The participant will be able to understand the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of PANS and Basal Ganglia Encephalitis, especially as it relates to Borrelia, Bartonella and Babesia
The participant will be able to differentiate causes of anxiety, OCD and tics, as it relates to autoimmune encephalitis caused by Tick-Borne Diseases and Mold.
The participant will be able to define the triad of treatments for PANS, including antimicrobials, immune modulators and symptom supports for Tick-Borne Diseases and Mold.
something on MCAS
Presenter: Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPS
Post Acute Infectious Syndromes & Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
PANS & PANDAS are complex autoimmune diseases that require a multi-system approach. PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep) involves antibodies from a strep infection reacting with brain tissue (specifically the basal ganglia in the brain) and triggering an abrupt onset of immune dysregulation and movement, learning and behavioral problems including OCD, anxiety and tics. With PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), other infectious etiologies besides strep (especially Mycoplasma as well as COVID, viruses, other bacteria, and more), toxic exposures, and metabolic abnormalities are among other potential triggers for the immune dysregulation resulting in an abnormal autoimmune reaction and negative behavior, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive changes. Dr. O’Hara will discuss the latest research in the assessment and treatment of these devastating but recoverable illnesses. Participants will learn the research-based functional medicine approach to the care, diagnosis and treatment of these children.
Presenter: Dr Kelly Francis MBBS. BSci (Med). FRACGP (2006)
Healthy Home
Our physical environment can have an enormous impact on our health and wellbeing. Dr Kelly Francis will present to you all the potential hazards you can be exposed to under your own roof, and ways you can mitigate the dangers.
Learning Objectives:
Presenter: Soulla Chamberlain
The Fundamentals of Robust Nutrition (from Vegan to Omnivore)
In this presentation Soulla will focus on the key principles of a nutrient-dense diet which provides a solid foundation for a life-long sustainable health. While health is multifactorial (and directly influenced by numerous lifestyle factors), nourishing your body with the anti-inflammatory, nutritionally-dense whole foods that we as a species have biologically evolved to eat is the cornerstone (as well as the fastest and easiest way!) of reclaiming and maintaining spectacular health with the most profound impact. Food is the most powerful medicine available to us to heal chronic illness and to remain vibrantly healthy. Soulla will detail the most nutrient dense foods and well as how to source and prepare them.
Learning Objectives in bullet point format
Attendees will learn the fundamentals of robust nutrition including a brief overview of:
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.
Presenter: Helen Padarin
The Language of The Nervous System – a primal and somatic approach to healing.
Food, lifestyle and our environment all play fundamental roles in our state of health, the functioning of our physiology and our cell danger response. To move from the absolutely necessary defence-physiology of the Cell Danger Response, to the healing physiology of the Healing Cycle we need energy and resources. This is why food, lifestyle and environment are so key to our state of health. We also need to remove the threat. Another often-missed threat resolution that is required for the Healing Cycle to function however, is to resolve (most often subconscious) states of threat to survival. Fortunately by learning to understand the somatic (felt) language of our nervous system, we can start to interpret the messages of what we (and our loved ones) truly need in order to regulate, comfort and heal. By doing this, all other choices we make around food, lifestyle, environment and even medications and biohacking devices will have a much greater beneficial impact. Perceived or real threats to our survival are imprinted by our infant years (and can occur later in life, a result of traumas). Without understanding or somatic tools to be able to resolve or discharge these imprints, they leave us living in a chronic survival state of sympathetic dominance, AKA fight or flight mode. This survival response stimulates the cell danger response, and elicits a cascade of neurological, immunological and endocrine consequences that result in inflammation, autoimmunity and an array of chronic disease. It is in fact, often unbeknownst to us, the driving factor behind most chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and illness. Fortunately by learning to understand the somatic (felt) language of our nervous system, we can start to interpret the messages of what we (and our loved ones) truly need in order to regulate, comfort and heal. By doing this, all other choices we make around food, lifestyle, environment and even medications and biohacking devices will have a much greater beneficial impact.
Presenter: Dr Charlie Teo
CONNECTOMICS: a paradigm shift in the diagnosis and management of all brain disorders.
Connectomics is the evolving understanding of the human brain. In 2009, the US government dedicated millions of dollars and thousands of scientific man-hours to try and improve our understanding of what has been called “the last frontier”. In 2016 this huge body of work was distilled in a single article published in NATURE by Glasser et al. However, applying this knowledge to clinical practice was impossible until a team of the brightest minds worked together to develop an app that could be used to assess the one organ that had previously never been visualised or quantified, the brain. CT and MRI scans give advanced images of how the brain looks but tell nothing of how it is working. If you examine the MRI of a patient with schizophrenia, it is structurally normal, and yet the patient’s behaviour is far from normal. This newfound knowledge has been utilised to treat patients with structurally normal conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, addiction etc. This presentation will explain the mechanism behind transcranial magnetic stimulation and give exciting examples of patient benefits and how the future is bright for all patients with any brain disorder.
