
Dr Heather Way (PhD)
(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
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
Helen is a senior Nutrigenomist in our Clinic. She has worked in Nutrition for many years and has completed a BHSc in Nutritional medicine. Helen is a Mum of 4 and passionate about healthy living. She is perfect fit for our centre as a fully qualified Nutritionist with a great deal of experience with TACGA and a real passion for helping people on the spectrum.

Sarah Garepo
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
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
Mia...

Sharlene Smith
Sharlene has recently joined our team as a Health Coach. Sharlene is a qualified nutritionist with a fervent dedication to health and wellness.
As the mother of a delightful neurodiverse child, Sharlene offers a unique perspective and a deep passion for using nutrition as nature’s medicine. She enjoys outdoor activities, especially mountain biking, and has a background in corporate human resources. 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
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
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
Callum