YOUR WELLNESS PROFESSIONAL

LAURA IRELAND OCT, MSCED, BA, SSW

HOLISTIC WELLNESS COUNSELLOR

Teacher; Social Service Worker; Reiki Specialist & Teacher; Art, Sound & Nature Lover

Allow me to share with you some of my journey so far …

I was diagnosed with asthma by my first birthday. I remember being hooked up to a machine every 3-4 hours or brought to the hospital to be connected to the “Big Machine” that pumped more air into my lungs when it got really bad. I had respiratory failure twice as a young child. Learning breathing techniques and staying active saved my life.

Singing in church choir and around the campfire was something I grew up with. I learned to play a variety of instruments as the years went by. Learning to play piano by ear has not only given me more of an appreciation for music and sound, it has also provided me with the courage to step out of my comfort zone with instruments. Drums, flutes, singing bowls, the n'goni (African harp) and the gong are some of my favourites. 🎶

I played every sport I could growing up. It wasn’t until high school that concussions became an issue. I had to retire earlier than expected from varsity soccer when, during one of my summers playing in the Provincial League, I rocked my head pretty hard. The doctor told me, “If you want to speak to your children when you get older, I suggest that you stop playing soccer.”

So, I devoted my energy to my health and used my brain for learning. I completed my English Degree in Concurrent Education, my Social Service Worker Diploma and my Masters of Science in Education. I wrote my thesis on ADHD and the Strategies for Improving Student Academics and Social Learning during the Elementary Years.

I started as a Summer Camp Counsellor and a Program Coordinator at The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara. Later, I became the Fund Development Director there. I organized events like Golf Tournaments, Bonspiels, and jumping out of an airplane to raise money, which helped us to open the St. Catharines and Fort Erie locations, where I became the manager. I enjoyed partnering with schools and local organizations and programs, like Community Living and The Niagara Prosperity Initiative, before I switched my focus and devoted my energy to becoming a teacher at the local school board.

I fell in love with a talented and passionate firefighter in sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We are now the proud parents of 2 beautifully smart and charismatically creative children.

My career as an educator has allowed me to teach all around Ontario. My kiddos at home were quite young when Expressions For The Soul was created. I wanted to create a space for people of all generations to explore, discover and connect to their mind, body and soul, through wellness counselling and mindful maintenance techniques.

I took my new business on the road, working with some amazing groups and organizations like Wellspring, schools, retirement communities, summer camps and Youth Theatres. The energy, experiences and education I carry with me from working with these amazing people are so special to me 💗.

My journey faced trauma, loss, enlightenment and transformation. I met some magnificent teachers, collected some certificates, and studied my health from the inside out. It has been a testing, yet beautifully orchestrated journey thus far. The medicine that has anchored me and brought me back to health and balance, mind, body and soul, is what I share with you. I believe that wellness is a practice and something that needs to be maintained regularly. My intended purpose is to make a lasting and positive change in the lives of others. ✨

My family’s life journey has brought me back to the north and I am grateful to call South Frontenac my new home. I am so blessed and excited to share this magical wellness space and shop with you. 🌱

Maintain your personal wellness practice with classes that resonate with you. Whether it’s the resonance from a sound bath, the rhythm of the drum, the energy of a reiki session or a walk through the labyrinth, it’s time to take the first step towards wholeness and wellness within your mind, body and soul.

✨🌻🎶💗

Laura