The Holistic Performance Institute
Leaders in holistic, evidence-based nutrition and health education
The Holistic Performance Institute was founded in 2012 by Dr Cliff Harvey. The Institute's foundations stretch back to the Carb-Appropriate concepts pioneered by him in the 1990s and developed since then to provide clarity to the low fat vs low carb debate. From that time Dr Harvey became involved in clinical practice and increasingly educating others through workshops, seminars, and as a lecturer at prominent colleges and Universities.
The Institute was founded to provide a legitimate avenue for evidence-based online nutrition education leading to accreditation and registration opportunities and allowing graduates to work as safe, effective, and credible practitioners.
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, the Institute now serves students and members around the globe.
Our people
Founder & CEO/Senior Lecturer
Dr Cliff Harvey
Cliff Harvey PhD, DipFit, DipNat, is a nutritionist, naturopath, author, life and purpose coach, and researcher.
In over two decades of practice, he has helped thousands of people to achieve their goals, from those who are chronically and acutely unwell, through to elite-level athletes, and ‘elite-attitude’ business people and entrepreneurs.
He is an active researcher and is known for performing foundational research on keto-flu, ketogenic supplements, and 'carbohydrate tolerance' between individuals.
Cliff is a best-selling author of several books and is a former world champion strength athlete and competitive submission wrestler.
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In over two decades of practice, he has helped thousands of people to achieve their goals, from those who are chronically and acutely unwell, through to elite-level athletes, and ‘elite-attitude’ business people and entrepreneurs.
He is an active researcher and is known for performing foundational research on keto-flu, ketogenic supplements, and 'carbohydrate tolerance' between individuals.
Cliff is a best-selling author of several books and is a former world champion strength athlete and competitive submission wrestler.
Members Support/Lecturer/Tutor [Health Science & Clinical Nutrition]
Ashley Greaves
Ashley Greaves BA, MSc, CNS is a licensed dietitian nutritionist in the US and holds a master's degree in clinical nutrition. Ashley is our member support guru and clinical nutrition specialist.
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Marketing & Content Manager/Nutritionist
Bella Marinkovich
Bella Marinkovich DipNut is a clinical nutritionist and designer. Bella is the content and marketing manager for the Holistic Performance Institute.
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Senior Lecturer [Research Methods & Strength/Body Composition Nutrition]
Dr Eric Helms
Eric Helms MSc, PhD, CSCS is a coach, athlete, author, and educator. He earned pro status as a natural bodybuilder with the PNBA in 2011 and competes with the IPF at international level events as an unequipped powerlifter. Eric has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in exercise science and nutrition journals and writes for commercial fitness publications. He is also a research fellow at Auckland University of Technology.
Senior Lecturer [Nutrition & Women's Health]
Dr Mikki Williden
Mikki Williden BSc, BPhysEd, PhD is a registered nutritionist with postgraduate degrees in nutrition and public health, and a physical education degree. She is a leader in women's health & wholefood nutrition, with a clinical focus on metabolic health and performance. Mikki is a former researcher and senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology and is currently a senior lecturer at Unitec.
Senior Lecturer [Pathophysiology]
Dr Sridhar Maddela
Sridhar Maddela BNat, MHSc, PhD(c), PGDipYoga, DipPhysio is an educator and researcher and a former registered medical doctor in India. Sridhar teaches our course in pathophysiology.
Associate Lecturer [Health Coaching]
Michelle Yandle
Michelle Yandle BEd, HPN1, is a certified Holistic and Performance Nutrition Coach, educator and entrepreneur. She has written books, inspired audiences around the world; regularly presented on television and radio, working with household name nutrition brands, and her health advice has been featured in the pages of a number of high profile publications.
Initially trained as a school teacher, Michelle discovered the benefits of healthy eating based on traditional nutritional principles, and has built a new career through passionately and authentically sharing what she has learnt about ‘empowered eating.’
Michelle's nutrition company - Michelle Yandle Nutrition has helped hundreds of people regain their health without rules, strict exercise regiments or deprivation of any kind.
Lecturer [Advanced Micronutrition]
Kirsten Beynon
Kirsten Beynon BSc, MSc, DipNut has many years of experience in the medical field, and a broad and deep knowledge of medications and complex medical conditions that she applies in her practice of nutrition.
Kirsten has an interest in all aspects of nutrition: weight loss, nutrition for specific health conditions and nutrition for all life stages.
She holds a BSc (Honours) in Biomedical Sciences, a Master's degree in Toxicology and a Diploma in Nutrition. These complement each other to provide great background knowledge of health and nutrition along with strong research and problem solving skills.
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Associate Lecturer [Anatomy & Physiology]
Carolyn Arthur
BSc, Grad.Cert.Tchg, Cert.Bus, PTC
Carolyn holds degrees in science and certifications in teaching, personal training, and business. She is a former tutor of anatomy and physiology at AUT University and is a world championship level triathlete.
Carolyn holds degrees in science and certifications in teaching, personal training, and business. She is a former tutor of anatomy and physiology at AUT University and is a world championship level triathlete.
Lecturer [Exercise Physiology/Strength & Conditioning]
Darren Ellis
Darren Ellis MSc has spent years researching and experimenting to find the most effective way to better health, performance and fitness. His aim is to show that even though there are no quick-fixes and shortcuts with exercise, it can still be achievable and fun with good coaching and peer support! Darren's specialties include; fitness, sport, fat-loss, and longevity - 'real-world, no bull nutrition'.
Advisor/Chef [Food, Nutrition, & Life Coaching]
Scott Gooding
Scott Gooding BA (Hons) is an Australian chef and thought leader, encouraging and inspiring people to cook real food at home for them and their loved ones. Scott breaks down the barriers to cooking healthy food with his simple, affordable, nourishing recipes. He’s a big proponent of a higher fat, low carbohydrate protocol and hopes to contribute to changing the current food landscape, in the name of optimal health for his followers and his sons. Scott has published 8 health books, is the curator of The Good Place and is the founder of Reconditioned Me, his online health program.
Ambassadors
Ambassador-Athlete
Maia Broughton
Maia is a sprinter representing Aotearoa New Zealand. She has been sprinting from the age of 10 and is the current U20 New Zealand 200m champion as well as holding multiple previous year national titles. Maia lives and trains in Christchurch, representing Canterbury at the national events. Maia’s passion has always been for sprinting and she is aiming to break some of the New Zealand records in the upcoming season.
"Nutrition has always been a passion of mine and I have learnt how important it is as an athlete to fuel your body. Studying holistic nutrition is my dream and I'm so excited to apply the knowledge I am going to learn into my career and to help others in the future. I believe this course is going to set me up for success in the upcoming years."