ABOUT EARTH INSTITUTE

EARTH INSTITUTE - VISION

Set amidst a backdrop of the changing times in which we live, Earth Institute offers programs and services in conscious living. We provide quality in-depth support in life and work transitions as well as exemplary opportunities for individuals, communities and organisations to transform the experience of their lives. Our innovative work and expertise as facilitators, consultants, educators and change agents is adaptive, intentional and focused. Centered in Sydney, Australia, Earth Institute is a consultancy, college and centre for work/life fulfilment and care of the future. We invite you to join with us in living life fully and consciously now and in so doing building a better future.   

EARTH INSTITUTE TEAM

Paul Perfrement - Director

Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Psychology); Graduate Diploma of Counselling; Graduate Diploma of Education; Diploma of Transpersonal Psychology; Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy; Diploma of Integral Coaching; Diploma of Transformational Life Coaching; Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training; Member of Australian Psychological Society; Clinical Member of Counsellors & Psychotherapists Association NSW

Paul is a founding Director of Earth Institute. His academic studies and work background as a consultant, educator, psychologist, ecologist, mentor and psychotherapist inform his vision for its current directions. Within the consultancy field he has mentored leading corporate change consultants, provided specialist support services to organisational change programs, and served as a Research Advisor.

He is inspired by the beauty of nature, contemporary, indigenous and perennial wisdom, visionary and socially just elders and leadership. Paul has trained both in Australia and overseas in the application of classical and contemporary shamanic practices. Paul’s professional involvements have spanned consultancy, employment and career advisory services.  Including, pre school, primary, secondary and tertiary education, indigenous and community health and hospital settings. He also has expertise in nature based rites of passage and retreat work, eco psychology and private practice.

Paul has served on the academic faculty of the Australian Transpersonal Institute and as coordinator of the Australian Spiritual Emergence Network, an organisation supporting those challenged by transformational life crises. Paul has also founded and directed innovative diploma programs in holistic counselling, transpersonal life coaching and contemporary and classical perspectives and practices for the care of the soul.

Paul lectures in studies at Earth Institute as well as providing individual and corporate consultations.


Jody Haywood - Director

Master of Education (Adult Education), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology); Diploma of Naturopathy; Diploma of Botanical Medicine; Diploma of Nutrition; Diploma of Remedial Massage; Reiki Master.

Jody is a founding Director of Earth Institute.  Starting her career in corporate finance, her life long interests in human development and consciousness led her to complete a degree in Psychology. This pursuit deepened her passion for learning and exploring the mind-body connection. Her own pursuit for wellbeing led her to qualifications in a range of complementary medicine modalities. Her love of learning culminated in a Masters Degree in Adult Education.

Jody’s range of education, coupled with her work experiences has led her to be a highly regarded peer in the complementary medicines community. She contributed to this community of education and healing as Director of Studies and Principal of Nature Care College, executive member and advisor to various boards and associations, and has been involved in government and professional accreditation of a wide range of educational programs.

Her experiences and success in facilitating effective educational environments, consulting, mentoring leaders and driving change has inspired her to pursue a path contributing to a global journey of ecological and social transformation. Jody’s passionate interest in social change and healing combined with her extensive experience in educational design and management led her to co-create platforms of delivery for those seeking transition and change at every level; individually, communally and globally.

Julia Adams 

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration – Management, Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, Diploma of Holistic Counselling and Life Care, Certificate in Transformational Coaching, Diploma in Drama

 Julia has worked (and continues to work) extensively in the corporate arena in senior management positions facilitating organisational learning across the corporate spectrum primarily in the areas of organisational leadership. With tertiary qualifications in Drama, Business, Learning, Holistic Counselling and Ecopsychology, she is also a practising holistic psychotherapist and coach.

Deeply concerned about our world, Julia is inspired by a sense of community and believes that we will have more success in building healthy communities (and organisations) through working on individual development, awareness and actualisation. Through her work with groups and individuals as a psychotherapist, coach, mentor and workshop facilitator, her intention is to foster and nurture healthy, passionate, spirited living and community relationships.  


