The Diet vs Disease Mission
Most of us feel overwhelmed when it comes to healthy eating, especially if we have a food intolerance or medical issue.
At Diet vs Disease we provide individualized guidance and simple meal plans so that you can enjoy food without the stress, and live your healthiest, happiest life.
The Consultant Team
Joe Leech, Founder, Dietitian (MSc Nutrition and Dietetics)
Joe is a university-qualified dietitian from Australia, but now based in Stockholm Sweden.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, followed by a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Wollongong in 2011 (completing his thesis in Finland).
From 2011 he worked as a both a clinical and private consulting dietitian for several years, focusing on food intolerance, autoimmune diseases and metabolic health issues.
In 2013, Joe began learning the skill of science communication – specifically nutrition science – as a member of the Australasian Medical Writers Association.
In 2019, Joe founded the Diet vs Disease online consulting service, focusing on treating clients with digestive diseases and disorders. Over the past four years the team of consultants has now grown to 18!
How does Joe make health a priority?
“I try to cook at home as much as possible, even if it means batch cooking and freezing meals. I train CrossFit regularly with my wife Dani, travel regularly and spend time with friends playing games and polishing up on my Swedish!”
Learn more about Joe:
Dr. Jordan Shapiro, MD
I am a Gastroenterologist focused on disorders of gut-brain interaction (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome or IBS), pelvic floor disorders and constipation, and patients with inflammatory bowel disease IBD (e.g., Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis).
During my GI fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, I received additional training in IBD and spent 1 month at the University of Michigan through the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society training program. I also completed a Master of Science degree during my fellowship program.
Dr. George Schatz, MD
Board Certified in Family Medicine.
Certified in Functional Medicine by the Institute for Functional Medicine.
Board Eligible in Integrative Medicine after finishing my Fellowship through the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.
My clinical practice blends the best of Primary care, Integrative Medicine, and Functional Medicine to improve the lives of his patients, mind, body and spirit.
Lee Manley, Consultant
Lee has worked with Diet vs Disease since 2020 and is based in Manchester, UK.
How does Lee make health a priority?
“I set aside time everyday to either go to the gym or for a nice walk with my family (wife, daughter and dogs). Fresh air helps clear the mind, we eat fresh most days, you can’t beat home cooked food. It’s the simple things in life that make the most difference, any free time we get is spent as a family, keeps me fit and healthy.”
Jill Ambridge, Consultant
Jill has worked with Diet vs Disease since 2019 and is based in Naples, Florida, USA.
How does Jill make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by having an attitude of gratitude, eating mostly whole foods but allowing myself treats as well and getting adequate movement, sunshine and sleep.”
Tim Matthews, IBS & FODMAP Dietitian (Monash University Trained)
Hi, I’m Tim, originally from the UK but now living in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
I’m a Monash certified FODMAP diet Dietitian (BNutrDiet) and also have a Bachelor of Laws from many moons ago! I have special interests in low carb and ketogenic diets, FODMAP and histamine intolerance, weight management, sports nutrition and seniors nutrition.
How does Tim make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by ensuring I make time for resistance training, hiking/camping with friends, mountain biking, walking my dog and eating a healthy diet. I live and practice by the maxim ‘there’s no such thing as unhealthy food, only unhealthy diets‘.”
Taylor Hanna RD, IBS & FODMAP Dietitian (Monash University Trained)
Hola, I’m Taylor from Alberta, Canada.
I have spent many years working in the clinical practice in Canadian hospitals and I am a MONASH certified FODMAP Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator.
As someone who always loves to learn, I’m more recently working on completing a Masters in Adult Health Education.
How does Taylor make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by finding the activities I love and enjoy while being surrounded by the people that support me and challenge me to grow. That way health never feels like a chore but instead a lifestyle that I LOVE! I enjoy growing vegetables and herbs, trialling new recipes with friends and family, yoga, biking, hiking, and hockey!”
Nicholas Needs, IBS & FODMAP Dietitian (Monash University Trained)
Hi I’m Nicholas from New South Wales, Australia but based in Madrid, Spain!
I studied my Bachelor degree in Exercise and Sport Science, my Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics and am now training to become a doctor with the aim of becoming a gastroenterologist. I am also a fluent Spanish speaker.
How does Nicholas make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by exercising my body and mind first thing in the morning and by making sure there’s always new recipes with plenty of colour to keep my food creative. I believe that there’s more to being healthy than what you eat, so my goal as a Dietitian is to make sure that the food fits into the happiest and healthiest lifestyle you want to live.”
Rachel Manthey RD, Functional Dietitian
Rachel is based in Cleveland, OH where she lives with her husband and fur baby!
I’ve been practicing nutrition for over a decade with background in culinary nutrition and most recently trained at Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine.
