Dr. Vanner received a undergraduate degree in Life Sciences and a concurrent MD and MSc degree from Queen’s University. After completing his Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology training at Queen’s and he carried out post doctoral research training in enteric neurophysiology at the Vollum Institute in Portland, Oregon. Since returning to Queen’s University in 1991 he has been an attending staff in Gastroenterology at the Kingston General and Hotel Dieu Hospitals and cares for patients with gastrointestinal disorders in both the inpatient and outpatient departments. He performs a full range of endoscopic procedures. He has subspecialty expertise in gastrointestinal motility disorders involving the lower GI tract including the small intestine, colon and anorectum, and is director of the anorectal motility laboratory. He has an established translational research program that examines mechanisms underlying pain signaling and motility in the gastrointestinal tract. He has published extensively, with more than 6,000 research citations. Stephen Vanner is Director of the Gastrointestinal Disease Research Unit (GIDRU) at Queen’s University. He also leads the Canadian Neurogastroenterology Network (CNN), a consortium of IBS researchers throughout Canada. His translational research program examines the pain mechanisms in irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, with a goal of identifying new targets for the development of novel therapies to treat pain. He also investigates the regulation of blood flow in the enteric nervous system. Another particular area of interest has been the investigation and development of colonic cleansing regiments for colonoscopy, with one U.S. patent issued and several pending. In 2016 he was named a co-investigator in a $12.5 million, CIHR funded, large-scale national research project looking at gastrointestinal disease, where his work includes studying the effects of a diet low in some types of carbohydrates on Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Dr. Bercik is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology at McMaster University and consultant gastroenterologist at Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton Ontario. He is director of Complex Motility and Celiac Clinics at McMaster University. Dr. Bercik graduated as MD from Charles University, Prague, Czechoslovakia. He obtained his doctorate degree from University of Lausanne, Switzerland, where he studied neural control of gastrointestinal motility. He did his postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University focusing on animal models of functional gastrointestinal diseases. His basic and clinical research, funded by CIHR and NIH, investigates the role of intestinal bacteria in gut-brain axis signaling, and its relevance to functional gastrointestinal and gluten-related disorders. He has published over 90 peer-reviewed papers.

Serena Benali is a Registered Dietitian and the owner of In Good Nutrition, a leading private nutrition practice supporting clients across Canada. 

With a practical, science-based approach, Serena helps clients cut through nutrition confusion and build realistic habits that support long-term health. Her work has a strong focus on digestive health, including IBS, IBD, bloating, constipation, food intolerances, the gut-brain connection, and the role of gut health in overall wellbeing. 

Her goal is to make nutrition feel clear, supportive, and doable, so clients can feel more comfortable, confident, and in control of their digestive health and everyday eating. 

website: www.ingoodnutrition.com | youtube: ingoodnutrition | Instagram: ingoodnutrition_ 

Keren Reiser is a dedicated Registered Dietitian in Ottawa, Ontario, passionate about empowering individuals through personalized nutrition and gastrointestinal health. Focusing on evidence-based approaches, Keren specializes in managing conditions such as IBS, IBD, Celiac Disease, and food intolerances through the strategic use of the low FODMAP and Mediterranean diets alongside Nutrigenomics to tailor nutritional advice to one’s genetic makeup. Her commitment to improving clients’ quality of life is evident in her holistic approach, combining nutritional counselling with practical meal planning to address complex dietary needs. Keren’s work is driven by a deep desire to make meaningful connections, helping her clients navigate their health challenges with empathy and expertise. Learn more about Keren’s approach to nutrition and wellness at kerenreiser.com

Dr. Rachael Lovink, ND is a naturopathic doctor with advanced expertise in IBS and Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction. With a practice rooted in evidence-based medicine and a personal history of navigating IBS herself, she helps patients move beyond food fear and misinformation to achieve sustainable relief through individualized, practical care.

