Meet Laura

Thank you for taking the time to connect with me.

Joy is a fruit of the spirit. Born from gratitude, it is boundless, transcending, enduring, profound and different from happiness. I believe that resilience is an innate human capacity and that living a life with joy is possible for everyone.

I have always been drawn to the nature of the mind, non-dual consciousness and the intersection of mental health, religion, spirituality and culture.

My quest to live a more balanced life led me to study various embodiment, movement and traditional healing practices that taught and reminded me of the intelligence of the body and the importance of ancestral wisdom and community.

Having experienced the benefits of embodied self-awareness through years of practice, training and mentorship, throughout the course of my life, I continued to train in contemplative practices and holistic approaches to wellness. As I deepened my practice, I was able to connect to the serenity within, no matter how crazy the external world was. I was able to discern what nourished me and the more I enjoyed life.

Eventually, I became certified to facilitate yoga, mindfulness, meditation and compassion practices.

Education and Professional Background

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BScN. Ryerson University.

Masters of Nursing, MN. University of Toronto.

Certified in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, CPMHN(C). Canadian Nurses Association.

National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (U.S.A), NBC-HWC. National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches.

Advanced Principles and Practice of Mindfulness. McMaster University.

Certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy. The Embody Lab.

Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Trained Teacher.

Certified Emotional Emancipation Circle (SM) Facilitator. Community Healing Network and The Association of Black Psychologists.

200hr Registered Yoga Teacher. Yoga Alliance.

Education and Professional Background

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BScN. Ryerson University.

Masters of Nursing, MN. University of Toronto.

Certified in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, CPMHN(C). Canadian Nurses Association.

National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (U.S.A), NBC-HWC. National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches.

Advanced Principles and Practice of Mindfulness. McMaster University.

Certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy. The Embody Lab.

Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Trained Teacher.

Certified Emotional Emancipation Circle (SM) Facilitator. Community Healing Network and The Association of Black Psychologists.

200hr Registered Yoga Teacher. Yoga Alliance.

Early Career in Mental Health

My early career led me to working in mental health with individuals in crisis and with communities affected by transgenerational trauma. I am grateful for this experience and continue to be inspired by the capacity to thrive despite adversity and the strength that can be found in community and culture.

My work is informed by over 20 years of experience in healthcare, mental health and wellness. Using a trauma-informed and an integrative therapeutic approach, I use all of my skills to offer my clients holistic care that is evidenced informed, strength-based and tailored to meet their unique needs.

I have worked in roles on the frontlines, in professional practice, in leadership and in healthcare administration. As a clinician, I have worked in mental health in systems ranging from large volume hospitals to community clinics. Through community service and advocacy, I have contributed to health and wellness programs in speciality hospitals, in the criminal legal system and in the public health sector.

How it all began | Holistic Wellness

I came to the practice of yoga and meditation over 2 decades ago. After experiencing the benefits that these practices had on my own life, I decided to deepen my knowledge and practice by engaging in secular and non secular opportunities that were presented to me and I eventually learned how to teach. I began to facilitate meditation with the clients that I was caring for while working as a mental health nurse and several years later, I started to facilitate with Freeing the Human Spirit, a program that teaches yoga and meditation and promotes body awareness among Canada’s incarcerated population. Having had opportunities to learn and practice formally in the Zen tradition, this path has shaped my meditation practice. In yoga, I have been drawn to approaches that emphasize embodiment, self-inquiry and that are accessible to everyone regardless of ability or background.

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I believe that all aspects of an individual, including the social determinates of health, contribute to health and wellness and that these aspects are inextricably connected.

My coaching services are informed by my experience as a healthcare leader, RN and volunteer. I received my Health Coaching Professional Certificate from York University’s Health Learning and Leadership Network and obtained Board Certification with the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (U.S.A). This certification has prepared me to offer high quality health coaching to support clients that are looking to achieve and sustain lifestyle, wellness and chronic disease management goals.

A part of my coaching education included training and supervision in motivational interviewing, an evidenced based counselling approach that is used to empower clients to overcome resistance, resolve ambivalence and replace it with lasting motivation and behavioural change. As a coach, I have worked with clients who want to achieve a healthier lifestyle. This has included working with clients who want to; reduce their stress levels, improve their mental health, live more mindfully and overcome burnout and caregiver fatigue.

I look forward to meeting you and exploring how to best facilitate your wellness goals.