Somatic Movement Practitioner.
Integrative Yoga Facilitator.
Intercultural Competence Trainer.
Interdisciplinary Researcher.
+44 74933 97563
Research & Impact
Advancing trauma-sensitive somatic research for real-world impact.
Overview
I am currently engaged in Practice-based research at the intersection of somatic movement, Creative Dance, and Intercultural Dialogue, grounded in Māori-centred philosophy through a reflective Pākehā lens.
My work explores how trauma-sensitive, embodied practices can foster personal transformation, develop agency, and cultivate communication competence — particularly within contexts of Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Alongside teaching, co-leading a collaborative wellbeing collective, and developing both a daily movement programme and a somatic transformation project, I am currently writing papers (emerging from my PhD research) examining how movement-based experiential methods — guided by ethical responsiveness — can shift perception and shape intercultural understanding, somatically, in diverse relational contexts.
I also draw on ongoing training in Person-Centred Counselling, accredited by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). This training profoundly enriches and deepens my research into trauma-sensitive and relationally attuned practice, supporting both my theoretical insight and compassionate application.
Research Themes
• Trauma-Sensitive Somatic Practice How movement-based, breath-led practices support healing, regulation, and insight. • Embodied Intercultural Dialogue Using somatic movement and specific Creative Dance practices, coupled with established discourses from intercultural communication and transformative learning, from a sensory perspective, to foster connection across cultural and ideological differences. • Māori-Centred Philosophy (Pākehā Perspective) Engaging respectfully with Kaupapa Māori principles while reflecting critically on positionality. • Somatic Practice & Substance Use Disorder Applying body-based approaches and evidence-informed understanding to support recovery and reconnection.
Current Projects
• Somatic Movement Exploration™ (SME) A body-led framework for personal transformation with a focus on agency, resilience, empowerment, and intercultural sensitivity. • Somatic Transformation Project A movement-based initiative supporting long-term transformation in the context of SUD. • Daily Movement Programme A toolkit of reflective, embodied practices for individuals and practitioners. • Collaborative Wellbeing Collective Lead facilitator of a collaborative initiative exploring holistic, evidence-based, community-rooted models of care. • Academic Writing & Dissemination In-progress: two papers discussing the potential of ‘Intercultural Choreographic Dialogue’ (ICD), a new ethically responsive, arts-based approach to intercultural dialogue and the address of unconscious bias.
Impact & Applications
• Supports embodied recovery in addiction and trauma contexts • Fosters communication skills and cultural insight in diverse settings • Offers trauma-sensitive tools for educators and facilitators • Bridges arts-based research with ethical, culturally grounded practice • Contributes to more responsive and relationally aware models of care
Future Directions
I am seeking collaborators and funding to further develop the Somatic Movement Exploration™ programme, including: • A participant manual • Practitioner training modules • Wider evaluation and piloting across therapeutic and intercultural settings
This work is continually evolving through both practice and research. Whether you're drawn to movement for wellbeing and transformation, or curious about the research behind it, you're warmly invited to get in touch and share your interest. I welcome inquiries from individuals, organisations, researchers, and funders alike.
Be Part of the Work
Whether you're drawn to movement for wellbeing and
transformation, or curious about the research behind it,
you're warmly invited to get in touch and share your
interest in this evolving work. I welcome inquiries from
individuals, organisations, researchers, and funders alike.
"I respond personally to all enquiries related to research, collaboration, and development."
