I was born and raised in America. Since my childhood, such creative expressions of; seeing, making, changing and experimenting with colour shape, texture and image have been helpful in working though the thoughts and emotions of my life.
My first academic degree was in Toy Design, where I first learnt theories of Developmental Psychology. While growing up, I was introduced to the practices of yoga by my grandmother who would take herself into headstand in order to “get a different perspective on life”. So while studying at university I chose to formally be introduced to the practices and signed up for Yoga101 as an additional class. It wouldn’t be until much later in life that I would see how these two different fields of study could come together.
My professional trainings
In 2003, I qualified as a Yoga Teacher from Integral Yoga NYC.
The IYI training is Yoga Alliance–registered (RYT) 200-hour includes the eight limbs of yoga philosophy as well as the physical practices.
As a yoga teacher, I worked in the NJ / NYC area until relocating to the UK in 2004.
In 2004 I relocated to the UK .
I qualified as an MA Art Psychotherapist from Goldsmiths University.
I have worked as an Art Therapist in several different settings in various London boroughs including; in primary schools, in the NHS services for adults with learning disabilities and in women’s aid organisations. As an Art Psychotherapist I am registered with the British Association of Art Therapists and the Health Professions Council.
In 2013 I completed a 500 hrs Yoga Therapist training with the Minded Institute specialising in the neuroscience of yoga as it applies to mental health conditions.
I teach yoga and meditation both privately and in NHS mental hospitals in the greater London area.
The way I work.
While I hold faith in all the modalities I have studied and I believe talking therapy and art making can greatly help clients who suffer, mindfulness and yoga practices are also powerful tools that can be taught to clients for their own use as “on the spot treatment” for anxiety and depression. Additionally, I believe that every person, regardless of background, training or experience can also be helped by “having a go” with art materials to learn more about themselves and to process feelings that may not yet have been put to words.