Meet our team.
Julia - Pediatric Nutrition
(she/her)
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Western University, Julia completed a dietetic internship program at SickKids hospital, where she learned from world-renowned experts of pediatric health & nutrition. Julia witnessed first-hand how nutritional interventions have the potential to improve health outcomes and change lives. After completing her internship, Julia returned to SickKids to work with the incredible patients, families and interprofessional team as a clinical dietitian.
Outside of the clinical world, Julia realized there was a gap in evidence-based, individualized nutrition support in her community. In 2019, Julia opened her private nutrition practice. Through her work in private practice, she quickly found her passion for supporting children with digestive health conditions. Julia is trained in the low FODMAP diet for irritable bowel syndrome through Monash University and she supports pediatric clients with growth difficulty, irritable bowel syndrome, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), food allergies, constipation and reflux.
In 2021, Julia expanded her private practice by opening Happy Bellies Nutrition. She is now joined by 2 incredible dietitians and together they provide excellent nutrition care for children and families.
Julia’s mission is to help children and teens to take control of their digestive troubles, form positive relationships with food and lead happy lives.
Qualifications
Registered Dietitian - College of Dietitians of Ontario (Licence #15483)
Accredited Graduate Dietetic Internship Practicum Program - SickKids Hospital
BSc, Honors Specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics - Western University, Brescia University College
FODMAP and IBS Training for Dietitians - Monash University (2020)
Swallow Screens and Assessments Course - Dietitians of Canada (2019)
Herbal Supplements Course - Dietitians of Canada (2018)
Melanie - Pediatric Nutrition
(she/her)
After graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Human Nutrition from the University of Guelph, Melanie earned a Diploma in Dietetic Education and Practical Training from Western University.
She completed her dietetic internship at McMaster Children’s Hospital where she developed a love for pediatric nutrition and digestive health while learning alongside experts in neonatology and gastroenterology.
Melanie has since returned to McMaster Children’s Hospital working as a clinical dietitian in pediatric oncology with a focus on digestive health. She is passionate about using a compassionate, holistic and evidence-based approach to support patients of all ages achieve and maintain optimal nutrition outcomes at home.
At Happy Bellies, Melanie specializes in infant and pediatric nutrition including introduction to solids, growth difficulty, picky eating, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation amongst other digestive issues. It is her goal to help clients achieve their nutrition goals, build positive relationships with food, and have happy bellies.
In her spare time, Melanie loves to be in the kitchen trying out new recipes, going for walks, and figure skating!
Qualifications
Registered Dietitian – College of Dietitians of Ontario (Licence #15647)
Accredited Diploma in Dietetic Education and Practical Training - Western University, Brescia University College
BASc, Honours Applied Human Nutrition – University of Guelph
Critical Care Nutrition Course - Dietitians of Canada (2019)
Population and Public Health Needs Assessment Course - Dietitians of Canada (2019)
Level 1 Motivational Interviewing (2019)
Sarah - Adult Nutrition
(she/her)
Sarah studied dietetics at the University of Guelph receiving both her Bachelor’s in Applied Human Nutrition and Master’s of Applied Nutrition. Additionally, she spent six months living on the Mediterranean island of Malta training under dietitians at the Mater Dei Hospital.
Sarah completed her integrated competencies for dietetic education at Taddle Creek Family Health Team, the Canadian Celiac Association and A Step Forward Foundation (food sustainability initiatives with Ecuadorian Indigenous communities).
Sarah is our adult dietitian and her areas of passion and expertise include pregnancy, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel disease, celiac disease, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. She strives to provide comprehensive, evidence-based and empathetic care to these sensitive populations. She empowers her patients with knowledge to inspire healthy habits and happy bellies!
Outside of her dietetic practice, Sarah loves travelling, she hopes to travel next to Botswana to see South African animals in the wild.
Qualifications
Registered Dietitian – College of Dietitians of Ontario (Licence #15819)
Accredited Master of Applied Nutrition – University of Guelph
Dietitians of Canada Member (#170252)
BASc, Honours Applied Human Nutrition – University of Guelph
FODMAP and IBS Training for Dietitians – Monash University (2021)
Food as Medicine: Fertility and Pregnancy – Monash University (2021)
Critical Care Nutrition Course - Dietitians of Canada (2019)
Population and Public Health Needs Assessment Course - Dietitians of Canada (2019)
We promise to try & make nutrition fun
