Awareness Institute is an organic community of professionally trained facilitators, clinicians and healers committed to inspiring an evolutionary shift in human consciousness. We value community, personal empowerment, integrity and self-responsibility and seek to provide the highest quality training and support for personal and community evolution. While not forgetting to sit back on occasion, kick off our shoes and have fun!
Jody Haywood
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; Certificate in Clairvoyant Healing
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 journey of 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.
Cameron the Chameleon (as featured on the home page)
Master of Change
Cameron is only young, but he already knows that he can be what ever he wants to be. Real power and confidence comes with that inner knowing. As a power animal Chameleon teaches how to show true colors of the self in your environment and in your sincere emotional nature. Quickness, sharpness in endeavors, he shows how to be tough on the outside with emotional/spiritual/mental armor when facing one’s fears. Chameleon shows a talent of adaptability to the environment and surroundings and can teach the art of sensitivity and independence to master changes of the mind, body and spirit. He encourages us to listen carefully to our intuition and inner sight as we navigate our way through this life.
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 a past 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.
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’s clinical work blends the disciplines of psychotherapy, education, contemplative practice and mind/body awareness practices. Her private therapy practice is in Sydney and as well as being on faculty at Awareness Institute she is a Group Therapist and a faculty member of Jansen Newman Institute and is an associate at the Centre for Existential Studies. Underpinning her work is nearly 30 years of practice and study in the mindfulness traditions; she trains and mentors therapists, meditators & yoga teachers.
Certificate in Counselling; Cert in Group Facilitation; Diploma of Shamanic and Energetic Healing; Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training; Reiki Master; Cert Professional Skills in Conflict Resolution; Adv Certs in Bereavement Counselling; Cert in Shamanic Counselling; Cert Soul Care and Shamanic Healing; 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, conference presenter in Australia, UK and USA, past President of Carers Australia and Carers NSW, awarded OAM for services to family carers.
Louise Gilmore is a long-term teacher of beginning and advanced meditation in college, health and corporate settings as well as a teacher of shamanic practices. She has worked as a senior journalist and researcher, Community Educator in Area Health Services, trained graduate and palliative care nurses and coordinated and facilitated groups for people with life-limiting illnesses. She has developed and taught many specially tailored courses and one-to-one trainings. She has also written and currently teaches the Transformative Meditation and Shamanic Practices courses and the advanced course, Meditation Mastery, at Awareness Institute.
Louise offers clinic healing sessions using ancient Energetic and Shamanic healing systems and altered consciousness. She conducts individual meditation coaching and also mentoring/supervision sessions for people who are working as healers and meditation teachers.
Andrew Golightly
Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (1st class honours, majoring in Artificial Intelligence), Diploma of Holistic Counselling and Life Care, Certificate in Life Coaching, Reiki 1 and 2, member of the International Institute of Complementary Therapists
Andrew grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. After completing his schooling there, his family immigrated to New Zealand where he completed his computer science training. After working in Wellington for a while, he continued his IT employment as a researcher in England, and finally ended up working right here in Sydney. Andrew built (with the support of Kate’s design genius) and manages this main website, as well as developing and managing the online courses site.
Throughout his technical training and work, Andrew has always had a passion for connecting with people, and exploring natural healing methods. His current healing passion, in particular, is using the techniques from the arena of energy psychology.
He now works as a freelance IT guy (building websites and general IT support), as well as balancing that hemisphere of his being with energetic healing work.
Tricia Hunt
Diploma of Welfare Studies, Diploma of Journalism, Diploma of Private Investigations, Qualified Rebirthing Facilitator, Diploma in Psychic and Spiritual Healing, Diploma in Esoteric and Psychological Astrology, Diploma in Psychic Development, Certificate in Kinesiology, Certificate in Theosophical Studies, Certification in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
At a very early age after experiencing much trauma and suffering throughout her childhood and adolescent years Tricia realized there had to be more to life than pain, suffering loss and unhappiness.
When the final straw came that nearly broke her Spirit she decided to dedicate herself to finding out what life was really about.
This led her to a world of intrigue and investigation and found that in her world of dreams there was a magic that held many answers.
The tools that comprise Tricia’s work have been acquired over a long period of time through her life experiences along with studying various subjects and dedicating herself to always finding her “Inner Truths”.
Tricia is a professional Astrologer who works with personal belief systems and patterns along with running workshops on Dreams, Emotions, Crystal Healing and various other subjects.
Her vocational commitment is towards helping people to understand that they create their own reality and how ‘inner work’ can help them to find their own truths.
Diploma of Transformation Life Coaching, Diploma of Holistic Counselling and Life Care, Authorised Marriage Celebrant, Diploma of Energetic Healing, Diploma of Ritual and Celebrancy, Diploma in Corporate Management, Associate Diploma Institute of Financial Services, Diploma of Bowen Therapeutic Technique, Diploma of Weight Loss Management, Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Level 2 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. 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 lead 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 practices as a Holistic Counsellor, Transformative Life Coach and Energetic Healing at The Awareness Clinic.
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.
Marion 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.
Currently completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Naturopathy); Bachelor of Arts (English & Australian Literature); Diploma of Graphic Design; Diploma of Advanced Metaphysics; Certificate in Parapsychology; Reiki 1 & 2; Member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
Kate is our online marketing coordinator, graphic designer and web blogger. Her passion is in the deeper enquiry into ourselves. With a love of subtle anatomy and the bodymind connection, Kate is committed to integrating natural health with energetic principles, connecting awareness between thought, emotion and the physical experience.
Master of Arts (Cultural Astronomy and Astrology); Diploma of Fine Arts; Diploma of Applied Parapsychology; Certificate IV in 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
Kelly holds the FAA Practitioner’s Diploma and regularly lectures at international astrology conferences, (including UAC in May 2012). Traditionally focused, her specialty areas include predictive cycles and combining forecasting techniques. A past committee member of the NSW FAA, her written work has appeared in many publications, including The Mountain Astrologer and WellBeing. Kelly travels regularly between her dual home countries of Australia and Canada, teaching and consulting in both. Kelly also hold qualifications in counselling and life coaching.
Nancy Willis
Nancy has been a Practitioner of a broad range of complementary therapies for over 20 years and has facilitated workshops, seminars and meditation retreats since 1996.
Nancy’s interest in Polarity Therapy began in 1995 with a weekend workshop. From 2000-2002 Nancy completed the 5 Levels of Practitioner/Teacher Training with Bill Hutchinson and then completed 4 levels of teacher training in November 2004.
Prior to this Nancy worked in the computer industry in roles including writing and presenting training and application packages, developing procedures manuals and designing work flow within large client corporations.
Nancy currently works in private practice specialising in Mind/Body Medicine incorporating a unique blend of vibrational therapies along with traditional massage techniques and Polarity Therapy. She continues her studies in Polarity with Roger Gilchrist of the Wellness Institute, New York.
Tracey Wynter
Advanced Diploma in Cathartic Style Breathwork and Behavioural Decision Processing; Diploma of Holistic Counselling and Life Care; Certificate of Life Coaching, Certificate of Success Coaching, member of the Relationship Coaching Institute
Tracey is our part-time administrator and also runs her own business Conscious Love and Relationships. She is passionate about personal growth and development in both herself and other people. She has gone to the deep dark places herself and can sensitively and gently take others through this process due to her own personal experience and transformation.
Love and relationships is something that Tracey is committed to – both in her own personal journey and for the journey of others. She conducts one on one sessions with singles and couples as well as running Conscious Singles events and programmes on Dating and Relationships.
