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‘It’s Naturally You’ is the flagship program of Evidentiary where Rob and Emma first crossed paths working together. Here they undertook evidence-based research to help government and non-government organisations develop and refine environmental policy and programs.
Emma and Rob undertook several research projects investigating the global evidence base on the relationships between human health and well-being and time spent in the natural environment. The research found overwhelmingly that interaction with nature and natural elements (such as plants, fresh air and natural light) has a profoundly positive impact on human health and well-being.
Excited by how the research findings were confirming their own personal experiences – that time spent in nature and amongst natural elements made them feel better too, they decided that they had an obligation to put the findings into practice so that these wellbeing benefits would be available to everyone. And thus, the seed for 'It's Naturally You' was born.
As a trained scientist (Ecology) who has spent 40 years in the environmental sector and pioneered the use of systematic evidence based synthesis in the environmental sector in Australia, Rob was determined to infuse the best available evidence into fun, interactive and meaningful programs to enable people to experience the wellbeing benefits of being in nature.
Emma gained more experience leading groups of people outdoors, working as a Wildlife Guide in National Parks, becoming a certified Forest Therapy Guide and completing a course from the University of Derby in Nature Connection.
Together they combined their depth of experience and passion to deliver It's Naturally You programs around Melbourne and in Gippsland.
LLB (Hons), BA (Politics), M. Env.Mgmt
Emma developed a strong love for nature at a young age, starting as a 3 year old in highland Papua New Guinea playing with bows and arrows and finding frogs. Growing up in Warrandyte saw many summer days swimming in the Yarra River. Every school holidays were spent in the Central Highlands of Victoria on 400 acres of bush, roaming through blue gum forests and feeling awed by granite boulders.
She has had a diverse career working as a Legal Practitioner at a Melbourne law firm, teaching English as a Second Language in Colombia and after completing a Master of Environmental Management, working as a Researcher in environmental evidence-based practice at Evidentiary.
Emma has worked as a Wildlife Guide taking tourists off the beaten track into some of Victoria’s most beautiful natural landscapes spotting wild animals and birds.
She has also studied and practiced Vipassana meditation, studied nature connection through the University of Derby and is an Accredited Forest Therapy Guide with INFTA. Emma is excited to bring her love of the outdoors, guiding, teaching and academic knowledge together in the programs that ‘It’s Naturally You’ have to offer.
B.Nat Res (Hons)
Rob has worked in the environmental sector for over 30 years since graduating from university (Bachelor of Natural Resources), working as an outback ecologist, educator and more recently running his own business (Evidentiary) undertaking evidence based research.
When growing up Rob’s family holidays were spent in National Parks exploring, hiking, nature watching and developing a deep appreciation of the unique nature of the Australian bush. As an ecologist Rob spent many months each year undertaking field work in isolated semi-arid and arid environments, often solo, during which time he developed bush craft skills including survival, navigation, bush cooking, animal tracking and “reading” the bush.
Regular contact with nature has always been a fundamental part of the maintenance of Rob’s physical and mental health for restoration, relaxation and re-engaging the senses.
Raising young children of his own now, Rob is acutely aware of the developmental and health and well-being benefits of spending time in natural environments and provides as many opportunities as possible for his children to follow their own natural curiosity and reach their full potential.
