Your Team
At OnCore Nutrition we strive to keep you well. Regardless of your health concerns or treatment plans, we will empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to nurture yourself or your loved ones to achieve optimal health.
With significant, specialised experience in nutrition and dietetics, the team at OnCore can provide tailored nutrition advice specific to your health and wellness goals.
For oncology, eating disorder and weight management needs, the OnCore team have post-graduate training to support and nurture your relationship with food and your body.
LAUREN ATKINS
Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Nutritionist | Co-Founder | Co-Director
Lauren is passionate about oncology care, mental health, preventative nutrition and empowering you with innovative strategies to improve your health, body composition and food relationship.
Lauren has over ten years’ experience in cancer care, managing all tumour types across all adult and paediatric age groups. She worked as a senior oncology dietitian at Peter Mac for close to 10 years, as well as working as a paediatric dietitian at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne before leading the team of dietitians at Epworth Freemasons. She is passionate about applying her knowledge food elements, nutrients and eating patterns to prevent, manage and recover from cancer and a range of other health conditions. She has a passion for nurturing you from the inside out and is committed to supporting you to tailor your lifestyle to feel the best version of yourself.
She is passionate and experienced with the management of gastrointestinal disorders, including those related to surgical or anatomical changes, cancer treatment and other medical interventions, functional gut disorders and irritable bowel syndrome. She takes a holistic approach to managing your symptoms and gut health.
Lauren has undertaken post graduate study in the Non-Diet Approach, Complementary and Alternative Therapies, Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics, Cancer Survivorship, FODMAP and IBS, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), eating disorder credentialed (CEDC) through the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) and the Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour (ACFEB) and has worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Children’s Cancer Centre managing children and adolescents of all ages and cancer types.
Lauren is a member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Nutrition Group Executive Committee and has been recognised for her expertise in nutritional management of adolescent and young adult cancer care and cancer care planning at a national level. She provides education, research and training to Deakin University, University of Melbourne and Swinburne University.
Her interests include attempting to brighten your day with a curated joke (whether you like it or not!), the perfect cup of tea and her blue heeler who matches her energy levels!
ELISE DEN
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Nutritionist | Co-Founder | Co-Director
Elise has a strong passion for oncology nutrition and eating disorders. She committed to providing evidence based, collaborative, nurturing and client-centred nutrition care to support her clients in overcoming disordered eating patterns and breaking free from diet culture.
She has experience working in eating disorder units in both public and private hospitals in Victoria and has advanced training in Eating Disorder management, credentialed through ANZAED and the Australian Centre of Eating Disorders. Elise is a registered preferred provider for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Mental Health Referral Network to support elite athletes who struggle with disordered eating. She prides herself on providing a safe space to discuss beliefs, emotions and feelings and believes that recovery is possible. Through her inclusive and insightful counselling skills helps she is able to support her clients to build and nurture a healthy relationship with food and their body.
She is experienced in providing optimal care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders including cancer, IBS, IBD and malabsorption. She has years of experience managing a range of different chronic diseases and has innovative ways to deliver evidence-based nutrition therapy. Elise has experience in implementing enhanced recovery after surgery protocols and has been recognised for her expertise in gastrointestinal surgical care.
Elise’s interests include volunteering to support our four-legged friends (or three-legged in the case of her beautiful rescue dog Jethro) and as many lattes as she can find time to get her hands on!
NAOMI LAWRANCE
Senior Dietitian | Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Nutritionist
Naomi is passionate about supporting people to make lasting changes to enhance their health and improve their relationship with food. She recognises that each person has a unique background and goals therefore requires a tailored plan to optimise their health. Her approach to nutrition is holistic, individualised and evidence based.
Naomi is highly experienced in supporting those touched by cancer and has spent many years working in a specialist oncology centre. Naomi understands the complex and evolving needs of those living with cancer, through all stages of their journey. She recognises the confusing and overwhelming nature of advice people receive, and ensures that everyone feels understood and empowered to make their own educated decisions.
Naomi provides a safe and nurturing space for clients to explore their relationship with food and is passionate about helping individuals overcome disordered eating and body image concerns.
With an energetic and bubbly personality, Naomi is a self-professed geek who loves to dive deep into nutrition science. She combines this enthusiasm for seeking knowledge with a warm personality and an ability to adapt evidence-based nutrition information into practical tips for everyday life. Naomi is experienced in supporting people with a range of different chronic health conditions and uses a weight inclusive approach in her work.
