Rhonda Grasby
Why Rhonda Chose This Path
Rhonda’s curiosity about food began in high school, sparked by her first home science class. She soon saw how biology and chemistry connect with nutrition. This led her to study nutrition at university.
Building a Strong Foundation
Rhonda earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) from the University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada. Later she undertook a hospital internship at Toronto teaching hospitals. Here she developed skills for supporting clients with practical, nutrition- focused strategies, to apply nutrition information in real-life settings.
Experience In Clinical Practice
Since moving to Wollongong, Rhonda has worked across major hospitals, supporting adults with a wide range of health conditions from diabetes, cardiovascular disease and digestive disorders, to complex cases in intensive care and surgical settings.
Through these experiences she gained a deeper understanding of how individual circumstances, preferences, and health needs shape nutrition care. They also reinforced the importance of combining scientific knowledge with empathy and clear communication.
Selected contributions include:
- Consulting for hospitals across the Illawarra and beyond, including for Blue Scope Steel
- Supporting departmental accreditation processes
- Providing interprofessional education for staff and students
- Awarded a University of Sydney fellowship for dietitian training contribution
- Acknowledged in Overcoming Eating Disorders - Steve Brigham for work with eating disorder clients
- Recognised multiple times across departments for dedication to client care and also nominated for Staff Member of the Month
Extending Care and Connection
Nutrition is more than the food we eat; the systems and support around it need to work effectively for people to get the best benefit. Throughout her career, Rhonda has focused on supporting people in ways that go beyond individual meals.
She initiated the first home enteral feeding program for patients requiring support at home. This supported earlier hospital discharge, access to more affordable supplies, and improved follow-up care. During Health Week, she partnered with Meals on Wheels to bring housebound clients together for shared meals. She also organised a focus group for carers to gather information that could help improve nutrition services.
This focus on caring for people also extended to the workplace. Rhonda initiated staff activities, including variety shows and themed luncheons. These lifted spirits and encouraged interdepartmental teamwork, strengthening service functions.
Over the years, Rhonda made guest appearances on local television and radio, wrote articles and was interviewed for newspapers, and acted as a guest speaker in the community.
Advancing Knowledge Through Continued Learning
- Bachelor of Applied Science (honours), University of Guelph
- Masters of Business Administration, University of Wollongong (research focused on the cost of malnutrition)
- FODMAP Training, Monash University
- Type 1 Diabetes Management, Dietitians Australia
- Whole Food Plant Based Diet Training, Cornell University
- Nutrigenomics - Nutrigenomic Institute
- HACCP Certification in Food Safety
- Anti-Ageing Medicine, A5M
- Whole Heart Masterclass Program - Advanced Practitioner Training, Dr Joel Khan
- GEMM Protocol (Gut Ecology & Metabolic Modulation) - Certified Practitioner, Cell Logic
- SIBO Training - The SIBO Doctor
- Advanced Microbiome Manipulation - Certified Analyst The Microbiome Restoration
Rhonda also maintains her expertise through research, webinars, workshops and conferences. She stays connected to emerging evidence in areas such as
- Diabetes
- Nutrigenomics
- Gut health
- Cardiovascular disease
- Women’s health