Anke Koelman was born in the Netherlands, where she graduated with a Doctorandus degree (Drs) from the University of Leyden in Biochemistry and Mathematics. She taught Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry at universities in the USA and UK before coming to Australia in 1984.
In 1985, her third child, Friso, was born with a severe brain injury. To help him improve, Anke learned many behavioural techniques such as kinesiology, Brain Gym® and Neuro-Organisation Technique. Friso also suffered from recurrent bronchitis, which led Anke on a journey that involved studying naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, homoeopathy and a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences specialising in Nutrition Medicine and more recently the Biomedical approach to autism and chronic diseases.
Anke now specialises in autism spectrum disorders and other gut-related diseases and works in her private practice with children and adults. She also teaches professional development courses for teachers and early childhood educators.