Beata Alfoldi

Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts (Dance); Choreographer / Director; Dance and Movement Teacher; Certified Yoga Teacher; Accelerated Learning Worldwide Teacher; Certificate of Applied Anatomy and Physiology of Hatha Yoga; Member of the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia and Yoga Alliance.

Beata began practicing yoga at the age of eighteen whilst completing an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts (Dance). She spent eight years in various theatrical productions in London's West End before returning to Australia to pursue an international choreographic/ directing career. Through personal exploration she was called to deepen her understanding and awareness of the body-mind connection through movement, yoga and dance. Beata currently facilitates yoga, movement and dance classes/ workshops in the education system, public, corporate and private sector. She held her first yoga retreat last year.

Beata facilitates the women’s group ‘Integral Woman’ creating a space of safety and support so that the full complexities of our innate natures as women can be explored. In this exploration is the ability to transform and heal. Beata believes that when we live our lives consciously from the heart allowing Spirit to empower us, we are free to embody our own unique creative expression and potential. In this allowing is the capacity to bring an entirely new level of awareness and transformation into our world at large.


Harley Conyer

Master of Arts (Education); Bachelor of Arts; Diploma of Holistic Counselling and Life Care; Certificate in Transformational Coaching; Certificate in Holistic Life Coaching; Reiki 3A; Certificate in Meditation Facilitation; Certificate IV in Remedial Massage;
Member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.

Harley grew up in South Africa where he developed skills and experience as an activist and leadership development trainer. He migrated to Australia in 1991, where he worked on campuses across NSW as a trainer, coach and mentor to student leaders. He worked in the travel industry, and spent 8 years working in middle and senior management roles in marketing and strategy within the business world. Harley has a keen interest in spiritual growth, shamanism and consciousness. Harley facilitates the men’s group ‘Integral Man’, Shamanic Journey, Vision Quests and Mind Body Counselling.

Harley believes that every person has, within themselves, the power to heal  and  change their lives. He sees his role as facilitating the process that enables clients to engage with their authentic and conscious self to support this healing and change. His private and group programs are  all  experiential, offering a space of acceptance, non-judgement and compassion, allowing clients’ inner wisdom to emerge

Harley has lived and worked for extended periods in 5 countries, across 5 continents. He currently facilitates healing in private practice working with a wide range of modalities including meditation training, bodywork (including massage), holistic counselling, shamanic counselling, life coaching, and energetic healing.


Louise Gilmore

Certificate in Counselling; Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training; Member of the Energetic Healing Association; Reiki Master

Louise Gilmore has been meditating for 30 years and has been teaching others to meditate in various settings for 20 years. Coming from a background as a journalist and researcher she trained in bereavement counselling, conflict resolution and group facilitation. She was employed as a Community Educator with NSCC Area Health Service teaching meditation to patients and carers, training new graduate and palliative nurses and co-ordinating and facilitating cancer support groups. She has also developed and taught many specially tailored courses in community, commercial and adult education settings.

Over many years Louise has received teachings in various traditions including Satyananda, Vipassana and Transcendental Meditation. She has also studied at the International Buddhist Association in Australia (Nan Tien Temple), Rigpa Sydney and received training and initiations into esoteric meditation elements of Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan Bon (shamanic) tradition. She has also undertaken research projects into the healing and supportive aspects of meditation as reported in the medical literature.


Kate Hill

Master of Arts( Psych),Diploma of Education, Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, Graduate Diploma of Dispute Resolution, Graduate Certificate of Community Development, Trainer, Educator and Practitioner of Psychodrama, Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, Registered Psychologist, Member of Australian Psychological Society, Member of the Australian and New Zealand Psychodrama Association, Member of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama.

Kate is the Director of Training, Psychodrama NSW, an accredited training institute of ANZPA. She has been a psychologist for the past 35 years and a psychodramatist for the past 17 years. She has been involved in a variety of groups over the past 30 years as a group therapist, community developer and trainer.

