Why am doing this?

The global pandemic of loneliness and the global crises of biodiversity loss and pollution with climate change present complex public and environmental challenges at local systems and international levels. These are often approached as silos, also the nature-culture connection is often overlooked. I offer a path to solutions (especially for professionals and leaders in public and environmental health) to bridge these silos, moving awareness to action, to support wellbeing, adaptation and a culture of caring during times of change.

As an humanitarian and environmentalist I aim to try and leave the world better than I found it by honouring biomimicry to reduce biodiversity loss and to strengthen belonging and biophilia ~ love of the natural world.

Are you involved in designing for wellbeing and nature connection?

Do you look to the natural world for solutions? Are you wanting to make changes in your organisational structure or to take a more sustainable and regenerative approach, but don't know how to? I was grappling with some of these challenges and after delving into the research, engaging in lots of unlearning, reflection and conversations with diverse people pinpointed one of the keystone aspects.

It all starts with self awareness.

Self-awareness is how we each experience and understand our own character/personality, often within culture, and our human traits such as feelings, motives and desires. It is the foundation for choices we make and the actions we take. The actions and decisions you take will depend on which part of you is more dominant; your choices will result in different effects and impacts in the world.

Benefits of self-awareness include:

-managing thoughts, behaviours and emotions

-setting goals and knowing strengths and weaknesses

-improved relationship due to better understanding of others

For Professionals creating Policies

Healthcare Professionals

Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Conservation

Are you thinking of prescribing art and time in nature to support wellbeing and reduce loneliness?

Having worked in several healthcare settings I understand some of the challenges you might face. I have been involved in a range of healthcare research in Europe, Africa and the USA and am a past president of AMWA-DVC. In 2024 I was part of the APA's Div. 34 2024 Conference Committee “Psychology for a Resilient Future: Adaptation, Mitigation, and Coping in a Changing World”. I have taught internationally on the topics of nature connection, wellbeing and self-care with contemplative pedagogy at the masters-level for healthcare professional, bridging East-West and Indigenous philosophies. I have also served as a Hospice volunteer. I have sat on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Institute of Clinical Research, UK, as well as the Editorial Advisory Group, Mother Earth Living, USA and been the Marlborough Representative for the ToS committee of NZSA. I am currently a member of ATA and Public Health Assoc. New Zealand. I've also been a patient and I have walked to heal.

Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Conservation

Are you looking towards regenerative tourism, encouraging and practicing pro-conservation behaviours?

I understand the challenges for conservation work. In 2010 I was an intern with Chester County Parks and Rec. (PA, USA) developing a communications plan for the Chester Valley Trail (a rails-trail conversation) as part of ongoing natural resources communication and study with Colordao State University. I also volunteered, for several years, at USA-based organisations Welkinweir, Springton Manor and for the Adopt-a-Trail program at Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick and I am a prior Fresh Air Fund host. I am forward thinking and was the only presenter from Aotearoa New Zealand at the Hike Like a Woman Virtual Summit in May 2024. I currently live on the Queen Charlotte Track in Aotearoa New Zealand and previously served on the board for the Endeavour Inlet Conservation Trust. I have completed various DOC and eco-tourism trainings and in 2023 I attended the first Ngā Niho Taniwha Wānanga held in Marlborough, Aotearoa New Zealand. In the summer of 2009 I participated in a Travel Writing Workshop with Gotham Writers and the New York Times Knowledge Network. I am a member of AEE, an associate member of NZOIA and a virtual member of Recreation Aotearoa Te Whai Oranga. As an avid traveller I also visit parks for recreation.

Architects and Designers

Are you involved in, or considering, biophilic design? Or the application of biophilic design, perhaps with an aim to enhance wellbeing in the home, the office or in healthcare facilities?

I presented, at the TNOC Festival 2024 and the Living Futures Europe Biophilia Summit 2024 I have been a regular contributor to the Journal of Biophilic Design , and associated podcast, since 2020. My books and workshops encourage readers to explore their own biophilia. I am drawn to systems thinking and have supported architectural research and design for wellbeing and adapting to change. As a member of the public I visit cities, towns, hospitals and schools. I've been, unofficially, temporarily displaced due to infrastructure disruption from natural disasters.

Multicultural Community Teams

Are you needing wellbeing and cross cultural agility support for your multicultural and diverse team?

I have a global worldview with experience to support interdisciplinary teams and diverse ethnicities to feel empowered with a sense of belonging and being connected to community. I have taught an international healthcare subject which included aspects on cultural competency and have lived experience from living and working in five countries. I am TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certified and able to relate to multiple cultures. I have taught English to e.g. Arabic speaking students in the USA and to Latin American and Pacific Island adult learners in Aotearoa/New Zealand. I was an attendee at the Global Cities New Zealand conference in March 2024. My extended family speak a variety of languages and live in diverse locations making me specifically agile. I've lived the challenge of learning new cultures.