My Story
Discovering Aromatherapy
I first discovered Aromatherapy accidentally while taking a bath with Lavender oil having been introduced to it in a new relationship. It felt as though the oil was speaking to me on a very deep level. The smell of the oil connected me to something so subtle, earthy and profound, I felt utterly held and supported by it and knew it to be a long-lost and wise old soul friend. I had never known a smell like it before in my life. I had suddenly found myself in an unfavorable relationship and in that moment of confusion, it took care of my soul.
I was 21yrs old, in my final year training to be a Nurse, and unknown to me at the time in a Lavender-scented bathtub, my grandmother had just died that very day. The one who brought care and steadiness to my childhood. One light went out as another light came in. From that day onwards Aromatherapy began to weave its magic into my life and became my greatest teacher, ally, healer and spiritual guide. Perhaps a parting gift from my dear grandmother who just like the spirit of the oils themselves was a ‘Bean Feasa’ or ‘Wise Woman/Teacher’ as we say in Ireland.
Healing
My passion for birth and death stems from a deep understanding of the importance of these rites of passage in calling the spirit home both into and out of this world.
In my own life, I have crossed these two thresholds several times, giving birth to three children of my own, working for many years in this field of Nursing as well as having lost my father as a young child, my grandparents as a young adult and some friends along the way.
To be of service at these thresholds so that the soul can make these journeys with the utmost care, kindness and compassion is deeply important. The goal is to prevent trauma in the afterlife and to heal the soul wounds for the future life in these times and by doing this sacred work, prevent any more pain and suffering in the world today.
Being a Children’s Nurse, a Palliative Care Nurse and a Public Health Nurse taught me how to hone my craft and be alongside people supporting them during these pivotal times in their lives. I am now strengthening my knowledge and skills in a holistic and soulful way that is deeply connected to my roots in the Ancient Traditional and Celtic Healing Arts.
My background
I have been a Registered Nurse since 1995 and Clinical Aromatherapist since 2001. I am a passionate healthcare professional who supports people to take responsibility for their own health and the health of their families. I am fully insured and Registered with the Relevant Professional Bodies and continue my lifelong journey of learning and deepening my knowledge in the field of Complementary Healthcare through continued study and reflection.
In addition to Aromatherapy & Therapeutic Massage, I am also qualified in Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Aromatherapy, Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage, The Maya Postpartum Closing Ceremony, Maternal and Infant Mental Health, Maya Abdominal Therapy, Mother Circle and Women’s Circle Facilitation. I am also a Hatha, Yin and Restorative Yoga Teacher and create Trauma-informed Yoga classes and courses for Women’s Health as well as for Grief and loss.
I have a special interest in the ancient Traditions and Sacred Rituals such as Celtic Keening from Ireland and Scotland (chanting when someone has died), Myrrhophore (meaning ‘Myrrh bearer’) a sacred lineage from the times of Mary Magdalene and the Maya Closing Ceremony from Equador and Mexico. I use these ancient rituals and ceremonies with sacred oils and sound at the thresholds of birth, death and major life transitions.
I initially qualified as a registered Sick Children’s Nurse in my hometown of Dublin and emigrated to England in 1996. Following a period of international travel in 1998, I returned to England to study Clinical Aromatherapy at Oxford Brookes University in 1999 and was awarded a Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy in 2001 as well as a BA(Hons) degree in Complementary Therapies in Nursing, Midwifery & Health Visiting in 2003.
Complementary Therapies in a Children’s Hospice
I contributed to my profession of Nursing by establishing a Complementary Therapies Service in the world’s first Children’s Hospice in Oxford with Clinical Aromatherapy at its heart. I also developed training packages for Nurses working in Paediatric Palliative Care and was closely involved with developing Complementary Therapies in Children’s Hospices within the UK.
I also worked as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Health Visitor and School Health Nurse) supporting countless parents and families through their transition to parenthood and navigating the challenging early years, childhood and adolescent years.
More recently, throughout the pandemic I led and developed a specialist community children’s bladder and bowel service in Oxfordshire reducing waiting times for children to be seen and treated with debilitating and complex conditions.
Integrating Complementary Therapies
My Degree in Complementary Therapies integrates well with my Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing I also gained at Oxford Brookes University in 2015. The combination of conventional Specialist Nursing with Complementary Therapies provides the evidence-base, therapeutic knowledge and holistic approach that underpins my work with my clients.
I offer 1:1 Empathetic, Professional, Non-Judgemental and Confidential Appointments in person as well as community groups, workshops and circle work. Sessions involve self-exploration and understanding, release of fear and pain to bring joy, balance and peace. It often involves a remembering and a reconnection to self, Mother Earth and the Ancestors. I empower people to align themselves with the sacredness of their journey. I would love to work with you and support you along your journey towards health & wellness. I look forward to welcoming you to my garden cabin studio called ‘Mother’s Haven’ in the beautiful Cotswold town of Woodstock in West Oxfordshire.
