Founder & Storyteller

Dr. Dana Salih Toogood (She/Her)

Kia Ora and Salam Aleikum, I’m Dana - دانة

Welcome! I am honoured to share my story with you. I am a visionary, creative thinker, somatic executive coach, retired health professional and mama - always challenging norms and exploring pathways that move beyond patriarchal and colonial frameworks, working in alignment with our stories, values, and identities. I believe the body harbors immense wisdom, guiding us through life and serving as a bridge between self-awareness and our understanding of the world. When we embrace this wisdom, we can show up authentically and unapologetically in all that we do.

I am a Sudanese-Australian, Muslim woman of Nubian heritage, and it is my identity and my story that empowers me to find my voice. I am passionate about creating safe spaces where others can reclaim their cultural identity, discover authentic direction, and weave this into their professional lives.

I am a proud Mama of two wonderful human beings and 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, USA, Ethiopia to Saudi Arabia, and beyond, my life's tapestry weaves life experience, entrepreneurship and healthcare expertise from Australia and around the world.

Formerly a chiropractor and Neuro-Emotional Technique practitioner, I built and ran my own private practice, working with hundreds of clients. Over the years, I have cultivated insights from more than a decade of experience in health and wellbeing, somatic neurology, cultural safety, and trauma-informed practices. This diverse background has shaped my approach to coaching, allowing me to empower others through a holistic lens

Having faced a shortage of culturally-safe support services and navigated traditional coaching models often rooted in white-centric methodologies and toxic wellness culture, I recognized the need for a better way. I’m now honoured to support and guide you through my unique coaching service offering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where your story is central.

I am honoured to walk alongside you on your journey, helping you to connect with your inner wisdom and find the answers you seek in both your professional and personal life.

Qualifications & Professional Development

As a lifelong learner, I continuously seek new knowledge and insights from professional, sociopolitical current affairs, and decolonization perspectives, alongside staying up-to-date with health, wellbeing, and neurology practices to enhance my coaching approach

  • Mentor/Coach for RISE Australia, Diversity Council Australia: (RISE) is a visionary project that aims to build pathways to leadership for women from culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) backgrounds. It is designed to identify and break down systemic barriers and to assist organisations in supporting women in middle management to reach senior leadership positions within their organisations.

  • Bright Side Health Coach – Wellbeing Portfolio, AUT University: pioneered AUT’s Bright Side health coaching role, funded by the Ministry of Health, to support student wellbeing and academic success. Grounded in the Maori model of health - Te Whare Tapa Whā, I designed and delivered transformative wellbeing programs across the university, fostering mental wellbeing, resilience, and holistic health for international, undergraduate, and postgraduate students.

  • Health Practitioner (Retired): With over a decade of experience, formerly served as a Chiropractor and Practice Owner of Dana Toogood Chiropractic and Dana Toogood Healing Space in Naarm, Melbourne. Specialized in mind-body modalities, Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, family & children's wellbeing, women’s health, preventative care, and patient education in health and wellbeing

  • Wellbeing and Leadership Facilitator & Program Design: designed, implemented and facilitated diverse topics around wellbeing, health and leadership across Australia & Aotearoa

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

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

  • Neuro Emotional Technique Certification: Integrating somatic kinesiology body based practices for clients in private practice working with mind-body connection and trauma healing (non-practising)

  • Online Training in somatics and neurology: Training in trauma-informed approaches, with a focus on Polyvagal Theory

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

  • 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; facilitator of wellbeing programs AUT University

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