Meet the iMoo panel

We've been busy assembling a panel of top professionals to join the iMoo team. Experts in their fields (only the best for iMoo), our panel will share their insights, tips and techniques and even solve some of those tricky parenting dilemmas. You know the sort: My son insists on wearing my stillettos to play school/ My daughter will only eat pink food this week. (Incidentally, beetroot salad usually cures this affectation).

Dr.William Sears, Paediatrician

iMoo's resident paediatrician and author is Dr. William Sears.  Dr. Sears, or Dr. Bill as his "little patients" call him, is the father of eight children as well as the author of over 30 books on childcare. Dr. Bill is an Associate Clinical Professor of Paediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. He trained at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto - the largest children’s hospital in the world, where he served as associate ward chief of the newborn nursery and associate professor of paediatrics. Dr. Bill is a fellow of the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and a fellow of the Royal College of Paediatricians (RCP).

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David Coleman, Psychologist

iMoo's child psychologist is David Coleman, a clinical psychologist and presenter of the critically acclaimed 'Families in Trouble' on RTE and author of 'Parenting is Child's Play' (Penguin, 2007), an essential guide to the first six years of parenting.  David works with children, teenagers and their families helping those who experience a range of emotional or behavioural difficulties.  As well as doing direct therapy, he gives guidance and supervision to others working with children and teenagers.  A graduate of University College Dublin, David went on to complete both of his postgraduate degrees there also. David gives lectures and workshops around the country on a wide range of topics such as parenting, bullying, communicating with children and dealing with challenging behaviour.  You can find out more about David's work at www.davidcoleman.ie.

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Tracy Donegan, Childbirth Expert

iMoo's resident childbirth expert, Tracy Donegan will offer invaluable advice on fertility, pregnancy and birth. Tracy is a certified Doula (trained birth companion), Doula Trainer and Hypnotherapist specialising in hypnosis for childbirth and fertility. Passionate about birth and its effects on both mother and newborn, she believes that having a baby should be one of the most natural, dignified and fulfilling experiences life can offer. Originally from Dublin, Tracy spent twelve years in the United States and Asia and established Ireland's first doula service on her return in 2005. The following year, she published her groundbreaking guide to maternity services in Ireland, The Better Birth Book which was recommended by Dr. Michel Odent. Tracy is chairperson of consumer group, Birth Matters and also runs the Irish chapter of International Caesarean Awareness Network. She is also mum to four year old Jack. Learn more about Tracy at www.doulaireland.com.

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Siobhan Julian, Nutritionist

iMoo's resident Nutritionist, Siobhan Julian is passionate about good food and believes that healthy eating transforms lives. A native of Tipperary, Siobhan comes from a farming background. Growing up on a dairy farm, she witnessed her father feed Glenisk yogurt to the calves to promote healthy digestion and prevent stomach complaints. A lifelong interest in nutrition and probiotics was born!  Siobhan is a member of the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI) and served as the institute's president for two years. A graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, Siobhan began her career working with patients in St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. She then spent several years as a nutritionist in the food industry but returned to her first love, patient care, in 1999. She is now the Dietician Manager at Wexford General Hospital. Siobhan also runs her own nutrition consultation service in Wexford.

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Ben Whelan, Director, Cultivate

iMoo's very own Eco Daddy, Ben Whelan is our resident Green Parenting expert. Ben is the director of Cultivate, the exciting living and learning centre that aims to provide solutions to the issues of peak oil and climate change and inspire individuals to explore ways to live in a more sustainable and balanced way. From recycling and composting to kicking all those energy-guzzling habits, Ben has smart, easy-to-integrate ideas to help you do the green parent thing and make saving the planet fun for your kids. Ben is a father of two daughters, Sophia and Zoe. Find out more about Cultivate, their workshops, education programmes, store and events at www.cultivate.ie.

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