Committee

Chair - Rowena Kelly

I am truly honoured to take on the role of Chair for the South East Branch. I have been involved with the branch since the very start of my dietetic career, beginning as a student member. During my studies, I had the privilege of serving as the social media officer. This role provided me with many opportunities to connect with dietitians across the region and to develop valuable professional skills. Later, I was fortunate to serve as Vice-Chair, working closely with the inspiring former Chair, Natasha Guildford, whose guidance and leadership have been crucial to my professional development.

I recently graduated from the University of Winchester and have now started my role as a Band 5 Dietitian at Portsmouth Hospital. In addition, I am developing my skills in paediatrics with the aim of providing cover for paediatric leave in the near future.

Being part of the South East Branch has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Our committee is filled with passionate, dedicated, and supportive professionals who are committed to advancing our branch and creating meaningful opportunities for our members. We’re always eager to welcome new members and collaborators, so if you’re interested in getting involved or learning more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Secretary - Vacancy

 Treasurer - Abigail Jenkinson

Abi graduated from the University of Surrey and currently works as a Rotational Paediatric Dietitian at University Hospital Southampton. She previously worked as a Band 5 Rotational Dietitian at the same Trust where she gained experience in Stroke, Prescribing Support and Home Enteral Nutrition. Abi joined the committee as a Student Member and became the Treasurer on this committee in 2023.

Events Officer - Tia Harik

Tia is currently work as a Community Dietitian at Kent Community Health NHS. She supports adults across a range of settings to improve their nutritional status. She also hold a Master’s in Public Health which deepened her interest in community and preventive health. Since moving to Kent, she joined the local BDA branch to connect with colleagues and now as a member of the committee, she wants to contribute to the dietetics profession in the South East.

Ordinary Member - Kerry Smith

Kerry is currently the Head of Service for an Intergrated Musculoskeletal Serrvice. Her previous specialist area was critical care.

Sponsorship Officer - Claire Rush

Claire is a renal dietitian at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She has worked in forensic mental healh and has a background in leading catering team, as well as managing health and fitness businesses focused on nutrition and wellbeing. Claire is passionate about fostering supportive partnerships and contributing to the overall South East BDA vision to support our members through networking and event opportunities. 

Web Editor - Rose Milner

Rose is a graduate from Plymouth University and currently works as an adult cystic fibrosis dietitian and student training lead for Oxford University Hopsitals NHS Foundation Trust. She also has a background in renal dietetics. She has an interest in digital innovation within dietetics and use of technologies to support dietetic care. 

We always welcome new committee members and we are always looking to recruit! If you are interested in finding out more, please email [email protected] or look at the Volunteering opportunities - British Dietetic Association (BDA) page.

We currently have vacancies for the following positions:

• Vice Chair

• Secretary

• Resources Officer

• Social Media Officer

• Student Members