Presenter: Dr James Neunschwander
Cases in Environmental Toxicants and Their Impact on the Endocrine System
Many environmental toxins/toxicants have adverse impact on the endocrine. Given the explosion of endocrine driven pediatric illness including precocious puberty, polycystic ovarian syndrome, type II diabetes, and obesity.
Presenter: Dr James Neunschwander
Cases In Mold Toxicity
This presentation will discuss the importance of identifying patients with mold toxicity, the impact of that mold toxicity on overall health, and the steps to take to resolve these issues. These principles will be illustrated with case reviews
Presenter: Sheridan Austin
Reducing Chronic Illness in Children Through Prenatal Care
Reducing chronic disease in children begins with prenatal health and preconception care. Among other factors, a healthy genome is created and influenced primarily through nutrients — vitamins, and minerals. We know that what and how we eat affects both maternal and offspring outcomes, but why are more people not doing something about it? We are seeing chronic disease dramatically rise, as is the intake of highly processed non-nutritive foods – this is no coincidence. We are seeing more and more birth defects, neurological presentations, early onset metabolic disease and inflammatory disorders, and yet our current nutritional health and prenatal information is outdated and often incorrect or misleading – also not a coincidence. If we continue to neglect parental preconception care and neglect truly nourishing the mother, how can we expect our children to turn out okay? Our current system is failing our mothers and families, let’s talk about what needs to change.
Presenter: Dr James Neunschwander
Getting That Gut Feeling: The Microbiome, Immune Response, and Pediatric Health
The make-up of the gut microbiome has become front and center in the pursuit of pediatric health. In this presentation, we will review how the pediatric microbiome is created, how it impacts the immune response, and how disruption of this response lies behind many pediatric disorders. We will also discuss how to evaluate the microbiome, how to manipulate the microbiome, and how to maintain a healthy microbiome.
Presenter: Helen Padarin
The Language of The Nervous System – a primal and somatic approach to healing.
Food, lifestyle and our environment all play fundamental roles in our state of health, the functioning of our physiology and our cell danger response. To move from the absolutely necessary defence-physiology of the Cell Danger Response, to the healing physiology of the Healing Cycle we need energy and resources. This is why food, lifestyle and environment are so key to our state of health. We also need to remove the threat. Another often-missed threat resolution that is required for the Healing Cycle to function however, is to resolve (most often subconscious) states of threat to survival. Fortunately by learning to understand the somatic (felt) language of our nervous system, we can start to interpret the messages of what we (and our loved ones) truly need in order to regulate, comfort and heal. By doing this, all other choices we make around food, lifestyle, environment and even medications and biohacking devices will have a much greater beneficial impact. Perceived or real threats to our survival are imprinted by our infant years (and can occur later in life, a result of traumas). Without understanding or somatic tools to be able to resolve or discharge these imprints, they leave us living in a chronic survival state of sympathetic dominance, AKA fight or flight mode. This survival response stimulates the cell danger response, and elicits a cascade of neurological, immunological and endocrine consequences that result in inflammation, autoimmunity and an array of chronic disease. It is in fact, often unbeknownst to us, the driving factor behind most chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and illness. Fortunately by learning to understand the somatic (felt) language of our nervous system, we can start to interpret the messages of what we (and our loved ones) truly need in order to regulate, comfort and heal. By doing this, all other choices we make around food, lifestyle, environment and even medications and biohacking devices will have a much greater beneficial impact.
Presenter: Cyndi O’Meara
Regenerative Living – Anthropological and Vitalistic Principles
I’ve been a nutritionist for 44 years and a farmer for the past decade. The two go hand in hand. We cannot trust the food that is being served up by most of the grocery stores. Synthetic biology is the new catch phrase for ultra processed foods and, if you knew what it was, you may think twice about consuming it. We either start growing our own food or support our burgeoning local small regenerative farmers. The great thing about growing your own food is you not only have a wonderful supply of nutrient-dense food, but you are contributing to improving your health thanks to how sunlight, clean air, rich soil and fresh food contribute to human health in a myriad of ways. I’ve lived from an anthropological and vitalistic approach my whole life and I’m noticing that by living by these two guiding principles, science gradually catches up to nature. I will be walking you through these incredible principles and how they can help you find the health you so deserve.
Presenter: James Neuenschwander, MD, ABIM/AAPS, ABIHM, BCEM/AAPS, FMAPS
The Foundations of Biomedical Thinking
This presentation examines the differences in thought processes between the biomedical approach and the standard medical model. Dr. Neuenschwander emphasizes understanding systemic interconnectedness and the importance of reframing clinical questions to improve patient management.
