Before permaculture changed my life and world views I was an Accountant and a Certified Prince 2 Project Manager implementing large corporate finance systems. Therefore I am able to bring from my past corporate life experience the following attribute into my role as diploma mentor:
Goal setting: my background in project management can aid in defining objectives, creating action plans, and measuring progress.
Communication: I can help apprentices articulate their permaculture ideas and projects effectively
Mentorship approach: I am able to listen, provide guidance, and adapt to the specific needs and goals of each apprentice. I believe in fostering a supportive and nurturing mentorship relationship.
Examples & Case Studies: I am able to share examples from my own experience both with permaculture projects and corporate world case studies
Since starting my permaculture learning journey I have completed the following courses/certifications:
PDC with Aranya at Sustainability Centre in 2011
RegenAG with Darren Doherty - 2011
Holistic Grazing Management with Kirk Gadzia - 2011
Training of Teachers and PTLLS with Aranya, Hannah Thorgood and Jan Mulreany in 2012
Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design - 2013
Small Scale Mushroom Production with Gourmet Mushroom Academy ZA
Mentoring and Life coaching with Gaia University - 2019
Diploma Tutor course with PAB - 2020
Currently studying with Gaia University for Masters in Integrative Social Design
My areas of interest are fairly broad ranging. As we live on a smallholding I am interested in pasture management, farm to table food systems, edible landscapes, mushroom propogation, no dig vegetable gardening, growing herbs for health and healing, and integrating animals in a permaculture system.
I am also very interested in the social side of permaculture and in this regard I have worked on setting up 2 eco-education projects, a community association in our local area, I run seed swap events and open days for the public from our smallholding.
We run Introduction courses, small holder courses and host volunteers interested in permaculture, so people care and education is an important part of what we do. In addition to the above I am also a certified life coach.