Heather Leighton
Founder and Director
Meet Heather Leighton, a visionary whose life’s work is dedicated to supporting individuals through their spiritual awakenings and empowering healers and coaches to lead more fulfilling lives. Her journey led to the founding of The Ankara Academy, a haven for those seeking compassionate, non-judgmental guidance and a transformative path toward self-discovery and healing.
With a profound background spanning over a decade in health science, traditional Chinese medicine, Reiki, esoteric acupuncture, life coaching, and shamanism, Heather brings a wealth of unique insights that deeply resonate with her audience. Her distinct blend of ancient wisdom and modern practice fuels her passion for speaking and teaching, allowing her to spread Ankara's message and mission far and wide.
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Heather's commitment to fostering connection and support is evident in the inclusive online community she has built at Ankara Academy. Through her acclaimed course modules, participants uncover holistic self-care strategies and foundational shamanistic practices, empowering them to develop their intuition and purposefully align their lives. Her work specializes in coaching healer entrepreneurs and health practitioners who face burnout and loneliness, and she has become a sought-after mentor for those desiring to make a lasting impact.
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Heather’s engaging talks and events are a source of inspiration, encouraging audiences to prioritize self-care, seek balance, and create meaningful connections. Through practical strategies and personal insights, she captivates attendees, guiding them to embrace their intuition and discover their inner strength. Within the Ankara Academy's vibrant online community via Patreon, Heather serves as a beacon of hope and transformation, lighting the path towards wholeness and purposeful living for all who join.
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Heather’s impressive credentials underscore her dedication and expertise:
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Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture) - Endeavour College of Natural Medicine
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Internship at Guangxi Hospital, China
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Reiki I & II with Mark McAuliffe
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Esoteric Acupuncture with Alison Clarke-Daly
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Ayahuasca Retreat and coaching with Ross Heaven (Peru and Spain)
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Assistant at Hummingbird Retreat with Shipibo shamans
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Ibogaine Ceremony - Ko Pha-ngan
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Life Coaching Training with Authentic Education (500+ hours)
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Core Shamanism mentorship with Spiritweaver (Michele Cempaka) - 3 years
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Vision Quest in Mongolia (one month) to work with shamans
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Holographic Kinetics modules 1-4
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Entrepreneur mentorship and coaching container with Luke Deighton (1 year and ongoing)​
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Heather Leighton is more than just a guide; she is a steward of transformation, dedicated to leading others on a journey of growth and self-empowerment. Her life’s work at The Ankara Academy continues to inspire and transform lives, creating a legacy of positive change and spiritual awakening.
Imogen Hobbs
Ankara Coach
Imogen experienced a profound awakening following a crossroads that appeared after a redundancy, a relationship breakdown and searching for her purpose. Seeking support from Heather, she embarked on a transformative healing journey. With years of coaching and mentoring experience, she gained a new perspective on life. Despite not having a strictly spiritual background, Imogen's path of self-discovery led her to shamanic medicine training. This journey awakened her intuition and opened a direct link to a new realm of knowledge.
Through dedication and discipline, Imogen has unlocked her potential as a coach, helping others discover passion and direction in their lives. She specialises in preparing individuals for the rigorous training offered by the Ankara Academy and assists them in integrating their experiences both on-site and between courses.
In 2022, Imogen founded Change Channel Coaching with the mission to guide individuals toward lives filled with purpose, passion, and genuine fulfillment. She continues to support the Ankara community by facilitating monthly coaching sessions, which can be accessed via the Ankara portal. Follow the link below to learn more.
Belle Millane
Digital Marketer & Graphic Designer
Meet Belle, a creative force of nature who embodies the very essence of our values at Ankara—supporting individuals through their creative genius and fostering a world of compassion and empowerment. Belle's journey began with an immersion into the mystical world of Shamanic Medicine Training at the renowned Ankara Academy, where she honed her healing and intuitive skills. This unique experience enriched her perspective, allowing her to bring a profound sense of empathy and insight into her professional endeavours.
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With a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication and further studies in Digital Marketing at a prestigious independent school, Belle seamlessly bridges the gap between creative artistry and strategic marketing. As Ankara's Marketing Manager and Graphic Designer, she is the visionary behind our social media presence and the architect of our engaging content. Belle channels her creative intuition to craft compelling narratives and innovative strategies that resonate with our mission, ensuring that the Ankara message of creativity and empowerment reaches every corner of the world.
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Belle’s journey is a testament to the power of combining creative spirit with compassionate practice, making her an invaluable leader in driving forward our collective vision at Ankara.
Paige Mooney
Admin Manager
Introducing Paige, a passionate advocate for personal growth and a beacon of light for those embarking on their journey of awakening. Enthusiastically aligned with Ankara’s mission, Paige emerged into The Ankara Academy eager to help others discover the profound support available within our vibrant online community.
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As a dedicated guide in our Ankara Patreon Portal, Paige plays an essential role in ensuring that members navigate our virtual space with ease and confidence. With a warm and welcoming presence, she provides invaluable assistance with our monthly practices and challenges, ensuring that every interaction is smooth, enriching, and deeply transformative.
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Paige excels in cultivating a nurturing environment where members can explore and thrive, facilitating meaningful experiences that inspire growth and insight. She eagerly anticipates accompanying you on your path as an Ankara Patreon Member, where together, you will unlock the boundless possibilities of the Ankara journey.