Website: www.drlovink.com Instagram handle: @drrachaellovinknd

Dr. Amber Cohen is a Registered Clinical Psychologist who focuses on anxiety, depression, and trauma. These conditions are often comorbid with digestive conditions, which has led to working with many clients who have gut health concerns and health anxiety. Dr. Cohen opened The Cohen Clinic 7 years ago which is a holistic wellness therapy practice. The clinic team is comprised of Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Social Workers and Registered Dietitians who provide treatment through a mind-body lens. Psychological therapy at The Cohen Clinic focuses on evidence-based strategies that help clients build effective coping skills and reach their highest potential.  Dietetic services at the clinic work to improve physical health difficulties in order to better support mental health. We believe in an integrative approach to treatment and utilize different therapeutic modalities such as: Cognitive Beahvioural Therapy, Dialetical Behaviour Therapy, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Mindfulness. We feel honoured to walk alongside people as they take the steps to heal their bodies and minds.

Visit her website to learn more:
https://thecohenclinic.com/

Dr. Selena Colarossi is a Public Health Pharmacist at The Regional Municipality of Halton working primarily under the Vaccine Management portfolio. She graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts & Science, completing a major in Biology and a dual minor in Anthropology and Social Studies of Medicine. She then earned a Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, and became a Registered Pharmacist within the Ontario College of Pharmacists.

She is passionate about gut health, specifically the mind-gut connection and how digestive problems can negatively impact a person’s quality of life and mental health. After several years working in community pharmacies across the GTA, she came to understand the challenges patients face when navigating the healthcare system in relation to digestive conditions. She enjoys creating content for CDHF as it supports both medical knowledge translation and gut health awareness. As a former varsity soccer player she continues to enjoy physical activity, lately hiking and indoor cycling, whenever she’s not binging a good TV show or hanging out with friends.

Dr. Maitreyi Raman is a Gastroenterologist and Physician Nutrition Specialist, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology at the University of Calgary. She completed medical school at the University of Ottawa, and then Internal Medicine Residency at Dalhousie University, and subsequently a clinical nutrition fellowship at the University of Toronto. Dr. Raman has clinical and research interests in lifestyle as primary therapy for patients with digestive diseases. She investigates using dietary patterns and components in the management of digestive health disorders, and investigates the role of diet to modulate the gut microbiome and chronic inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In addition, Dr. Raman explores the role of the brain-gut axis through mind body interventions, and its impact on chronic disease outcomes. Dr. Raman has co-developed a digital health platform, LyfeMD, to bring to patients living with digestive diseases effective and evidence-based diet and lifestyle strategies that improve symptoms and clinical outcomes (www.lyfemd.ca).

Hi there! My name is Amanda and I am a Registered Dietitian and Founder of Wellness Simplified. I hold a Masters in Nutrition from the University of Guelph, and a Culinary Arts Diploma from The Culinary Arts School of Ontario. I am currently pursuing a certificate in Integrative Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy. Upon graduating from chef school, I knew I wanted to bring together my dietetic experience and working in a professional kitchen setting to create a nutrition coaching practice that is food-centric and grounded in teaching individuals a basic life skill – nourishing their body, mind and soul.

Andrea Hardy is a registered dietitian from Calgary, Canada where she runs a multi-disciplinary digestive health practice called Ignite Nutrition. She specializes in gut health & gastrointestinal diseases, and is recognized in the media as Canada’s Gut Health Expert. She is passionate about translating science into ‘easy to digest’ information to support a healthy gut.  She has spoken on the TEDx stage, as well as internationally about digestive health. Follow her on Instagram at @andreahardyrd or tune into her gut health podcast ‘Let’s Gut Real’ which is all about making nutrition science easy to digest! Visit her website to learn more.

https://ignitenutrition.ca/

Amy offers private nutrition consultation in the specialized areas of food allergy and food intolerance management for children and adults.  She has 10 years of experience as a registered dietitian and has served as a pediatric and allergy dietitian at HealthLink BC.

Health Stand Nutrition has been supporting individuals and organizations since 2000. Their team includes Registered Dietitians with expertise in digestive health, helping people navigate IBS, IBD, reflux, food intolerances, and more with practical, evidence-based guidance. They also have dietitians with expertise across a wide range of nutrition areas, allowing them to support the full picture of health.

They take a compassionate, non-diet approach, focusing on sustainable changes that support both health and quality of life without unnecessary restriction. They also recognize the important connection between digestion, stress, and mental well-being, and support clients in navigating both the physical and emotional sides of digestive health. Their dietitians are trusted by thousands of clients and work collaboratively with physicians and healthcare teams to support coordinated care.

