About us
To contact any committee member please use the group address [email protected]
Committee members
We are always keen to grow our committee :)
More about us
Chair - Annabelle Green
Hi everyone! I work as a dietitian at CNTW NHS Foundation Trust, specialising in Learning Disabilities. I’m passionate about reducing health inequalities and improving access to appropriate healthcare for people with learning disabilities. As chair of the Learning Disabilities sub-group, I’m excited to collaborate with members and drive progress in this specialist area of dietetics.
When I’m not working, you’ll either find me experimenting with a new baking recipe, with my head stuck in a book, or swimming in a lake!
Treasurer - Holly Shotton
I qualified as a dietitian in 1997 and first began working with the Learning disability population within my job as a HEF dietitian. I changed jobs 5 years ago to become more specialised as a LD dietitian working within a community LD MDT in Shropshire. This role sparked my enthusiasm and passion for supporting these service users and led me to be involved in the inauguration of the BDA LD committee and sub-group.
Outside of work, I love to travel. I also enjoy gardening, growing vegetables and walking my 2 whippets.
Vice Chair - Noor Al-Refae
I am a Strategic Learning Disabilities Dietitian at Leicestershire Partnership Trust, where I focus on nutrition and its impact on the health of people with learning disabilities across the county. My professional interests include physical activity and its role in health for individuals with learning disabilities, which I integrate into a range of projects and initiatives.
Outside of work, I enjoy weightlifting and challenging myself by undertaking practical courses such as tiling, plastering, and plumbing.
Research Officer - Irem Deniz
Hi everyone! I’m the Research Officer for the BDA Learning Disabilities sub-group and a Community Learning Disabilities Dietitian based in London. I’m really passionate about research (even if it can seem a little dry to some!) and enjoy using evidence to make a real difference in dietetic care for people with learning disabilities.
If I could switch jobs for a day: I’d be a science journalist, turning complex research into something easy and fun to read. It’s actually a bit like the Journal Club we started, now that I think about it!
Resource Officer - Victoria Dagnan
I currently work within Primary Care as a PCN Dietitian with a passion for preventative dietary support, especially for those at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and risks associated with obesity.
My favourite part of the job is supporting patients with a learning disability and their carers following their annual health check, to understand and manage their diet related risks and conditions.
I enjoy being part of the Learning Disabilities BDA Sub Group committee as everybody is so committed to highlighting the work of Learning Disabilities Dietitians and, improving awareness and education to all Dietitians in order to make services as accessible across the breadth of our work.
I can be found cooking, reading and dancing to drum and bass in my spare time!
Social Media Officer - Jessica Lockley
I am the Clinical Lead Learning Disabilities Dietitian at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. I am passionate about reducing health inequalities and providing holistic care - which is why I chose to work in learning disabilities! I volunteer for the LD sub group as I want to help raise awareness of the specialism and help to build knowledge and skills amongst the dietetic workforce.
I love to exercise to help me switch off outside of work - either by running or lifting weights in the gym!
Education Officer - Rachael Colley
Hi everyone! I’m currently working as a Freelance Dietitian after working for 23 years in the NHS – including many years as a Learning Disabilities Dietitian.
I’m passionate about training and supporting Dietitians across the UK so that they can “hit the ground running” when new to this specialist area of dietetics. I really enjoy working with, and learning from, the other members of our committee as we work to make this a reality.
When I’m not working you will find me socialising with friends and family or watching athletics on the TV and snuggling up with one of our three dogs!