When Naomi knocks off she grabs her surfboard and heads straight for the waves, where she is usually found splashing about in the white wash, but having heaps of fun anyway!
CAITY SMITH-GILLIS
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Nutritionist
Caity is committed to providing evidence-based dietetic care that is equitable, accessible, and culturally appropriate for her clients. She has several clinical areas of interest including oncology nutrition, women’s health and reproductive nutrition, disordered eating, Non-Diet Approach and Health At Every Size®, and preventative and general nutrition.
Prior to realising dietetics was her dream career, Caity completed a bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology. These skills are something she now uses to enhance her dietetic approach and to create a supportive and safe environment for her clients.
She is also passionate about evidence-based nutrition advice, having contributed to prostate and lung cancer nutrition research at Deakin University and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
In her down time Caity can be found curled up with a good book, trekking across Melbourne in search of the best almond croissant/strong latte combo or still trying to perfect that sourdough bread that she started during the Melbourne lockdown.
PHOEBE ASHFORD
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Nutritionist
Phoebe is passionate about creating a safe and nurturing space for people to share their stories and ultimately empower them with evidence-based knowledge to make decisions which nourish their bodies and their souls.
Having had lived experience with an eating disorder, Phoebe is driven to help others find freedom in recovery also, with open and honest conversations.
Phoebe has also had experience working as a dietitian in a well recognised oncology hospital, a place which holds a special place in her heart. Phoebe understands the overwhelming nature of a cancer or chronic disease diagnosis and hopes to create an environment which makes everyone feel seen, heard, safe and empowered.
On the weekends, Phoebe will either be trying out a funky new restaurant with some natty wines, patting lots of dogs, having a boogie or going for a little surf (and attempting to enter the green room 🤙🏽🌊 ).
MEAGAN WALL
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Nutritionist
Meagan is committed to providing practical nutrition advice that fits your lifestyle. She aims to ensure that the evidence based science is easily translated to her clients, and can be implemented to fit their needs and goals.
Meagan combines her work with OnCore with her role at Epworth Health and has a particular interest in nutrition for illness recovery and supporting other active treatments such as chemotherapy or a rehabilitation program. She also encourages the importance of preventative nutrition interventions to optimise health.
Having worked in a variety of clinical settings she is passionate about the patient and client experience. Her focus is on holistic health and she understands the benefits of working alongside other health care professionals to achieve best patient outcomes.
A lover of all foods, cultures and cuisines, Meagan is always looking outside the box for new experiences and ideas. She likes to think she has a bit of a green thumb and being able to use homegrown produce is one of her favourite things to do.
NICKI GRILLO
Administration
We can’t believe our luck in landing Nicki! Not only are her admin, attention to detail and communication skills exceptional, she also has a Nutrition and Dietetics degree! Nicki and Lauren studied together at Monash Uni, they’ve been good friends ever since and now have the pleasure of working together.
On top of all this, Nicki has a heart of pure gold. Her laugh is infectious and if you’re lucky enough to experience her cooking, it will be love at first bite!
LAUREN CORK
Administration
Lauren is a nutrition and dietetics student who is stoked to be part of the OnCore admin team! In addition to admin work and study, Lauren also volunteers at Eating Disorders Victoria, and loves being able to combine all of her skills during her work at OnCore.
In her free time, Lauren loves to read, spend time with friends, and head to the beach. Once her studies are finished, she looks forward to being a dietitian herself, and hopes to provide the same amazing level of compassion and expertise that the OnCore team delivers.
MILLIE O’BRIEN
Administration
Millie is a certified all rounder! Not only is she a systems guru having worked in allied health practice management and at Alfred Health, she’s also a trained Clinical Myotherapist. She is combining her myotherapy work at Reload Physio with A-grade admin at OnCore.
In Millie’s free time, she enjoys cooking for friends over a glass of wine and catching up on her favourite podcasts over a long walk or run. Millie is passionate about providing quality healthcare and helping others have a positive experience in their health care journey.
We hope you get a chance to chat or type to her soon!
About
OnCore Nutrition
At OnCore Nutrition we strive to keep you well. We will empower you with the knowledge and skills to optimise your health and improve your relationship with food, to help you get the most out of life!
