Meet The Team
MEET YOUR TEAM
Our team of experts are here to ensure you have an amazing stay at Old Lan Farmhouse
Emma Hooper
"Our health always seems more valuable after we lose it”!
Having experienced many health challenges, I have been on a personal journey in pursuit of the answers to ‘what creates vibrant health and well-being?’ This quest has driven me to train in various disciplines in order to understand what makes us healthy, physically, emotionally and psychologically. Having this breadth of training allows me to offer a fully comprehensive and holistic approach to my clients.
I have been fortunate to have worked with many amazing teachers and practitioners along my journey and have decided to bring together their knowledge and expertise to provide a unique Retreat experience.
BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
I qualified as a personal trainer and nutrition advisor with Premier International in 1998, consulting on a freelance basis alongside my work as a professional singer and dancer. I went onto secure a postgraduate certificate in education in 2004 and worked hard to balance an additional role in lecturing.
In 2013, passionate about healthcare having experienced my own burnout and health challenges, I elected to specialise in naturopathic nutritional therapy at the Natural Healthcare College. I went on to set up my own business as The NutriFit Coach, providing private consultations and educational workshops on nutrition and lifestyle management for individuals, schools and corporate clients.
I have been practicing Yoga for over 20 years and decided to extend my knowledge and understanding of yoga philosophy & practice. In 2017 I started my teacher training at the British School of Yoga furthering my qualifications at the Satsanga Yoga Ashram in 2018. I am qualified and insured (500 hour+) yoga instructor and combine elements of hatha yoga and meditation on a one-one and group basis alongside working with my teachers and gurus here at Old Lan Farmhouse.
PHILOSOPHY
I am passionate about sharing my wealth of knowledge and helping others to unravel some of the confusing messages around health & wellness. I recognise that a “one size fits all” approach is not appropriate when it comes to health and wellbeing and aim to excite and inspire you to make the changes you need by providing encouragement and support through-out the process.
Visit Emma's website at: https://www.emmalouisehooper.com
Faye Brownjohn
"With the right support and encouragement, you are capable of more than you could ever dream of".
Faye has been in the health & fitness industry for over 20 years, starting her career as a youth competing in county weightlifting championships. Faye’s passion for fitness has never faltered, and at 41 (a mother of two), she is now an expert in her field having recently claimed the title of DFAC World Champion Natural Bodybuilder in 2018!
Faye has an extensive CV and started her journey into the fitness arena back in 1998 as a personal trainer working in prestigious gyms across London and on a freelance basis with one-one clients. Faye set up her own Pole Fitness Studio in 2013, diversifying into aerial fitness coupled with her work as a body coach and fitness mentor. She has continued to build up an extensive portfolio, in more recent years electing to specialise in nutrition and weight management alongside developing her own behavioural change programme.
Visit Faye's website at: https://www.fayebodyfit.co.uk
Mark Molloy
Mark qualified as a fitness instructor in 2004, graduating with a national certificate in exercise and fitness. He went on to work as a freelance personal trainer. He also completed various coaching & training courses with the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union) and Leinster Rugby to compliment his coaching position at Clondalkin Rugby Club.
Mark has a history immersed in every way to include fitness and travel on some level!! From his own career in Rugby, gaining his PADI in Australia, to multiple parachute and bungee jumps world-wide and treks up Kilimanjaro, The 4 Peaks Challenge, Machu Picchu, his love of outdoor pursuits knows no ends! Mark brings an element of ‘crazy’ fun to all his classes and seminars! You’ll be sure to be pushed to the max, whatever your fitness level as you absorb his sense of adventure, vibrance and energy.
Fern Lewis
Fern Lewis is a Pembrokeshire based freelance chef who specialises in fresh and nutritious vegetarian food.
Fern has gained experience from working in many surroundings, from Alpine ski chalets to superyachts in the Med & Caribbean, and also running her own café (Caffi Pura in Tenby). She brings with her a passion for preparing delicious, wholesome cuisine to compliment a wellbeing focused retreat.
“I enjoy cooking food with locally grown, seasonal ingredients wherever possible. That extends to growing my own vegetables and also using nature’s wild larder, which means you get the freshest and tastiest produce. Fantastic ingredients, brought together with love for you to enjoy.”
