The Breathing Coach

Everyone has their own unique story, based on their own experiences, their environment when they were children, their transition from childhood to teen to adulthood, their ancestry, and their genealogy.

This is mine

Behavioral habits and programs operate at a subconscious level, shaping how we function in society. Essentially, our lives are a reflection of these subconscious programs—some empowering, but more than 50% are limiting or disempowering. The good news is that these programs can be changed through neuroplasticity, allowing us to replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. Just as we update our mobile phones every few months, we can also reprogram our subconscious minds.

I was born in Mona Vale Hospital in 1968 and have lived in the Northern Beaches of Sydney my entire life, however we have just relocated to the Gold Coast, QLD. As the eldest of three, with two younger sisters, I was raised by parents who are still together, celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary in 2025.

In the early ’70s, my parents felt a calling to join an “alternative” religion. My childhood within this church was happy, and I formed friendships that continue to this day. However, the church did not celebrate birthdays, Easter, or Christmas for most of my early years. This led to confusion, especially as a schoolchild invited to birthday parties—some years I could attend, others I couldn’t. The Sabbath was strictly observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, and attending church was mandatory, requiring an all-day commitment each Saturday.

I loved sports and was selected for school teams, but participating in weekend competitions was forbidden. Repeatedly declining invitations led me to fabricate stories to justify my absence. Over time, lying became second nature, and as I transitioned into adulthood, I lost sight of my true identity.

In my mid-teens, I left the church after running away for a weekend, longing to experience the normalcy my friends enjoyed. This shift led me to smoking, alcohol, and partying. By the time I finished school in Year 12, I had joined a local rugby team, and my alcohol consumption escalated. Drinking to excess and blacking out became routine. Concerned, my parents encouraged me to attend AA meetings at age 21, but I wasn’t ready to change.

In my early 20s, I got engaged and married a local girl. Despite starting a family, my drinking persisted, and I developed a gambling addiction, frequently losing rent money at poker machines. When short on cash, I fabricated believable lies, which only reinforced my deceptive habits. My marriage lasted five years, but from that union, we had a beautiful daughter—now an independent, confident woman chasing her dreams.

At 31, I found myself single for the first time, embracing the nightclub scene. My lifestyle now included excessive alcohol, gambling, and recreational drug use. Despite this, I managed to hold down jobs and convince myself that I was functioning normally. My parents, whom I dearly love, stepped in to raise my daughter during this period, a gift for which I will always be grateful.

Everything changed when I met my current partner of 18 years. We welcomed a daughter, and at six months old, she became my wake-up call. At 42, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, both heart conditions requiring surgical intervention. Over the next six years, I underwent four heart surgeries. I also battled asthma, high blood pressure, and numerous stress-related health issues. Despite quitting drugs and cigarettes in 2007, my alcohol addiction persisted. Even after multiple surgeries, I continued drinking.

In 2017, I was diagnosed with chronic depression. At my lowest point, I confided in my partner about my suicidal thoughts. She urged me to seek help, leading me to my GP, where I was prescribed antidepressants. While they improved my mood in the short term, I continued drinking.

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, I had a gut feeling that I needed to prioritize my health. Approaching my 52nd birthday, I decided to do Dry July. Not only did I stay alcohol-free for the entire month, but I extended it for another three weeks. Feeling amazing, I believed I had control over my drinking—until I rewarded myself with a bottle of Shiraz. That single indulgence spiraled into a seven-week cycle of Friday-night drinking. On October 7, 2020, I hit my breaking point and quit alcohol for good. I often get asked from people why i quit drinking alcohol and my response is always the same.....i didnt quit drinking alcohol,  i actually reclaimed my life! 

Today, I am nearing five years of sobriety and have never felt better. Through deep self-reflection, I realized my lifelong pattern of self-sabotage. This revelation led me to Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a tool that enabled me to reprogram my subconscious mind. Inspired, I became an accredited NLP coach, helping others overcome their limiting beliefs. I am now a Master Practitioner of NLP and Life Coaching, specializing in mindset transformation and personal empowerment. Additionally, I am a qualified PT and Strength and Conditioning Coach, merging fitness and mindset coaching to create lasting change.

But my journey didn’t stop there—enter breathwork. I had lived with asthma since age seven, relying on Ventolin and Seretide for decades. Yet, no doctor ever taught me the importance of nasal breathing. When I discovered breathwork, everything changed. By exclusively breathing through my nose, I no longer needed medication. Nitric oxide, produced in the nasal sinuses, naturally dilates the airways, improves oxygenation, and enhances overall health.

In 2023, I left my secure job to pursue my passion full-time, launching The Breathing Coach. My coaching integrates breathwork, NLP, and exercise therapy—modalities I have personally used to transform my life.

If my story resonates with you and you’re ready to take control of your life, I invite you to book a no-obligation 30-minute call with me.

I’ll end with a story that reaffirmed my purpose. A few years ago, after sharing my journey at a breath and ice bath session in Dee Why Beach, I was approached by a young woman. She recognized me and shared that my story had given her the courage to change. After years of addiction, she had just completed 90 days of sobriety in a local rehabilitation facility. Hearing this reaffirmed my mission: to empower others to reclaim their lives and reach their full potential through connecting with their breath, which in my opinion is the single most impactful tool we can use and the beautiful thing is we have access to our breath 24/7, we just need to know how to use it!

This is my purpose. To help people break free from limiting beliefs, regain their power, and live their best lives through breath control.