Welcome! I’m Gillian Berry, and this is Ollie.
I’m a mother of two young men, a teacher, and a listener who loves encouraging youth in their impulsive, expressive, vulnerable stage of life. I spend my days in a bustling middle school. It’s an honour and important work.
What I know for sure is that active listening is magic. Grounded presence is powerful. Courage, compassion, and curiousity are essential.
It’s not easy. Forest walks help.
I’m an advocate and lover of the arts. Human expression is vital. Cheers to the teachers, caregivers, supporters, and artists/creatives of the world!
I’m a letter artist, with a simple, whimsical style in cards. My creative go-to is journal writing: collecting life moments, feelings, and stories. The mundane becomes special. Reflection is valuable.
I spent my own junior and high school years writing and passing notes that were deeply philosophical, pondered life, shared crushes and rarely got caught by the teacher.
I’ve practiced yoga since 2001, after serious car accident injuries, and completed teacher training with Semperviva in July 2015. I’m forever learning and grateful. My yoga classes are inspired by: Shiva Rea, Tracee Stanley, Maria Filiponne, Gloria Latham, Sarah Cutfield, Eoin Finn, Sean Corne, and many more.
Quotes have been a lighthouse in my life. This one is a favourite.
Here is an image I created for the Provincial Eating Disorders Campaign and Jessie’s Legacy in 2014. @loveourbodiesloveourselves Our local newspaper shared the story.
Their website is now called Embody BC. It’s an incredible resource for mental and physical health, as well as eating disorder resources for children and youth. Check them out!
I'm a passionate advocate for children and youth - safety, self-expression and building courage are some of the guiding lights in my work.
That is a snapshot of me.
Please sign up for my Sunday morning newsletter, if you need a little glint of inspiration, as the week looms ahead.
I come from a place of privilege with my Ukrainian, Welsh heritage.
I’m grateful to live, work and play, as a settler, on the unceded territory of the Qu’wut’sun people, in beautiful Showe’luqun.
in wild blossom spirit,
gillian berry (she/her) xo