Their gut health dietitians have advanced training in digestive health, including Low FODMAP certification through Monash University, and are known for translating complex science into clear, realistic strategies that fit everyday life.

They also provide seminars, workshops, and professional speaking to make digestive health education accessible and actionable to organizations, associations, and more.

Learn more about their  digestive health dietitian services and approach and to book a free discovery call.

Kristina Campbell, a science and biotechnology writer, is author of The Well-Fed Microbiome Cookbook and co-author of the academic textbook Gut Microbiota: Interactive Effects on Nutrition and Health (which has a second edition forthcoming). Kristina specializes in translating microbiome science and helping the general public sort fact from fiction when it comes to gut health, probiotics, and prebiotics.

Rosanna Lee is a geriatric dietitian specializing in the areas of chronic disease prevention and management. She works primarily with the elderly at the Centre for Seniors and Neuro Rehabilitation at William Osler Health System (Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health & Wellness). Rosanna collaborates closely with seniors, family members, and caregivers in the community to support nutrition optimization and healthy aging. She helps individuals living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, frailty, osteoporosis, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, and those in need of neurological rehabilitation. Her areas of interest include the brain-gut connection, probiotics/ prebiotics, and the gut microbiome. She has a passion for research and in continuing education. 

Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram. If you would like to be in touch, send her an email at rosannaleerd@gmail.com. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosannaleerd

Facebook link:   https://www.facebook.com/thegoodlifenutritionist

Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodlife.rd/

Simon Spichak finished his MSc at University College Cork, where he studied the interactions between the microbes in the gut and the brain. He became interested in science communication during his studies and won a national competition called FameLab in 2020. Since then, he has been covering stories in science and tech. His writing has been published in Time Health, Futurism, The Debrief, Massive Science, Biospace, and elsewhere. He is the founder of a Canadian mental health company called Resolvve that proves therapy to students in high school and university.

Lisa is a Registered Dietitian and Co-Owner of NutriProCan, a company of registered dietitians who have helped Canadians with optimizing their digestive health and overall health since 2015.  She also holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Foods and Nutrition. 

Lisa is a lecturer, speaker, coach for individuals and group programs and works with businesses and organizations developing nutrition programming. She thrives on creating partnerships with others in the health and wellness arena and has been an invited speaker for many organizations and conferences.In her free time, Lisa loves to explore in the markets, cook, spend time among her favourite fitness activities, running, skiing, hiking with her dog Leo and daughter Charli, and spending time with family and friends at home or exploring the world.

Visit her website to learn more:
https://nutriprocan.ca/

Marwah Saeed, BSc (Hons), MBBS, completed her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Biology from the University of Waterloo, Ontario in 2014, and medical school at Aga Khan University (AKU), Pakistan in 2021. After graduation, she worked in clinical research at the Movement Disorders Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON where she coordinated several clinical studies on movement disorders while also using the time to learn more about Neurology such as the challenges associated with the specialized niche of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and the complexity of patient care. More recently, she has been working at a pediatric community clinic in Windsor, ON, learning about community-based health needs and children/youth issues. Outside of medicine, she loves reading, long walks, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.

Madelaine is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor in Manitoba, Canada with close to a decade of experience providing clear and concise evidence-based nutrition information to the public using an anti-diet approach. Madelaine is passionate about spreading credible nutrition information along with practical strategies to make it easier for individuals to nourish their bodies with confidence. Madelaine works as a freelance nutrition and health writer who is well-versed in digestive health and intuitive eating. Want to connect with Madelaine? Follow her on LinkedIn.

Marlee Hamilton is a registered dietitian who specializes in digestive disorders including IBS, IBD, fatty liver disease, SIBO, and much more. She studied at St. Francis Xavier University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and also completed her integrated dietetic internship. Marlee is currently the team lead dietitian for Ignite Nutrition, one of Canada’s top digestive health nutrition practices. She lives in Nova Scotia and works with patients virtually across the country, holding registration with the College of Dietitians of Ontario, College of Dietitians of British Columbia, and the College of Dietitians of Alberta. 