With over 30 years combined specialised experience in nutrition and dietetics, the team at OnCore can provide tailored and nurturing nutrition advice specific to your health and wellness goals.
Our Values
Our Mission
To support and nurture individuals and groups through inclusive, holistic, evidence-based and personalised nutrition and health care.
What’s in a name
OnCore Nutrition holds much meaning to us.
OnCore, derived from encore, represents our mission to keep the community well nurtured, overcoming adversity to build the best version of themselves.
The first part of our name, ‘Onc’, represents our expertise in oncology and passion to provide the the best in holistic, personalised, evidence-based care to people with, at risk of or recovering from cancer.
The second part of our name, ‘core’, emphasises that good nutrition and a positive relationship with food is central to good health. We appreciate the impact that optimal nutrition can have on individual and community outcomes and respect the multidisciplinary nature of healthcare. We hope to position ourselves as core members of your healthcare team.
OnCore can assist in providing nutritional advice on the following cancer types:
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Bone and soft tissue (sarcoma)
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Breast
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Brain and neurological
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Head and neck (thyroid, tongue, throat)
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Lung
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Gynaecological
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Genitourinary (kidney, bladder, prostate, testicles and penis)
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Upper gastrointestinal (oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, kidney, gall bladder, GIST)
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Lower gastrointestinal (small intestine, large intestine, rectum)
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Skin and melanoma
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Haematological and blood
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Cancers of unknown primary
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Enteral tube feeding (PEG credentialed)
We have experience in managing eating disorders and challenging food and body relationships
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Anorexia Nervosa
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Bulimia Nervosa
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Binge Eating Disorder
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Rumination Disorder
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Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
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Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
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Non-Diet Approach
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Orthorexia
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Weight neutral approach
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Intuitive Eating
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Body image concerns
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Body dysmorphia
We have experience in managing a wide range of conditions including the following:
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Malnutrition and weight loss
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Body composition and weight management
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Micronutrient deficiencies
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Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhoea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome)
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Low FODMAP elimination and reintroduction
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Altered nutritional digestion and absorption
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Diabetes | pre-diabetes | insulin resistance
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Cardiovascular disease, blood pressure and cholesterol management
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Food intolerances
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Arthritis (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis)
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Inflammatory conditions
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Multiple sclerosis and neurological conditions
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Nutritional counselling and behaviour change
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Fatigue
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Loss of appetite
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Wound healing
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Oral changes such as dry mouth and taste changes
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Swallowing difficulty and texture-modified diets
Get social with us
HIIT Melanoma out of the Park
Walk to Conquer Cancer
World Cancer Day
Lauren Atkins
Co-Founder | Co-Director
Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Nutritionist (AdvAPD)
Educational Background
Lauren graduated with honours from Monash University and was awarded the student prize for highest academic and clinical achievement in 3rd and 4th year.
She was also awarded the DAA Student Prize for Excellence in Professional Practice.
Lauren completed further education in paediatric and adolescent nutrition through completion of the Certificate in Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics at the Royal Children’s Hospital in 2014.
Harvard University Graduate School of Education – The Online Classroom: Strategies for Higher Ed Teaching and Learning
Lauren has completed additional education in Complementary Medicine & Health through the National Institute of Integrative Medicine.
The Non-Diet Approach is the clinical application of the Health at Every Size (R) values. Weight-neutral approaches such as the Non-Diet Approach have resulted in decreased body dissatisfaction, decreased disordered eating and decreased depression and lead to increased sustainable, enjoyable self-care behaviours such as eating and moving well in the long term.
Training completed via Open Learning, 2019
Online Training via EdX
Online training through eviQ Education
2020
University of Melbourne via Future Learn
Deakin University and Future Learn
Training Clinicians in Eating Disorders
Monash University FODMAP and IBS training
Exam Score: 100%
edX
Credentialled through the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED)
Palliative Care Curriculum for Undergraduates
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) through EDRD PRo
Dietitians Australia – Mental Health Foundations for Dietitians
Inside Our – Institute for Eating Disorders
Awards and Achievements
- 2021 Dietitians Australia Quality in Primary Care Award – Highly Commended
- 2020 Advanced APD recognition
- Invited Expert Group Member for the Optimal Cancer Care Pathway (OCP) for people with Head and Neck Cancer
- Invited Expert Group Member for the Optimal Cancer Care Pathway (OCP) for people with Sarcoma (bone and soft tissue sarcoma)
- 2015 New Conference Presenter Award at the 32nd National DAA Conference
- 2015 Best Novice Researcher Award at the 32nd National DAA Conference
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics 3rd and 4th Year Prize for Highest Academic Achievement
- DAA Student of the Year for Excellence in Professional Practice
- DAA Appreciation Certificate for significant voluntary work for DAA
- Awarded membership into Golden Key International Honour Society
- Monash University financial faculty grant for attendance at 28th National DAA conference
- Formal university recognition of Academic Achievement with High Distinction average and position in top 10% each year.
