NICKNAME: Gabi, Gabs, Gab
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor of Science Degree and an Honours in Nutrition from The University of Sydney. Recognised Accredited Practising Dietitian by The Dietitians Association of Australia.
ACHIEVEMENTS: Professionally my biggest achievements are practicing in four locations in Sydney with highly specialised and well respected clinicians, who together are all working towards treating clients with eating disorders.
Personally my biggest achievements would be emigrating from South Africa in 1999, and more recently being a home owner.
WHY DID YOU PURSUE DIETETICS? As an eighteen year old I chose to study Dietetics because of my love for food, and growing up with an Italian mother, food in our household is always celebrated and plentiful. But ‘eating disorders’ as a specialty chose me, rather than me choosing it, and now it just feels right, and I am so passionate about it.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT BODYMATTERS? I chose to work at Body Matters because its philosophy around the treatment of eating disorders, with a Health at Every Size focus, is in line with my own approach. What makes Body Matters unique is the dynamic of more than a dozen health professionals all working towards a shared vision, and not only in the treatment of clients with disordered eating, but in raising awareness, advocating for cultural change and prevention of eating disorders. That’s empowering and inspiring! Being the sole Dietitian as part of the team at BodyMatters presents a really unique and exciting opportunity for me.
YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE: ‘There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.’ Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’’ Maya Angelou
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS: I would like to continue doing what I feel passionate about, something that has an impact on others lives, something that challenges me, and where I continue to learn and develop.
FAVOURITE SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES: ‘Barre’ group classes, beaching, swimming, walks and skiing…and sun baking, if you’d consider that an activity.
FAVOURITE HOBBIES OR INTERESTS: Foodie’ing, learning, traveling, shopping, planning, discussing, reflecting…. And trying every Bircher muesli Sydney has to offer.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SKILL: Recall of peoples hands and fingers, whether it be my family, friends, colleagues or clients. I can recognise each of you by your hands (so creepy)!
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU: Women with self-confidence and self-belief, who can be transparent and truthful even when their thoughts, views and opinions go against the mould.
WHO WERE YOUR CHILDHOOD HEROES: My childhood heroes are the same ones that continue to inspire me, encourage and motivate me today – my parents. I realise now that this is quite a special thing.
3 THINGS YOU WOULD TAKE ON A DESERT ISLAND: I could be completely satisfied with 1) my husband or a comfy bed – either one 2) unlimited pizza 3) apple TV
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE INDULGENCE: Definitely a Thai massage! I love a firm elbow digging into the knots in my back.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE: I actually don’t have a favourite movie, but as a child my favourite movie was Mrs. Doubtfire, which my sister and I can quote verbatim.
FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL: Italy for a European summer – for the pizza, pasta and to escape Sydney’s winter.
IF YOU DIDN’T PURSUE DIETETICS, WHAT OTHER PROFESSION WOULD YOU PURSUE: Now that, I actually do not know!
