Before training as an Alexander teacher I co-managed a project set up to advise and raise awareness about Occupational Health. Although our focus included ergonomics and RSI, this work exacerbated my neck and shoulder tension. In an attempt to address this, I began having lessons in the Alexander Technique.
Not only did the lessons help my neck pain, I found they benefited me in unexpected ways. Despite my Australian birth, I had never been sporty and I was delighted to find that lessons improved my cycling technique enormously.
As I became more aware during lessons of how to use my legs more freely, I noticed I was using an unnecessary amount of effort and tension when cycling; especially when approaching a climb. In general, I felt my overall health improved.
In 1994 I began training as an Alexander Teacher with Walter and Dilys Carrington in West London. Walter Carrington trained with F.M. Alexander himself.
I completed the three year full time training in 1997 and have been teaching full time since then. I continue to derive great personal benefit from the Technique and am especially aware of its value when dealing with difficult and stressful situations or when approaching new interests and activities like swimming and gardening. I am a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT).
Over the last twenty-two years I have enjoyed teaching the Technique to a wide variety of individuals and groups. In addition to giving individual lessons, I have worked with a number of companies and organisations including Credit Suisse, London Boroughs of Lewisham and Tower Hamlets and the Royal London Hospital.