# Joanne Michelle Iskra
## Professional Profile
Creative and strategic marketing, graphic design, tourism and communications professional with more than 35 years of experience across print media, branding, advertising, tourism, event management, regional development and digital marketing. Extensive background in graphic design, Art Direction and Website Development, creative direction, co-operative marketing campaigns, stakeholder engagement and business development. Experienced in leading large-scale marketing initiatives, managing tourism and community projects, and developing innovative branding and communication strategies for both corporate and government sectors.
Passionate about holistic wellbeing, equine facilitated learning, creative arts therapies, personal development and transformational education, with extensive qualifications and ongoing studies in leadership, mindfulness, healing modalities, training and facilitation. Over the past two decades, developed and delivered intensive wellbeing, emotional resilience and experiential learning programs for schools, Indigenous organisations, NDIS participants, youth services, women’s support agencies and community-based organisations including Anglicare, Victims of Crime, Refuge Victoria and Worawa Aboriginal School. Extensive experience integrating equine facilitated learning, arts-based therapies, mindfulness, emotional regulation, sound healing, Animal Mindfulness and Animal Communication into trauma-informed learning environments that support confidence, connection, communication and personal growth.
Brings more than 20 years of experience in content creation, podcasting, online community building, forums, music creation and storytelling through multimedia, digital platforms and social media. Experienced in developing educational, inspirational and creative content across a wide range of formats, with recent expansion into AI-assisted creative development, communications and digital media production.
—
# Professional Experience
## CEO & Founder — Holistic Equitation | Yarck, Victoria | Glenreagh NSW
**2006 – Present**
* Founded and operated Holistic Equitation, delivering Equine Facilitated Learning, Arts Therapy and wellbeing-based programs.
* Specialised in trauma-informed equine learning experiences supporting emotional wellbeing, confidence, communication, self-awareness and personal growth.
* Designed and facilitated programs integrating horses, mindfulness, creativity, sound healing and experiential learning methodologies.
* Worked extensively with children, young people, women and vulnerable community groups.
* Delivered wellbeing and creative learning programs for disability support organisations, schools, detention centres and community agencies.
* Facilitated Equine Therapy, Art Therapy and Sound Healing sessions for NDIS participants and clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, emotional challenges and social disconnection.
* Delivered wellbeing programs for Worawa Aboriginal School between 2021–2024.
* Provided programs and services for organisations including Anglicare, Refuge Victoria, Victims of Crime, Kara House and independent schools.
* Developed and delivered workshops focused on emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, mindfulness, communication and connection through horse-assisted learning.
* Combined over two decades of horsemanship training with creative arts, holistic wellbeing and personal development practices.
* Continued ongoing studies and professional development in equine facilitated learning, mindfulness, healing modalities and trauma-informed approaches.
## Senior Marketing Manager — Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
**2004 – 2008**
* Managed strategic marketing and promotional activities for the resort.
* Developed branding, advertising, creative campaigns and print media.
* Sat on regional, state and local tourism boards throughout Victoria.
* Created strategic marketing plans and tourism development initiatives.
* Coordinated campaigns across tourism, events and visitor engagement.
## Director — SheCommerce
**2005 – 2018**
* Rebranded Graph Attack to SheCommerce, expanding services into web development and social media marketing.
* Completed extensive training in digital marketing, web development and online business strategies.
* Consulted across branding, digital communications and online marketing.
* Worked with businesses and entrepreneurs to develop online presence, branding strategies and digital communication systems.
* Successfully sold the business in 2018.
## Marketing Consultant — Murrindindi Shire Council
**2001 – 2004**
* Managed multi-level co-operative marketing campaigns locally and regionally.
* Coordinated television segments, marketing campaigns, trade and consumer shows and large public events.
* Sat on local and regional boards and committees.
* Worked closely with tourism, government and business stakeholders.
## Marketing & Business Consultant — Alexandra Region
**1996 – 2001**
* Consulted to local government, tourism operators and agricultural businesses.
* Developed branding, marketing strategies and regional promotional campaigns.
* Delivered creative and print media services for local businesses and tourism initiatives.
## Founder & Director — Graph Attack Pty Ltd | Sydney
**1992 – 2005**
* Founded and operated a successful graphic design and print media business specialising in below-the-line marketing.
* Managed branding, advertising, print production and promotional campaigns for a broad client base.
* Clients included Sony, Wormald, Global TV, Eyeline Sportswear, Tourism Industries, Miller Cameras, Revlon, YMCA and Sydney Aquarium.
* Created and developed a children’s toy product range purchased by Big W and World 4 Kids.
## Head Graphic Designer & Advertising Co-ordinator — Universal Magazines
**1990 – 1992**
* Managed graphic design and advertising coordination across 52 magazine titles.
* Oversaw layout, production and advertising design.
* Worked closely with publishing and production teams to deliver high-volume print media.
## Junior Graphic Designer — Australian Consolidated Press
**1985 – 1989**
* Commenced career in graphic design and print media.
* Completed formal studies while working in the publishing industry.
* Gained extensive experience in typography, printing and graphic production.
—
# Education & Qualifications
## Graphic Design & Creative Studies
* Diploma in Graphic Design, Typography and Printing
* Finished Art Studies (1988)
* Sydney Technical College — Graphic Design
* Swinburne University — App Development Studies
## Training, Facilitation & Leadership
* Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
* Certificate in Conflict Resolution
* Brett McFall — 2 Year Leadership and Professional Speaking Program
* Dale Beaumont — Leadership & Publishing
* Landmark Education — Personal Development Programs
* Demartini Institute — Breakthrough Experience
* Demartini Institute — Leadership Program
## Equine Learning & Horsemanship
* Equine Facilitated Learning Certification — Franklin Levinson
* Trust Technique Practitioner — James French
* Animal Mindfulness — Crossfields Institute
* Parelli Natural Horsemanship — Level 1 & Level 2
* Advanced Horsemanship Training — Kailie Nott (20+ years)
* Multiple Clinics — Buck Brannaman
## Healing, Mindfulness & Personal Development
* Foundation Sound Healing — Certified
* BodyTalk Modules 1 & 2
* Emotion Code — Dr Bradley Nelson
* Photonic Therapy Certification I & II
* Matrix Energetics Experience & Into the Matrix — Richard Bartlett
* mBIT / mBraining Certification
* Neurographica Art Specialist — Basic & Advanced Certification
* Making Your Mind Matter — Dr Joe Dispenza
* Designing Your Destiny — Dr Joe Dispenza
* Advanced Meditation Retreat — Dr Joe Dispenza
* Initiations by the Elements — Carolyn Myss
* Understanding Archetypes — Carolyn Myss
* Our Energetic Being: Understanding Chakras — Carolyn Myss
* Eastern Body, Western Mind — Anodea Judith
* Qi Gong Studies — Simon Blow
## Finance & Business Studies
* Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking — Kaplan
* Super Fast Business — James Schramko
* Advanced Manifestation Program — Rick Jarrow
* Cash Machine — Loral Langemeier
* You Were Born Rich — Bob Proctor
—
# Additional Areas of Study
* EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
* Sound Healing
* Animal Communication
* Massage Therapy
* Red Light Therapy
* Alternative Healing Modalities
* Continuous Professional Development in personal growth, leadership, mindfulness and holistic wellbeing
—
# Early Education
* Completed Year 10 — 1984
—
# References
Available upon request.