- Dietitians Australia Conference Abstract Reviewer
- Dietitians Australia Consumer Resource Reviewer
- 2021 Quality in Primary Care Award
- Invited member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Nutrition Group Executive Committee
- Invited Expert Group Member for the Optimal Cancer Care Pathway (OCP) for people with Sarcoma (bone and soft tissue sarcoma)
- Invited Expert Group Member for the Optimal Cancer Care Pathway (OCP) for people with Head and Neck Cancer
- Swinburne University Master of Dietetics Course Advisory Committee
- Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Nutrition Group Executive
- Practice Evidence Based Nutrition (PEN Global) Expert Reviewer
- Dietitians Australia Conference Abstract Reviewer
- Dietitians Australia Consumer Resource Reviewer
- Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition Guideline Reviewer
Publications
Nutrition for People Living with Cancer. Cancer Council. Lauren Atkins – Reviewer and Contributor. July 2022.
Atkins L et al. Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy. A Guide for clinicians. Pancare 2022.
2018 and 2022 Pancare Nutrition Handbooks – Lauren Atkins – production and editing
2022 Pancare Understanding PEI and PERT for Health Processionals – Lauren Atkins – Host and Panelist
2022 Atkins L. eTRIO Research Participant evaluating the eTRIO educational module, an evidence-based online learning program aimed at facilitating effective family carer involvement in cancer consultations and managing challenging interactions with carers. Co-funded by Cancer Australia and Cancer Council NSW.
Atkins L, Den E, Corby D. Edu-tainment: using evidence-based practice to develop a nutrition podcast. Dietitians Australia Conference, Melbourne, 2021.
Atkins L, Steer B, Ray H, Kiss N. Implementing and sustaining an evidence-based nutrition service in a haematology unit for autologous stem cell transplant patients. Support Care Cancer. 2018 Aug 2.
Kiss N, Gilliland S, Quinn P, Atkins L, Black J, Frowen J. Evaluating the effectiveness of a nutrition assistant role in a head and neck cancer clinic. Nutr Diet. 2018 Aug 16.
Oral Presentation: Atkins L, Gilliland S, Black J, Kiss N. Effectiveness of a nutrition assistant role in a multidisciplinary head and neck cancer clinic. Victorian Allied Health Research Conference, Melbourne, 2017
Oral Presentation: Atkins L, Kelaart A, Kiss N. E-learning programs are an effective platform to improve malnutrition knowledge. Dietitians Association of Australia Conference, Hobart, 2017.
Oral Presentation: Atkins L, Kelaart A, Kiss N. E-learning programs are an effective platform to improve malnutrition knowledge. Victorian Integrated Cancer Services Conference, Melbourne, 2017.
Oral Presentation: Atkins L, Kelaart A, Kiss N. E-learning programs are an effective platform to improve malnutrition knowledge. Victorian Allied Health Research Conference, Melbourne, 2017.
