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Tollgate Therapies

Massage and Therapies in Oxfordshire

ABOUT ME

Laura Cooper
Tollgate Therapies, Culham, Abingdon, Oxon
07900 342573 / laura@tollgatetherapies.co.uk

Mandala created by Laura. Mandalas for sale for £10, please see Facebook page for current selection, or message Laura.

I’m Laura Cooper and I run Tollgate Therapies in Culham.

I have been a Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer since 2003 and a Lecturer since 2007. I previously worked as a self-employed therapist as Laura Wells, but after getting married in 2011 and moving to Culham in 2012, I decided to re-launch myself under Tollgate Therapies. My specialist therapy is Sports Massage, but I also work a lot with pregnant women – in both massage and reflexology.

Early in 2019 I did my Fertility Massage course, which also includes Women’s Healing Treatments, please read more about this on the specific page.

In 2014 Mike and I had our little boy, Monty, at home and in 2016 our little girl, Nancy, also born at home, completed our family (along with our dog Helly!) I am at home with the children, as they are home educated, and work hours around Mike or family being with Monty and Nancy.

I am also a Neal’s Yard Consultant as I love their products, use them in my work and sell them as an extra part of my work.

The year after Monty was born, I did my breastfeeding peer support course and babywearing peer supporter course. With a friend at the end of 2015, we created APUK Abingdon – a natural parenting support group with a nappy and sling library. This group is now Willow Village, and we meet weekly during term time. I volunteer there about once a month, with a team of volunteers keeping the group running the rest of the time.

I have taught at both Abingdon & Witney College and Barclay Academy of Complementary Therapy, teaching a whole range of things including Body Massage, Sports Massage, Reflective Practice, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Massage, and Ear Candles. I now run courses from home.

In my spare time I enjoy being active, and try to get out for runs, walks or cycles when I can. Often I exercise at home, alongside the children, or as a family we’ll get out on the river in the canoe. I also enjoy being creative, and trying all sorts of new arts and crafts.

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Photo above: Laura enjoying some sports massage herself, from an Abingdon College student. Taken by Mike Cooper at Abingdon Freewheeling Cycling Festival.

Insurance Details – I am insured for Public and Products Liability and Teachers Insurance through the FHT. Please contact me if you would like any further information on this.

I have achieved the following qualifications: –

(list currently being updated!)

Subject Specialism

– Reiki Level 1, with Reiki Ribbons, March 2012
– VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy (including manicure, pedicure, facials, eye treatments, waxing, make up), June 2011
– VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Nail Technology (including nail art and nail extensions), April 2011
– Fake Bake Cream Application, March 2011
– VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy, November 09
– VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology, November 09
– VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Thermal Auricular Therapy, April 09
– Hot Stone Massage & Advanced Hot Stone Massage (one day courses), August 08
– VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Indian Head Massage, June 2008
– BTEC Professional Diploma in Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy with Pulse Training Solutions. January – October 2005
– VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, April 2004
– VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Swedish Massage, February 2004
– Premier Training International. From September 2003 to December 2003

Premier Diploma in Personal Training – includes –
Fitness Trainer Award (including First Aid)
Nutrition
Circuit Training
Body Massage
Career and Personal Development
Sports Massage Therapy

Babywearing, etc

– Breastfeeding peer support with NCT, July 2015
– Babywearing peer support with Born to Carry, November 2015
– Babywearing consultancy course with Slingababy, December 2016

Extra Qualifications

– Introduction to Marketing course with Globe Training, December 2011
– Taping and Strapping workshop with the Oxford School of Sports Massage, November 2011
– Level 3 NVQ in Leisure Management with VT Training, January – June 2007
– Keiser Spin Phase 1 Course with Keiser, April 2006
– The Science of Torso Training with Intelligent Fitness, May 2005
– Exercise and Obesity Course with Lifetime Dynamic Training, October 2004
– Weight Management Centre – May 2004 (Qualified to hold weight management courses)

Teaching & Learning

– TAQA Internal Verifiers course, October 2012
– Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector, June 2010
– A1 Assessors course, June 2008
– Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector course, Sep – Dec 07