Nutrition Team

Kylie Grimmer

Qualified Nutritionist 

Hi I’m Kylie! I am an NZ Registered Nutritionist with a passion for helping people re-discover the fun in food while taking control of their health! 

My love for the area of nutrition and passion for helping others came about from my own struggles with mental health and a negative relationship with food in my teenage years. For YEARS my obsession with 'eating clean' took away the enjoyment that food can bring, making me intensely passionate to help others learn how to fuel their bodies in a way that nurtures their mental and physical health whilst keeping the fun in their lives! 

My approach to nutrition is holistic, balanced and client centered. I use a combination of coaching and nutrition consulting techniques, working collaboratively with clients to gain a deep understanding of their goals, lifestyle & values, and making sure any changes we make together align with these.

I am here to guide you through this nutrition maze with compassion and zero judgement to find and create a way of eating that is right for YOU! I aim to help you develop your knowledge & toolkit of skills by combining inner strengths with new tools to create change & build new long-lasting healthy habits.

There is no one way in nutrition! I provide individualized care to clients while promoting a healthy relationship with food and nutrition. No restriction, no quick fixes but rather going back to the basics and making small changes to fit in with your current lifestyle that is sustainable long term.

I believe that food should be simple, nourishing and most importantly fun! I see food as not only fuel to thrive but also social connection, fun and pleasure!

My special interest areas include:

• Nutrition for energy levels and fatigue
• Nutrition for improving mood, and creating a more positive mindset around food and nutrition
• Unhelpful eating patterns/emotional eating/unhelpful thought patterns
• Nutrition for blood pressure/diabetes/cholesterol management
• Nutrition for heart health

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Nutrition – Ara Institute of Canterbury
• Associate Registered Nutritionist – Nutrition Society of New Zealand

Maria Choukri 

The Zone and Allied Health Support/Nutritionist 

Hi, I am Maria! I am a registered Nutritionist with a passion for wellbeing. I love supporting people to make better food choices that work for them and make them feel good. I can help you identify realistic goals and find pathways to achieve these that fit into your life.

My main areas of interest include:

• Nutrition for mental health
• Nutrition during perimenopause
• Nutrition for outdoor pursuits

Qualifications: 

• Registered Nutritionist – Nutrition Society of New Zealand

Juliet Slattery

Qualified Nutritionist & Dietitian (Australia)

Kia ora,

I am a registered nutritionist, originally qualified as a Dietitian in the UK, I have worked in Australia and am now working in Aotearoa. Most of my work has centred around helping people to manage and prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Health is a taonga. We need to look after it.

I have enjoyed a life of multi-sport and am also keen to help people manage their nutrition needs for training and competition. I particularly enjoy supporting older people in health improvement and in maintaining fitness for sport and life.

Over the past few years, I have trained in HAES (Health at Every Size) approach and am a strong supporter of having a focus on healthy eating and activity (not just weight) and all the other things that make us healthy spiritually, mentally and physically. I have used the health model Te Whare Tapa Whā as a basis for my health promotion philosophy and find that it works well for everyone.

If you consult me you can be sure I will listen to what is important to you, follow up on any research that may be relevant to your needs, and help you find your own goals to improved health and wellbeing.

Qualifications: 

• Registered Nutritionist – Nutrition Society of New Zealand
• Member of Dietitians Australia

Claudia Leong 

Qualified Nutritionist

Kia ora, 你好, hi, I’m Claudia! I am one of the Nutrition lecturers at Ara - Te Pūkenga, and a Registered Nutritionist. I would like to accompany you in your journey to lead a healthier, happier life!

My passion for food, nutrition, and health started when I experienced and saw how my mum suffered and passed away from cancer when I was 12 years old, and how this affected the family. That led me to my choice of studies in Food and Nutrition at Polytechnic, a degree in Food Technology, 4.5 years of nutrition research at the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre in A*STAR Singapore, and my PhD and post-doctorate in Human Nutrition, specializing in infant and child health.

With a strong emphasis on values, I am dedicated to understanding your (and your family’s) unique needs and delve into the underlying factors and habits that influence your diet and lifestyle. Working with you, I will craft a tailor-made nutrition plan designed to suit your lifestyle and goals. My approach to nutrition is holistic and compassionate. I strive to provide these up-to-date evidence-based advice in an accessible, easy to understand and positive manner.

Being a mother, I understand and empathize with the many changes happening to your body and your family. I provide 1:1 advice and support in all areas of family nutrition and wellbeing from prenatal, postpartum recovery, starting solids, fussy toddlers, allergies, constipation - plus much more. I would like to work with you and your family to ensure you have the support, confidence, and skills to adapt to change.

My special interest areas include: 

• Nutrition for infant and child
• Nutrition for pregnancy

Qualifications: 

• PhD Human Nutrition – University of Otago
• Registered Nutritionist – Nutrition Society of New Zealand

Student Nutritionists