Learn From Global Experts...
Speakers & Presentations
Matthew Bourke
Founder
Optimum Health Essentials
Healing Trauma: Physically, Psychologically and Nutritionally
An Integrative Approach to Adapting to a Rapidly Changing World
Stress and uncertainty trigger different emotional and physiological responses in individuals depending on the extent of unresolved negative emotion or trauma that they are holding. A common pattern that can be seen clinically is that stress can cause our nervous system to regress into old reflex pathways that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and "frozen with fear". This paralysed state causes us to procrastinate on what we need to do in order to adapt to change and results in increasing levels of anxiety and fear.
Healing these patterns can be amazingly quick when we address the physical, biochemical and emotional imbalances and not see these as separate symptoms. In this presentation Matthew will explain the underlying theory, approach and give case examples of integrative healing and how this can support people to feel greater agency over the challenges that life presents them.
Healing these patterns can be amazingly quick when we address the physical, biochemical and emotional imbalances and not see these as separate symptoms. In this presentation Matthew will explain the underlying theory, approach and give case examples of integrative healing and how this can support people to feel greater agency over the challenges that life presents them.
Matthew is the founder, director and principle 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. At 24 years old Matthew was diagnosed with an aggressive inflammatory arthritis that threatened his career and freedom to pursue the life of adventure he was planning on. Conventional medicine offered at best pain relief, but it quickly became apparent that the prescribed medications damaged the gut significantly, had many other side effects, and seemed to perpetuate the condition. Thankfully through a program of diet modification, fasting, mind/body work, energy medicine and meditation, Matthew regained his health and vitality and now lives his life following his passions and supporting others to do the same. Matthew's approach is a truly integrative one that assesses physical, biochemical, emotional and ultimately spiritual elements of the human condition.
Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride
Integrative Doctor
The Changing Environment & Our Health
Learning Objectives:
- Know the cause of our modern epidemics of chronic diseases (physical and mental), learning disabilities in children, infertility, allergies and other health problems
- Learn what we all can do to adapt to our changing environment in order to maintain our health and the health of our children
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride holds a degree in Medicine and Postgraduate degrees in both Neurology and Human Nutrition. She specializes in nutrition for children and adults with behavioral and learning disabilities, and adults with digestive and immune system disorders. As a parent of a child diagnosed with learning disabilities, Dr Campbell McBride was acutely aware of the difficulties facing other parents like her, and she has devoted much of her time to helping these families. She realized that nutrition played a critical role in helping children and adults to overcome their disabilities, and has pioneered the use of probiotics in this field. Dr Campbell McBride is the author of Gut & Psychology Syndrome, Put Your Heart in Your Mouth and Vegetarianism Explained. She is also the creator of the GAPS diet.
Dr Frank Golik
Integrative Doctor
Environmental Impacts on Children's Health
With the emerging epidemics of Autism, ADHD, allergies and anxiety, it is clear that environmental factors are driving the sharp increase as epidemics by definition are not genetic. A myriad of environmental assaults have contributed to the rise of disease in our children and raise human health concerns about ongoing harm to our environment. Integrative practitioners can do much to mitigate harm in patients of all ages through education to lessen exposure and therapies that prevent and treat environmental illness.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain an understanding of the increased impact of environmental harm and toxins upon growing children compared with adults
- Gain insights into the myriad of environmental assaults that can impact on children
- Appreciate the mechanisms of harm inflicted on children
- Consider measures and actions to lessen the impacts
- Raise concerns about ongoing harm to the environment
Dr Frank Golik 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. He commenced in solo Private Family Practice in Clayfield, Brisbane in 1979. He later formed a multi disciplinary clinic in Clayfield in 1995. In 2016 he had moved his clinic to more spacious and functional facility at Stafford in Brisbane. 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. His special areas of interest and passion are Autism, ASD, ADHD, Musculoskeletal medicine; Dietary and lifestyle therapy; Thyroid conditions; and the Metabolic Syndrome. He has attended the Walsh Outreach / Training since 2005 and has also attended the MINDD conferences since 2005. He is the first Australian doctor to complete the MedMAPS (USA) training and qualify for its Fellowship. He is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of children of any age.
Dr James Greenblatt
Integrative Doctor
Answers to Anorexia Nervosa: A New Treatment Model for Hope and Healing
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a biological illness fundamentally sustained by starvation and malnutrition, whether self-imposed or the product of genetic, psycho-social, or environmental circumstances. Approaching AN solely as a psychological disorder does not account for the brain's response to a shortage of essential nutrients. Nutritional deficiencies arising from prolonged self-starvation profoundly disrupt normal brain function, and psychological interventions alone are often not sufficient for patients whose brain and neurotransmitter functioning is sub-optimal.
