Welcome to High Country Nutrition and DieteticsAt High Country Nutrition and Dietetics, we believe that everyone deserves access to clear, evidence-based nutrition support. With over a decade of experience in nutrition and dietetics — both in Australia and abroad — our approach centres on partnership, understanding, and respect.You are the expert on your own body, and our role is to guide and support you on your journey toward better health. We work alongside you, your family, and your healthcare team to create a safe, nurturing space where you feel heard and empowered to make lasting, positive changes.
TEAM
Deanna Cook
Director
Adult and Paediatric Dietitian
Sports DietitianHi, I'm Deanna, Accredited Practising Dietitian and mum to three little ones. I have worked in nutrition and dietetics for over eleven years, both here in Australia, and overseas, in Canada.
I grew up in northwest Sydney and was introduced to the High Country during my university placement at Northeast Health Wangaratta. I loved the people, the place and the possibilities. From then, my dream was to live and work here.I began my career at Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, where I worked in community and hospital dietetics for a number of years. Seeking adventure, I set off to Canada where I worked as a community paediatric and maternal dietitian, whilst also providing dietetic cover across multiple hospitals in Calgary. I settled into a community dietitian role, seeing paediatric and adult patients for various nutrition concerns.I am passionate about paediatric nutrition, gut health and sports dietetics, and I have completed further education in these areas. I’m here to empower you with the skills and confidence to support you and your family to love food again. My approach will set you up for a future of eating that enables you to thrive.Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons), University of Sydney, 2012
- Bachelor of Applied Science, Exercise and Sports Science, University of Sydney, 2012
- Accredited Practising Dietitian, accredited with Dietitians Australia
- Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding-trained therapist
- FODMAP-trained dietitian, Monash University
- Certificate in Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
- Accredited Sports Dietitian
Brydie Pendergast
Adult and Paediatric DietitianI have completed a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science and a Master of Dietetics, both at Deakin University, finishing in 2021. I live locally with my partner and two Border Collies. When I'm not at work, you'll find me in the garden, creating, cooking or hiking.
Since leaving university, I have had the pleasure of working across a few different health settings, including inpatient hospital work, community heath, NDIS and private practice dietetics, and health promotion.In this time, I have built clinical experience and completed formal training in Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics, Responsive Feeding Therapy and Emotionally Aware Feeding (selective eating and ARFID support), Inclusive Approaches to Feeding Challenges in Neurodivergent Children, Eating Disorders, Home Enteral Nutrition (tube and PEG fed kids), Disability Nutrition, and Size-Inclusive Health.I have a strong interest in working with families to find creative solutions to nutrition concerns, and negotiating the grey area between evidence-based practice, meeting the child where they are at, and what works for your family. It requires a lot of listening and a good relationship between myself and the families I work with.I welcome referrals for an array of challenges we have with food, and can offer a judgement-free space to decipher what plan works best for each situation. I have good local and metro connections to work collaboratively with any multidisciplinary team. I am flexible in my work - I can see you in your home, or via telehealth.
Swaeden Knight
Adult and Aged Care DietitianHi, I'm Swaeds! I am an Accredited Practising Dietitian who is passionate about helping people feel more confident and comfortable with food. I believe nutrition should be practical, enjoyable, and tailored to each individual rather than based on strict rules or unrealistic expectations.
In my work, I support adult clients with a wide range of nutrition concerns, including chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease), digestive health and conditions that may benefit from a specialised diet such as kidney disease, unintentional weight loss or nutrition deficiencies, and most importantly focusing on building sustainable healthy eating habits.I take a compassionate and personalised approach, working closely with each client to understand their lifestyle, preferences, and goals. I understand that changing eating habits can feel overwhelming, so I focus on small, achievable steps that lead to lasting improvements in health and wellbeing.My goal is to create a supportive and non-judgemental space where clients feel comfortable asking questions and developing a healthier relationship with food. I am committed to providing evidence-based nutrition advice that works for you, and empowering people with the knowledge and tools they need to make confident choices about their health.Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, being outside in the sun, travelling, and keeping active through Pilates, running and walking my border collie, Aisha.I currently offer telehealth appointments. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your goals!Qualifications:
- Master of Dietetics, Deakin University 2023
- Bachelor of Health Science, Deakin University 2021
- Accredited Practising Dietitian, accredited with Dietitians Australia
Maddi Dalby
Adult and Paediatric DietitianHi, I'm Maddi, an Accredited Practising Dietitian passionate about helping people build a positive, sustainable relationship with food. I grew up in Wangaratta and am proud to be supporting individuals and families within the community that helped shape me. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, being a mad Western Bulldogs supporter and spending time with friends and family.
