About Cliona.

Hi, I’m Cliona!

I grew up in Derry; yes I am a Derry Girl! I left Northern Ireland after secondary school, spending more than ten years studying and working abroad before returning to Ireland and settling in Leinster. 

I worked for 20 fulfilling years on human rights and international development and environmental justice issues for various national and international organisations.  Eventually it became clear that it was time for me to combine my passion for supporting and empowering positive change in the world around me, together with my personal experience and professional studies in healing, self-care and personal development, and to turn these into my day job. 

I have been hooked on meditation and mindful movement for many years, having experienced the huge benefits for myself. 

I qualified to teach Yoga with Yoga Therapy Ireland, an organisation established to promote the reality that Yoga and its many therapeutic benefits are for EVERYBODY, regardless of their state of health, age or physical abilities. 

With the Irish Tai Chi Chuan Association I have trained to teach Qigong, another mindful movement practice accessible to all and reputed for its benefits in enhancing balance, coordination and stress reduction. 

I have also undertaken various meditation and mindfulness teacher training courses over the years and this comes across clearly in all my teaching. 

I continue to attend regular in-service training to enhance my skills across all areas.  I have found beauty and benefit in all the practices I have trained in, and so all my classes integrate aspects from various disciplines.  

I have trained in those practices that resonate most with me and am passionate about sharing their potential with others.  Having experienced the incredible impacts of Reflexology and of Energy Therapy over many years, I trained with Obus Wellness College and with Huanying Holistic to become a practitioner.  I continue to be fascinated by the potential of these gentle but profound modalities to support healing.  

I have been blessed with incredible tutors and mentors all the way along.  I am a facilitator with Huanying Holistics, and a member of Yoga Therapy Ireland, the Irish Tai Chi Chuan Association, and the Irish Reflexologists’ Institute. I also enjoy immensely the work I have done with community based institutions and organisations, Womens’ groups, Active Retirement groups, Schools and Colleges, Local Sports Partnerships and NGOs.