Join board-certified child & adult psychiatrist, author and eating disorders expert, Dr. James Greenblatt, for this presentation exploring new treatment solutions for anorexia nervosa. Dr. Greenblatt will discuss current research, various treatment modalities, and key nutritional deficiencies. These solutions will offer parents, patients, and professionals a path to lasting recovery from anorexia.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify three or more essential biologic functions of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their relevance to AN pathogenesis
- Discuss research-supported etiologic links between celiac disease and AN
- Identify strategies to prevent / mitigate micronutrient deficiency in vegans / vegetarians
- Discuss symptomatic parallels between AN and zinc deficiency
A pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, James M. Greenblatt, MD, has treated patients since 1988. After receiving his medical degree and completing his psychiatry residency at George Washington University, Dr. Greenblatt completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Walden Behavioral Care in Waltham, MA and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine and Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine. Dr. Greenblatt has lectured internationally on the scientific evidence for nutritional interventions in psychiatry and mental illness. He is the author of seven books, including Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD. He is the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, an educational platform dedicated to the transformation of psychiatry, which offers online CME-approved courses, webinars, and fellowships for professionals about functional and integrative medicine for mental illness.
Katie Kimball
Certified Stress Mastery Educator
Redefining "Kid-Friendly Food" by Helping Kids Make Friends with Their Food
In this session with Certified Stress Mastery Educator and kids cooking teacher Katie Kimball, parents who wish their kids would eat more healthy food with fewer battles will fill their "toolboxes" with practical ideas to stress less and connect more. Starting with the environment at the dinner table and moving into the kitchen, Katie will help you understand the power of teaching kids to cook.
Learning Objectives:
- Stress-less family mealtime routines - YOU choose the environment
- Most powerful way to get kids to eat their veggies
- Brain science about why cooking is helpful to kids
- Pre-Recorded Demo: Kids make blended green soup
- Practical: the Kids Cook Real Food 3-step process to teach kids skills in the kitchen
- Where to start at 3 ages (preschool, early el, upper el)
Katie Kimball is the voice of healthy kids cooking, working to restore the health of our young generation one kitchen at a time. She's a cookbook author, Certified Stress Mastery Educator, and regular TV contributor who has shared her journey to real food and natural living for 12 years at Kitchen Stewardship, a blog that helps families stay healthy without going crazy. Along with her 4 children, she created the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse to help other parents teach their kids to cook, build family connection in the kitchen, and supercharge kids' confidence and creativity. In 2020 the Wall Street Journal recommended Kids Cook Real Food as the best online cooking class for kids. She is actively masterminding the Kids' Meal Revolution, with a goal of every child being able to cook.
Dr Leila Masson
Integrative Paediatrician
Lead & BPA: An Update on 2 Common Neurodevelopmental Toxins
Dr Masson will present case histories and recent research about the neurodevelopmental effects of lead and BPA; she will outline how to assess a child with suspected toxicities, how to find the source, which organisations to contact for help, and give practical advice on how to reduce exposure.
Learning Objectives:
- Know the toxic effects of lead, how to assess a child with suspected lead toxicity, common sources of lead in the household, and how to test surfaces for lead; who to call for help; useful websites; treatment of lead toxicity
- Understand the connection of BPA and gene activity in utero that may increase the risk of ASD in the offspring; the toxic effects of BPA; how to assess the research literature on BPA; government guidelines on BPA; how to reduce exposure
Dr Leila Masson is a consultant paediatrician who specialises in nutritional and environmental medicine for children's health issues, including allergies, asthma, behaviour problems, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. She has a busy clinic in Sydney where she sees children and mentors doctors in integrative paediatrics. Dr Masson received her medical doctorate from the Free University of Berlin and did her paediatric specialist training at the University of California in San Francisco. She received her Masters in Public Health from Harvard University and her Diploma in Tropical Medicine from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She is a fellow of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. Dr Masson is a board member of AIMA, the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association. She is also on the board of professional advisors of La Leche League New Zealand. Leila has worked in the US, Europe, New Zealand, and volunteered for 2 years setting up a rural clinic in Pakistan. Dr Masson lectures internationally on the subject of children's nutrition and an integrative medicine approach to paediatric issues, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, allergies, recurrent infections, and autoimmune diseases. She speaks English, German, French, and Spanish. She is the author of "Children's Health A-Z" a parent's guide to natural therapies for common childhood ailments.
