Collaborators
Vara is about community, collaboration and connection, bringing people together to support one another as we explore ways to feel truly well.
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We work with experienced, compassionate and creative wellbeing practitioners across a range of disciplines. If you would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you!
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Naomi Watson
Yoga Therapist & Founder of Vara
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Naomi’s yoga teaching career began in 2013 and now encompasses studio teaching, trauma-informed work and private Yoga Therapy.
Her philosophy is grounded in the knowledge of yoga’s therapeutic capacity to enhance our sense of self and wellbeing and she works to give students the tools and techniques to create meaningful change in their lives for the better.
As a graduate from the Minded Institute, her approach to private client work draws on evidence-based practices to address stress, depression and anxiety, alongside a variety of other mental conditions.
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Claudia Ortiz
Mindfulness Practitioner
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Claudia has been practicing yoga for over 30 years - she trained and has been teaching since 2003.
Claudia has completed two Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction courses with the Nilupul Foundation and has trained with the Mindfulness in Schools Project.
Claudia is currently teaching outdoor mindfulness in Scotland and has taught on Vara retreat programmes since 2020.
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Ali Huntley
Creative Writer & Retreat Leader
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Ali is a creative writer, who leads journaling workshops for Vara and has hosted retreats alongside Naomi since 2019.
She has published various short stories and is working on her first novel.
Ali also works in events for a writing charity and a social care charity. She is currently developing her family’s land in the heart of Dartmoor, Devon for social retreats and wellbeing workshops.
Laura Wilson
Music Therapist
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Laura is a qualified music therapist and multi-instrumentalist living in Bristol.
She uses a mixture of composition and improvisation to create soundscapes and music tailored to those she is working with. She has collaborated on Vara retreat programmes and workshops since 2019.
Holly Jenkins
Massage Therapist
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Working for 7 years as a Complementary Therapist, Holly weaves science with magic and holds a safe space for anyone to connect with their full self through the power of touch.
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Offering aromatherapy, reflexology in addition to remedial, holistic, sports, deep tissue massage and myofascial release.
Holly can work in one modality or offer a combination treatment tailored to specific needs and has been working with Vara since 2022.