At eleven years old, I created a clay tablet on which I wrote “peace be with you.”

I still aspire to foster peace within myself and for others.

I offer meditation guidance informed by a 14-year meditation journey; a meditation teacher certification in mindfulness and compassion-based resilience; and my studies in contemplative psychotherapy; and my lived-experience of mental health struggles. You can learn about my personal journey below.

I also consult in strategy, research and learning experience design for clients in the mental wellness and contemplative learning space, such as meditation, mindfulness, and compassion.

Most recently, I supported The University of Melbourne’s Contemplative Studies Centre to evaluate new undergraduate meditation subject from a contemplative learning and psychological wellbeing perspective.

If you would like to explore how I could bring value to you or you or organisation, I welcome you to contact me.

Credentials

Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Australian College of Applied Psychology, (2024-2026)

Contemplative Psychotherapy Program, Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science (2021-2024)

Working Skilfully with Meditation-Related Safety and Challenges for Meditation Teachers, Cheetah House (2022)

Psychological First Aid, John Hopkins University (2022)

Compassion-based Resilience Training Certification, Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science (2021)

Buddhism and Modern Psychology Certificate, Princeton University (2019)

The Science of Happiness Certificate, UC Berkley, (2018)

Existential Wellbeing Counselling Certificate, KU Leuven (2018)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Sociology, Swinburne University (2007-2009)

Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), Swinburne University (2002-2007)

My Story

My name is pronounced NEHR-uh-duh.

In Greek mythology, 'Nereids' were sea spirits. It's also an Australian Aboriginal name meaning 'waterlily.' However, I'm actually named after an Aussie model my Mum admired in the 80’s, and fate led me to a career as a fashion model.

Not long after I started modelling, I suffered situational PTSD from a traumatic international trip. Anxiety and three episodes of major depression followed, leaving me feeling utterly miserable and desperate. A psychiatrist warned of an 80 per cent relapse risk, but I somehow found the resolve to craft a wellbeing plan, including daily meditation, that eventually ended my cycle of major depression struggles.

Meditation served as a lifeline, leading me back to inner stillness beyond the conceptual 'me', offering freedom from the prison of the mind, alleviating much of my suffering.

My practice also held me through waves of grief when my Dad passed away unexpectedly and my Mum was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Life continued to be predictably unpredictable, and in 2023 I healed from a brain and nervous system injury, deepening my awareness of our fundamental human consciousness.

All of these experiences have been pivotal in leading me towards a path and vocation in healing. My intention is to share insights, teachings, and meditative practices from my healing journey, hoping they'll benefit yours.

As Thich Nhat Hanh says: “No mud, no lotus.”