Tabitha McIntosh ND
Naturopath & Nutritionist
Protecting Male Fertility
Tabitha will cover in-utero development, infancy, childhood, adolescence and adult male fertility, highlighting the most vulnerable windows of development and how we can protect our boys and men from environmental insults at each stage. She will highlight research linking exposure to specific endocrine disruptors to various brain-immuno-gut issues like ADHD, anxiety, autism, and allergies. The talk will also highlight lifestyle habits that can sabotage male fertility, cautioning against exposures that appear to be diminishing the health and fertility of our men.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover documented links between prenatal exposure to particular chemicals and adverse health outcomes that span the life course and include impacts on fertility, pregnancy, neuro-development and cancer
- Understand every day habits and products compromising male development, health and fertility across the lifespan, and how to sidestep them
- Learn the landscape of fertility, plummeting sperm counts, and restoring the critical role of our men in healthy pregnancy and beyond
Tabitha McIntosh is an experienced and respected Naturopath, clinical Nutritionist, author, and educator with over 12 years of clinical experience. After attaining her Bachelor of Medical Science (University of NSW, 2001), she went on to pursue her passion for Integrative healthcare by completing an Advanced Diploma Naturopathy & Diploma Nutrition (Nature Care College, 2005), and Post Grad Dip of applied Science in Nutritional & Environmental Medicine (Swinburne University, 2006). Absolutely passionate about improving the health of everyone she comes in contact with, Tabitha's resume includes presenting at conferences and professional development seminars, as well contributing to publications and Natural Medicine. In addition to running her own Sydney-based private clinical practice for well over a decade, Tabitha has published her first book, One Bite at a Time, co-authored with Dr Sarah Lantz and launched an e-course, I Quit Chemicals.
Caroline Meyer ND
Naturopath
Helping Your Teens Build Mental Health Resilience
In this timely and evidence-informed talk, learn about how the COVID pandemic has impacted the mental health of children and teens. We will explore ways to build mental health resilience in kids through first creating a foundation of healthy habits for physical health. We will then discuss practical and researched mental resilience strategies that parents and youth alike can implement. If you are a parent, a teen or a practitioner who treats youth, this presentation is for you.
Learning Objectives:
- What is the impact of the COVID pandemic and its aftermath on youth mental health
- Understand the foundations of building mental health starting with physical well-being – how stress affects immune and nervous system health
- Learn practical mental health habits that build resilience –mindfulness, focus on family, and school-based approaches
- Understand how mental health interacts with societal pressures and the natural environment
Caroline Meyer is a naturopath who is passionate about working with children, teens and their diverse families to make substantial and sustained changes in their health. Her particular clinical interests are in pediatrics, mental health, sleep medicine, mindfulness & integrating trauma. Caroline graduated from the ND program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 2005 where she is currently a part-time academic and clinical faculty member. Caroline speaks and writes extensively about topics related to pediatrics and mental health.
Dr James Neuenschwander
Founder
Bio Energy Medical Center
Impact of Environmental Toxins on Mental Health
We live in a toxic world constantly bombarding our system and pushing us to the edge of our ability to detoxify. Most of us know about the links between toxins and our general health—risk for cancer, chronic disease, autoimmunity, etc.—but how many of us realize that toxins are intimately connected with our mental health? In this presentation, we will review some of the relevant pathways that connect environmental toxicity to our mental health: mitochondria, immune, hormonal. We will then review the current literature for evidence connecting toxicity and psychiatric disorders like depression, schizophrenia, and autism. Finally, we will discuss solutions to these issues—things you can implement in your practice starting tomorrow.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover which toxins impact brain function through a variety of mechanisms by impacting immune function, mitochondrial activity, hormone production, and directly impacting neuronal health and function
- Understand which toxins alter the immune response increasing the risk for inflammation induced brain dysfunction
- Know how mitochondria heavily influence brain function, and how mitochondrial function is directly impacted by multiple environmental toxins
- Learn how environmental toxins have been directly linked with depression, anxiety, increase in the stress response, autism, and learning disabilities
- How decreasing exposure and detoxification can positively impact the outcome of environmental exposures
James Neuenschwander, M.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Neu) founded Bio Energy Medical Center, a multidisciplinary, integrative medical practice located in Ann Arbor, MI, Since the formation of his practice in 1988, he has treated children and adults with complex, chronic health problems which have not responded to conventional therapies and strives to promote wellness through prevention. His approach consists of searching for and remediating root causes. He also founded and is co-owner of Creating Brighter Futures, an ABA center, located in Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Neu graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree, in the honors program in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Michigan in 1981. He went on to receive his Medical Degree, from the University of Michigan in 1985. After graduation, he completed three years of a surgical residency at the University of Michigan before leaving voluntarily to pursue a career in integrative medicine. Dr. Neu is board-certified in Emergency Medicine (BCEM/AAPS), Integrative and Holistic Medicine (ABIM/AAPS, ABIHM), as well as Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine (ABAARM). In addition, he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) and holds a certification in chelation therapy. He is a member of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, American Academy of Anti- Aging Medicine, American College for the Advancement of Medicine, and the International Lyme Associated Disease Society. He has been a Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) practitioner since 2007. He has been a member of Medical Academy Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) since its founding, a fellow since 2014, and currently a faulty and executive board member of the organization. He has over 30 years of experience in integrative medicine and over 25 years of experience in emergency medicine.
