A B O U T M E
"Full-hearted guide for life's big transitions - the beginning, the end, and the wild ride cradled in between"
Studying the work of physical and spiritual nurture has been my passion for the last 15 years, be it as a yoga teacher, birth worker or through palliative care. My journey on this path began with yoga and meditation. Deeply fascinated by the complex facets of the mind, consciousness and awareness, I always looked for ways to form a deeper understanding of this realm. Yoga was the perfect complement to my already existing meditation practice – it was the missing piece for me, as it not only presented healing and therapeutic effects on the mind, but it also nourished my body in such a physical way that I could sit more comfortably in meditation.
Keen to further my interest, I undertook a three-year university degree in Indian philosophy and Buddhism, where I delved deeper into the Yoga Sutras and Buddhist meditation. The more I studied, the more dedicated I became to my practice, and so I began my first yoga teacher training (with Yogacampus, UK) in 2008 and have been teaching in London and New York since. Since qualifying, I have completed over 600 hours of training in yoga and integrative therapy, studying with some of the world’s leading teachers (see below).
"Yoga is like music: the rhythme of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life" (B.K.S Iyengar)
After the birth of my first child, I became drawn to the work of supporting women during their pregnancy, labour and beyond. I am a qualified Doula (or birth companion), Childbirth Educator and pregnancy yoga teacher and it is an honour beyond measure to offer strength to women during this sacred time.
While living in New York, I trained as an Urban Zen Integrative Therapist. As an Integrative Therapist I am trained in the healing modalities of Yoga Therapy, Reiki, Essential Oil Therapy and end-of-life Contemplative Care, to address symptoms related to anxiety, depression, stress and illness. I offer this therapy to private clients and also in hospices to those coming to the end of their lives.
In birth work, yoga teaching, and end-of-life care, a woman is called to love, nurture, soothe frayed nerves, and encourage the steady progress of nature. I discovered firsthand that each builds upon the others and each has helped me to progress into full-hearted service. I'm committed to helping and assisting in all of life's different stages, from offering strength to labouring women and witnessing their babies’ first breaths, to holding compassionate space for someone during their last breaths. It is my greatest joy to share the knowledge I've acquired over the last 15 years of practice and study.
EXPERIENCES & CERTIFICATIONS
Newcastle University BA Honours - Indian Philosophy & Buddhism
Yogacampus (UK) 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga Shanti (NYC) 200 hour Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Training
Sarah Powers (France) 100 hour Yin Yoga & Buddhist Meditation TT
Rodney Yee, Colleen Saidman (NYC) 100 hour Advanced Yoga TT at Yoga Shanti
Jack Kornfield & Tara Brach The Power of Awareness Meditation Training
Judy Cameron (UK) Pregnancy Yoga TT with The British Wheel of Yoga
DONA International (NYC) Doula training with Debra Pascali-Bonaro
Dr Michel Odent (UK) Paramana Doula Training
Antenatal Wisdom Childbirth Education Teacher Training
Indie Birth Doula Academy Training
doTERRA Essential Oils Wellness Advocate
Reiki Institute, Dharamsala Reiki Level 1-3 & Master Level
Vipassana Meditation Numerous 10 day silent meditation retreats
in:spa & Destination Yoga Retreats Yoga Retreat Manager