Lea is one of New Zealand’s leading paediatric dietitians and also specialises in sports Nutrition.
Qualifications include: Dip Hsc (Otago), B.Com (Canterbury), Post.Grad DipSc (Otago), NZ Registered Dietitian, NZ Registered Nutritionist (NZ Nutrition Soc), Sports Science NZ accredited Sports Nutritionist & Dietitian level 3, Certificates of Proficiency in Paediatric Nutrition (Melbourne), Eating Disorders (Otago) and Sports Nutrition (AIS Canberra).
Lea has specialised in Paediatric Nutrition for 31 years and in 1985 was the first New Zealand paediatric dietitian to enter private practice. Lea has worked in New Zealand, Australia and London in hospitals and private clinics. Lea helps families through her private consultations, public lectures, newspaper and magazine articles as well as television and radio interviews.
Lea’s interest in the effects of diet on brain function on such things as mood, behaviour, academic and physical performance has led her into the field of sports nutrition.
As an Accredited Sports Scientist Lea works with New Zealand sports academies, universities and sporting bodies to provide educational programmes and resources for coaches, elite athletes and their families. Lea is particularly interested in helping young athletes to excel in sports such as athletics, swimming, equestrian and yachting. Lea has also worked with NZ Cricket, NZ Softball, NZ Rowing and NZ Paralympians. In 2006 Lea was awarded a Prime Minister’s Scholarship to attend the Canada Cup Wheelchair Rugby Championship in Vancouver, Canada.
Lea works in private practice offering expert advice to those with problems such as weight control, diabetes, coronary heart disease, gastro-intestinal upsets, allergies, intolerances and other health issues.
With business credentials Lea has a unique insight into the needs of corporate and industrial groups often working with companies to develop health education programmes for staff as well as administrators. Lea can also assist marketing departments with product development and promotion.
Lea has a lifelong commitment to education regularly lecturing at universities and technical institutes and is in demand as a keynote speaker at conferences, workshops and seminars.
Lea enjoys life, is married to Paul with two adult children. Lea keeps fit at the gym and enjoys outdoor activities such as cycling, golfing, walking, boating and fishing. Lea has a passion for fashion design and sewing, she loves to travel, go to the movies and to cook fresh food for simple meals with friends and family.