Speakers

🗓 Saturday June 7th

11:30 AM – Nicole Byrom, RD

Session Title: Celiac Confidence: How to Live Fully Without Gluten
About the Session:

  • Navigate everyday life with celiac disease

  • Tackle common challenges like cross-contamination, eating out, and traveling

  • Learn how healthcare professionals can support your journey
    About the Speaker:
    Nicole Byrom is a Registered Dietitian with 20+ years of experience. She is the founder of Fresh Start Nutrition and a contract dietitian for Celiac Canada. As a mother, wife, and daughter to individuals with celiac disease, Nicole brings both personal and professional insights to her work.

12:30 PM – Deanne

Session Title: Sourdough Starter & Basic White Loaf Demo
About the Session:

  • Learn how to make and maintain a gluten-free sourdough starter

  • Step-by-step demo on a basic white sourdough loaf
    About the Speaker:
    Deanne is the founder and baker behind Deanne’s Gluten-Free Kitchen in Nanoose Bay. Diagnosed with celiac disease over 25 years ago, she has dedicated her life to creating delicious gluten-free food. She will also be selling dried sourdough starter at the expo.

1:30 PM – Dr. Annemarie Rompca

Session Title: Medical Management of Celiac Disease in Children
About the Session:

  • Focus on the diagnosis and medical treatment of celiac disease in pediatric patients

  • Brief overview of the Celiac Disease Program at Seattle Children’s Hospital
    About the Speaker:
    Dr. Rompca is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Diagnosed with celiac disease herself in college, she has a deep personal and professional commitment to helping children manage GI conditions.

2:30 PM – Renée Chan, MS, RD, MBA (Session 1)

Session Title: The Importance of Protein and Fibre in Gluten-Free Cooking
About the Session:

  • Cooking demonstration featuring:

    • High-fibre gluten-free dumplings with a high-protein vegan filling

    • Gluten-free egg noodles with Dan Dan sauce
      About the Speaker:
      Renée Chan is a Registered Dietitian and founder of The Skript Kitchen and Ah Nui Asian Foods. She’s passionate about healthy, gluten-free Asian cuisine. Follow her on Instagram:
      @daysofrenee | @theskriptkitchen | @ahnuiasianfoods

🗓 Sunday June 8th

11:30 AM – Amy Chow, RD

Session Title: Helping Your Child Thrive on a Gluten-Free Diet
About the Session:

  • Learn how to support your child through a celiac diagnosis

  • Get practical tips to manage mealtime challenges

  • Discover a 5-step family adaptation approach to gluten-free living
    About the Speaker:
    Amy Chow is a Registered Dietitian and founder of BC Dietitians. With over 13 years of experience and a background in pediatric and allergy nutrition, she blends professional knowledge with personal insights as a mother to a spirited 9-year-old.

12:30 PM – Renée Chan, MS, RD, MBA (Session 2)

Session Title: Raising the Standard: Why Certified Gluten-Free Matters
About the Session:

  • Importance of third-party certification in gluten-free products

  • Personal and brand journey toward certified GF standards

  • Introduction to her new commissary kitchen in Olympic Village

  • Consumer research on certification, trust, and business growth
    About the Speaker:
    Renée is a food entrepreneur and dietitian with a deep focus on gluten-free food safety and business innovation.

1:30 PM – Karl & Sophia (Greater Than Gluten)

Session Title: Game-Changing Gluten-Free Bread for Everyone
About the Session:

  • Live demo of a revolutionary gluten-free bread mix

  • Easy to use—no baking skills required

  • Great taste, texture, and convenience
    About the Speakers:
    Karl and Sophia are co-founders of Greater Than Gluten. After Sophia’s celiac diagnosis, they launched their business to redefine what gluten-free bread can be—delicious, simple, and satisfying.

2:30 PM – Deanne (Encore Session)

Session Title: Sourdough Starter & Basic White Loaf Demo (Repeat)
About the Session:

  • For those who missed it Saturday—another chance to learn sourdough starter and white loaf making
    About the Speaker:
    Deanne’s Gluten-Free Kitchen returns with hands-on tips and dried starter available for purchase.