Body Somatic Therapy is a form of Structural Integration / Structural Bodywork developed by Hellerworker Carmelita Beets of Kansas City MO, USA. Drawing from both the ideas of Ida Rolf and direct myofascial release to realign the body, and energy flow patterns found in Asian forms of bodywork, it also incorporates a recognition that deep seated emotions and attitudes are frequently a contributing factor to fascial restrictions and holding patterns.

Yoga Tune Up® is a functional approach to yoga and fitness developed by Jill Miller. I was drawn to study YTU® after experiencing a variety of yoga related injuries early on in my yoga journey. YTU® differs from many popular styles of yoga because it is a way of working with the body using integrated embodied anatomy. In many forms of yoga, the goal is in part to make your body into a certain shape (a yoga pose) to receive the supposed physical benefits of that shape. YTU® however focuses on breaking down the nuts and bolts of human movement using anatomical awareness, so that you better understand your body's architecture. It helps to reduce or eliminate pain, improve posture and increase performance. YTU® also emphasises conscious relaxation, and proper breathing techniques to help down-regulate and restore balance to your autonomic nervous system. Yoga Tune Up® intelligently guides you into how to care for and maintain your body and mind.

Core Strength Vinyasa is a perspective on yoga developed by Sadie Nardini. It incorporates the anatomy teaching and insights of Leslie Kaminoff founder of The Breathing Project and co-author of Yoga Anatomy. It also builds on the insights of Tom Myers and the Myofascial Meridian Lines explained in his book Anatomy Trains. All poses are built from the ground-up using the principles of setting your foundation, integrating the core myofascial structures of the body, and finally adding appropriate pose expression. CSV also has as its central tenant, that "the guru (teacher) is within you", that is, listen to your own truth and let that guide you in how you live your life rather than the opinions of others.

In 2008 I had the privilege of completing a Vinyasa style 200 hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training with Rolf Gates, author of the highly acclaimed Meditations from the Mat. Rolf's calm, kind, thoughtful, and reassuring presence taught me a lot about how a yoga teacher ought to be, as much as the coursework laid the foundation for teaching yoga. I will be forever grateful I had the chance to study with Rolf. Years of teaching and additional studies later I am now registered as an Experienced RYT200.

Thai Massage (often simply known as "The Ancient Massage") is the traditional style of bodywork practiced in Thailand which originated in India 2500 years ago. There are two styles of Thai Massage, the Northern "Nuad Bo-Rarn" stretching style which resembles passive yoga poses, and the Southern deep tissue "Jap Sen" style which incorporates deep pressure thumb work and herbal compresses. I certified in both forms under Janice Gagnon founder of the Spirit Winds School of Thai Massage in CA, USA, a sister school to the each of The Institute of Thai Massage and Lek Chaiya Nerve Touch Herbal Massage schools based in Thailand.

Kahuna Lomi Lomi is a magical style of Hawaiian bodywork that incorporates long flowing forearm, arm, and elbow strokes that squeeze the underlying tissues (improving circulation and lymph movement), passive joint movements that help restore range of motion, and the active use of mana (Hawaiian term for life-force energy). It can be deeply relaxing and powerfully transforming. I studied Kahuna bodywork (Levels 1-5) with Mette Sorensen at the High Spirits Retreat centre, and took an intermediate level training with Penny Prior of Hawaii. View a demonstration of Kahuna Lomi Lomi.

Heartworks Lomi Lomi is a traditional family style of Hawaiian massage which is deeply calming. Using long flowing hand strokes that travel from foot to head and head to foot, it resembles waves on the beach washing up and over your body. The highly rhythmical nature of this style of massage works to elicit a profound relaxation response that soothes on every level. I had the privilege of learning this style of massage from Mette Sorensen.

In June 1997 I graduated from Om Shanti College of Tactile Therapies with a Certificate in Massage Therapy. Subjects covered included Swedish Massage, Therapeutic Massage, and Remedial Massage. During my training I also took additional studies in Pregnancy Massage, Lymphatic Drainage and Scar Tissue Softening with Marci Javril, Myofascial Release with Michael Stanborough, Sports Massage with Jim Walsh, and Chair Massage with Charles Carceller founder of Massage Australia. I have worked therapeutically with and greatly assisted literally thousands of people for over 18 years.

Though not of much practical use today, the BSc in Pure Mathematics and Computer Science I obtained from the University of Adelaide in 1982 did provide me with a foundation to be able to build and maintain my own website, and produce simple promotional materials. :)

I have also completed hundreds of hours of additional studies for which no formal certification was given. These include:
Maintaining Your Body with Dr Kelley Starrett;
Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby with Jill Miller;
Fascia in Movement with Tom Myers;
BodyReading: Visual Assessment with Tom Myers;
Easing the Neck with Tom Myers;
Opening the Breath with Tom Myers;
Anatomy Trains with Tom Myers;
Myoskeletal Therapy with Erik Dalton;
Advanced Myofascial Techniques with Til Luchau;
Aligned and Well and Alignment Snacks with Katy Bowman MS;
Anatomy in Clay with Laura Antelme;
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training Level 1 with Bhavani Maki;
Yoga Teacher's workshop with Aadil Palkhivala;
Yoga Teacher's workshop with Judith Lasater;
Yoga Teacher's workshop with Max Strom;
Yoga Anatomy workshops with Paul Grilley;
plus many shorter yoga workshops with other high profile USA teachers.

I am currently completing a Certificate III in Fitness with the YMCA, Yoga Anatomy training with Leslie Kaminoff, and Everybody Biomechanics Course with Katy Bowman MS.

I am a forever student! :)