About Us

We are an established and visionary group of professional educators, healers and change agents. Our training embraces traditional and progressive expertise in the care of the soul of individuals, groups and our world.

Jody Haywood - Director

Master of Education (Adult Education), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology); Graduate Certificate in Communication Development; Diploma of Naturopathy; Diploma of Botanical Medicine; Diploma of Nutrition; Diploma of Remedial Massage; Reiki Master

Jody is the Director of Awareness 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; Diploma of Ecopsychology and Soul Centred Healing

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, Ecopsychology, Shamanic and Energetic Healing, she is also a practising holistic psychotherapist, coach, shamanic and energetic healer.

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.

John Baxter

Bachelor of Health Science (Complementary Medicine); Diploma of Naturopathy; Diploma of Botanical Medicine; Diploma of Nutrition; Diploma of Homoeopathy; Diploma of Remedial Therapies; Diploma of Remedial Massage; Certificate of Acupuncture; Certificate in Natural Fertility Management; Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming; Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment; Member National Herbalists Assoc Aust.

John has been a practicing natural therapist since 1992 with his current practice in Sydney. He is current president of the National Herbalists Association of Australia and has taught herbal medicine and Practice Management at several of Australia’s leading private colleges of natural therapies and has lectured in Herbal Medicine at the University of Newcastle. He has also presented papers on herbal medicine and clinical practice at international conferences and seminars around Australia.

John is passionate about natural medicine and has a desire to see practitioners recognised for their valuable contribution to the health of all Australians and for them to succeed beyond their wildest dreams. Drawing on many years experience as an owner and manager of small businesses John presents a practical, pragmatic and experiential seminar on developing the skills necessary to create a dynamic and living practice.

Jacqui Bushell

Registered Nurse, Diploma of Naturopathy, Diploma of Botanical Medicine, Diploma of Remedial Massage, Diploma of Nutrition, Reiki Master Teacher, Certificate in Humanifest Essences, Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training,

Jacqui has been working in private practice in natural therapies and energetic healing for 18 years. As well as people of all ages, she also works with animals and environments. Over the last decade Jacqui has been teaching at Natural Therapies colleges in Sydney as well as facilitating retreats, courses and workshops in the areas of Vibrational Remedies, Herbal medicine, Reiki and spiritual healing. She is also actively involved in community health work.

Jacqui is passionate about sharing knowledge and supporting people to become more aware of their true potential. Her hope is that this may sow the seeds of greater compassion, kindness and wisdom, to be of benefit for all beings.

Jacqui’s intention and focus is always to co-create healing - only in this way can we truly empower ourselves and others. She is full of enthusiasm, respect and passion for her subjects and delights in teaching.

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; Diploma of Ecopsychology and Soul Centred Healing; 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 has facilitated 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.

Fabio Fabbri

Advanced Diploma of Yoga; Diploma of Shiatsu Therapy; Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment; Universita’ degli studi di Bologna, Italy (foreign languages); Universita’ degli studi di Bologna, Italy (music, art and entertainment); Diploma in Tourism (operations).

Fabio left Italy to travel the world for 12 years. The many cultures and people he encountered have shaped his approach to life. His passion and humour are very much felt through his teaching, where individuality is emphasized, and so is a great respect for the ancient traditions.

His main goal as a teacher is to increase people’s self awareness, allowing their experience of yoga to be extended into their daily life.

His love for life and Yoga continues to inspire him to also search for the depth of those Yogic practices that take place ‘off the mat’.

Sal Flynn

Bachelor of Arts (Psychotherapy and Human Change); Advanced Diploma of Yoga Teaching; Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy; Certificate in Yoga Therapy; MBTI Facilitator and Trainer; Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment.

Sal Flynn has been a yoga practitioner, teacher and therapist for more than 20 years. While her background is in diverse yoga disciplines, it is rooted in the tradition of Sri Krishnamacharya and Ashtanga yoga. In recent years she has balanced tradition and creativity, inspired by her mentor Donna Farhi. As a Transpersonal psychotherapist she emphasizes the intimate interplay of the physical body with the mental-emotional-spiritual body, to bring all dimensions of embodied being into conscious, joyous belonging.

Through her work in private practice, classes and workshops, Sal encourages clients and students to use Yogic, meditative and Western processes to cultivate awareness for personal exploration and transformation.

