About Me: I am excited to be the first fully-qualified Cuddle Party Facilitator in Australia. Having been a therapeutic masseur for 12 years I have a deep awareness of the need for healing nurturing touch in our society. I’ve also taught Interpersonal Communication Skills at RMIT University, worked with survivors of sexual abuse, and have been a CuddleBug for my entire life. I am passionate about relationships with integrity and community-building. I love cooking, cycling, being with my adorable nieces, and lots of other things besides. Oh, and I have this thing about wombats… ?

Favorite Cuddle Party Rule: Rule No 3: Kissing and nuzzling, as well as other forms of touch, are allowed, but you must ask permission and receive a “yes” before you touch anyone. I love all the rules that help people feel safe. I think Rule No 3 means that you don’t have to “do” anything extra to be safe – you just have to not say “yes”.

What I got out of Cuddle Party personally: From the training: that my job is just to “be” with everyone who turns up, not to fix anything; that I can declare and create the safe environment I want; and that my co-facilitators are awesome people. From the Cuddle Parties themselves: Oh, the joy of a puppy pile! ? I love how relaxed everyone is at the end of a CP. I love the feeling of safety-to-explore that develops in each group. I love how different each group is. I love watching people discover what they like and don’t like and developing the ability to say that with confidence.

Who I am as a Cuddle Party Facilitator / What you'll find at my Cuddle Parties: You’ll find warmth, openness, welcome, acceptance, a safe space, a listening ear, integrity, responsibility, clear communication and humour. My Cuddle Parties create a sense of safe intimacy, respect, inclusion and value, empowering each person to safely explore their touch needs and touch boundaries.