Beth Nanson is a Registered Dietitian (RD) in BC. She received her Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health (Honours, Major in Dietetics) from the University of British Columbia. She then completed her dietetic internship with Vancouver Coastal Health and now works with multiple clinics and runs a successful private practice, specializing in the area of GI & Digestive Health. Beth has a keen interest in gut health and has helped countless clients get symptom relief! 

Outside of work, you can find her spending time with friends & family, eating peanut butter out of the jar, and training for the next event. You can follow her on Instagram @gut.ibs.dietitian

Andrea Senchuk is a Monash FODMAP-trained registered dietitian in Ottawa who specializes in irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders. She takes an evidence-based and holistic approach to nutrition care, compassionately supporting her clients in adopting both food and lifestyle strategies to help them get off the gut health “struggle bus”.  With a Master’s degree in Nutrition Communications, Andrea is also passionate about translating science into practical, easy to understand information that empowers people to take control of their digestive health.  In her spare time, Andrea enjoys hiking, baking, and volunteering with a cat rescue organization.  Learn more about Andrea at andreasenchuk.com.

Sarah is a registered dietitian and health and nutrition writer with over six years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Her specialties include diabetes, cancer care, gut health, and intuitive eating. She’s a big believer that food is more than just nutrients and acknowledges the power that food can have to heal and build community. As someone who struggled with gut health for much of her teenage years, she’s passionate about creating gut health resources that empower people to learn about and take care of their gut health.

As a nutrition professional who writes health content for several brands, including Forbes Health, Well+Good, Livestrong, and Everyday Health, Sarah uses the latest scientific research to guide her writing and recommendations. Her goal as a writer is to ensure that complex health information is made easy to understand and actionable so that more people can benefit from it. Learn more about Sarah on her website, sarahglinski.com, or connect with her on LinkedIn.

I’m a Registered Dietitian from North Vancouver, BC who owns and operates an Irritable Bowel Syndrome focused private practice. 

Most importantly, I know first-hand what it’s like to deal with gut drama due to IBS. 

My mission is three-fold:

1. Encourage and advocate for Canadians to get properly diagnosed with IBS (including their subtype).

2. Give people a step-by-step process for their type of IBS (and any other layers to their story, such as SIBO or Histamine Intolerance), with as few restrictions as possible.

3. Supporting patients along the way to get them feeling comfortable in their body again (finally)!

It’s my life’s work to combine my lived experience with IBS with my hundreds of hours of research and continuing education over the years and direct it right back at supporting clients navigate the overwhelming world of IBS.

I love sharing my IBS-related knowledge with family doctors, nurse practitioners, fellow RDs and the public-

…because if 1 in 7 human beings on this planet have IBS, we all need to pull together to facilitate the best care possible (millions of people feeling better?? Sign me up for that version of Earth always)!

A little more about me:

I am based in the mountains of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where I run my private practice Jess Nourishes, and my signature online IBS Programs called IBLess. There is one for each subtype of IBS (Diarrhea, Mixed and Constipation).

Check out my library of free IBS Mini Guides on my website- there’s one for each subtype waiting for you to download!

Professional Bio

Jessica Roocroft is a Registered Dietitian based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She earned both her science degrees (Biology, 2008, and Food, Nutrition & Health, Dietetics Major, with Honours) from The University of British Columbia. She is also trained by Monash University in the use of the Low FODMAP Diet for IBS, and has taken the Clinicians Course in Gut Directed Hypnotherapy by Mindset Health.

After Jessica completed her Dietetic internship at the Vancouver Island Health Authority she was awarded a role in the remote North of Vancouver Island, in charge of three hospitals, managing all inpatient clinical and food service operations.

After taking on other roles in management and leadership, Jessica moved into the private practice space.

In 2019 she founded Jess Nourishes, which quickly became known in BC for helping clients with IBS; something Jessica has lived experience with. 

In 2021 she launched her first online IBS program My Bloat Code, and in 2022 she completed FODMAP Training with Monash University. 

That same year, she created her signature program for busy, food loving people with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D).

Then in 2024, she founded IBLess, a group of 1:1/group virtual hybrid IBS programs- with one program dedicated for each IBS Subtype: Diarrhea, Mixed, and Constipation.

