Greater Perth Area
I care passionately about the earth and all sentient beings on it, so I guess that makes me a biophile. Growing up bilingual from the age of nine, when my family moved to Australia from Italy, increased my love of reading and writing and set me on the path to develop a holistic perspective. My career as a guide, teacher, facilitator and mentor began in my early twenties when I lived in Brescia, Italy, for five years as an English language consultant, and taught English to people of all ages in varied walks of life. Back in Australia I went into tour guiding and then returned to tutoring and mentoring at a university in Sydney. This continued in Perth, after moving there and starting a family, while concurrently finishing a degree and then a teaching diploma. I've taught English and Drama at a number of secondary schools, then tutored and mentored for three universities, including Edith Cowan Universities where I still currently work. I have also supported university students and staff with editing, as well as undertaking research in the social sphere, particularly connected with isolation, the aged and creativity. In 2011 I completed a PhD focused on creativity. My book 'Creativity: Stepping into Wholeness' (published by That Guy's House on the 12th of February, 2021) is a natural continuation of that journey, where after ten years of putting my research into practice with my students (and others) I share my insights, and further open a conversation that I believe is vital for our wellbeing. I am also a licensed facilitator of Chakradance. Founded by Natalie Southgate, Chakradance is an international dance practice that fosters wellbeing and self-expression. My writing is therefore also drawn from the experience gained from innumerable Chakradance workshops held since 2011. I have had a chapter published - 'Authentic Teaching’, in S. Wiebe et al. (Eds.), Ways of Being in Teaching; some short stories in collaborative books; articles in various publications, as well as one in an academic journal - ‘Child’s play: We can all be winners with creativity’ in Performing Ethos, 2010. In addition I have presented papers at conferences, and my research - ‘Seniors' Social Isolation - a Scoping Study’, commissioned by COTA, was launched by the Western Australian Department for Communities in 2009. I am currently writing my first fiction book. More about me can be found on my website: https://www.helenferrara.com
Tutoring and mentoring students who are pursuing their dream careers through study, and knowing you are making a difference as you see them gain self-assurance in bringing their potentials to life is absolutely amazing, and very fulfilling! This has included my tutoring as an ITAS tutor at Murdoch University (2012 - 2019) and Macquarie University (2013). My tutoring & mentoring is complemented by the substantive editing work I do for books and articles as well as postgraduates' theses. Through editing I am able to support and encourage peoples’ passion for their topic so that it may be creatively and 'flowingly' expressed through their writing.
Organising, providing and holding a space, hence facilitating (often with a colleague), for those wanting to experience Chakradance - a non-prescriptive dance practice which is like a moving meditation and has been called the sister of yoga. It allows reconnection of any fragmentation of the self/spirit/mind and therefore heals (healing means making whole) and enhances self-knowledge and wellbeing.
Conducted a scoping study on 'Seniors' Social Isolation' commissioned by the Council on the Ageing (COTA), and funded by the WA Department for Communities, launched October 2009 in Seniors week.
Conducted drama workshops/tutorials and lectures Drama and for Foundation unit - Structure, Thought and Reality.
Co-ordinated monthly seminars (Postgraduate Survival Seminars) for postgraduate students to which the guest speakers were professionals with experience in the topics covered.
Taught English and Drama to classes ranging from a Year 8 Gifted and Talented, Year 9 & 10 Drama, to Year 11 & 12 Fast Track English. This became part-time after commencing PhD degree.
Including Subiaco, Craigie, Carine & Warwick Taught Italian to groups of adults ranging from beginners to intermediate.