Invited speaker and panellist at Victorian Food Forum 2017
Oral Presentation: Atkins L, Kelaart A, Kiss N. E-learning programs are an effective platform to improve malnutrition knowledge. AuSPEN Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 2016
Poster Presentation: Kelaart A, Atkins L, Donald K Development of an eLearning program for multidisciplinary clinicians on cancer malnutrition. AuSPEN Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 2016
Poster Presentation: Kelaart A, Atkins L, Donald K. How much do cancer care clinicians know about cancer malnutrition? AuSPEN Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 2016
Attendance and presentation at 33nd National DAA Conference with abstract accepted for poster presentation
Oral Presentation: Kiss N, Gilliland S, Black J, Atkins L. Improved efficiency and patient satisfaction following introduction of a nutrition assistant role in a head and neck cancer clinic. COSA Annual Scientific Meeting, Gold Coast, 2016
Oral Presentation: Loeliger J, Steer B, Ray H, Hughes R, Atkins L. How do I do that again? Vodcasts for patients with feeding tubes and swallowing difficulties. Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Conference, Adelaide, 2016
Invited speaker at the Canteen and Youth Cancer Service Youth Cancer Summit , Sydney, 2015. Road Trip Munchies – Nutrition During and After Cancer (1 hour presentation)
Road Trip Munchies – Cooking with Cancer – cooking demonstration
Poster Presentation: Lauren Muir, Dr Karen Donald, Dr Ruth Nicholls, Dora Szucs. Transition support program for allied health graduates – the how and the who. National Allied Health Conference, Melbourne, 2015
Poster Presentation: Dr Ruth Nicholls , Dr Karen Donald, Lauren Muir, Daniela Feuerlicht. Transition support program for Allied Health graduates – all together now! National Allied Health Conference, Melbourne, 2015
Poster Presentation: Lauren Muir, Amber Kelaart, Dr Karen McDonald. Development of an e-learning package for multidisciplinary clinicians on cancer malnutrition. National Allied Health Conference, Melbourne, 2015
Poster Presentation: Lauren Muir , Amber Kelaart, Dr Karen Donald. Appetite for eLearning. National Allied Health Conference, Melbourne, 2015
Oral Presentation: Atkins L, Kelaart A, Donald K Development of an eLearning program for multidisciplinary clinicians on cancer malnutrition. 32nd National DAA Conference, Perth, 2015 – Presenter Award
Poster Presentation: Atkins L, Kelaart A, Donald K. How much do cancer care clinicians know about cancer malnutrition? 32nd National DAA Conference, Perth, 2015 – Best Novice Researcher award
Poster Presentation: Atkins L, Kelaart A, Donald K. Appetite for eLearning. 32nd National DAA Conference, Perth, 2015
Oral Presentation: Ray H, Hughes R, Atkins L. How do I do that again? Vodcasts for patients with feeding tubes and swallowing difficulties. 32nd National DAA Conference, Perth, 2015
Hughes R, Ray H, Steer B, Muir L, Kiss N. w do I do that again? Vodcasts for patients with feeding tubes and swallowing difficulties. Australia and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society and World Congress Larynx Cancer, Cairns, 2015.
Oral Presentation: Atkins L, Kelaart A, Donald K Development of an eLearning program for multidisciplinary clinicians on cancer malnutrition. Victorian Integrated Cancer Services Conference, Melbounre, 2015
Half Day Workshop presenter – COSA Annual Scientific Meeting
Oral Presentation: Kelaart A, Atkins L, Donald K Development of an eLearning program for multidisciplinary clinicians on cancer malnutrition. COSA Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 2014
Poster Presentation: Kelaart A, Atkins L, Donald K. How much do cancer care clinicians know about cancer malnutrition? COSA Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 2014
Poster Presentation: Atkins L, Kelaart A, Donald K. Appetite for eLearning. COSA Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 2014
Oral Presentation: Hill A, Muir L. Enteral nutrition in lung radiotherapy patients. Australasian Lung Cancer Conference, Sydney, 2012
Poster Presentation: Blair E, Dillon E, Hill A, Muir L, Palmer J. Multidisciplinary care in lung radiotherapy patients. Australasian Lung Cancer Conference, Sydney, 2012
Poster Presentation: Muir L, Kiss N, Hill A. Development of an evidence-based nutrition care pathway for sarcoma patients. Australasian Sarcoma Conference, Melbourne, 2011 – Registration scholarship
Elise Den
Co-Founder | Co-Director
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Nutritionist
Educational Background
Deakin University
Elise has completed additional education in Complementary Medicine & Health through the National Institute of Integrative Medicine.
Interest group working party
CEED
Mentha Consulting
EDRDpro
Credentialled through the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED)
Inside Out
Founders of the Allied Health Oncology Group
A group of Allied Health (AH) clinicians committed to providing best practice oncology care across the continuum. AHOG aims to enhance interdisciplinary relationships through shared resources, education, events, fundraisers and collaborative models of care. AHOG’s collaborative nature aims to improve access to and awareness of specialised oncology care.
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Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary health professionals
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Convenient locations across Victoria
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Over 30 years of combined passionate experience
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