She matches her client’s IBS subtype, dietary and lifestyle preferences with her science-based curated IBS tools and strategies in order to manage IBS symptoms as effectively and sustainably as possible. 

Jessica truly believes that a combination of lived experience with IBS, plus ongoing research, curiosity and training allow her to bring about the most heart-based, empathetic care for her fellow “IBS Comrades” through her small (but mighty) practice.

Publications

• Bloating, IBS & Low FODMAP Starter Guide
• IBS-D Mini-Guide
• IBS-C Mini-Guide
• IBS-M Mini-Guide
• IBS-U Mini-Guide

Description of Practice

Jessica’s mission is to translate tricky IBS science into plain English, give clients a step-by-step process as to how to soothe symptoms with her library of effective, science-based, client-tested IBS tools, and get busy food-loving people with IBS feeling comfortable in their bodies (finally). She does this through one-on-one counseling, posting free IBS self help resources, and through her online programs.

She practices in the following conditions/issues:

• Diarrhea
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), in particular IBS-D
• Food intolerances & sensitivities
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain / discomfort

Click here to connect with Jessica to learn more about her services, innovative IBS programs, speaking, and writing, or email her at jessica@jessnourishes.com You can also follow her on Instagram @jess_nourishes

Jennifer House is a Registered Dietitian, mother of 3, author of “The Parents’ Guide to Baby-led Weaning,” and founder of First Step Nutrition in Calgary, Alberta. 

Jen believes raising happy, well-nourished eaters who have a healthy relationship with food doesn’t have to be a battle! She specializes in starting solids & picky eating, helping parents teach their kids to try new foods without yelling, tricking, or bribing. 

Chantel Moodoo, RD & Symone Moodoo, RD

Chantel and Symone are twin sisters and registered dietitians based out of Winnipeg, Canada. They are passionate about giving individuals the tools they need to be successful in reaching their health goals by helping them find their balance with food through sustainable eating habits.

Symone & Chantel have over 10 years of experience collectively under their belt with past and present roles in the community. They currently co-run an Instagram account where they share nourishing recipes that are quick and easy. Their moto: RDs making healthy eating fun and realistic! Follow them on Instagram: @double.dose.of.vitamin.c

The Gut Loving Dietitian | IBS and SIBO Specialist | Functional Nutrition

Zahra Tromsness is a Canadian Registered Dietitian, IBS and SIBO specialist, and the founder of The Gut Loving Dietitian, a practice devoted to digestive health. You can explore her work at
https://www.gutlovingdietitian.com/.

With more than twenty years of clinical experience in hospital care, oncology, public health, and international practice, Zahra brings a depth of clinical expertise and a warm, evidence informed approach to supporting individuals with complex gut concerns.

Her commitment to digestive health is rooted in both professional training and personal experience. Zahra spent years navigating constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue, symptoms that were often brushed off as stress. Her search for real answers led her to functional medicine, where she discovered the powerful connection between sleep, movement, mental health, nervous system regulation, and personalized nutrition in restoring gut function. She has since completed extensive functional medicine training in gut health, hormone health, and autoimmune conditions including Hashimotos.

This whole person approach helped her resolve her own symptoms and became the foundation of the work she now shares with others.

Zahra supports individuals with various digestive issues including IBS, SIBO, celiac disease, IBD, reflux, and Hashimotos using a blend of clinical nutrition science and functional medicine principles. She focuses on identifying root causes, calming inflammation, healing the gut, and restoring confidence around food. Zahra has also completed specialized training through Monash University in IBS management and the low FODMAP approach.

Having guided thousands of clients through their healing journeys, Zahra is known for her empathy, practical strategies, and ability to simplify complex gut health science into clear, sustainable steps. Her mission is to empower people with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to reclaim their health and quality of life.

Zahra offers small group IBS and SIBO coaching, private one to one nutrition consultations, and free clarity calls for those seeking personalized nutrition support.

Learn more and connect
Website: https://www.gutlovingdietitian.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibsnutrition.ca/
Small Group Coaching: https://l.bttr.to/ATNhW
Private Coaching: https://l.bttr.to/QQHPW
Free Clarity Call: https://l.bttr.to/CN83i