Louise Gilmore

Certificate in Counselling; Diploma of Shamanic and Energetic Healing; Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training; Reiki Master; Member of the Energetic Healing Association; Inaugural board member of the Australian Meditation Teachers Association (ATMA) author and presenter of Transformative Meditation Facilitator's Certificate course; author of The Carer’s Handbook

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 undertaken research projects into the healing and supportive aspects of meditation as reported in the medical literature. Louise brings all these skills to individual consultations in Shamanic and Energetic Healing and one to one meditation training.

Lynette Gordon

Lynette is a journalist, lecturer, celebrant and filmmaker. She is the author of 'The Little Book of World Medicine' and creator/presenter of 'The River of Life', a CD of affirmations and meditations.

With a background that includes writing and producing for the print media, television and film in Australia, England and the United States, Lynette has spent over 30 years studying and teaching Metaphysics – the Great Laws of Life at the heart of all spiritual traditions. With her universal perspective of life, she is able to bridge cultural and religious beliefs to help people feel inspired and aligned with their own great Source of Love, Wisdom and Power – the “I” that “I AM”.

As a private consultant, Lynette is currently working with individuals and businesses translating the Universal Laws into practical tools for success, conducting classes and workshops, guest speaking and continuing her creative writing in the media and entertainment industry.

Eve Grzybowski

Bachelor of Arts (English Education); Graduate of Breech Academy Flight Attendant; Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher; Diploma of Health (Yoga)

Eve has been teaching for nearly 30 years, practicing yoga continuously since 1971, and training yoga teachers since the mid-nineties. She has two published books, “Teach Yourself Yoga” and “The Art of Adjustment, as well as many articles in overseas and Australian periodicals.

In her way of teaching, Eve emphasises that paying attention to the physical work of poses is important because it fosters the unfolding of pure awareness and leads to the transformation of body, mind, and spirit. Her passion is inspiring yoga students to develop their own practice and discover their inner teacher.

Linda James

Diploma in Corporate Management, Associate Diploma Institute of Financial Services, Diploma of Energetic Healing, Diploma of Ritual and Celebrancy, Diploma of Bowen Therapeutic Technique, Diploma of Weight Loss Management, Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Level 1 Kinesiology Practitioner, Certificate of Metaphysics, Certificate of Parapsychology, Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Healing, Reiki Master, Certificate in Polarity Therapy, Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training, Diploma of Transformation Life Coaching, Diploma of Holistic Counselling and Life Care, Authorised Marriage Celebrant. Founding member and past Vice President of the Energetic Healing Association.

Linda has spent over 30 years working in a diverse range of management roles in hospitality, travel, education and corporate finance in England, Canada and Australia. An understanding of the many challenges of the workplace environment led to a search for a deeper level of awareness and connection to each other and the world around us.

Discovering Energetic Healing in 1997 lead to a passion to learn about healing at the mind body and soul level. Linda has been writing courses, teaching, facilitating workshops and supervising student clinic experiences in energetic healing and intuitive development at a Natural Therapies College in Sydney since 2001.

Linda believes that we all have the potential to develop our natural intuition and reconnection at a soul level enabling us to become all that we can be.

Ann Joel

Advanced Diploma of Spiritual Healing, Holistic Counselling and Life Coaching, Pranic Healing and Psychology, Certificate of Body, Mind Psychosomatic Therapy, Reiki level 3 and Radiance Level 3.

Ann has worked as an energy medicine practitioner for many years and has three practices in NSW and one in Canberra and PerthWestern Australia. She is a Casa Medium at John of God’s Spiritual Hospital, Casa de Dom Inacio in Brazil. Travelling there for the past ten years and she continues to take groups three times a year in her capacity as an official guide.

Ann has such a deep passion for this profound form of energy medicine and the desire to inspire others to be part of this co-creation with the divine, to assist humanity in its journey towards liberation of the soul.

Kerrie Kelly

Diploma Energetic Healing, Diploma Aromatherapy, Cert IV Remedial Massage, Cert IV Workplace Training, Reiki Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Equine Therapist, Ayevedic Hot Stone Massage Practitioner and Crystal Healer.

Kerrie Kelly has been in clinical practice for eight years and has worked and volunteered in cardiac rehabilitation and mental health units in the hospital system and in private aids clinics and community health within Sydney and all over country New South Wales.

