Get to know your NDIS dietitian, Rachael Smith
We’ve asked our wonderful dietitian, Rachael Smith, a couple of questions so that you can get to know her!
Why did you become a dietitian?
It was a mix between my love of food and an undergraduate nutrition elective that made me want to enrol in dietetics and I have never looked back.
What has led to your passion for disability?
The more I am involved in the disability sphere, the more rewarding I find it. I love that I am able to develop a longstanding relationship with my clients as this isn’t always possible in other clinical roles.
Do you have a memorable experience of assisting a client to achieve their goals that you’d like to share?
I recently worked with a lovely client who had significant gut discomfort and as a result, lost a lot of weight. After working within the multidisciplinary team and advocating for additional support for her, we finally made some progress and she has been able to start eating the foods she enjoys again. Seeing the smile on her face when she talks about her progress and improvements to the quality of her life was incredibly rewarding.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love anything that gets me outside, whether it’s going to the beach with friends or a long morning walk. Being a dietitian it’s also no surprise that I love my food! I enjoy cooking for my friends and trying out new restaurants whenever I get the chance.
What is your favourite food?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I always enjoy a meal shared with friends and family!
In another life, if you weren’t a dietitian, what do you think you’d be doing?
I have always wanted to work with people, regardless of what field it was in. Initially, I wanted to become a physio or a teacher, or even to continue coaching sport at a more elite level!
What is your favourite holiday?
My favourite holiday was to Tanzania. I loved learning about the culture and experiencing a different way of life!
Thanks so much to Rachael for sharing more about herself and her reason for working in disability with our community!! We hope that you’ve enjoyed getting to know her! If you’d like to arrange services with Rachael or another of our therapists, please contact us today!
Rachael Smith provides Active Ability’s dietetic services on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Specifically, you would see Rachael in Palm Beach, Avalon, Newport, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Freshwater, Manly, Balgowlah, Allambie Heights, Frenchs Forest, Belrose, Duffy’s Forest and Ingleside.