MIF26 Thank You - Mindd Foundation

April 30 – May 2, 2026, Sydney

MINDD INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2026

Thank You, MIF26

A month later, and we’re still thinking about the conversations, connections, and learning that made MIF26 so special ✨

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the Mindd International Forum. From our speakers, partners, and volunteers to every practitioner, parent, and community member who attended—thank you for being part of something truly special.

The shared commitment to advancing brain and mental health through functional medicine made MIF26 an unforgettable experience. The warmth, generosity, and passion that filled every lecture, discussion, and conversation throughout the event are what made it so meaningful.

Thank you for being part of the Mindd community and helping make MIF26 such a memorable event. We hope you left feeling inspired, connected, and empowered—we certainly did.

Moments from MIF26

Three days of learning, connection, and community — in pictures.

What was your favourite moment?

What was your favourite moment or key takeaway from MIF26? We’d love to
hear from you — share it with us on social media.

Presenter: Jessie Johns, Nutrtionist

The Role of Histamine in Neuroinflammation, Mental Health, Spectrum and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Summary:

Histamine is a critical neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness, attention, appetite regulation, and immune signalling. However, when histamine regulation becomes impaired, it can contribute to neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and a wide range of mental health and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

This presentation explores histamine beyond its traditional role in allergic response, positioning it as an important but often overlooked driver of anxiety, mood instability, cognitive dysfunction, and neurodivergent presentations. Attendees will gain an understanding of histamine’s role within the central nervous system, including its influence on mast cell activation, the gut-brain axis, and key neurotransmitter pathways in relation to specific health presentations.

Using a functional medicine lens, this session will examine common contributors to histamine dysregulation such as impaired clearance pathways, nutrient insufficiencies, dysbiosis, oestrogen dominance, and genetic polymorphisms. Through case examples, a practical framework for assessment and evaluation will be discussed, alongside evidence-informed therapeutic strategies including dietary modifications, targeted nutritional and herbal support, microbiome modulation, nervous system regulation, circadian biology and more.

Attendees will learn how to recognise histamine-driven mental health presentations and apply targeted interventions to support those – whether it be their patients, themselves or their family members – with presentations including anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, PMDD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mood-related conditions.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the role of histamine as both a neurotransmitter and inflammatory mediator within the central nervous system
Identify clinical signs and symptom patterns suggestive of histamine intolerance or impaired histamine clearance
Explain how factors such as gut dysbiosis, mast cell activation, oestrogen dominance, nutrient insufficiencies, and genetic polymorphisms contribute to neuroinflammation and neuro-psychiatric presentations
Apply a functional medicine framework to evaluate and treat histamine-related mental health presentations
Implement practical, evidence-informed strategies including dietary, nutritional, microbiome, and nervous system interventions to support histamine balance in clinical practice

Dr. Erin Taylor Hann

Chiropractor

I’m Dr. Erin Taylor Hann, a chiropractor who believes in the power of connection — both with ourselves and the world around us. My journey began in a home where disconnection was the norm, and that’s what I see in many families today. Parents of neurodivergent kids often feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to support their child’s nervous system. I’ve been there myself, and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping parents understand the deeper reasons behind their child’s behaviors.

I’m not here to give you quick fixes — I’m here to give you the tools and understanding to create calm, connected spaces where your child can thrive. Through a combination of chiropractic care, functional neurology, and brain-body integration, I empower families to decode their child’s needs and unlock the potential for growth, connection, and healing.

I believe every child deserves to feel safe and understood, and that begins with us — their parents and caregivers. Together, we can create a foundation for growth that is built on safety, compassion, and connection. I’m here to help you feel confident, supported, and connected, so you can be the parent your child needs — even on the hard days.

Community Talk: Beyond Behavior: Understanding the Hidden Brain-Body Disconnect in Neurodivergent Children

Overview: In this talk, Dr Erin Taylor Hann (DC) will guide parents and the community to see challenging behaviours in a new light – not as defiance, but as communication from a nervous system seeking safety. Through the lens of brain development, primitive reflexes and connection. She’’ll share a powerful story of hope and healing, offering practical tools and heartfelt encouragement to support neurodivergent children with compassion, understanding and love

Practitioner Talk: The Hidden Link: Primitive Reflexes and Their Role in Behavioural Dysregulation.

In this talk, we will dive into how primitive reflexes, when not fully integrated, can underpin common challenges like meltdowns, lack of focus, and sensory issues in neurodivergent child. Ill explain how these reflexes shape the brain and body’s development and how approaches like the Mellilo Method can support better regulation and learning outcomes.