Nadia van Dyk

With over a decade of experience in therapeutic nutrition, Nadia specializes in disease-specific dietary management, with a particular focus on critical care, post-operative surgical nutrition, and renal dietetics. Her experience in these high-care environments strengthened her expertise in enteral and parenteral nutrition, ensuring optimal nutritional support for patients in complex medical conditions.

Seeking to expand her impact in clinical dietetics, Nadia founded Somerset Dietitians, where she is committed to a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. She provides specialized dietetic services to inpatients at Vergelegen MediClinic, working closely with medical teams in the ICU, surgical, and medical wards to optimize patient recovery and well-being through tailored nutritional interventions. 

Beyond her professional work, Nadia is a devoted mother of two, which has further deepened her interest in maternal and infant nutrition. She is particularly passionate about breastfeeding and has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of pediatric nutrition, including managing picky eating. This personal perspective allows her to connect with and support parents facing similar challenges, reinforcing her holistic approach to nutrition and well-being.

Christy Smit

Christy is a passionate dietitian with a warm, empathetic approach, dedicated to empowering others to sustainably live healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives.
With extensive experience, Christy supports individuals in managing lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes and heart health, as well as emotional eating, weight management, and gut issues. She believes that health goes beyond just what’s on your plate — understanding the physical, emotional, and social dynamics at play is key to lasting well-being.
Outside of work, you'll find Christy staying active, enjoying the outdoors, or in the kitchen experimenting or expressing her love through cooking.
Her approach is rooted in genuine compassion, always tailoring her care to meet each person’s unique needs and lifestyle.
Christy’s philosophy is simple:
“Respect your body, joyfully nourish it, and live life fully & impactfully.”

Mignon van der Merwe

Mignon van der Merwe completed her degree in dietetics from the University of Cape Town in 2010 and she has dedicated most of her career to paediatric dietetics. 

Recognizing the crucial role of early nutrition in long-term health, she places a particular emphasis on supporting parents in feeding their children optimally within their unique home situation. As a mother herself, Mignon empathizes with the fears and uncertainties parents encounter and has a very realistic approach. She has a passion for working with premature infants, whom she regards as little heroes facing unique challenges. 

Mignon is guided by the words of C.S. Lewis: "Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”

Marieke Reitz

Marieke is a registered dietitian who provides empathy, warmth, and sincerity towards her patients. 

Marieke has a particular interest in lactation and breastfeeding and is currently pursuing the South African Certified Lactation Consultant course. She finds great fulfillment in both the clinical (hospital) aspect of dietetics, as well as assisting patients with chronic lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes. Additionally, oncology nutrition is an area that deeply interests her.

Her passion for people, food, eating, and an active lifestyle enables her to motivate her patients to change their behavior around food and make healthy lifestyle changes. She uses evidence-based nutrition and strives to make healthy eating practical and sustainable.​

Marieke truly believes in the saying that you must nourish to flourish. Without nourishing ingredients such as healthy food, exercise, sleep, stress management, and support, one cannot be the best version of oneself.

Irma O'Kennedy

Upon visiting our practice, you'll be warmly greeted by Irma, our incredible secretary. As the first face you'll meet, Irma sets the tone for a welcoming and professional experience. Behind the scenes, Irma expertly juggles multiple tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of our practice. Her exceptional organizational skills, kindness, and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of our team.

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When she is not keeping our practice running smoothly, Irma enjoys expressing her creativity through painting. She also cherishes time spent with loved ones, especially her grandson.