Kate loves teaching.  As Director of Training, Psychodrama NSW she has developed and expanded psychodrama training in NSW. She has a vast experience as a trainer both in Australia and overseas. With the innovative partnership with the Earth Institute, Kate hopes to bring psychodrama to a wider audience.
She lectures in counselling and psychodrama at Nature Care College and has taught psychodrama in Melbourne, Sydney and Singapore.

Kate’s passion is working with groups in a variety of settings. She recognises the power of relationships and the experience each person bring to the life of as group. Since her first experience of psychodrama in 1986, Kate realised the therapeutic value of this method in enabling her to re-invent herself after the trauma of divorce. Kate has directed psychodrama groups for asylum seekers, pastoral workers, health workers, women’s groups, cancer patients, parents and community workers.


Sue Lewarne

Diploma of Holistic Counselling & Life Care; Diploma of Soul Care & Shamanic Healing; Advanced Certificate in Energetic Healing; Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training; Certificate in Parapsychology; Certificate in Funeral & General Celebrancy; Certificate in Metaphysics; Reiki 1 & 2; Certificate in Cross cultural Management; Certificate in Crystal & Gemstone Healing; Certificate in Colour Therapy; Clinical Member of Counsellors & Psychotherapists Association NSW

Sue is a professional Counsellor, Energetic Healer, Life Coach and Sacred Space Facilitator.  Her work as an energetic healer has led her to provide professional training and supervision in this area.  She is an accredited healing therapist with the National Federation of Healers. Sue’s interest in coaching began in the 1980’s while she lived in Lima where she worked with women and orphans displaced by the violence in Peru.

After moving to Thailand in 1989, Sue began to explore alternative therapies and spiritual pathways to healing, along with a passion for different cultures and their connection to the land and their environment.

Sue has a diverse background as a business woman, relocation consultant, holistic counsellor and teacher. She brings rich life experience from a number of different cultures, combined with a long-term study program to her work. One of her passions is how our spiritual and energetic connections with our environment help shape our lives.

Damian Rocks

Master of Arts (Cultural Astronomy and Astrology), Diploma Fine Arts, Diploma Applied Parapsychology, Certificate IV Small Business Management, FAA Diploma of Astrology (currently undertaking).

Damian is a professional astrologer with many years experience in the healing arts. He is one of only a handful of people to be awarded a Masters of Arts degree from Bath Spa University, England, specializing in the study of Cultural Astronomy and Astrology. He combines a solid background in the visual arts with his astrological practice. As such, his approach is educated, informed and unique.

He has trained with some of the world's foremost astrological experts, and brings a wealth of realistic experience to his practice. He believes in assisting each individual to make the most of their full potential, and can help you to explore what it is that really motivates you, where you are going to, and why.

Damian maintains a busy full-time practice in Sydney, as well as running corporate functions, group experiences and special events. In 2008, he began teaching astrology to individuals and groups. He is a regular face at The Victoria Room, Darlinghurst, where he is the resident in-house astrologer, and is available for mini-consultations during their famous High Tea. He is also resident astrologer for the amazing experience gifting site Red Balloon Days.


Kelly Surtees

Certificate in Astrology; Diploma of Holistic Counselling and Life Care; Certificate in Holistic Counselling; Certificate in Holistic Life Coaching; Certificate IV in Remedial Massage; Member of Australian Traditional Medicine Society; Member of Astrology Association NSW; Member of Federation of Australian Astrologers

Kelly Surtees has been studying astrology since the age of 12 and brings years of experience to her astrological work. Kelly literally lives and breathes astrology through her work which includes client sessions, teaching and writing. Kelly is Well Being Magazine’s resident annual Astrologer and also writes for New Woman, the Sun Herald, Vodafone and Peaceful Willow. Readers and students often comment on how Kelly makes astrology so easy to understand. Kelly has taught astrology to numerous students since 2002, many of whom are now practicing astrologers.

