After 40 years in the industry, Gay Wardle says she loves to see people grow and flourish through education.
What does it mean to you to be an educator?
I view the role of educator as diverse; someone who is supportive of their students, able to build upon the knowledge already possessed by their learners and more importantly, someone who can challenge others to learn, think and evaluate information for themselves. Educators need to be able to coach their students by providing feedback that builds upon their strengths while creating opportunities to further develop areas of need. It is essential that an educator instills confidence in their students to be successful learners.
Skin is my subject area and when teaching my students about this. I give them the tools that enable them to think and analytically diagnose skin disorders. I place great emphasis on the necessity for ongoing learning and I strongly encourage my students to continue with their research so that they stay focused with current practices.
For me personally, educating fellow therapists instills a sense of awe, as I love to see people grow and flourish. To be a part of another’s journey of learning is very rewarding. Developing knowledge and capacity in others will strengthen the industry that I am passionate about. Education is everything!
How do you keep ahead of the game and up with latest trends?
I practise what I preach. Learning is part of my daily practice. I read journals and academic articles constantly. I also attend several conferences throughout the year, both nationally and internationally, and I network with others. My network community includes doctors, nurses, therapists, business coaches, motivational speakers and most importantly, experts in skin. Learning with my colleagues has ensured that I remain focused. I am very passionate about our industry and I am inspired by it’s constant evolution. The only way to remain up with the latest trends is to grow and evolve along with the industry. Lifelong learning is the key.
Outline the highlights of your education program for the year 2020?
2020 has been deemed the year of growth and success for us all and my education program will be all that and more. This year, I am excited to be launching my online Everything You Need to Know About Skin program. I am so passionate about going online as this means that Gay Wardle Education will be accessible for everyone. Anyone who is thirsty for this knowledge will be able to access this information from their own homes. Through my online program, I will continue to be available to support students on an individual level should they require clarification regarding the content they’re studying.
I will also be going international with this course when I travel to New York in September to deliver my Everything You Need to Know About Skin program. Come and join me if you can. I would love to see some of you in the Big Apple!
2020 has again seen me invited to speak at the various Beauty Expos held throughout the year. Come along to Melbourne and Sydney – I would love to see you at one of my lectures. The expos are great for networking.
I will also continue with my work both nationally and internationally – working between Australia, New Zealand and America. All course dates and details will be advertised on my website.
FAST FACTS
Training accreditation
I have a Bachelor of Health Science, Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Laser and Light Therapies, Laser Health and Safety Certificate, Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training, Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Electrolysis, Diploma in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Cosmetic Tattooing Certificate, Certificate in Paramedical Aesthetics.
I hold a Queensland licence for laser tattoo removal, skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, pigmentation and hair removal.
I have been part of the tertiary aesthetics.development program for a private University and have lectured at both Torrens University and ACHW
Years in the Industry
I have been in the industry for almost 40 years and still love it. I have owned my own clinics, worked as a skin care representative, imported a skin care range into Australia and as an educator.
Educational areas of specialty
My expertise is in anatomy, cell biology, skin disorders and skin diagnosis. I also have very sound and good knowledge of equipment including lasers and IPL. As I continue to study I expand on my expertise constantly.
What I love most about my role
For me personally, educating fellow therapists instills a sense of awe, as I love to see people grow and flourish. To be a part of another’s journey of learning is very rewarding. Developing knowledge and capacity in others will strengthen the industry that I am passionate about. Education is everything!
Gay Wardle is the CEO of Gay Wardle Education, www.gaywardle.com.au
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