Creating your best self
Meet the Student Support team
Michelle le Roux
Creative Arts Facilitator and HICAT Assessor
Hello. I’m Michelle.
I am originally from South Arica, now living in Mauritius.
I’m a creative at heart and I’ve loved art since school. My art classes were my happy place where I felt free and in touch with something bigger than myself. I wasn’t sure how to harness my abstract style back then, so I went on to doing other things. Some of these included a creative element, and others not. When creativity was not present, I felt completely out of balance. When it was involved in my work in some way, I felt more content, but never fulfilled. I wasn’t quite hitting the mark.
Later on, a lot of my work involved teaching and sensory integration education for ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and it was here where I saw how lacking a form of creative therapy was. It put me on a search on how to integrate creativity in a way that would benefit the children and allow me to use my passion for art.
Needing to face a life-changing surgery first, I needed to take some time away from the everyday, and it was only a few weeks into my recovery when Covid 19 put us into our first lock-down. It seemed like the perfect time for me to focus on what I really wanted, and to find a way to bring art back into my life. It didn’t take long for HICAT to find me and bring the joy of meaningful and healing art into my world.
HICAT taught me that the abstract art I wanted to make was reflections of my soul, and I needed to express them.
This is a healing concept unknown to many, yet desperately needed in the world we live in today.
I live more creatively now by giving myself permission to bring more creative joy into my day – but mostly, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to use what I love to help others heal.
Jacqueline Swan
Creative Arts Facilitator and HICAT Assessor
My name is Jacqueline, I live in Australia.
I am a creative therapist, artist, yogi, traveller, animal lover, deep listener and nature based leader. A barefoot explorer and lover of all things natural…my most recent calling has to become a HICAT assessor…an opportunity to witness others magical journeys through self-discovery and healing…
In the last years I have realised the importance of living the life that I desire…to have space to embark on gathering knowledge through learning and experience…I have gained tools and strategies to provide assistance to others in supporting their very own healing journey…this being a foundation for much greater things…also to evoke a curiousness in others so they seek a healthier way of living and being in body, mind and spirit…
My greatest healing has come through the combination of creativity and nature which I believe are designed to be interconnected…ultimately living my truth is of utmost importance…this allowing me to live both intuitively and authentically…I have experienced the magic that is up for grabs out there and it is a alluring game changer…
I feel grateful in getting to know you through your HICAT module submissions and am honoured to be privy to witnessing your wondrous journey unfold…
Sima Yacoob
Creative Arts Facilitator and HICAT Assessor
Hey I'm Sima, originally from the UK, I am currently living in Dallas Texas.
Sometimes ongoing trials of life can make one feel so tangled up. It can be so overwhelming we don’t know where to start. HICAT can help with unpicking the knots and help you reflect and have a much needed reality check.
Coming from a psychological and creative enterprise background I have to hand on heart say as a life long learner HICAT is one of the best courses I have done.
Creativity is a strong part of who I am, I’m always using my imagination, ever the dreamer. HICAT entwines the use of art, drama, music and dance. Which means you don’t have to choose one over the other!
Creativity I knew was a great escape what I didn’t know was if used correctly it can be a superpower!
HICAT brings out your inner artist whilst helping you to heal and achieve zen.
As a HICAT practitioner I’m delighted to share your journey and assist you in anyway I can.
Hold your head up and shine – BE more sunflower!
Eyant 'Nat' Shillor
Creative Arts Facilitator and HICAT Assessor
Hi, I’m Nat. I'm based in London and deciding where to go next!
I have always loved painting and drawing, and I have been interested in mental health for a long time, particularly my own.
During the pandemic, I became aware that I just wasn’t happy in the job I was in anymore, and I decided to get back to the things that really resonated with me.
I knew I wanted to do something creative, but I also really like helping people. When I saw an ad for HICAT I knew that this is the perfect mix for me!
Doing the course helped me get in touch with parts of myself that had been buried, and am now able to help other people be happier, healthier and more resilient through creativity.
Catherine McCallan - Maternity Leave
Creative Arts Facilitator and HICAT Assessor
Hi, my name is Catherine McCallan. I am from Co.Tyrone in Northern Ireland.
In 2012 I was diagnosed with relapse remitting MS and lost power down the entire right side of my body. After months of physio I regained power on that, side only to then loose power on my left. I had to relearn how to do everything.
This experience gave me the determination to overcome things I never thought I would. My family and friends were amazing and supported me through some very difficult times. When my friend Lorraine told me about a course that she was interested in doing called HICAT I was immediately intrigued. Every bullet point that she read out in the course description just ticked every box.
I decided to sign up not realising the huge effect it would have upon my life. At this time my husband and I had been battling with infertility for three years.
When I started the course it allowed me to let go of not only the traumas of dealing with the infertility and allowed me to open up to my family and friends. After three years of battling with infertility and only four months into the course I found out that I was pregnant!! I couldn’t believe it!! I truly believe that the HICAT course had a great deal to do with this. If I had not learnt the techniques in this class or let go of all my past traumas I do not think that I would be in the position I am now.
As an assessor now, to see others grow through the same process is incredible!! It truly is a wonderful thing to be a part of!