She has studied Vegetarian and Vegan nutrition, and is currently enrolled on a year long immersive course with the Holistic Kitchen Academy, further broadening her skills in the kitchen and beyond.
Delighted to be onboard and cooking in the beautiful surroundings at Old Lan Farmhouse.
Fully insured and has a Hygiene Rating with Pembrokeshire County Council of 5.
Visit Fern's Instagram at: https://instagram.com/caffipura/
Michelle Downes
Michelle began her yoga journey over 28 years ago with Seva Shakti, in the tradition of Ma Yogashakti Saraswati.
Taking a foundation in yoga studies and teacher training with Sanni Shakti, Michelle took her spiritual name Shraddaha Shakti when she became a Seva Shakti Federation Yoga Teacher (Shraddha meaning faith).
Michelle went on to complete her British Wheel of Yoga Teaching Diploma and studied Vini Yoga, in the tradition of T K V Desikachar, Vinyasa Flow, Power Yoga, Yin Yoga and Meditation.
Michelle teaches Hatha Yoga and Power Vinyasa Yoga in various locations in South Pembrokeshire her teaching style reflecting all these influences; from her roots with the Seva Shakti Federation and the grounding of British Wheel teacher training, mixing with the therapeutic benefits of Vini Yoga and the flow of Vinyasa.
View Michelle's website at: http://www.michelleyogatenby.co.uk/
Helen Williams
Helen is a highly acclaimed holistic therapist with over 15 years’ experience in the industry. She is also a private accredited holistic and beauty trainer, running training courses in her North Wales based salon and training academy alongside her online course programme and busy role as a proud mother to her two children and 3 dogs!
Helen was introduced to the importance of self-care, having faced her own challenges with anxiety. Enthusiastic about helping to share the benefits and support others on a similar journey, Helen went on to qualify as a therapist in 2006, completing her level 2 and level 3 in beauty therapy. Further adding to her holistic toolkit over the subsequent years, Helen has engaged in private training courses including reflexology and acupressure. She was also introduced to the holistic treatment Reiki in 2011 to help with insomnia and anxiety and fell in love with its powerful results. In 2014, Helen was attuned in Reiki level 1 and level 2 and has practised self-treatment alongside treatments on clients ever since.
“My self-care realisation started with understanding how important it is to not just give holistic treatments but also to receive them”!
Helen is also an experienced aromatherapist, making aromatherapy products for private customers to support a variety of health conditions and ailments incorporating aromatherapy blends within her treatments on request.
Helen takes great pride in her work and is extremely passionate about helping people feel relaxed and good about themselves - both inside and out, striving to make others see the importance of relaxation and self-care.
Yogacharini Deepika
Deepika is from the UK and developed her spiritual awareness from a young age. She later discovered Ananda Ashram in 2004, signing up to the correspondence course from ICYER. This led to a life-changing journey for Deepika and the decision to enrol on a 6-month intensive yoga teacher training program at ICYER - a 1500-hour course! (Certainly, one of, if not THE most in depth course available globally today).
On graduating in 2006, Deepika went through a great healing process of the lungs, having suffered from severe asthma for many years. It is with deep gratitude to the practices of the Gitananda Tradition that Deepika was blessed with a new lease of life! Deepika is extremely passionate to share these practices - especially with individuals who experience respiratory issues.
In 2008, Deepika married Yogachariya Jnandev (one of her peers from ICYER), and together they established the Yoga Satsanga Ashram in 2009 in Wales, UK. Here they do their best to share the wonderful teachings of Gitanada alongside authentic yogic teachings and successfully running a variety of courses in Sanatan yoga.
Deepika is also immensely proud and blessed to be mother to her 3 beautiful sons who keep her busy and bring her much joy!
Over the years, Deepika has returned back to ICYER to further her training and was awarded her 3000-hour advanced Yoga Teacher certificate in 2017. Deepika is now very humbled to be one of the few senior Gitananda worldwide teachers and returns to ICYER every year (if she is able), to be part of the teaching team on the 6-month YTT course.
Yogachariya Jnandev Giri
Founder of Yoga Satsanga Ashram Wales in 2009, founder of International Yoga Satsanga Ashram, Portugal, Chair of CIC Holistic Yoga Care Wales.
