We don’t guide people where we haven’t been ourselves.
How Core Wound Healing Was Born
Core Wound Healing was created by Val Campbell and Ariel Learoyd, long-time facilitators and guides devoted to the art of transformation. Drawing from decades of experience in spiritual, somatic, and psychotherapeutic practice, they wove together a framework that helps people uncover and heal the deep patterns shaping their lives.
When Jess Simson attended the program as a participant, she was profoundly moved by its effectiveness and heart.
She later joined the facilitation team to help more people access this deeply liberating work.
Together, Val, Ariel, and Jess now guide Core Wound Healing retreats and workshops — combining grounded wisdom, spiritual awareness, and embodied practice to support each person’s journey back to authenticity, connection, and freedom.
Our Team
Each of us brings a unique lens
- yet we share one purpose: to help you remember your wholeness.
Ariel Learoyd
Core Wound Healing
Co-Creator, Retreat Leader
& Online Workshop Facilitator
Wholistic Counsellor RSW, Reiki Master, Astrologer & Mindfulness Guide
Ariel Learoyd is a Registered Social Worker, Karuna Reiki Master, and mindfulness instructor with over 23 years of experience supporting individuals on their path of healing and transformation. Blending psychology, energy healing, astrology and non-dual wisdom, she helps people uncover and heal core wounds — the unconscious patterns and beliefs that hold them back.
Grounded in more than 30 years of personal spiritual practice, and with experience facilitating countless retreats and workshops, Ariel brings a steady, heart-centered presence to her work. She invites participants to release limitation and reclaim their authentic self, offering a holistic pathway to deeper self-understanding, healing, and freedom.
Val Campbell
Core Wound Healing
Co-Creator & Retreat Co-Leader
Movement Educator, Theatre Artist & Transformational Facilitator
Val Campbell is a movement educator, theatre artist, and transformational facilitator with over three decades of experience in somatics, performance, and embodied inquiry. Known for her intuitive presence and creative insight, she guides people into deeper connection with their body, voice, and authentic expression.
An award-winning educator and Associate Professor Emerita of Drama at the University of Calgary, Val has also spent more than 26 years teaching Authentic Movement and Embodied Practice, a somatic method developed by her mentor Judith Koltai. At retreats, Val brings a grounded, soulful artistry that supports participants in reclaiming confidence, presence, and the wisdom within.
Jess Simson
Core Wound Healing
Community & Experience Coordinator
Sacred Sound and Support
Jess supports people in embodying their fully lit authentic selves through somatic trauma-informed mentoring, embodied yoga, and sacred sound. Drawing on her own journey through depression, burnout, and years of committed inner work, Jess shares the profound benefits of nutrition, mantra meditation, and self-care as handrails to radical yet genuine growth.
A mum, two-time World Multi-Sport Champion, and founder of STOKED LIFE, Jess blends strength and vulnerability, with enthusiasm and loving presence.
Having personally experienced the life-changing impact of the Core Wound Healing methodology, she is honoured to be offering behind-the-scenes support to Ariel and Val, and to guide sacred sound journey’s at retreats.
“SO meticulously organized, orchestrated, and offered. Val and Ariel are excellent facilitators who create a safe and explorative environment.”
We bring this work with care, humility, and respect for each person’s pace.
“Their attention to detail — especially in creating safety for using your voice — allowed a deeply open, non-judgmental group dynamic to form.”
Stay Connected with Core Wound Healing
Receive gentle updates about upcoming retreats, online workshops, and community offerings — shared with care, clarity, and respect for your pace.