There I specialized in gastrointestinal disorders and balancing the microbiome. I work with clients with the guiding principle of utilizing food as medicine.
How does Rachel make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by spending a lot of time outdoors running and hiking with my very active Labrador Retriever. We love exploring new trails! I also truly believe that when it comes to food, quality is what matters most so I often look to include as many whole foods, or foods with the most simple ingredients as possible!”
Erin O’Neill, Accredited Practising Dietitian
Erin is based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
I’ve been an Accredited Practising Dietitian for 18 years and I obtained my BHlthSc from QUT in Queensland, Australia. I also hold a Certificate in Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
How does Erin make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by spending a lot of time outdoors with my very active family. I also LOVE gardening and my level of housework shows it! I’d be lost without my weekly PT and Pilates sessions as it’s my time to do something for me. I’m passionate about guiding and supporting other busy mums to find food freedom and body love.”
Ryanne Lachman RD, Functional Dietitian
Ryanne is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian residing in the US State of Ohio with her husband Brian, daughter Avery, and her two unofficial work-from-home puppy co-workers, Bella and Bowie.
Ryanne has been an RD for seven years, and spent the past four training at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine. There she helped thousands of patients tackle their gut health challenges using food as medicine. As a self-proclaimed nerd, she just loves to learn. By the years end, she will have a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and will be Board Certified in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. She just can’t wait to share all the great things she has learned with you!
How does Ryanne make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by sailing, cooking and testing new recipes, reading books in the sun, and going on adventures with my husband and bubbly 2-year-old daughter.”
Emily Gabel RD, IBS & FODMAP Dietitian (Monash University Trained)
Emily is based in Columbus, OH!
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Miami University, and trained through Ohio State University’s Human Nutrition Dietetic Internship. Emily is also Monash University FODMAP trained and has interests in histamine, diverticula disease and many other aspects of nutrition.
How does Emily make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by using my love to cook as a way to provide myself with healthy meals each day. Whether it’s a creative, homemade meal or repurposing leftovers for some variety, I always make sure to incorporate energizing, healthful food into my day. I also prioritize health by never depriving myself of sufficient sleep!”
Victoria Cimino RD, IBS & FODMAP Dietitian (Monash University Trained)
Hi, I’m Victoria and I am based in San Diego, CA.
I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Pennsylvania State University and my Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from Stony Brook University. I am also Monash FODMAP accredited. I’m a lifetime learner and I believe that education is a crucial piece of supporting and growing with my clients to ultimately help them achieve their desired results.
How does Victoria make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by having fun and doing things I enjoy like going to the beach (surfing, paddle boarding), doing yoga, and spending time with my golden retrievers. I am an adventurer and love to travel, try new foods, and new things with friends/family. I like to relax by reading, spending time in nature, and growing new plants in my garden. I’ve worked hard to make my health and lifestyle align in a positive way.”
Beth Sands, Nutritionist
Hi, I’m Beth from Melbourne, Australia but based in Portugal.
After many years of working in finance I decided to do a complete career 180 and learn about all things health and nutrition! I graduated from Deakin University with a degree in Food and Nutrition Science in 2017.
How does Beth make health a priority?
“I make health a priority by getting a good balance among the things that bring me joy. I love food, my friendships, laughter, sunshine, nature, travel, and learning.
Nothing makes me happier than bringing people that I love together around some delicious fresh food on a beautiful day.”
Julie Gold, Mindset and Wellbeing Coach
I’m in Fort Collins, Colorado.
As a National-Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and an International Coach Federation Professional Certified Coach I love to bring compassion, and humor into my coaching sessions. My goal as a coach is to equip my clients with a wide variety of tools and for them to be able to ‘coach themselves’ in the future.
How does Julie make health a priority?
“I’m always trying to learn what works for me at different stages of life and embrace where I am in the present moment. Being the mom of two girls also encourages me to be a good role model and help them learn how to love and cherish their bodies.”
Jay Hayes, Social Work & Hypnotherapy practitioner
Hi, I’m Jay from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
I am an AASW accredited Social Worker with an undergraduate degree in Arts (Psychology), as well as an AHA accredited Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist (Australia).
How does Jay make health a priority?
“Health to me means looking after myself holistically – mind and body. I eat a balanced diet and love to keep exercise fun – so you’ll find me riding my bike or hiking with friends. I feel my best when I meditate daily, hold true to my boundaries and practise self-care and self-compassion.”
Chad Godoy, Content Management
Chad helps us with content management, design work and social media management. He has a mechanical engineering degree from Don Bosco Tech.
How does Chad make health a priority?
He grows his own produce on the farm. He is also learning a lot about nutrition now that he works with Diet vs Disease.