Kerrie has walked her talk as an earth woman living her life in connection with the earth and by being guided by her connection to spirit. After studies in aboriginal women’s spiritual lore - Kerrie undertook a series of shamanic journey's to sacred aboriginal lands and sites as well as traveling the major celtic lay lines of Europe. Whilst living in the bush and the mountains Kerrie has worked with animals, oils, essences, crystals and blends that she has manufactured and collected herself.

Her passion is to live and work her life in awareness of our connection with each other, the earth and the cosmos as a whole and to take individual responsibility for our actions and their effects. Kerrie believes that by reconnecting with Mother Earth through nature and all its beautiful forms, we humans can easily and practically access a grounded stillness and hear the guidance of our inner knowing.

Rebecca Lindsay

Certified & Licenced Chakradance Teacher; Diploma of Gestalt Counselling; Diploma of Contemporary Music; Certified Yoga Teacher; Diploma of Remedial Massage; Diploma of Reflexology.

Rebecca is one of Australia’s first CHAKRADANCE! Teachers. She has diverse skills that express her passion for music, dance and wellbeing.

Since gaining a Diploma of Contemporary Music and graduating from NIDA's Singer, Actor, Dancer course she has worked in the areas of music and the performing arts. This, coupled with her keen interest in the mind-body-spirit connection led her to qualifications in remedial massage, reflexology and yoga.

Her desire to learn and support people to live more consciously and reach their full potential continues as she is currently in her 4th and final year of studying psychotherapy.

Rebecca is now seeing clients for counselling in Sydney's Eastern suburbs along with conducting regular CHAKRADANCE! classes and retreats.

Marian McNaught

Master of Arts (Theatre Studies); Diploma of Education Secondary - Design and Technology and Drama; Diploma of Yoga Teacher Training; Certificate in Movement; Certificate IV in Work place Training and Assessment; Certificate in Coaching Fundamentals.

A dance and drama background in Australia and Europe for 25 years ensured Marian's smooth transition to Yoga teaching and Yoga teacher training. She incorporates elements of both disciplines to encourage her students to develop a deeper understanding of their true nature.

Yoga has been an intrinsic part of Marian's life for 2 decades as evidenced by her lightness of being, empathy for others, meaningful relationships and her dedication to her student's.

Always one to remain a student herself, Marian remains enthusiastic to explore the many facets of the ancient Yogic path and share her knowledge with an open heart.

Lynn Overhill

Diploma in Remedial Therapies; Certificate III in Remedial Massage; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Marketing & International Management; Diploma of Direct Marketing and many certificates in Animal Care, Natural Health & nutrition for Animals, Reflexology and Kinesiology for Animals, Bach Flowers and Aromatherapy for Animals. Currently undertaking Certificate IV in Training & Assessment.

Lynn Overhill began practicing forms of Shamanism in the early ‘90’s when she first began “automatic writing” with Spirit Guides and later when speaking to all types of domestic, native and water based animals & mammals. Lynn also has spent much time with exotic animals who found themselves on “extended visa stays” in Australian Zoos and Animal Parks.

Over the past 17 years, she has spoken to hundreds of animals who demanded to be heard and who dreamed of human owners and carers who understood “their inner animal”. Once she helped the animals, the humans wanted help too. She has been featured on many TV programs including “Mornings with Kerrie-Anne” and also in all forms of media in Australia and Japan. Lynn can also be found at pet shows on her mat having a snooze.

Meanwhile, her husband Ashley spent his days planting multitudes of olive, cork, pine and fruit trees. During this time, Lynn was approached by the Nature Spirit Union and asked to represent them before , during and post planting to ensure that each tree received what was high on their nutrient wish list.

Kate Powe

Bachelor of Arts (English & Australian Literature); Diploma of Graphic Design; Diploma of Metaphysics; Certificate in Parapsychology; Reiki 1 & 2

Kate's corporate background in software, investment banking and graphic design has always been underpinned by a deeper search for uncovering the true reality of the self, soul and purpose. Her journey has lead her to study in areas of feng shui, colour therapy and tarot to metaphysics, channelling and mediumship. Coupled with her love of writing, Kate's passions lie in channelled writing, exploring the feminine energy and opening our awareness to the nature of universal connectivity and love.

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 atThe 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

Diploma of Contemporary Astrology; 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 Massage; 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. Kira is currently undertaking a Master degree in Sports Nutrition.

Sharon Turton

Bachelor of Arts; Diploma of Education; 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 Shamanic and Energetic Healing; 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 Awareness 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.