Dr Heather Way (PhD)
Director and Head Researcher
(PhD Mol Path, B.App.Sc Hons, A DIp Nutr. Nutrigenomist)
I am Dr Heather Way (PhD), a dedicated researcher and practitioner passionate about the transformative power of personalised genomics. With a PhD in Molecular Pathology, a Bachelor of Applied Science, a Diploma in Nutrition, and certifications in Nutrigenomics. I have spent over 25 years as a scientist with CSIRO before transitioning into clinical practice. Please note that while I hold a PhD, I am not a medical doctor—I am a researcher specialising in Autism genomics and personalised health strategies.
My journey is both professional and deeply personal. As a mother of two sons who have successfully recovered from Autism using our TACGA strategies, I bring a unique perspective shaped by first-hand experience. Our family has navigated a complex landscape of health challenges, including extreme food intolerances, non-verbal Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, anxiety, depression, eczema, fussy eating, sensory sensitivities, and gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS, reflux, diarrhoea, constipation, and leaky gut. These lived experiences allow me to offer realistic, family-friendly strategies that are both practical and effective for children with ASD.
The missing piece in my children’s recovery came through targeting gene expression using Nutrigenomics and Microbiome sequencing—a breakthrough that unites my three greatest passions: Molecular Genetics, Nutrition, and Autism Research. Together, these fields form the foundation of Nutrigenomics, an exciting and evolving discipline that tailors nutrition to an individual’s genetic profile.
As an educator and global speaker, I train paediatricians and healthcare professionals on the application of genomics in clinical practice at leading conferences, including MAPS (USA & Australia), MINDD, Bio-Balance, ASLM, and A5M. I also serve on the scientific advisory boards of several prestigious organisations, including Victus Health, Julie Matthews (Nourishing Hope, USA), Fitgenes, smartDNA, and IntellxxDNA (USA). Additionally, I lead research initiatives for world-renowned genetics and microbiome companies, contributing to the development of specialist nutrigenomics and microbiome sequencing tests for neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism.
To bring this expertise to families worldwide, I founded TACGA, with the vision of establishing an Autism Genomics Centre for Excellence. Through TACGA, our team of expert online nutrigenomic practitioners provides cutting-edge, science-backed strategies via telehealth, helping families across the globe optimise their children’s health and well-being.
Amanda Mullard
Clinic Manager and Senior Practitioner (B.HSc. Nut Med, Nutrigenomist)
Amanda is deeply passionate about the clinic and its core principles. As a mother of two, including a child with Autism, she understands the challenges families face firsthand. Her journey into nutritional medicine began when she witnessed the profound impact of nutrition on Autism, leading her to complete a BHSc in Nutritional Medicine.
Being a qualified Nutritionist and Nutrigenomist with extensive management experience, Amanda ensures the clinic operates seamlessly while staying true to its mission. Seeing her son’s continued progress on the TACGA program further fuels her dedication to helping other families on their journey.
Helen Meier
Senior Practitioner (B.HSc. Nut Med, Nutrigenomist)
Helen is a senior nutrigenomist at our clinic She has been a highly valued integral part of our team for nearly a decade. With a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional Medicine and extensive experience in nutrigenomics and gut health, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our practice. As a mother of four, Helen is passionate about healthy living and is particularly dedicated to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Her commitment to integrating cutting-edge nutritional science with compassionate care makes her an asset to our centre and the families we serve.
Sarah Garepo
Practitioner (B.HSc Biomed Sc - Nut Ther, A.Dip. Nat. Nutrigenomist)
Sarah is a second-generation Naturopath and Clinical Nutritionist, with over 17 years of experience in this industy. A wife and mother of two, she was raised with a strong foundation in family, natural health and healing.
Specialising in mental health, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, and depression, Sarah is passionate about educating and empowering individuals to create meaningful changes for themselves and their families.
Giovana Goncalves
Practitioner (MHumNutr / ANutr / PostGrad Dip Nutr / Paediatric Nutritionist ASD|ADHD | Nutritional Feeding Therapist, Nutrigenomist)
Giovana is a dedicated pediatric nutritionist who specialises in functional nutrition for neurodivergent children. With a compassionate approach, she focuses on helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, PANS/PANDAS, and other developmental challenges. Giovana is passionate about supporting these children by addressing feeding difficulties, behavioral challenges, gastrointestinal issues, and immunological disorders. She aims to improve their overall health and well-being through personalised nutrition and integrative medical practices. Giovana is committed to empowering families to make positive changes in their lives.
Mia Cazilieris
Practitioner (B.HSc, Nutrigenomist)
Mia‘s passion for natural medicine deepened when her children needed support beyond conventional care, leading her to a holistic approach that addresses root causes of health challenges. With a Bachelor of Health Science and experience as an ASD mum, she has a profound understanding of children’s health, particularly in nervous system regulation and the gut-brain connection. Mia is dedicated to supporting children with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, and PANS/PANDAS, empowering families with strategies to help their children thrive. She believes in the transformative power of natural therapies to promote optimal health and well-being.
Sharlene Smith
Health Coach
Sharlene is a qualified nutritionist and health coach with a fervent dedication to health and wellness.
As the mother of a neurodiverse child, Sharlene offers a unique perspective and a deep passion for using nutrition as nature’s medicine. In addition, Sharlene is a qualified pastry chef with extensive experience accommodating various dietary requirements.
In her role as Health Coach, Sharlene supports our practitioners by addressing questions from our clients, and helping with any challenges parents and carers of neurodiverse children face. Committed to continuous learning, she is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science.
Anita Gow
Receptionist
Anita’s medical reception experience along with her friendly and caring manor makes her a very valuable member of the TACGA team. Her passion and dedication towards helping people shines through on a daily basis. Anita loves learning about nutrition and health which makes her a perfect fit at our centre.
Tracy Webster
Receptionist
Tracy’s motto is ‘Connecting Hearts for a better world’. Her passion for helping people together with her experience in customer service enables her to be of value at reception, where she gives her best at all times. Her experience as a mum of three sons, together with her holistic heart based approach to guiding others compliments the ethics of our centre.
Callum Mullard
OnlineTACGA storemen
Callum