About Me

My work is inspired and informed by my own experience:

I have worked alongside civil society and religious leaders building peace in northern Uganda, with Palestinian human rights defenders opposing the Israeli occupation, and much else in between.  This has exposed me to the huge suffering caused by war, displacement and unjust regimes. But also the huge strength and power of collective action, and all that we can (and must) learn from local populations and communities trying to rebuild their lives.

I have suffered - and recovered - from burnout. I have felt the despair and grief of working on seemingly intractable situations, and I have suffered from emotional, mental and physical exhaustion. From there, I have found my route to healing and greater awareness of how I can show up differently, and support others in doing the same.

My PhD research on stress and burnout in aid work, applying feminist and postcolonial theory, has helped me to understand more deeply the systemic problems that lead to burnout, and our collective responsibility in ending burnout culture. My PhD has given me a strong analytical and reflective mind - always wanting to investigate further the social and structural factors affecting wellbeing, and how we move beyond individualised 'self-care' to collective wellbeing, where we can all rise up and leave no one behind.

Many healing modalities and embodiment practices have aided my recover from burnout. This includes training in kundalini yoga, trauma release exercises and womb yoga, and also Process Work group facilitation. I bring these modalities together in my trainings and retreats, allowing space for movement, stillness, rest and courageous, heartfelt conversations. I take a feminist approach to these practices - honouring the traditions and lineages that inspire my work, naming the unfortunate and pervasive abuse within many of these traditions, and remaining curious to alternative approaches or adaptations. I am particularly inspired by the healing justice, embodiment and collective care teachings of bell hooks, Audre Lorde, Arnold Mindell, Resmaa Menakem, Srilatha Batliwala and Uma Dinsmore-Tuli.

Since 2015 I have been conducting research, and facilitating workshops and retreat programmes, on creating more caring, inclusive cultures. In 2021 my first book was published - The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector. Since then, I have been sharing the ideas and practices from The Vulnerable Humanitarian in my book circle and through workshops and speaking engagements. I have been a keynote speaker for CHS Alliance and shared my research with numerous academic and sector-based audiences in conferences and online gatherings.

As a consultant and researcher for different international NGOs and philanthropic organisations, I have supported my clients to develop more diverse and decolonial approaches to wellbeing - for their staff, or for their partners and stakeholders - which help build stronger, more resilient organisations and movements.

Contact me to arrange a free clarity call to discuss how I can support you. Or take a look at my Work with Me page and find out more about my approach.