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
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
Niall Murphy, Assistant Director of Services
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.

Start your recovery journey today
Give us a call to schedule an appointment.
Phone: 01 564 4450 / 087 7755996















