Founder & Storyteller

Dr. Dana Salih Toogood (She/Her)

Kia Ora and Salam Aleikum, I’m Dana.

I am honoured to share my story with you. As an indigenous Sudanese Nubian woman, I weave wisdom from across continents, cultures, and experiences into a holistic coaching service. Our family has been warmly embraced by Aotearoa, now calling Tamaki Makaurau home after traversing the globe from Melbourne (Naarm) Australia. With roots spanning Kuwait to Finland, Ethiopia to Saudi Arabia, and beyond, my life's tapestry weaves entrepreneurship and healthcare expertise from Australia. Over a decade, I have cultivated insights in health & wellbeing, somatic neurology, cultural safety, and trauma-informed practice.

As I continuously explore and deepen my personal ancestral connections and identity and as a continuous learner in Te Reo I am dedicated to integrating the principles and values of cultural identity into my service supporting others to unlock their potential for change. My drive to create safe, inclusive spaces stems from personal and professional challenges, encountering a lack of culturally-safe support services.

I offer a unique, holistic coaching grounded in my global experiences, and professional expertise. I am excited to support you, your team and organisation on a transformative journey.

My Mahi/ My Work

I provide professional coaching services for staff members and offer comprehensive training and workshops tailored for organizations and businesses. Whether it's individual coaching sessions or group workshops, I aim to enhance professional development and organizational effectiveness.

Unlock your potential, embrace resilience, and thrive in a world of change. As an ICF-trained Executive & Organisational Coach and Somatic Health Coach, I blend ancient wisdom with modern strategies. My approach integrates:

  • Somatic Intelligence: Listen to your body’s whispers; it holds the keys to growth.

  • Creative Alchemy: Innovation blooms when creativity meets purpose.

  • Wellbeing as Currency: Invest in why a holistic approach to health and wellbeing matter —it’s your greatest asset.

  • Cultural Compass: Navigating diversity with grace and understanding.

  • Trauma-Informed Care: Healing spaces for heart-centered transformation.

Join Me in crafting a narrative of resilience and purpose as we unlock your potential in this changing world. Explore my coaching offerings and take the first step toward your empowered future.

Kia haumaru tō noho, kia waiora.

Qualifications & Training

  • Health Practitioner (Retired): With over a decade of experience, formerly served as a Chiropractor and Practice Owner in Naarm, Melbourne. Specialized in somatic body-based work, Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), family & children's wellbeing, women’s health, preventative care, and patient education in health and wellbeing

  • ICF Trained Executive & Organizational Coach: International Coaching Federation trained Level 1

  • Continual Professional Development: Ongoing training with ICF Coaching Pacific to stay updated with latest coaching methodologies

  • Online Training in Trauma-Informed Work: Training in trauma-informed approaches, with a focus on Polyvagal Theory.

  • Gender Empowerment Advocate: Member of the Women On Committee at Auckland University of Technology, facilitator for Women of Colour Symposium AUT 2024

  • Entrepreneurship: Founder of Dana Toogood Chiropractic & Dana Toogood Healing Space in Naarm Melbourne, offering comprehensive health and wellbeing services to the community

  • Neuro Emotional Technique Certification: Integrating somatic body based practices for emotional well-being with physical health (non-practising)

  • Education: Bachelor of Chiropractic from NZ College of Chiropractic (non-practising); Diploma in Applied Health Sciences AUT

  • Volunteer AMES Australia: Teaching English and supporting refugees and migrants to aid in their integration into Naarm, Melbourne

  • Speaker & Facilitator: Presented at International Chiropractic Seminar 2020; Benevolence Australia facilitator for Women’s Sacred Retreats; facilitated and led Women’s Wellbeing circles in Australia and Sudan

  • Teaching Experience: In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, fostering learning and growth in diverse environments within schools in supporting building English-based curriculums

  • Trauma-Informed Practice: Completed 'The Wisdom of Trauma' Practitioner Course by Dr. Gabor Mate; trauma-informed Coach dedicated to providing safe and supportive spaces for healing and growth.