THIS IS LOU :)
CIA Founder/DIRECtor

Corporate work shrivelled her soul, so Lou was drawn to working with youth. After working as a Primary Teacher Aide, Lou saw first-hand how many children were struggling at school— emotionally, mentally, competitively- and there was little encouragement for expressing or knowing thyself. Inspired by her deep interest in the arts, mind-body health, creating change and harnessing her magical healing creative powers, Lou felt called to do something to help these kids. In fact, for All Kid Kind.

Her pioneering path began in Melbourne, appointed as the Director of the Organ Factory Kid’s Club, which soon became a big thriving after-school hive of creative kids. From there, Lou launched her own unique venture with more of a self-care focus: 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!

Lou’s passion for bridging wellbeing with creativity grew stronger. She trained as a 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). 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’s professional training includes:

• Western Psychology University Degree

• Eastern Philosophy

• Shiatsu Therapy (Eastern Bodywork)

• Dietary Therapeutics

• Five Elements / Chinese Medicine Study

• Children & Community Programme Management

• Youth Mentorship

• Rainbow Kids Yoga Teacher

• Meditation / Qi Gong

• Creative Dance & Performing Arts Facilitation

• Classical Voice

• First Aid
  

Lou believes that it is vital for children to know all their many dimensions - to feel happy, purposeful and whole. Together we can create change in Children’s education so that every Child feels like they belong and have a part to play.

Join Lou and her crew in caring for this new generation of highly intelligent and sensitive young humans.

“We need balanCe. We need hope. Let’s create it.”