Simon Borg Olivier
Physiotherapist
Simple Physical Tools for Resilience:
Safe, accessible and effective posture, movement and breathing for health, happiness and longevity.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding the need to be resilient
- What resilience needs to look like on a physical level
- Our physical tools to develop resilience
- Ways to develop your physical resilience
- Ways to develop your physiological resilience
- Ways to develop your mental resilience
Simon Borg-Olivier, MSc BAppSc (Physiotherapy) APAM c-IAYT, has been practicing traditional forms of posture, movement, breathing, and mental control for 50 years. He has been teaching for 38 years and has been a registered physiotherapist for 23 years. Simon works as a research scientist and a University lecturer. He has been regularly invited to teach about lifestyle, posture, movement, breathing, and meditation at conferences, festivals, and intensive teacher training courses internationally since 1990. He is also co-director of YogaSynergy, one of Australia's oldest and most respected yoga schools, which has a style based on a deep understanding of modern medical science and traditional forms of exercise and therapy from all over the world. Simon has studied with great traditional masters from Tibet, Japan, India, and China. Along with his business partner and fellow physiotherapist, Bianca Machliss, Simon has co-authored many books and scientific articles including 'Applied Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga', which is the textbook for two courses they teach at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Currently, Simon conducts intensive training courses in India, Bali, Europe, and Australia. He also teaches many online courses on the applications of posture, movement, and breathing for fitness, internal health, wellbeing, and longevity.
Dr Arwen Podesta
Integrative Psychiatrist
Preventing Addictions in Our Youth
Substance use is present and prevalent worldwide. Experimentation with substances in youth, while the brain is still developing, is risky. Sometimes experimentation can lead to addiction or other substance use disorders. Addiction is treatable and preventable.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the current trends in youth substance use
- Identify key components of risk
- Have a sense of general prevention strategies
- Know some treatments for youth substance issues
Arwen Podesta, MD is a board certified adult psychiatrist with sub-specializations in addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry, and integrative & holistic medicine. She has a background in biochemistry, complementary medicine and massage therapy. She was excited to successfully merge her intellectual and vocational interests by becoming a medical doctor. She graduated from University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, and then moved to New Orleans for a psychiatry residency at Louisiana State University. She then pursued a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at Tulane University. After Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Podesta was involved with psychiatric care for the most needy and disenfranchised. She was awarded the Gambit's 40 Under 40 in 2009. She has been actively working in the public sector as Medical Director of ACER and also consults with Orleans Criminal Court Intervention (Drug Court), and Municipal Court Diversion Services. She was also chair and co-creator of the New Orleans Forensic Mental Health Coalition, which is now run by the New Orleans City Health Department. Additionally, she is a consulting Addiction Medicine specialist and holds privileges at Easy Jefferson Hospital. At all of these venues and programs, her main focus is access to holistic mental health and addiction treatment, and rational prescribing practices. Dr. Podesta continues to teach and pursue academics, is on the Tulane Clinical Faculty, is on a dissertation committee at UTH Dallas, teaches at the NOPD Academy, and consults with several other organizations and institutions. After opening Podesta Psychiatry LLC in 2012, Dr. Podesta has been voted into New Orleans Magazine Top Doctors every year.
Ravi Singh
Teacher of Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga for Resilience
Kundalini is the energy of life itself, the basic bio-energy of our being. When this energy is flowing optimally we can live healthy, happy, and inspired. Kundalini Yoga is an ancient system that is perfectly suited for life as we know it. In this talk (with Jennifer Greenwald), Ravi Singh will discuss the basic components of Kundalini Yoga and share effective but eminently doable techniques to energize, reduce anxiety, and strengthen the immune system. These techniques can yield tangible on-the-spot benefits in a little as one minute.
Ravi Singh has 45 years experience as a Teacher of Kundalini Yoga. He is Author (with Ana Brett) of The Kundalini Yoga Book: Life in the Vast Lane, and a Co-Founder of Yoga Unify, a new paradigm for yoga. He has presented Trainings and workshops worldwide including the psychology Dept. at Yale Univ., Fortune 500 companies, and to many at-risk populations. Ravi and his Australian-born partner Ana Brett have trained over 300 Kundalini practitioners and authored 26 DVDs with their primary goal being "is to help people learn to live a healthy and happy, more peaceful life that continues to challenge them to grow. We teach a system of exercise and meditation that fully integrates the body, mind, and spirit."
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