National Eating Disorders Recovery Centre

About Us

Our Team

Eating Disorder Treatment: The National Eating Disorders Recovery Centre (NEDRC) supports a realistic view to health and weight. We incorporate WHO, NICE, MEED and the HSE Model of Care for Eating Disorders guidelines along with elements of Health at Every Size (HAES) principles, Intuitive Eating and Therapeutic Movement. We approach each individual with a holistic view, using the Medical (where required), Therapeutic, Psychosocial and Recovery models.

Our Consultant Psychiatrists have a vast array of experience from the HSE, NHS, private and public facilities and are all registered with the Irish Medical Council (IMC) and the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.

Dr Malcolm Garland, MB, Bch, BAO, Sp Psych, Clinical Director & Consultant Psychiatrist MCRN 013200

Our Clinical Director & Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Malcolm Garland is held in great esteem in the Psychiatry profession. Having many years’ experience as Consultant Psychiatrist in the HSE, we are honoured to have such an experienced and knowledgeable Clinical Director as part of our team. Dr Garland is very open to other approaches alongside the medical model, such as a therapeutic and bio-social model which he encourages. Dr Garland has further training in DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), Family Constellations amongst many other psychotherapeutic approaches.

Dr Anastasiia Lavrova registered Irish Medical Council Doctor MCRN 527005

Dr Anastasiia hails from the Ukraine, is fluent in English and German and a native Ukrainian and Russian speaker.

She moved to Dublin a number of years ago and has gained professional experience within the mental health services in the HSE. Dr Anastasiia completed her medical degree at the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Ukraine and worked as a medical Doctor following this. She developed a strong interest and awareness in psychiatry and mental health and the impact that our physical health has on our mental health and vice versa. Dr Anastasiia works full-time in NEDRC, is a responsive, thorough, medical practioner with a main goal of helping to improve client’s quality of life along with the rest of our MDT.

Carla Johnston, Director of Services

Carla Johnston, Director of Services, has worked in Healthcare in various roles for many years and leads the wonderful NEDRC team in providing a quality, person-centred service. Carla has worked hard to improve Mental Health Commission compliance whilst working with other services and managed to bring up their compliance ratings until she spread her wings to establish NEDRC. Carla keeps up-to-date with the most recent evidence and treatments in eating disorders care and within the wider mental health field. Carla loves learning and has completed many further courses and training from Masters level and CPD- Continuous Professional Development. She strives to create and provide a service that if one of her own family members or friends required help for an eating disorder and mental health, she would be confident in recommending NEDRC.

Niall Murphy, Assistant Director of Services

Niall Murphy is our Assistant Director of Services comes from a background of adult, adolescent and paediatric services having worked in Emergency Departments/ A&E, Medical, Surgical and Mental Health. Niall has excellent skills around the identification of physical deterioration and fast interventions when needed. Niall is driven by improving client’s quality of life and encouraging different approaches until the client feels they have reached the right one for themself. Niall has a host of skills, experience, training and qualifications which enables him to train other health professionals in various key areas in providing healthcare.

Tanja Visic Ilic, MB, Bch, BAO, Service Supervisor

Tanja is a Consultant Psychiatrist in her native country and moved to Ireland a number of years ago. She has worked with NEDRC since our establishment and continues to be a solid, proactive member of the team. Tanja’s role is across administrative, client and family contact. Tanja is very well regarded with our clients and offers a multidimensional perspective, and a hug when needed. Tanja is also our staff support champion having completed additional training as a workplace support person.

Sandra Antell, BSc, MSc Psychology

Sandra is a Clinical Psychologist, having trained in the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden and worked between public and private services. Sandra has also carried out training with the Maudsley Hospital, London. She is trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) and underwent training in CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy). Sandra is experienced in working with neurodivergent people, particularly those who are Autistic and have ADHD. Sandra has a great understanding of clients and behaviours they may have had to use in order to mask, cope or protect themselves. She has experience and skills in carrying out assessments and adapting interventions to the needs of clients. Sandra has particular skills working with clients to help with emotional recognition and regulation both on an individual and group basis.

Inês Sofia Mineiro de Avó, BSc, MSc Clinical Psychology

Ines is a Chartered member of the PSI (Psychology Society of Ireland) and has a BSc & MSc in Psychology and psychological interventions from the University of Lisbon, Portugal. She works fluently in both Portuguese and English and has a good working knowledge of the Spanish language also. Ines has worked with clients who have experienced trauma and traumatic events. Her approach is warm and person-centred while adapting with the most suited psychological interventions to the client. She has experience in working with people individually and in a group setting and has a down-to-earth way which helps clients feel more at ease and not judged or shamed.

Pia Fennell IACP Psychotherapist

Pia originates from New York, holds a BSc, BA, M.Phil (TCD) with a background in education, a love of travel, books, food, nature, different cultures and life experiences, all of which has helped solidified her passion in people and helping them to develop a healthy relationship with themselves and live a contented life.

Pia takes a humanistic approach in her practice and will be guided by the needs of each client as to the specific psychotherapy modality to incorporate into their session. Pia has worked with a range of clients and in many cases, with those who have experienced trauma in their lives. She is warm, non-judgemental and open to taking this journey alongside you.

