WHO WE ARE

A brief introduction to the people at the Centre ...

PERMANENT STAFF

Gretchen Stevens:

Gretchen was born in America a very long time ago, and her least favourite question at seminars and conferences is: "How did you find out that you had a healing gift?" The answer, basically, is that the realisation dawned upon her slowly in the same way that other people begin to recognise they have a natural ability to draw, or pick out a tune on a piano, or put words together entertainingly on the page. She doesn't believe that her ability is unique … rather that it's a talent we all possess to a greater or lesser degree, but with which most of us have lost touch. Her approach to healing is informed by her own Christian faith, but she never proselytises and expects no reciprocal belief from those who come seeking help. People who arrive at the Centre for the first time are often nervous, vaguely expecting something mystical or new-agey. They are always pleasantly surprised by Gretchen's - and indeed the Centre's - relaxed and resolutely down-to-earth attitude. The most common sound issuing from behind the treatment room door is that of laughter.

 Moira Briggs:

Moira is the Centre Manager (at least, that's what it says in her Job Description). She originally started as a Saturday morning volunteer in 1990 and nobody seems at all sure how or why she ended up running the place 18 years later. They just turned their backs one morning, and there she was – complete with office, computer and a large mug of tea. Everybody blames someone else and leaves it at that. She mostly hides in her office, communing with her keyboard, so you don't need to worry about her too much.

In her spare time she's Co-Administrator of the literary website, VULPES LIBRIS, which has this year - more than a little bizarrely - led to her being asked by the Romantic Novelists' Association to be one of the three judges of The Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

No.  No-one else believes it, either ...

If you really have nothing better to do, you might like to visit Moira's blog:  From the Centre Manager's desk.

Andrea Takacs: Andrea is the Centre's Volunteer Co-ordinator and bears most of the responsibility for – well – co-ordinating volunteers, organizing fundraising events and keeping the mountains of jumble that arrive at the Centre under some semblance of control.

Richard Harrop: Richard provides the muscle in the garden … you'll usually spot him in a death grip with a wild rhododendron or fighting an unending (but doomed) battle with the hayfield we call our lawn.

VISITING THERAPISTS:

Sonia Norton:  Sonia joined the Centre in the Autumn of 2004 when she "retired" after many year of working within the National Health Service. She is a Chartered Physiotherapist and has had extensive experience in the treatment of orthopaedic and musculo-skeletal problems, neurological conditions (including stroke) and respiratory conditions. She has specialist knowledge in the management of COPD and asthma. We are delighted to welcome her to the Centre, as she not only brings with her years of invaluable experience as a "hands-on" practitioner but also adds substantially to our mix of available skills. We look forward to many years of happy co-operation.

Kay McMahon: Kay is a long-time friend of the Centre who is a Therapeutic Practitioner for Surestart Copeland. Kay offers Ayurvedic Massage by appointment. Ayurveda originated in India 4,000 years ago and is believed to be the oldest health-maintenance system known to modern man.

Jenny Bailie: Jenny has been with us since the beginning of 2005. She is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a practising member of the Institute of Transactional Analysis (TA). We are very pleased to welcome Jenny to the Centre and have no hesitation at all in recommending her to those who are seeking counselling and/or psychotherapy.

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