About me
I began studying yoga aged 20 in Australia, where my first teacher showed me the wonderful power that belongs to all of us, just for the fact that we are alive, whatever state our body may be in. I fulfilled a long-held desire to become a yoga teacher at the Arhanta Yoga Ashram in Madhya Pradesh, India. This training was in the classical style which places great emphasis on relaxation and choosing the relaxation response over the stress response, and is particularly strengthening for the back as we move slowly with control into poses and hold them, also increasing our focus and concentration.
I have worked with children of all ages as a summer camp leader in Italy and the UK and also as an English teacher in Nepal and Australia. I like to use games, singing, theatre and a lot of laughter to inspire children to be themselves, to help others and to reach their potential in every way.
I have had specialist training with Uma Dinsmore-Tuli author of Mother's Breath and Teach Yourself Yoga for Pregnancy and Birth. Attending her graduates' pregnancy and mother and baby classes was inspiring and showed me that this was a path of yoga that I wanted to follow. This practice is also supported by my work in shiatsu massage for women's and infant's health.
I am a member of Yoga Alliance and I am insured.
I gained my diploma in Shiatsu Therapy at the Shiatsu School of W.A. in Fremantle, Western Australia where my core tutors were Michelle Locke and Casey Terry. Learning shiatsu was profoundly life changing for me, as I opened my mind to an Eastern perspective on philosophy and health. Using shiatsu techniques I have been able to manage some elements of my own health, including hayfever, menstrual issues and rehabilitation for a broken wrist and a running injury.
I am currently studying with Suzanne Yates, creator of Wellmother, to deepen my knowledge of shiatsu for women's health, including pregnancy and menopause.
I am a member of Shiatsu International and I am insured.
I trained in foot reflexology under Casey Terry in Perth, Western Australia and I am insured. My training was wonderfully life enhancing and I had some extraordinary experiences while receiving reflexology from fellow students which helped me realise the powerful relaxation and healing that this massage can bring. I practise reflexology on myself if I have put a lot of strain on my feet and to invigorate myself generally. I really enjoy seeing how instantly and completely a tense or tired person can relax with pressure on certain areas of the feet.
I have been practising meditation for 13 years and began while studying shiatsu massage, where meditation was an integral part of my training. I have been privileged to visit retreat centres for meditation and enjoyed the instruction of teachers from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, including mindfulness, visualisation, pranic healing and yoga. For me, mindful meditation is a way of life that helps me to be authentic, open-minded and empowered. At the moment I spend one afternoon per week in silent mindfulness.