A/Prof Gabriella Heruc

BBSc, BSc(PsychHons), MNutrDiet, PhD, CEDC-D

Clinic Director and Accredited Practising Dietitian

Associate Professor Gabriella Heruc is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician, and internationally recognised leader in eating disorders, with almost 25 years of experience supporting children, adolescents and adults across the full spectrum of eating disorders and disordered eating. Gabbi provides compassionate, evidence-based care for anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa, ARFID, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other complex presentations, including those involving autism, ADHD and co-occurring medical or mental health conditions. She is known for her collaborative, person-centred approach, working closely with families and multidisciplinary treating teams to support meaningful and lasting recovery.

Alongside her clinical practice, she is a Principal Research Fellow at Western Sydney University whose research has advanced nutrition care for people with eating disorders both nationally and internationally. She was the first dietitian to serve as President of the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED), led the development of national clinical standards in eating disorders, Australia’s eating disorder clinician credentialing system, and contributed to Medicare reforms. She is also on the Steering Committee for the National Eating Disorders Collaboration. Her work in research, education and policy ensures that the care she provides is informed by the latest evidence while remaining practical, compassionate and tailored to each individual.

With an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gabbi also has a passion for working with children and adolescents, and holds a Certificate in Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition, she has training in Motivational Interviewing, Maudsley Family-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), SOS Approach to Fussy Eating, Adolescent-Focused Therapy (AFT) and Sports Nutrition from the Australian Institute of Sport.

Tess Heinonen

BAppSc(Nutr&Food), MNutrDiet, MAMH, CEDC-D

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Tess is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Credentialed Eating Disorder Dietitian who has been servicing the community since 2018 and has worked across a diverse range of settings. She has extensive experience working with adults, children, adolescents and their families providing evidenced based dietetic intervention and treatment for a range of mental health and substance misuse disorders, including eating disorders and general nutrition concerns. She also holds a Masters in Applied Mental Health (Children & Adolescents).

Tess is a member of Dietitians Australia (DA) and the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED). In addition to Tess’ clinical dietetic training, she has completed further training in trauma-informed care and evidenced based eating disorder treatment including CBT-e, DBT-e, SSCM and FBT.

Tess incorporates theory into practice through a non-judgemental and empathetic approach to support clients in improving their health outcomes, and their relationship with food and eating behaviours overall.

Tess’ areas of specialty include: Eating Disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED) and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)), Disordered Eating, Fussy Eating, Malnutrition, Weight Management, Allergies and Intolerances, Chronic Disease Management, Diabetes (T1DM, T2DM, GDM), and more.

Yamin Mustafa

Practice Receptionist

Yamin is the virtual receptionist for Appetite for Change. He is always happy to help with enquiries about the intake process, scheduling and more via our admin email or phone number.

Yamin is currently studying a Master of Information Technology at UNSW, with a keen interest in how emerging technologies can support children's learning and development, particularly for neurodivergent learners. His experience as a long-time tutor working with children from primary school through to high school, and as a volunteer with Arc Wellness at UNSW supporting students with nutrition and wellbeing, have shaped his passion for supporting individuals on their journey to positive change. Outside of work, Yamin enjoys baking, Muay Thai and exploring Sydney's café scene.