In 1992 I moved to London, teaching in Primary Education, Tower Hamlets. I worked as a Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Teacher alongside a social worker using film to encourage integration and attendance in Secondary Education. I noticed another teacher practicing Yoga Nidra on the library floor and was curious about this practice. He invited me to join his public Yoga classes and I fell in love with Yoga, moving mindfully with the breath. I was a gymnast throughout my childhood, so reconnecting with somatic movement at 21 was a complete coming home to my body, heart and mind. I have been studying yoga and mindfulness for nearly 4 decades, my daily practice brings me great joy as I navigate life, parenting, creativity and moving into stillness. My love of mindfulness and yoga allowed me to leave primary teaching and embrace this life wholeheartedly. 

I have found that MBSR has offered many methods for supporting growth, leaning into discomfort, learning to breathe and feel, calming agitation, reduction in PTSD symptoms, increased resilience and opening to ease and happiness through mindful communication and stillness. I currently have a home Yoga studio, teaching 4 public Yoga classes each week. These classes support many past MBSR participants with ongoing yoga & mindfulness practice opportunities. I am also very grateful to host a fortnightly Insight Meditation Group, studying with many inspiring Buddhist Teachers online and creating a beautiful Sangha and practice community. 

Background 

• B. Ed, Cert IV Visual Arts
• ESL and Primary Teacher
• Cert IV Yoga Teacher Training,
• Senior Yoga Teacher, Yoga Australia (Restorative Yoga and Relax and Renew Teacher) 
• Senior Meditation Teacher, Meditation Australia,  
• MBSR Facilitator, MTIA Level 1, Openground 
• ACT Advanced Training

Specialisation 

I am very interested in the therapeutic effects of restorative yoga combined with MBSR to support PTSD, particularly frontline workers. I have been specialising with NSW Police in Private Practice since 2014. I feel very grateful to have witnessed the support MBSR has had on so many practitioners and to be able to facilitate this curriculum. Openground has been a wonderful support through peer supervision, retreats, training and resources to support this 8-week intervention. My qualifications in Restorative Yoga with Judith Lasater Hanson and her ongoing supervision informs my teaching. 

Teaching Philosophy 

I am committed to listening deeply and inviting curiosity through the experiential felt sense of the body, heart and mind. In many ways the bodily sensations can be the teacher. I also value how mindfulness be a part of everyday life through more presence with and immersion in nature. I endeavour to facilitate the development of patience and generosity as a focus for learning and growth through relationship.