About GI DREAM
We aim to empower patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to navigate the complexities of gastrointestinal health, creating a more informed global community
Our Mission
To aid the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal and hepatological disorders by advancing nutritional research, providing nutritional education and delivering strong advocacy for those living with gastrointestinal disorders
Our Vision
A world where all individuals living with gastrointestinal and hepatological disorders have access to evidence based nutritional education and therapy, towards a world where these disorders are prevented
GI DREAM Team
Dr Jessica Fitzpatrick - Co-Founder, Board member, CEO
Dr Jessica Fitzpatrick is an internationally recognised leader in gastrointestinal dietetics, dedicated to advancing global training for dietitians and ensuring equitable access to nutrition care for people with digestive diseases. She completed her PhD at Monash University on dietary emulsifiers in Crohn’s disease, earning the GESA Young Investigator Award and a Crohn’s & Colitis Australia PhD Scholarship. Jessica currently leads the dietetics service in the Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction clinic at Alfred Health and is an Adjunct Clinical Research Fellow at Monash University. With a strong track record in building multidisciplinary networks and driving change, she has also contributed to national and international guidelines for IBD, EoE, and gastroparesis.
Jessica founded DECCAN, a grassroots initiative that laid the foundation for what is now GI DREAM. With the visionary support of the Board, it evolved into a health promotion charity that Jessica now leads as CEO. In this role, she is responsible for guiding the organisation’s overall operations, strategy, and execution, translating the Board’s vision into actionable programs that support GI dietitians in delivering expert, evidence-based care for people with digestive health conditions.
Dr Alice Day - Co-Founder, Board member, Head of Mentoring
Dr Alice Day is an Advanced Gastroenterology Research Dietitian with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Translational Research Group at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) and Basil Hetzel Institute in Adelaide, South Australia, and holds an adjunct role as a Senior IBD Dietitian. She completed her PhD at the University of Adelaide, focusing on food-related quality of life and therapeutic dietary interventions for ulcerative colitis. Alice now co-leads the diet research stream within her team’s broader gut microbiome and microbial manipulation research program. She is recognised internationally for her expertise in ulcerative colitis, the gut microbiome, and the intersection of food and quality of life in chronic GI conditions. Alice is passionate about delivering high-quality nutrition education to patients and equipping the next generation of GI dietitians with practical, evidence-based skills. She sees mentoring as a powerful way to build confidence, capability, and leadership within the profession. She will lead GI DREAM’s mentoring program, a cornerstone of our mission to empower dietitians and improve digestive health outcomes.
Associate Professor Emma Halmos - Co-Founder, Board member, Head of Research
A/Prof Emma Halmos is an internationally recognised research dietitian at Monash University, Alfred Health, whose pioneering work has reshaped the global landscape of gastrointestinal nutrition for IBS, IBD and coeliac disease. Most notably, Emma led the landmark clinical trials that established the low FODMAP diet as a first-line therapy for IBS. Emma’s reputation is internationally renowned, presenting her work at several national and international conferences, including being the first dietitian invited to speak at the plenary at the ECCO (European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation). She also led the first international ECCO consensus guidelines for dietary management in IBD. A prolific researcher and highly cited author, she supervises multiple PhD students and plays a central role in mentoring emerging dietitian-researchers. Alongside research, Emma works clinically, translating research into practice. Emma will lead GI DREAM’s research programme, driving our mission to generate and share world-class evidence in gastrointestinal nutrition.
Sarah Melton - Co-Founder, Board member, Head of Communications & Engagement
Sarah Melton is a Senior Clinical Gastroenterology Dietitian and Research Dietitian with extensive experience in gastrointestinal nutrition. She is currently completing a PhD at Monash University investigating exclusive enteral nutrition in Crohn’s disease, supported by a Crohn’s & Colitis Australia PhD scholarship. Sarah has presented at national and international conferences and published her research in peer-reviewed journals. A skilled communicator and advocate, she is passionate about translating complex research into clear, practical advice. With a strong background in digital engagement, patient communication, and health literacy, Sarah leads GI DREAM’s vision to make evidence-based gastrointestinal nutrition education accessible, engaging and impactful for clinicians, patients and the broader community.
Dr Ray Boyapati - Medical Advisor
Dr Ray Boyapati is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and clinician-researcher at Monash Health and Monash University, specialising in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). His research investigates biomarkers, immune pathways, and therapeutic strategies in IBD, with a focus on non-invasive monitoring and improving patient outcomes. Ray holds a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in translational gastroenterology and is chair-elect of the IBD faculty of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia. As Medical Advisor to GI DREAM, he brings clinical and scientific leadership, helping to ensure the charity’s initiatives are aligned with best-practice, evidence-based gastroenterology. He is committed to advancing multidisciplinary, diet-inclusive care for people with complex digestive diseases.
Daniel Lightowler - Nursing Advisor
Daniel is a Clinical Nurse Consultant of Inflammatory Bowel Disease at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, NSW. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer of Internal Medicine at The University of Western Australia, and President of the Gastroenterological Nurses College of Australia. He currently leads the education program for the IBD Nurses Australia group and is an editorial board member for J-GENCA. Daniel has a background in medical education, with a Masters Degree in Health Professions Education and is currently undertaking his Masters of Nurse Practitioner. He actively participates in research, has published and presented nationally and internationally, is currently on the N-ECCO consensus statement review group and is an associate member of the ANZ IBD Consortium. Daniel was named a semi-finalist in the WA Young Achiever Awards in 2022 and has been inducted as Member of the Order of St John by the Governor General for his work in education and youth development in St John Ambulance Australia.
Sue Fitzpatrick - Treasurer and Secretary
Sue brings extensive experience in the food industry and business management to her role as Treasurer and Secretary of GI DREAM. With a strong background in commercial operations, consulting, and strategic planning, she has successfully managed budgets, led business development initiatives, and written successful tenders across the private sector. Sue is committed to strengthening GI DREAM’s foundation through effective governance and high-quality administrative support.
GI DREAM Strategic Plan
