About Kathleen
Growing up in regional Victoria, Kathleen spent a lot of time outdoors, climbing trees, collecting pine cones and camping. Since moving to the suburbs of Naarm/Melbourne, she has always found pockets of green and blue to experience joy, wonder, connection and relaxation. She is now available to guide others to experience the benefits of connecting with nature. Book a nature immersion with Kathleen; she is looking forward to guiding you to spend some time mindfully in beautiful natural environments.
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Kathleen has studied the benefits of time in nature, earning a PhD in Environmental Psychology and is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. She can provide interactive, evidence-based presentations to your corporate, community or school group about the benefits of nature, such as feeling calm, creative and connected. Sessions include learning new skills or take-home activities that can be completed with everyday urban nature. Get in touch to learn how presentations can be tailored to your group.
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Qualifications and selected courses
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PhD Environmental Psychology (Monash University)
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Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences, Bachelor of Science (Honours, Psychology)
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Certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide (accredited with the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance; INFTA)
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Nature Connectedness: For a new relationship with nature (University of Derby, MOOC)
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First Aid Certificate
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Mental Health First Aid (Community) Certificate
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Police Check and Working with Children Check
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Parks Victoria Licensed Tour Operator
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​Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurances
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In the media
To hear Kathleen speak about the benefits of nature, particularly for children, see television programs or radio interviews:
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“Searching for Superhuman”, Series 1 Episode 4 Spark Of Life (aired ABC 18 November 2020) watch here
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“Natural Play”, ABC Catalyst Program (aired 2 October 2014) watch here
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“Nature Deficit Disorder” on Open House Program on (23 May 2010) with Sheridan Voysey listen here
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“Greening the Psyche” for All in the Mind program on Radio National (16 February 2008) with Natasha Miller listen here
Academic background
Kathleen turned to formally exploring nature after 10 years of administrative and project management roles in the corporate world. Her PhD thesis drew on environmental psychology and positive psychology to understand environmental features that support optimal functioning.
Over the last twenty years, Kathleen has spoken about the importance of environments for physical and mental health – teaching at multiple universities, speaking at international and national conferences, and diverse organisations including the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and community organisations.
Kathleen has published over 50 scientific papers in international, peer-reviewed journals, including five specifically on understanding the relationships between natural environments and children, and associated benefits. She also completes peer reviews for multiple scientific journals including the Journal of Environmental Psychology, Environment and Behavior, and Children’s Geographies.
Contact
If you would like to know more or would like to book me for a session, please get in touch.