Introducing our Team of qualified Practitioners
Tamsin Trendell
From an early age I knew I wanted to work with people’s health and well-being, so at 18 years old I studied my first massage course in Somerset, UK, gaining a qualification in Holistic Massage. From there I went on to the University of Central Lancashire to study and achieve my degree in BSc Homeopathic Medicine in 2008. Over the next years my passion to learn and grow as a therapist kept me exploring different modalities and adding tools and techniques to my repertoire. I combined travel with education and work, studying reflexology in Spain, holistic pulsing in New Zealand, yoga in India, and even working alongside an alternative medicine therapist in Egypt, learning a multitude of techniques. In between travels, back in England I studied myofascial cupping, reiki, and other massage modalities including pregnancy, hot stone, bamboo, and deep tissue massage, of which the latter is now my specialty. Over the 20 years since beginning my first training, I have worked in health spas, beach clubs, retreat centres, yoga studios and freelanced in the UK, Spain, New Zealand, India and Peru alongside therapists and teachers from all over the world who have inspired and helped shape me into the ever-evolving bodywork therapist I am now. Weaving the skills I have developed to create my own style of offering massage, I love to approach each person holistically, listening to, exploring, and reading the body to see what is needed and which modality to use. My massages often use broad, slow, firm pressure to gently ease into the deeper layers of tissue with more detailed spot work to target particular areas in need, stretches, mobilisations and softer strokes to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. During holistic bodywork sessions I may also combine many of the other tools that I have learnt over the years to create a treatment tailored to the client’s specific needs and desires.
Jane Schmidt
Kia Ora I am Jane, a qualified Massage and Mind-Body Therapist holding a German Bachelor's degree in Social Work. With experience spanning various demographics, including children, teens, adults, and individuals with disabilities, I have combined my social work expertise with various bodywork modalities to create a nurturing and safe space for relaxation, offering a unique and holistic approach to well-being. In the course of my profession as a social worker, I have encountered numerous instances wherein conventional verbal communication proved insufficient in addressing the diverse needs of individuals. Relocating to Golden Bay, New Zealand, in 2016 provided me with an opportunity to delve into the transformative benefits of massage and various bodywork methods. Recognizing the efficacy of integrating my social work background with mind-body therapy, I discovered a profound passion for this holistic approach. Eager to expand my skill set, I embarked on a journey that led me to attain a Relaxation Massage diploma, followed by a Holistic Pulsing course. Putting theory into practice, I immersed myself over the past years in hands-on experience at Aroha Health Spa, learning alongside our skilled professionals. Whether your aim is unwinding for pure relaxation, self discovery and awareness or navigating the intricate terrain of anxiety, depression, and emotional challenges, I'm here to offer support that resonates with your individual needs and preferences.
Berdina Brinkman
Berdina Brinkman, a Dutch-born spiritual teacher, holistic healthcare practitioner, and intuitive healer, brings an exceptional 25 years of expertise to the realm of holistic well-being. With a diverse background encompassing training and professional engagements across Europe, the USA, and New Zealand, Berdina has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering the physical, mental, and spiritual wellness of individuals. In 2015, Berdina established the renowned Aroha Health Spa in New Zealand, a testament to her dedication to providing transformative and rejuvenating experiences for her clients. Her spa became a haven for those seeking not just relaxation but a deeper connection to their inner selves. In 2018, Berdina extended her impact by founding the Universal School of Health and Awareness (USHA), where she imparts her wealth of knowledge and gifts to aspiring individuals eager to delve into the realms of holistic health and spirituality. As an educator, Berdina is known for her dynamic and engaging teaching style, nurturing the growth and development of her students with a profound understanding of human consciousness, spirituality, health, and energy medicine. Berdina's passion for human consciousness is palpable in every aspect of her work. Her teachings seamlessly integrate ancient wisdom with contemporary insights, fostering a holistic approach to health that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Her intuitive healing abilities, honed over years of practice, distinguish her as a trusted guide on the journey to self-discovery and optimal well-being. With a global perspective shaped by her extensive international experiences, Berdina continues to contribute significantly to the evolution of holistic healthcare and spiritual enlightenment. Her commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their innate potential for wellness and transformation has earned her a well-deserved reputation as a luminary in the field. Berdina Brinkman stands at the forefront of a new era in holistic health and spiritual awakening, embodying a fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary practices to inspire profound positive change in the lives of those she touches.