MSc Yoga and Meditation (Gold medallist) Jain Vishnu Bharat University, Rajasthan (2002) YTT Richiculture Ashtanga Yoga, Ananda Ashram, Tamil Nadu, S. India (2006).
Yogachariya Jnandev spent the first 33 years of his life in India, completing his MSc in Yoga and meditation, awarded the gold medal for being the top student at Jain Vishnu Bharat, Rajasthan University. Jnandev also trained at the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, Tamil Nadu (under the guidance of the great Gurus Amma Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani and Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani).
In addition to this, Jnandev has lived amongst Sadhus and Yogis in India prior to coming to the UK. His knowledge and experience of the ancient system of Yoga is rarely found, particularly in the west and Jnandev is now the author of 8 publications on different aspects of yogic living.
Jnandev is registered as Senior Yoga Teaches with Yoga alliance Professionals and registered at Yoga Elders with the Independent Yoga Network (IYN). Yoga Satsanga Ashram is also a BWY accredited Group.
Caroline Collins
Caroline started her journey in the fitness industry at the age of 20 and worked in busy gyms in London, starting as a fitness instructor and working up to managing a gym in lively Covent Garden. She took a break from the industry for 9 years where she had her son and worked the office life but always kept training in the gym and running which is essential for her mental health.
In 2013 Caroline returned to the industry she missed and loves and set up her own personal training & sports massage business, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind. She is fiercely passionate about physical and mental health after suffering her own mental health issues and exercise being her saviour.
She has a wealth of fitness knowledge and her classes are full of laughter and fun-in which she believes is what it is all about. Believe in yourself and anything is possible.
View Caroline on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/teamhbhm
Jackie Curtis
Highly skilled professional chef Jax is extremely passionate about her work, having been interested in cooking from a young age. Jax started her professional career establishing Jax's Cakes 'N' Bakes in 2014. Having worked in many different environments, including various high-end restaurants and hotel chains, Jax went on to expand her service offering in 2017 to include event catering, specialising in weddings and personalised events providing a service to clients from all walks of life.
Jax's is highly qualified, fully registered and insured and proud to have achieved a 5-star food hygiene rating.
Here at The Retreat, we pride ourselves on supporting local businesses and where possible, always use locally sourced produce. Jax uses traditional and modern cooking styles to present incredible masterpieces, cooked to perfection! We also like to take the personal touch to the next level so you get to know the face behind the culinary magic. Jax is very much a part of your weekend and you will have the opportunity to watch and learn new recipes and perhaps pick up a few tips and tricks that you can take away with you.
Visit Jax's website at: https://www.jaxscakesnbakes.com
Diane Beavan - Holistic Therapist & Reiki Master
As a qualified registered nurse with 45 yrs experience in the NHS, a BSc (Hons) and MSc, Diana started her journey into holistic therapies shortly after moving to Wales.
Having always been intrigued by complementary therapies, Diana decided to pursue her desire and qualified as a clinical reflexologist in 2011 further specialising in reflexology for women’s health at the London School of Reflexology with the renowned Ziggie Bergman (founder of the facial reflexology and Zone face lift).
Further adding to her holistic tool box, Diana is also added qualified in various complimentary therapies including Aromatherapy, Holistic Facials, Crystal Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Emotional Freedom technique (EFT tapping), Acupressure, Drumming Reiki Practitioner. Diana is also a Reiki master teacher and has attuned many students to the beautiful energy of Reiki.
Diana ensures her therapies considers the person as a whole, her philosophy is caring hands caring for you!
Gerry O-Brien
'Be open to miracles...'
Author, Adventurer, Forest Ranger & Eco-therapist…Gerry has lived a rich and varied life and brings a vibrant energy & infectious enthusiasm to the Old Lan team.
A former soldier and champion martial artist, he left behind a life of comfort & security to embark on worldwide travel exploits which reignited his passion for the natural world, a passion that was first forged through his childhood upbringing in rural Ireland.
An inspiring influencer, Gerry now dedicates his professional life as a wildlife advocate and nature connection specialist. He offers 16 years of ranger experience as well as global qualifications in Forest & Environmental Based Therapies. His expert knowledge of the land and gentle persuasive prompts offer in-depth opportunities to slow down, connect and listen to your soul whispers…
