Hello and welcome to the website of Vérène Nicolas.

I am located in Glasgow, Scotland.

The focus of my work is about enabling people to live a more centered life, acquire the courage & skills to relate truthfully to self & others and, ultimately, walk the path of nonviolence. In the words of Parker Palmer - American Quaker & Educator - "nonviolence means a commitment to act in every situation in ways that honour the soul" - our own and that of the person.

In practice, this translates in teaching conflict resolution skills and compassionate communication to individuals and organisations. Living a centred life requires bringing into balance our mental, emotional, corporel and spiritual dimensions. I find the practice of Biodanza (an expressive and 'biocentric' form of dance) very helpful in this regard and teach it to adults and children. I also mediate conflicts, offer 'empathy' & conflict coaching sessions to individuals and lead soul work retreats with groups.

This is all relatively new work for me. For several years & until very recently, I was coordinating the Centre for Human Ecology (CHE) 's masters degree in human ecology at the University of Strathclyde. Previous to that, I co-run the CHE's Community Programme and worked with various communities in Scotland, including black & ethnic minority communities, to empower, conscientise and inspire folks to take action in their locality.

My work at the CHE was rooted in my interest in transformative approaches to learning and their role in opening consciousness and mobilising action. In this, i was particulary endebted to the ideas of brazilian educator Paulo Freire who coined the term 'popular education' and by the work of Sally Timmell and Anne Hope who developped "Training for Transformation" in Africa.

I am married to Alastair McIntosh, author & activist. We live in Drumoyne, part of the Greater Govan area of Glasgow. We chose it because, amongst other things, we already had strong connections there through our involvement with the Govan-based GalGael Trust. Alastair is a founding director and the honorary treasurer. I am involved with the woollen crafts group on a voluntary capacity.

Alastair and I work closely together as our areas of interest are in synergy. Over the years, we have both been involved with the MSc in Human Ecology and have run courses together in various locations, including Schumacher College, the Eden Project and the Greenbelt festival.

I originally come from France but spent my childhood in Africa where my parents where involved in medical and adult training work. I studied agriculture and rural development in Toulouse, South West of France. Before moving to Scotland thirteen years ago, I spent some time in Ireland where I formed meaningful connections with the Celtic land and traditions.