We are pleased to introduce our Panel of Experts. These are all people who are specialists in their fields and are also parents who can offer reliable parenting advice- so they know what it's like at the coal face! We have chosen them for their specialist knowledge as well as their personalities - they are all fun, positive people with whom it is a pleasure to spend time.
Please find their profiles below. We're sure you'll find it useful to get to know the people behind these regular columns.
Diane Levy - Super Granny
Diane is a well-known Family Therapist, counsellor, parenting coach and speaker. She has a private practice in Auckland and is the proud mother of three children, mother-in-law of one and grandmother of two.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Diploma in Secondary Teaching, is a member of the New Zealand Association of Counselors (MNZAC) and has been counseling for almost thirty years. She considers that her best qualification – and hardest to get – has been the raising of three children to independent adulthood.
Diane is an accomplished author and has published two highly successful books - Of Course I Love You...NOW GO TO YOUR ROOM which is listed as a Best-Seller, and They Look so Lovely When They're Asleep. Diane is also a prolific article-writer and has been published in the East and Bays Courier, Essentially Food, Littlies, the New Zealand Herald and Parenting with Confidence.
In recent times Diane has become a TV celebrity, through fronting the TV3 series Demons to Darlings. In this programme Diane took on the role of "super granny' and helped many parents to win back control of their wayward children.
Diane is also in demand as a guest speaker, and frequently addresses Kindergartens, Primary and Secondary Schools, Plunket groups and other parenting organisations, as well as providing Professional Development for teachers and counselors. Above all, Diane is passionate about helping parents in the task of raising their children.
Diane has a delightful way of imparting wisdom through wit - so we are sure you will enjoy reading her monthly column as much as we do.
Fiona Boyle - Nutritionist and Dietitian
Fiona Boyle is a registered dietitian with 18 years experience in both hospital and private practice settings. After 11 years as a clinical dietitian at Tauranga Hospital Fiona established a successful private practice, working from her home in Mount Maunganui.
She is a frequent guest speaker and writes a fortnightly column for the Bay of Plenty Times, raising public awareness of nutritional issues.
Fiona has two young children and strongly believes that parents have a responsibility to give their children the best start in life – and healthy food choices are a vital part of ensuring our children have a healthy future.
As a parent Fiona fully understands that children constantly pester for treat foods. Getting the balance right between healthy choices and treats needs to start early. Her philosophy is that while food is essential to sustain life, it must be enjoyable. If managed well, feelings of guilt should not be associated with food and eating.
Positive and effective food messages need to start at an early age and as parents we have a vital role in shaping our children’s attitudes to food and body image.
Fiona's column will provide invaluable assistance to parents wanting to ensure that their children have a balanced diet and grow into healthy adults.