Presenter: Liz Mumper, MD, FAAP, FMAPS
Foundations of Metabolic and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: How These Systems Affect Our Brains
Dr. Mumper discusses metabolic abnormalities like mitochondrial dysfunction and CFD, which may lead to reversible autism symptoms if treated early. The presentation reviews biomarkers, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches that improve outcomes in ASD.
Presenter: Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPS
Foundations of Neurology: Our Brains on Fire
Dr. O’Hara provides an in-depth analysis of autism, emphasizing neurological localization for diagnosis. She explores the roles of different brain regions in autism presentations and examines the interplay between autism and epilepsy. The session offers insights into improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Presenter: Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPS
Foundations of Immune Dysfunction: Why Are Our Kids So Sick?
This presentation examines the increasing incidence of chronic illnesses in children, focusing on immune and neurological dysfunction. It explores the normal functioning of the immune system, the pathophysiology of inflammatory changes, and immune dysregulation in conditions such as Lyme disease, PANS, and PANDAS. The session emphasizes the need for restoring immunocompetence to achieve effective recovery.
Presenter: Liz Mumper, MD, FAAP, FMAPS
Foundation of Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: Mind the Gut
Dr. Mumper explores the roles of prebiotics, probiotics, and biofilms in gastrointestinal health. She emphasizes the importance of a balanced gut microbiome in preventing and managing conditions like allergies, autoimmune diseases, and mental health challenges. Strategies for addressing dysbiosis and biofilms are discussed to maintain optimal gut health and overall well-being.
Presenter: Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPS
The Foundation of a Functional Medicine Approach: How to Interpret the Signs, Symptoms, and Lab Testing
Dr. Nancy O’Hara discusses the signs, symptoms, and laboratory tests relevant when evaluating children with ASD or other chronic illnesses. She explains how to use history, physical examinations, and preliminary lab tests to identify the root causes of gastrointestinal, metabolic, mitochondrial, and immunologic disorders in these patients.
Presenter: Liz Mumper, MD, FAAP, FMAPS
The Foundation of Nutrition: You Are What You Eat
In this presentation, Dr. Mumper highlights the critical role of nutrition in managing neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and anxiety. The session examines the impact of diet on brain function, the gut microbiome, and overall health. Emphasis is placed on personalized nutrition approaches tailored to individual needs, therapeutic diets, and the adverse effects of unhealthy food choices. The importance of an organic, nutrient-dense diet is underscored, along with evidence-based strategies for implementing dietary changes that improve health outcomes.
Presenter: James Neuenschwander, MD, ABIM/AAPS, ABIHM, BCEM/AAPS, FMAPS
Setting the Stage: Prenatal & Perinatal Foundations
This lecture focuses on preconception and perinatal concepts that increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and influence the rates of chronic illness in children. Topics include research on immune activation and autoimmunity, the gut microbiome, toxin exposure, and the health of the endocrine system, including thyroid disorders and medication risks during pregnancy.
Presenter: Dr Leah Hechtman (PhD)
Maternal Imprint; Shaping Health, Brain Development, and Humanity’s Future
Explore the profound influence of maternal RNA, microchimerism, and methylation in shaping the next generation’s health and brain development. Delve into the connections between the microbiome, emotional development, and trauma patterning, revealing how we co-create life and rewire chronic illness for future generations.
Sheridan Joy Austin is a qualified Nutritionist, GAPS practitioner, speaker, recipe creator, product developer and writer. After experiencing a wide range of health challenges growing up, Sheridan turned to nutrition to restore her own wellbeing, a path that led her into clinical practice supporting hundreds of people worldwide. Through both her clinical experience work and personal journey into motherhood, Sheridan became deeply aware of the gap in truly nourishing, high-quality food and education – particularly for pregnancy, postpartum and children. Guided by her clinical training, curiosity and willingness to question convention, she began nourishing herself with intentional, food-based nutrients that work in their natural, synergistic form. This passion led to the creation of Foraged For You, an organic, synthetic-free, fermented food-based supplement range, beginning with The Mothers Blend. Sheridan has grown Foraged into a brand now nourishing thousands of mothers and families worldwide – offering something genuinely different in a space long missing real nourishment.
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.
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 is a passionate Functional Medicine Practitioner and health advocate based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. She completed her medical degree at The University of NSW in 1998 and completed her formal GP training in 2006. She previously owned an Integrative GP clinic on the Gold Coast called Happiness in Health which she closed in 2023. She has recently founded and launched an on-line functional medicine clinic called Revolution Healthcare, offering services to all Australians via the on-line platform.
Presenter: Heather Way, PhD
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
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 in these countries 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.
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, MD, ABIM/AAPS, ABIHM, BCEM/AAPS, FMAPS
Biochemical Basis of the Integrative Approach
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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. 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.
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