Kelly is the founder of the Young Astrologers Association and a committee member of the Astrology Association NSW (AA NSW). She is the recipient of the Federation of Australian Astrologers (FAA) Silver Medal for Chart Calculation and a trained counsellor.


Kira Sutherland

Bachelor of Health Science (Complimentary Medicine); Diploma of Naturopathy; Diploma of Homoeopathy; Diploma of Botanical Medicine; Diploma of Nutrition; Diploma of Remedial Massagep; Certificate in Astrology; Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training; Member of Australian Traditional Medicine Society

Kira is an experienced Naturopath, Nutritionist and Astrologer.  She consults and lectures to a variety of corporations, schools and sports teams on health and naturopathic nutrition. She specializes in supporting professional and amateur athletes in achieving their sporting goals.  In private practice for over a decade Kira combines her knowledge in naturopathy with her passion for astrology into a wonderful mix of clinical experience.

She is also one of the leading Medical Astrology experts in Australia. Kira has taught extensively on this subject and brings a wealth of experience to her lectures. She is an inspired speaker on this fascinating topic that can be applied in both professional and personal practices.

Sharon Turton 

Diploma of Education; Bachelor of Arts Degree; Diploma of Naturopathy; Diploma of Holistic Counselling and Life Care; Senior Accredited Journey Practitioner; Diploma of Botanical Medicine; Diploma of Homoeopathy; Diploma of Nutrition; Diploma of Remedial Massage; Certificate in Life Coaching. Member of ATMS; Member of CAPA of NSW.

Sharon Turton has been working in the health field for 20 years, studying extensively both overseas and in Australia. She gained teaching qualifications through the University of Newcastle in 1981, and went on to studies in body mind healing, gaining a Diploma in Naturopathy in 1994 and Diploma of Holistic Counselling in 2006. Sharon is also a senior Journey therapist and facilitates both the children’s and parent’s journey workshops for Brandon Bays throughout Australasia. At the Earth Institute, Sharon facilitates our Earth Kids and Conscious Parenting workshops, and later this year parent / child connection retreat weekends will be starting. Sharon is a member of ATMS and CAPA.

Cassandra Tyndall

Certificate in Astrology; Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy and Massage; Certificate in Workplace Training and Assessment; Certificate III in Catering; President of the Young Astrologers Association (YAA); Committee Member of the National Council of Australian Astrologers and New South Wales Astrology Association.

Cassandra is an avid astrologer who loves to witness and communicate the insights of the planets in an inspired and practical way. Like many Astrologers, Cassandra’s passion for the craft dates as far back as childhood. Drawing on the knowledge of history’s most renowned astrologers, she now has a thriving astrological practice that sees her consulting with clients, teaching students and writing. Her work can be seen in magazines such as the annual Wellbeing Astrology Guide and Women’s Health and Fitness. She is the author of Cosmic Catalogue- an online column read by hundreds of astro- enthusiasts over the globe.

Cassandra is the President of the YAA, an association that promotes astrology to younger generations and is on the Australian National Council- a division of the Federation of Australian Astrologers and is a committee member for Astrology New South Wales.


Kerrie Whitla

Master of Commerce (Organisational Behaviour); Bachelor of Commerce (Psychology and Industrial Relations); Diploma of Transpersonal Coaching; Institute of Executive Coaching – Level 1; Accredited in LSI (Human Synergistics) and DISC; Member of International Coach Federation

Kerrie has over 20 years of experience in leadership and coaching. She has held numerous Senior Director and senior management roles in leading international organizations, culminating in being appointed the Global Head of Organisation and Talent Development for a multi national software corporation.  Her particular areas of expertise and interest are Leadership & Organisational Development, Executive Coaching, Work Life Balance programs and Human Resources.

Kerrie has a passion for maximising people’s potential and enabling success in all aspects of their lives. She has extensive experience as a corporate consultant specialising in executive and life coaching, and through her energy, personal style and extensive experience, has the reputation for being able to achieve transformational change and extraordinary results.

 


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