My Story

Hi, I’m Jodie – a mother, collage artist, writer, speaker, and matrescence coach based in Melbourne, Australia. Each of these roles has shaped my journey in supporting mothers through creativity, compassion and connection.

The Mother

I am a mother of three. So much of my work is based around motherhood – sharing my experiences, and supporting mothers and professionals who walk alongside them.

I started to learn about ADHD at the end of 2020. I was diagnosed soon after, and my kids have been diagnosed since then. Every day brings both joy and complexity as I navigate the world of neurodivergence – as a mum and as an ADHDer myself.

I understand the impacts of ADHD (particularly undiagnosed/late diagnosis) on motherhood, which is why you’ll hear me talk a lot about education and awareness around this topic.

The Artist

I have always loved art, but for most of my life my outlet for creative expression has been music.

I’m a classical pianist, and have recently started playing regularly again after a long maternity break, enjoying the many benefits of music. (I also love nerding out on neurology + music!)

When my children were very young, I didn’t do much painting. Even though I enjoyed it, and it felt soul-filling, it stirred up guilt. It felt self-indulgent or a waste of time when there were so many other things I ‘should’ be doing.

Once I eventually learned about personal values and living in alignment with them, I knew that art wasn’t an optional extra – it’s part of my survival. I started painting more, enjoying it for the process and my well-being, not for an outcome. I soon discovered how much I enjoyed cutting up my painted papers and sticking them into an art journal.

In 2023, I joined an online art community, and something shifted. My focus became clearer as the seeds of ideas for my business began to grow.

The Coach

My training as a matrescence coach shapes how I create, write, speak, and connect with mothers.

I completed the Mama Rising coaching program with matrescence activist Amy Taylor-Kabbaz in 2021 and 2022, and added the Trauma-Aware training in 2024. While I’m not currently offering one-on-one coaching, this learning continues to inform every part of my work.

Cherish & Bloom Creative grew from this foundation – a space to connect with mothers through art and story, whether directly or by collaborating with other coaches and healthcare professionals.

I’m passionate about storytelling through art: sharing my own stories, and creating space for others to share theirs. I love making visual tools and meaningful resources that support the work of people who walk alongside mothers. I’m also drawn to the links between creativity and wellbeing – how making and reflecting can help us feel more whole.

Right now, I offer group workshops that blend collage and reflections on motherhood. I'm also exploring walk-and-talk sessions outdoors – a way of weaving together nature, movement, and coaching conversations.

The Writer

I studied professional writing and editing. I still do some editing work, and love working on books that align with my business focus – motherhood, creativity, well-being, neurodivergence.

My blog is where I share my stories of motherhood, and the stories behind my artworks.

I’m working on two books: one is a collection of ADHD-themed haiku, and the other explores the impacts of ADHD on motherhood.

The Speaker

I am passionate about education and advocacy. In the words of Maya Angelou, ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.’

Learning about matrescence and, later, about neurodivergence has been life-changing for me, so I want to share this knowledge with others.

I offer presentations about matrescence, and also the framework I created called The Problem of Can’t – a tool for looking at the feeling of “I can’t do this” with curiosity and compassion.

Much like my art and writing, my speaking is rooted in personal story and practical insight – offering space for reflection and connection.

The ADHDer

I’m learning as I go – as a mother, an adult, a creative, and a business owner. I do things imperfectly: I try, I stuff up, I learn, I try again, growing in grace and compassion for myself along the way.

I’m continuing to understand how my brain works, and love and embrace my quirks, my ways of doing things, my unconventional strategies.

Whether you’re here as a mother, a professional, a creative soul, or all three – I’m glad you’ve found your way here.