Our Mission
Academy of Light creates welcoming gatherings for people interested in spirituality, wellbeing, and personal growth. Through monthly events, inspiring speakers, and shared conversation, we foster connection, learning, and a sense of belonging - offering thoughtful perspectives and real-life insight that support people on their personal and spiritual journey.
Our aim is for people to leave feeling connected, inspired, and less alone - supported by fresh ideas, meaningful conversation, and a growing community of like-minded individuals who value curiosity, depth, and living with greater awareness.
Celebrating 30 Years of the Academy of Light
The Academy of Light was founded nearly 30 years ago by Rosemary and John Butterworth with a vision to create a welcoming space for those on a spiritual journey. What began as a small gathering has grown into a well-respected community, bringing together seekers, healers, and teachers to share wisdom and support each other. Meeting once a month on the second Monday in Mosman, the Academy has become a place for inspiration, learning, and connection.
Inspired by the Southern Cross and its symbolism of wisdom, love, and transformation, the Academy’s mission is to guide people through life’s transitions with knowledge, healing, and community. Over the years, it has hosted renowned speakers and practitioners from around the world, providing a platform for diverse teachings that help individuals find their own path to growth and well-being.
As the Academy approaches its 30th anniversary, it continues to evolve while staying true to its founding purpose—creating a safe space for spiritual discovery and healing. Through its meetings, teachings, and supportive community, the Academy remains a beacon of light, empowering individuals to navigate their journeys with greater clarity, purpose, and connection.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Join Our Gatherings – We meet every month at the Allan Border Oval Pavilion for talks, workshops, and community connection. Everyone is welcome!
Upcoming Events – Stay updated on our special 30th-anniversary celebration in JUNE and guest speakers by checking our events calendar.
Become a Member – Connect with like-minded individuals, gain access to exclusive content, and be part of a supportive spiritual community.
Stay Connected – Subscribe to our newsletter for insights, event updates, and inspiration from the Academy.
Ready to explore your spiritual journey with us? Join us at our next gathering!
Meet the Team
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Kristen Wilson - President
Kristen is a multidimensional healer and teacher whose work bridges the ancient and the infinite. As an Akashic Records healer and teacher, Reiki Master Teacher, Crystal Healer, and Feng Shui Master, Kristen channels transformative healing through the guides — weaving together sacred wisdom traditions and energetic frequency to awaken what’s already alive within you. Through her work at The Ruby Temple, she has spent nearly a decade helping souls crack open, come home to themselves, and step boldly into their highest path. Whether she’s clearing energy, reading the Records, or teaching others to do the same. She hosts retreats, spiritual events and healing sessions.
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Sharie Kennedy-Wren - Vice President & Public Officer
Sharie worked in the financial services industry for 30 years and is now retired. She has always had an interest in spirituality and the metaphysical world. She has completed a number of courses including Numerology, crystal healing, colour therapy, human design, exploring different systems and modalities for her personal interest. Sharie is also a member of the Social Women's Club as an Ambassador , co-ordinating events for the North Shore group.
Sharie volunteers at North Shore Dog Rescue and has previously been a foster carer. She is now the Admin Co-ordinator for the NFP updating the processes from when dogs are surrendered to the dogs find their forever homes.
Sharie enjoys being involved in the Academy of Light connecting with like minded individuals and supporting the group as we all continue on our spiritual journey.
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Sophie Andrews - Treasurer
Sophie is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Himalayan Meditation & Kriya Yoga teacher, Reiki Master and spiritual retreat leader, who founded The Meditation Hunter, now known as The Ancient Wellness Hunter. With over two decades of experience, including much of that time in the finance space, she bridges ancient wisdom with modern wellness through transformative retreats and teachings.
Her spiritual retreats in India connect individuals with Vedic teachings and healing practices, promoting balance, purpose, and vitality.
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Justine Peacock - Secretary
Justine Peacock is an Intuitive Psychotherapist and founder of Grounded Light, a mind–body–energy therapy practice supporting modern nervous systems.
With a background in law, corporate leadership, executive coaching and psychotherapy, her work now centres on helping women restore calm, emotional capacity and self-trust in the midst of full and demanding lives. She works integratively, drawing on somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, belief work, Reiki and Angelic Reiki to gently unwind long-held stress patterns and support sustainable change.
Justine offers in-person reiki sessions on Sydney’s North Shore and online. Her approach bridges psychology and spirituality in a grounded, accessible way, creating space for deeper regulation, intuitive connection and embodied resilience.
As Secretary of the Academy of Light, she is committed to supporting ethical, conscious and heart-centred community. JustinePeacock
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Gretel Spiegel - Committee
Gretel is a retired holistic healer and natural therapies educator now delving into light language and channeling. Since 2012, she has been actively participating in AOL, appreciating the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and support others on their ascension journey.
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Carmel Vowels - Committee
Carmel has been supporting people for over 40 years who are experiencing profound grief and is passionate to journey with people to transform grief into gratitude changing limiting beliefs about the death process and feeling empowered for their own impending deaths as a conversation to embrace.
Having been a hospital chaplain and more recently a death midwife, she has been journeying with people as a Bowen therapist and counsellor and certified coach to support people to connect body, mind, soul to become more self aware to live more conscious lives.
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Katrina Noela
With over 20 years of classical training and professional performance experience across Australia, Italy, Vietnam, New Zealand and television, Katrina uses her voice and sound as tools for resonance, grounding and inner alignment. She facilitates sound meditations, vocal sound baths and group experiences that help participants access calm, spaciousness and emotional release through vibrational frequency and vocal expression. Katrina also offers vocal mentorship, coaching and creative workshops that support confidence, authentic expression and energetic clarity.
Her work is grounded in presence, heart connection and somatic depth. As a regular committee member of the Academy of Light, Katrina brings artistry, intuitive sensitivity and community leadership to her contribution.
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Vanessa Fernandez
Founder of Sounds Like Van Bio Field Tuning Practitioner, Sound Healer and Intuitive Voice Coach. After over two decades of success in the music & media industry Vanessa discovered that sound and voice hold a deeper potential, beyond performance: They are powerful tools for awareness, healing, and aligning with our soul’s true purpose. Vanessa will walk with you in the exploration or your voice to help you unlock your full potential, and to amplify the unique expression of who you truly are.
“Enlightenment is the journey back from the head to the heart.”
— Ravi Shankar