Our Bariatric Dieticians

Our bariatric dieticians specialise in nutrition and weight management, for patients who have had weight loss surgery. They place high importance on educating their patients and strive to cater for each person’s unique tastes and needs. Find out more about our team.

Julie Hennessy

Accredited Practising Dietitian & Managing Director

Julie graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Nutrition, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics from the University of Otago. She is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and holds membership with the Dietetic Association of Australia. She has also been a member of the British Health Professions Council, British Dietitian Association and New Zealand Dietetic Association.

Julie is very much focused on patient outcomes. She believes that a successful approach requires realistic and practical strategies that fit in with your lifestyle.

Julie has extensive experience with the nutritional management of obesity having worked alongside leading surgeons in private practices in both Australia and internationally. Julie has also developed skills in other areas of nutrition including weight-loss, gastro-oesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease and gastrectomy surgery.

Cherlene Koh

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Cherlene graduated with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics from Monash University. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a member of the Dietitians Association of Australia. Cherlene recently completed a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education.

Cherlene has gained extensive experience in chronic disease management and has a particular interest in diabetes management and weight management – both surgical and non-surgical. She adopts a holistic approach to her practice and strives to build strong relationships with patients to understand their circumstances, provide nutrition education, guidance and support throughout their journey towards achieving their health goals. Cherlene is a strong believer of ‘everything in moderation’ and is passionate about helping individuals build healthier relationships with food and their body.

Jennifer Tsoutsoulis

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Jennifer is passionate to assists her clients with health and wellbeing, assisting them to achieve their nutritional goals using evidence-based practise. Jennifer makes sure she helps her clients to improve their nutrition knowledge and skills to assist them to make changes which are sustainable.

Jennifer enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. She enjoys going out for coffee and she loves trying food from different cuisines.

Jennifer has experience working in private practice where she has worked with a range of chronic conditions with an extensive focus on surgical and non-surgical weight loss.

Jennifer is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a member of the Dietitians Association of Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Human Nutrition with a Major in Genetics and a Master of Dietetics from Latrobe University.

Julia Bazan

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Julia graduated with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons) from Monash University. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with Dietitians Australia. Julia is additionally trained in providing the Monash Low Fodmap Diet for IBS.

Julia is passionate about working with individuals who are tired of a one-size-fits-all approach to eating well. If you have struggled with chronic dieting, emotional eating and your relationship with food, Julia wants to help you start listening to your body. Julia’s approach is judgement-free, tailored and focuses on encouraging a positive relationship with food and body.

Julia has experience in private practice, where she predominantly works with those with IBS, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating Behaviours, and a range of other chronic conditions.

Stefania Basso

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Stefania is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a member of the Dietitians Association of Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Science, Honours Degree in Health Science and a Master of Dietetics from Swinburne University.

Stefania is committed to helping clients realise their nutrition and health goals with compassion, patience, and respect.

Stefania endeavours to make clients feel empowered and confident in making positive changes to their diet and lifestyle by applying evidence-based information that is tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences.

Ashleigh Gale

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Ashleigh is an accredited practicing dietitian and a member of Dietitians Australia, she completed both her undergraduate (Bachelor of Nutrition Science) and Masters of Dietetics (graduating with Honors) at Monash University. Ashleigh thrives on creating a friendly and positive environment during her consultations to help you feel motivated and comfortable. She strives to present you with evidence based dietary and lifestyle changes that are both realistic, and goal orientated so you can achieve the results you are looking for, and be supported along the way.

Megan Hickey

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Megan is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a member of Dietitians Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Sciences with a Major in Food Science and Master of Dietetics from Deakin University. Megan is passionate about supporting her clients to reach their personal health and nutrition goals. She believes that nutrition advice needs to be realistic, tailored to the individual’s lifestyle and always focused on long term sustainable changes. Megan prides herself on building strong relationships with her clients to facilitate an open and non-judgemental environment.

Kristen Varnis

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Kristen is an accredited practicing dietitian and a member of the Dietitians Association of Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Human Nutrition and a Master of Dietetics from La Trobe University.

Kristen has also completed the Sports Nutrition Course with Sports Dietitian Australia.

Kristen has a particular interest in educating and inspiring individuals to achieve their health and nutrition goals, whilst creating sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle changes. She strongly believes in evidence based nutrition, whilst working closely with clients to develop client centered nutrition strategies.