Who is Vanessa?

I am a functional nutritionist (aka ‘the Executive Nutritionist’), wellness coach, speaker and expert in behaviour change.

I’m a proud Kiwi - trained both here and in the US.

My purpose is get you to ‘well’.

Behaviour Change Coach. I hold multiple coaching qualifications. You'll learn how to create better habits - making changes that 'stick'.

Lived Experience. I draw on my first-hand experience of life lived as a corporate workaholic and recovery from a life-changing accident.

Blending science & passion. I trust in my training & research - blending this with my passion for wellness to shift you from surviving to thriving. 

Evidence Informed

I trust credible research & extensive training in both NZ & the US.

Acting with Integrity

I’m always open, honest and ethical. If I can’t help you, I’ll say so.

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Listening to Understand

I take the time to listen - not to judge or lecture, but to truly understand.

This is what I am all about

Why work with me?

My training is extensive

I hold one of the highest certifications globally in health and wellness coaching - the AC-FHC.

You’ll benefit from a ‘360’ degree approach.

Internationally Trained. I studied with global leaders in diet + lifestyle as medicine, microbiome testing, change psychology and mindfulness.

Accredited Sports + Holistic Nutritionist. Weekend warrior or Competitive athlete - I’ll tailor a plan so you go the distance.

Postgraduate in Professional Coaching. Change is hard - i’ll set you up for success.

Certified in Pilates and Personal Training. I can give you exercise or rehabilitation advice if you’re returning to exercise.

 

What Clients Say

  • "I’d highly recommend Vanessa, she’s extremely knowledgeable, friendly and easy to talk to!"

    Vanessa is wonderful to work with - she provides in-depth advice around supplements to support well-being and also takes the time to explain what each supplement does and share the research behind her thoughts.

    Kate Carey

  • “I got in touch with Vanessa and she listened patiently to my story, symptoms, and worries."

    She gave me invaluable advice based on facts & studies that have been published, she explained the chemical reactions in my body in a way that I could understand it, and she suggested nutritional & mindfulness solutions to me that continue to work to this day.

    Michelle Audrey

  • “Vanessa has been such a huge help in my health journey. The real difference is Vanessa is the only person that has ever really listened to me"

    …often - going away and coming back with ideas after thinking about what I have told her. Always the advice and knowledge has been spot on! I like that Vanessa is practical too with what might suit your lifestyle. I would highly recommend Vanessa.”

    Natasha Scott

  • “100% recommend Vanessa.”

    She goes above and beyond and cares deeply about her clients.

    Katherine Kennard

  • “Working with Vanessa helped me much more than just trying to lose weight and gain muscle"

    - she was like a life coach too. Very passionate and understanding about my life and situation.”

    Bryn Neilson

Read more reviews on Google

My Story

I spent many years working on building a career in the corporate world. The more senior the role, the more I put the work first.

Meanwhile, I had symptoms that came and went - extreme bloating, terrible skin, trouble with sleep, low energy, brain fog, hormonal issues and weight fluctuations. Not to mention the digestive issues! 

“As soon as I cleaned up my diet everything changed.”

This began a lifelong interest in the power of food. Fast-forward several years when I headed out for a run. Headphones on, music up loud. As I was running across a crossing, a car accelerated to overtake a truck - the one that I'd just run out in front of.

“I collided with the car at over 50 kilometres an hour. The rest is a blur.”

I knew things were bad when I gained consciousness during a CAT scan, followed by many trips for yet another x-ray.

During a long and painful recovery process, I used all that I knew about food and lifestyle as medicine. I learned to take control of overwhelming thoughts. Surgeons were amazed as I recovered - I was able to return to running and weight training again.

I have combined my personal experience with hours of study. I now have little to no GI complaints, think clearly, sleep soundly, exercise almost daily and have energy for days. You can too.

Be well - really well

With smart yet simple strategies that WORK.

  • Anything you need to improve so you’ll feel really well.

    Things like weight loss, food intolerances, increasing energy or focus, reducing stress, improving sleep, gut and hormone health.

    I’m one of the few people who has qualifications across exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness.

    As a coach, I am also an expert in behaviour change (often the bit that’s the hardest).

  • Book a (free) consult .

    If I think another type of Practitioner would be better for you, I’ll say so.

  • Yes thanks to the modern wonders of Zoom.

  • No. While I have extensive training on common health conditions, exercise (including common injuries) and wellness I don’t diagnose.

    I can work with your GP (or any other specialist) to help you understand GP ‘speak’.

  • I have several Functional Doctors I can refer you to if your needs are outside my scope.

  • Functional just means looking for the ‘root’ cause of your symptoms.

    The goal is to find and 'fix' the problem - being preventative rather than just masking a symptom.

look. feel. work. well

Simple, science-based advice proven to work