I’ve been an empath and creative since birth. I always knew that I wanted to help others thrive, from dreaming of being a teacher, to studying psychology, to eventually pivoting into the business world and discovering a passion for people management and positive psychology.

I was called to coaching, earning a Master of Business Coaching with Distinction and practicing as a coach and new manager mentor at the University of Wollongong. In subsequent PhD studies, I delved into human strengths and positive wellbeing contagion within social networks. I found myself fixated on scientifically supported techniques, trawling through journal articles, and scrutinising methodologies with an inclination towards numerical data and ‘hard facts’.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from my education is to question the answers. Every scientific study has flaws and biases. Every publishing journal has an agenda. Science cannot possibly know everything because we’re learning new things every minute of every day. There are things beyond our understanding and our measurement techniques. A placebo effect is still an effect. I’m grateful for my scepticism as it helps to balance my scientific and spiritual understandings and fundamental approach to self-knowledge and development.

Following the birth of my second child amidst the shutdowns of the pandemic, I became completely enamoured with polymer clay, delighting in being creative again, and White Clay Mountain was accidentally born.

Though I considered myself spiritual as a teen and read cards on and off, I’d mostly set it to the side to pursue a traditional academic and career path, with my little creative passion project tacked on the side... Then, my life fell apart, and I realised my values no longer aligned with my traditional workplace of 13 years. Despite my learned scepticism, the Universe confirmed (through some pretty wild ways!) that my lifelong intuition was right about my spiritual guide, which led me to intentionally prioritise psychic development. I believe we all have untapped psychic gifts waiting to be discovered and developed.

I think mental illness is more the norm than not, and I’ve been open about my struggles with mental health since my teens. I’ve faced repeated exposure to violence and addiction, been hospitalised, medicated, and have worked with amazing long-term psychs. These experiences, and hard personal work, have made me trauma-informed and compassionate.

In hindsight, I see my turbulent life - including the loss of a classmate at 11, cancer diagnosis and treatment in my 20s, divorce, chronic pain, bariatric surgery, and more - as a blessing. These challenges shaped who I am and allow me to deeply connect with others. Through vulnerability, I create a safe space, and that’s a cherished gift.