Rachel Blake Coru registered Occupational Therapist BSc OT TCD.

Rachel is a solution-focused professional who is adaptable and empathetic to client’s needs. Rachel engages clients in OT assessments with the aim of developing goal-directed interventions and assisting in developing a greater sense of self, independence and confidence to progress in areas of their lives that may be challenging. Rachel focuses on life areas that are important to each client and working collaboratively to build purpose and direction to reach their goals.

Karen Mertig Social Worker and Family Therapist. Coru & Teaching Counselling registered.

Karen Mertig Social Worker and Family Therapist. Coru, FTAI & Teaching Counselling registered. Holds a BSc Psychology, MA Social Worker & multiple relevant CPD certificates & diplomas.

Karen has a wealth of knowledge & experience with young people, adults & families. From working as senior social worker in both mental and general health Hospitals (children’s Hospital included), lecturing at University level to social work students and as family therapist to families experiencing conflict, distress, crisis, trauma and providing intervention. Karen has worked with clients who have various mental health difficulties including eating disorders, other complex conditions, CSA, substance abuse and guidance counselling to young people. She has trained in various mental health interventions which enable her to support clients and their families in the difficulties and issues that arise within the family unit.

Hazel Finegan Coru registered Dietitian BSc, MSc Dietetics.

Hazel possesses not just the academic knowledge of Dietetics but the practical experience too. Each person Hazel works with, is met with warmth and a person-centred approach. Having worked across various departments in Dietetics, including eating disorders and Gastroenterology (GI), she takes an evidence-based and human approach to help clients rebuild their relationship with food, easy GI issues and progress with their nutritional rehabilitation. Hazel has provided groups such as “myth busting”, DAFNE course (diabetes management) and provided support for students and other healthcare professionals in creating person-centred Dietetic care for clients.

Eve O’ Donnell BSc, MSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics Coru registered Dietitian

Eve has experience working across the HSE & NHS. Her experience of working with people who have an eating disorder spans from anorexia, binge eating disorder, ARFID & bulimia.

She ensures to maintain a non-judgemental and supportive approach, providing care that is client-centred and evidence-based. Previous experience working within an MDT enables Eve to appreciate co-ordinated client care and mutual understanding between the team to improve client care and outcomes. Eve has a genuine interest in working with people who have an eating disorder and within the team that helps support them.

Michael Metoudi, Coru registered Dietitian BSc, MSc.

Michael comes with a deep scientific and research background having worked at Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London and University College Dublin as Senior Research Assistant. Michael possesses great knowledge around the scientific rationale for the importance of human nutrition, functions and meal planning and has a friendly, approachable way in helping clients understand this. Michael has experience working with all types of eating disorders, especially clients with ARFID where he uses graduated exposure to foods amongst other techniques. Michael has also written Dietetic fact sheets for various organisations such as plant based and vegan groups.

Maria Cedullo, RND

Maria is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian with over 10 years of experience in clinical nutrition, preventive healthcare, therapeutic diet management and nutrition counselling. She is experienced in conducting nutrition assessments, developing

individualised nutrition care plans, and supporting clients with chronic disease management and lifestyle modification.

One of Maria’s goals in working Dietetically with clients is to promote positive health outcomes, she is committed to delivering evidence-based,

client-centred nutrition care through effective communication and a compassionate approach. Maria has a gentle approach while also considering best practice and evidence available.

Alice Richardson, Peer Support Worker level 8 DCU, expert by experience.

Alice is a full-time Peer Support Worker in NEDRC. Alice is the only full-time Peer Support Worker in Eating Disorders in Ireland. Alice is an Expert by Experience, completed a level 8 in Peer Support Working in DCU, a previous English Literature buff in Trinity College Dublin and completed multiple Continuous Professional Development courses. Alice has been with us since her student placement in 2022, onto full-time employment with us and now helps train and supervise our other student Peer Support Workers on placement with us. Alice’s insights into mental health experiences and in particular eating disorder, not only is gratefully received by our clients and family members but also the whole team. Alice is very positive for change in eating disorders, is proactive in putting her words into action, a true advocate and leader. Alice is a breath of fresh air, for her constructive, positive attitude, quick wit, caring nature and is a testament to the fact that RECOVERY REALLY IS POSSIBLE.

Nursing team

Our Clinical Nurse Manager & Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) are registered with the NMBI and hold BSc & MSc in Nursing/ mental health. Our Nursing team members have additional training and qualifications for example in CBT, DBT, SSCM, MANTRA, CRT, CREST, CBT-E, CFT- ED and communications with neurodivergent people.

Health Care Assistants

Our HCAs come from a background in medicine having been registered as Doctors or Nurses in their native countries. Our HCAs receive further training in mental health, specifically in eating disorders to help offer day to day support to the team and clients alike.

Chef

Our fabulous chef initially started out working in 5* hotels to ourselves in NEDRC for the last number of years. He has a strong interest in health, fitness and nutrition and works very closely with our Dietetics team. He also participates in cooking groups with our clients and Dietitians and teaches culinary skills and appreciation for food, cooking and baking. He also provides a fantastic music playlist in the kitchen.

Irish Medical Council - Eating Disorder Treatment

Start your recovery journey today

Give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Phone: 01 564 4450 / 087 7755996