Lou’s pioneering path began in Australia, working as a Primary Teacher Aide, where she experienced first-hand how many children were struggling at school— emotionally, mentally, socially - and observed there was little curriculum space for wellbeing education, self-expression or knowing thyself. A noticeable void.

Shortly after, she was appointed as the Director of Kid’s Club, which soon became a thriving after-school hive of 80+ happy, creative kids.

From there, urged by the need to create change for All Kid Kind - and curious to forge the link between arts and mind-body health, Lou took action.

In 2008, Lou launched her own unique venture: Solar Rewind – Wellbeing Workshops for Kids of the Milky Way, presented by her cosmic alter ego, the supernatural and whimsical Siouxie Solar ( imagine a cosmic Mary Poppins-meets-Tinkerbell ) leading creative workshops with a beam shining on mind-body care.

Lou completed a Diploma in Shiatsu bodywork therapy (ASC) and trained as a Rainbow Kids’ yoga teacher, and in 2010 developed Imagination Yoga, followed by Imagination Dance (Creative Dance) in 2015.

‍ ‍MOver /shaker / DREAMER / MAKER

In 2016, in response to reported rising levels of anxiety and depression in children — particularly after the Christchurch earthquakes — Lou founded the Children’s Imagination Academy (CiA) in New Zealand. The CiA is a heart-led learning space designed to nurture children’s inner spark, champion their unique creativity, and support their emotional wellbeing through holistic education. Lou also worked for 7 years as a Drama Teacher, under the direction of Mike Friend at the Lyttelton Arts Factory, and created original plays with the kids. Lou currently leads the Wildhearts Kid’s Space and holds seasonal retreats.

Lou’s professional training includes:

• Psychology BA (University of Otago)

• Diploma of Shiatsu & Oriental Therapeutics (ASC)

• Dietary Therapeutic/ Five Elements (ASC)

• Diploma of Children & Community Programme Management

• NZ Youth Mentorship

• Rainbow Kids Yoga Teacher - International Cert.

• Meditation / Qi Gong

• Creative Dance Training (Over the Moon Studios)

• Body Aware Movement (Helen Beresford Private Training)

• Drama Teaching & Performing Arts Facilitation (Lyttelton Arts Factory)

• Classical Voice (Lucio Coceani, Margaret Orr, Sole Academy

• Safeguarding and Protecting Children (Tiakina Nga Tamariki)

• Living Values Education Facilitator (Commenced 2026)

• First Aid Cert.