Hello &  Welcome to my online home. I wish this space to be a source of inspiration for all of us. Let’s take a breath and explore.

So nice to meet you.

It is precisely our plasticity, our long childhood, that prevents a slavish adherence to genetically preprogrammed behaviour in human beings more than in any other species… Some substantial adjustment of the relative role of each component of the triune brain is well within our powers.

Carl Sagan

COSMOLOGIST . AUTHOR

Services
Yoga & Creative Connections

Science tells us that yoga has a proven effect on improving concentration, discipline and focus by increasing the attention span, memory and retention of information. It provides us with a set of tools to cope and an opportunity for introspection and reflection. Yoga also stimulates both sides of the brain which balances the cognitive and creative!

Aperio Academy

With a safe, gentle and engaging approach, I hope to offer the right amount of challenge to young people while they explore within & without, through the blend of ancient and modern teachings of wholesome living. This project is registered with Active Kids – NSW Government Program, so you can use your vouchers to join the Aperio Academy yoga gatherings.

Early Childhood & Above

All of the yoga & creative connection sessions for schools and early childhood institutions are linked with the Australian Curriculum while they can be customised to respond to the needs of every organisation, specific themes required and the class sizes / levels.

Email to enquire or book now.

PRIVATE SESSIONS

There are different forms of private sessions to support young people and their families:

Yoga for Special Needs

1:1 Yoga / Yoga Therapy / Somatic Counselling Sessions

Small Group / Family Yoga Sessions

Individual Mentorship Sessions

Long distance support is available. 
CAMP APERIO

For groups of 5 or more, I am here to curate customized, age & culture appropriate youth empowerment programs, on a list of topics including innovation, resilience, self-esteem, body image, gender equality, child protection, sustainability, leadership and goal setting with an integrated, trauma-informed yoga practice at all times.

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FAQ

What if I am a beginner? Or I am just not flexible?

Yoga is for everybody, and we are all total beginners at once. I am prepared to meet you where you are, and to facilitate a session where you always feel safe as we take the next step towards strength and agility.

What is the difference between a yoga class and a Yoga Therapy session?

A yoga class provides instructions in yoga techniques, a general practice, limited individual adaptations, and community practice.

A yoga therapy session is an individualized approach to relieving discomfort while creating elasticity within the mind and the body. It provides practices tailored to your needs, individual empowerment, and a therapeutic relationship. With a scientific understanding of holistic health, one gets to experience a sequence of yoga postures that include gentle breathwork and meditation.

What do I/we need for class? What should I wear?

All yoga props and mats will be provided. Please have clean bare feet, and wear comfortable, appropriate clothing which will allow you to move easily into shapes, whether it is standing, folding, kneeling or sitting. 

*You are welcome not to wear lycra. However, lycra helps stop us from tumbling over our clothes. Try to choose clothes that are not too baggy. 

*Please note, large meals can rest in your gut for the entire session and a full stomach is contra indicatory for practising yoga. That said, you don’t want to do yoga on an empty stomach either. Try having a light meal or small snack at least an hour before you head to the studio.

How do the duration and the structure of the sessions look like?

The duration of the program depends on the type of session you have requested. Generally speaking, we start by relaxing and slowing down. We work through standing, balancing and floor postures; it helps our focus and concentration in everyday life. Sometimes we do pair and group work (for the group setting). We always end sessions with some form of relaxation and/or reflection activity, with the hope that participants leave the program feeling like they have had some fun, been stretched, relaxed and are ready to tackle life with a smile.

How does yoga & creative connections sessions serve schools? How can yoga be engaging for all ages?

Yoga in schools is about effective stretching and practising controlled breathing to create a sense of focus and calmness. By using their ability to focus on breath and posture, children can fine-tune their attention span and put it towards their educational activities.

Yoga, delivered properly, does the full work of engaging kids at every age. I incorporate simple gentle massage, songs, storytelling, poetry, meditation, and journaling as appropriate to develop the whole child. 

How can families/societies benefit from yoga or children & young people experiencing yoga?

Over 20 million people in the US, and over 200 million people worldwide, practice Yoga because it works. Movement, meditation and mindfulness help kids and parents connect and build critical skills to realize their full potential. Besides building strength, flexibility and balance, it nurtures curiosity, creativity and confidence.

We are in a technological age that makes distraction very easy, especially to young minds. By sharing yoga with younger generations, we get to encourage children to be active, improve their mental focus, and hopefully be more inclined to communicate feelings within their communities better.  Possibly more enriching than it is for adults, kids learn leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

Is yoga a religion or religious practice? Does yoga interfere with my family’s religious beliefs?

Yoga is not a religion, nor. a religious practice. Yoga can be thought of variously as a science, a philosophy, a spiritual and a physical practice. It is a science because its overall effects are predictable if its ways are followed. Thus, the postures with deep breathing are linked with observation, acceptance, and understanding. 

Are parents/caregivers present during the sessions?

Our idea is for the children and young people to exercise on their own with their friends. Experience has shown that kids behave differently during a class if caregivers are present. Of course, parents are not forbidden from attending if the child needs them to be present, especially during the first sessions. After a while, most children and young people request to be independent. Although, working with parents is suitable in a small group, family sessions.

What is the difference between a yoga teacher and a yoga therapist?

Most yoga teachers spend 200-hours studying:

Yoga philosophy and foundations

Basic anatomy and physiology

Instructions and assisting

 

In addition to the above, Yoga Therapists spend at least two additional years studying:

Psychology and biomedicine

Adaptation of yoga tools to individual needs

In-depth anatomy and pathophysiology

Extensive clinical practicum

Will you ask me to stop seeing my physical therapist, doctor or other health providers?

I do not prescribe nor suggest going against your physician’s medical advice. I am here to work with you, and if you are already in treatment, to work in alliance with your other health care providers, whether that is with a physical therapist, chiropractor or psychologist. I will however let you know if I believe your existing treatment is contra indicatory to the yoga therapy or is against my professional organizations’ codes of ethics and guidelines by the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMH), International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), and Yoga Alliance (YA).

I am in a wheelchair or have other special needs. Or I had my ınjury for years? Can I practice?

YES, YES, YES! The blend of the teachings these sessions are rooted in is specifically designed to be all-inclusive. I cannot wait to explore what our bodies are capable of with you.

Why is there a consultation?

A consultation is an opportunity for us to explore answers about the reasons for which you are seeking support. How did it begin, when and how often do you experience the issue. I will want to know if you are working with a physical therapist or if you are on medications, and to learn a bit about you and how you function in daily living. 

What is a Mentor? What is the role of a mentor?

“Mentoring aims to provide a purposeful, structured and trusting relationship, that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement.” New Zealand Youth Mentoring Network

While every mentoring programme has a different structure and role description for their mentors, they all share fundamental principles and guidelines, and one common goal: to help a young person fulfil his or her own potential and discover his or her strengths.

Will the caring adult get to hear or review what happens in the mentoring sessions?

Mentorship works on trust and honesty. It is imperative that young people feel safe and free to share their thoughts and feelings without fearing repercussions. As such, the sessions are not recorded, documented or made available to the parent/teacher. I am trained to provide an appropriate level of confidentiality and also trained to immediately report anything that could hurt my mentee or someone else. Additionally, I can provide general updates of what was covered in the meeting and any major milestones that should be celebrated with you and your child if you would like.

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