Charmen Kuzio
Integrated Body Practitioner
Charmen has been a therapist for over 20 years and graduated with a 2200 hour massage therapy diploma from Grant MacEwan College and a manual osteopath diploma from the National Manual Osteopathic College in Canada. She is very excited to plant some roots in Pohara after moving to New Zealand in early 2023.
Using a gentle, hands on approach, Charmen assists in the natural healing process of the body to get to the root of the problem by applying a whole-body approach. By listening to the body and connecting the mind to the body we can restore proper mechanics and improve function in structure, musculoskeletal, visceral, nervous and circulatory systems as well as nurture emotional releases by utilizing all of the modalities to bring the body back to its natural balance. Modalities include: Deep Tissue Massage -MyoFascial Release - Craniosacral Release - Somato-Emotional Release -Visceral Manipulation - Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
Shanti Smith
A certified Reflexologist, Master Herbalist, Naturopath, Master Iridologist, and Professional Colon Hydrotherapist, I studied in Boulder, Colorado under Farida Sharan ND at the School of Natural Medicine, with John Walpole at the Feet First School of Reflexology, and with James Allred & Madeline Angelus at the School of Advanced Colonic Techniques. I offer a holistic approach to health and well-being, treating the causes of dis-ease and imbalance while making clients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. From the Nelson Wellness Space, I will be offering Naturopathic consultations, Herbal Medicine, Iridology, and Reflexology sessions. I believe that nature has given us all the tools we need to heal ourselves AND that our bodies have an innate wisdom to want to heal and be healthy. If we treat our bodies healthfully and follow natural principles, then vibrant health is our birthright. We are designed to THRIVE! If we poison our bodies with negative emotions and improper food and lifestyle choices then our state of health (or sickness) will reflect those choices.
My Philosophy: I believe in a holistic approach to healing that views the body as a dynamic energy system that is in a constant stage of change. Humans are so much more than their physical bodies. Each is a complex balance of mental, physical, and spiritual aspects that are integrated into and directly affected by environmental, physical, emotional, and social factors. The causes of illness are far deeper rooted than merely their external symptoms. The aim of treatments are to deal with the causes of disease and imbalance, not merely the symptoms. I assess and treat the whole terrain (inner ecology). I work closely with the gut and digestive system, as this is one of our foundations for health. We aim to create balance between all the body systems and organs from the roots (guts) up. I make referrals and recommendations where necessary to other healing modalities for truly integrative care. I am dedicated to assisting clients to achieve their highest potential in health and well-being. Over 25 years ago, I came to the realisation that the majority of the "food" on the supermarket shelves is actually far from nourishing or nutritious. I had what you might call a "light bulb" moment. I knew that it would become my life's work to help others to make these same discoveries: to learn about their bodies, what food/lifestyle choices may work best for them, and discover how to follow natural principles of health and healing. In a nutshell, how to use nature/herbal medicines/foods to cure and live in better alignment with themselves. For almost 20 years, I have been working from the South Island of NZ to educate and empower people about the benefits of healthy living & eating. I use various herbal remedies, tinctures, teas, nourishing foods, and supplements to assist the body to repair and create balance. I have designed the Microbiome Renewal Protocol as an online course to help others heal and repair the gut, which has numerous other positive repercussions for foundational health as a whole. I look forward to working with you. "Health is our Greatest Wealth”
© Copyright www.arohahealthspa.co.nz