An embodied perspective for equality, integrity, and wisdom

My PhD, Body of Learning, explored individual, organisational and systemic attitudes towards embodiment in schools and how they either blocked or encouraged thriving, healthy, holistic learning environments. In my thesis, Body of Learning, I generated multiple unconventional, creative data types and developed several new methods of analysis including the use of 5Rhythms® in thematic analysis. One of these methods is featured in the book chapter – A composite method for analysing movement data – in Helen Kara’s Handbook of Creative Data Analysis.

I developed Gabrielle’s Shadow map during my PhD as a way to support teachers to understand and guide classroom dynamics effectively and with compassion rather than control. Adult participants in my 2024 closed group successfully experimented with this version of the map, describing it as ‘profound’, ‘revealing’, and ‘surprisingly effective’.

The 5Rhythms® wave also helped me articulate the cascading effects of characteristics of and barriers to particular types of energies in schools; describe a complex feedback loop involving educative versus punitive discipline, and describe a framework for supporting embodied teaching.

I am motivated by a desire to influence positive change in individuals, orgnisations and society. I enjoy research and am open to any that matches my interests and offers genuine impact. I am currently excited by the prospect of a project on embodied knowing with Sitna Quiroz in the Theology department at Durham University.

Working with Bare Toed, I have been training teachers and facilitators in creative movement play since 2001. My PhD, Body of Learning, extends this offer with greater organisational and systemic awareness to support schools and organisations interested in creating more embodied learning spaces for promoting wellbeing. This includes multiple practical tools and recommendations for collaborative application and adaptation in real contexts. Contact me to start a conversation.

My dancer’s perspective brings a new way of looking at policies and systems, which I combine with traditional, creative, and embodied research methods. This unconventional approach can uncover experiences that are often overlooked. During my PhD I leaned into this to complete two consultancy projects for County Durham Sport (now merged with RISE).

The first was a review of 16 Durham County Council policies across areas such as planning, recreation and leisure, and travel, applying a systems approach and considering overlapping opportunities to improve policy around physical activity and the environment.

The second was more in-depth and hands-on, evaluating the effectiveness of Active Schools – a physical activity intervention that was being introduced in several schools by Gethin Mon Thomas. In this I used multiple creative methods with the children, alongside observations, and interviews with teachers to compile a detailed report with recommendations. These informed subsequent years of the project, not only in County Durham, but in other areas in which it was being introduced.

I recently completed the Institute of Cultural Affairs training in Group Facilitation Methods run by Dawn Williams and Mary Robson at Durham University. This has helped me to apply my facilitation experience to academic and organisational contexts, where exercises such as Focused Conversations and the Consensus Workshop ensure that all voices are heard and considered. I have applied techniques from this and the foundational Creative Facilitation course in my role as facilitator of the Events Circle for the ICMTA

I am available to facilitate clear dialogue and reflection for groups wishing to engage all members and promote the thoughtful and cohesive development of their organisation.