Author of Healing with Essential Oils,  Essential Oils for the Whole Body (2020 Platinum Award winner),  and  Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation (2019 Platinum Award winner), published by Inner Traditions Bear & Co., Vermont USA, and available to purchase from Barnes and Noble (in store and on-line), and most high street and on-line book outlets.  Translated to Traditional Chinese, my books are also widely available in East Asia, and across the world.

My fascination for essential oils began nearly fifty years ago, when I was introduced to integrated medicine (or alternative medicine as it was coined then) and meditation as a teenager in the early seventies; a period that saw me living in an Ashram in my quest to find clarity about ‘what is life about’.  Meditation is one of many significant gifts I carry forward from this period; indeed, one of the many positive outcomes of practicing meditation is increased appreciation for the more subtle energetic principles underpinning many ancient and new healing systems.

Leaving the ashram, I worked as junior secretary for the Company Secretary of Lewis-Selfridges, Oxford Road, London, but surrendered this role when Robert Tisserand invited me to work for him – already inspired by the philosophies of complementary medicine, I willingly embraced this invitation and opportunity – and so began my ‘essential oil journey’.

I studied at the University of Salford, gaining a BSc (Joint Hon) Degree in Counselling and Complementary Medicine, and post graduate Masters Certificates in Integrated Mindfulness, and Supervision of Counsellors, and a Post Graduate Teaching Certificate (PGCE) from Bolton Institute.

I set up my essential oil practice and delivered teaching programmes privately, and at adult education colleges (subjects I taught included aromatherapy, reflexology, diet and nutrition, and counselling skills).  I joined the Complementary Medicine team at the University of Salford (School of Health Sciences and Social Care, now the School of Health and Society) some twenty years ago; my roles included programme lead for B.Sc. Complementary and Integrated Therapy in Practice degrees, module lead for Aromatherapy, Supervision and CPD, Communication and Professional skills, and personal tutor, I also ran an aromatherapy clinic for staff and students.

After retiring from the University, I moved to Dorset and have lived in Lyme Regis for almost seven years.  During this period, I have published three award winning books and continue to deliver essential oil related workshops and courses, and aromatherapy treatments. Over the years, I have also had a number of articles published in professional journals and magazines (some of which you will find here and here)

I am especially interested in the psycho-emotional-spiritual influence of essential oils and the consequential influence these dynamics procure on resilience, health and wellbeing.  My writing is inspired and informed by my years as a practitioner and teacher; working with students and clients is a privilege I appreciate.  My fascination for essential oils has provided a vehicle that has taken me on a wonderful journey (and continues to do so) of discovery.

I am the very proud mother of four grown up children, and graced grandmother of twelve beautiful grandchildren.  And so, my journey continues……….