Retreat Team

Andrea is a Registered Nurse and Bariatric Consultant who has been working within the field of Bariatric surgery for the past 24 years.

As Director of Tailor Clinics, TRIC Nutrition and Foundations of Healthy Living Retreats, her role is to oversee the integration of the entire bariatric team in Hamilton, as well as facilitate the team and the program at the retreats.

Sonia is a certified life coach specialising in empowering people to live their best lives as their best selves. She will be a coach and tour guide to help you discover your core values, purpose and passions and to identify and re-program self-limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging thoughts.

Sonia will help you to know you are worthy of your dreams and desires and create your plan to live them. She also has intimate knowledge of the bariatric surgery path being a bariatric patient herself, therefore understanding the 'lived' experience.

David Schroeder is a retired bariatric surgeon who performed weight loss surgery in the Waikato area for 30+ years and now spends his time educating and mentoring surgeons in New Zealand and Australia on both the bariatric surgical technique and the role of the brain in getting the best results after surgery.

David shares his learnings at the retreat through sessions on Mindfulness, Breathing, Meditation and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).

When MaryBeth is not facilitating at our retreats, she is working as a speech language therapist with adults and children who have brain injuries. Her experience and expertise in this area, and her understanding of the 'brain' and how it functions, influences and determines our behaviour, puts her in a fabulous position to support and encourage our participants/patients to utilise their mindset and succeed in their journey after surgery.

MaryBeth is also living the bariatric lifestyle and actively using the tools available in all areas of her life to maintain and enjoy her new self.

As a certified Health Coach, Jaala specialises in metabolic health and weight loss. Her story is one of empowerment, inspiration, and a commitment to helping others lead healthier, happier lives.

Professionally, she finds fulfillment in helping others achieve their health and wellness goals, making a positive impact on their lives.

Jaala helps participants at retreats to embark on a transformational journey starting with self awareness. self-love and self-care.

Sheryl is our patient support co-ordinator and passionate cook.

Sheryl’s warm and encouraging ‘camp mother’ qualities quickly builds a rapport with all participants and ensures everyone feels pampered and well supported throughout their time at the retreat.

Janna is a Certified Health Coach with a background in Medical Science and Nutrition. She has a passion for using lifestyle strategies to optimise mental and physical health.

When Janna is not at Retreat she is a mother of three young children, 2 dogs and 2 cats.

Janna has a passion for exercise and is also a bariatric patient living the bariatric lifestyle and utilising the Retreat tools in everyday life

Welcome to Lifestyle Lodge's therapy dog team! Meet our adorable miniature dachshunds, Andrea and David's beloved furry children. Our Therapy Dogs play an integral role in our retreats, providing unconditional support and comforting cuddles to our attendees.

With their gentle demeanor and intuitive understanding, they create an atmosphere of emotional solace and serenity, leaving pawprints on the hearts of everyone they meet.

These four-legged therapists will bring joy and healing to your experience at Lifestyle Lodge.