Kelli Howard has brought ancient practices to modern healing to Catholic Care’s clients through ear acupuncture, chair yoga, and gentle touch therapies – and in doing so, she’s quietly transforming lives.
Wellness expert, Kelli Howard.
As a specialist engaged by Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the social welfare agency of the Diocese of Parramatta, Kelli has been working with First Nations women in Catholic Care’s Houses to Homes program for young homeless mothers and supporting the local Aunties group at the Emerton community centre.
Emerton Community Centre, 11 Emert Pde, Emerton NSW.
Kelli Howard’s work is part of Catholic Care’s commitment to culturally safe and holistic wellbeing services across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. It’s also embedded as objectives in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
“It’s about trust. I don’t walk in with an agenda – I listen to what the aunties need,” Kelli said.
“They’re the cultural wisdom keepers. It’s a privilege just to be invited in.”
Ancient remedies
Kelli uses the NADA protocol – a five-point ear acupuncture technique – to support people dealing with trauma, stress and grief. Originally developed in the 1970s Bronx in the United States, NADA has since become a global practice.
“It focuses on trauma, post-traumatic trauma as well, and eases and soothes the whole nervous system,” Kelli explained.
“Treating trauma is the basis of all treatments.”
Massages at Emerton
Her approach is simple at Emerton: no pressure, just presence.
“I am new to the Aunties, so I’m using my time with them to foster trust, listening to their needs,” she said.
“While I do this I’m gently introducing my offerings to them – one of the ways I connect is to give massages while the acupuncture pins are in their ears – this gives me an opportunity to join in with their yarning and learn more about their individual needs.”
Healing herbs used for relaxation.
“I’ve seen clients, including past clients, feeling unsettled or distressed, and after receiving the treatment, their whole demeanor softens. Some even say things like, ‘I actually feel really good’ afterward.”
The treatments also include tiny “ear seeds” – a pressure bead that stays in the ear after the session. Some have a diamante – which she said the aunties seem to prefer.
“It’s a little bit of bling,” Kelli smiled.
“It helps relieve stress between visits.”
Special ear buds apply pressure and relieve stress.
Reconciliation and walking together
Kelli’s children’s kin have connection to Anangu Peoples from Uluru and Kokatha Peoples from South Australia. Kelli brings a deep respect for First Nations community and culture. While she is not Aboriginal herself, she is raising two Aboriginal sons and has spent decades living and working in Aboriginal communities.
“I work on borrowed trust, because I am a white woman,” she said.
“I don’t even realise sometimes how colonised we’ve become… even the biomedical mental health model is colonised. Healing needs to be communal.”
Kelli’s sessions reflect this philosophy – they are calm, patient, and led by the people she serves.
“I also offer chair yoga,” she said.
While her work is small in scale, Kelli’s making a big impact. She’s currently completing a Masters in Social Work to help bring more wellness programs into under-served communities.
“It’s small work, and it’s slow. But healing doesn’t rush. It listens.”
Walking together – The Diocesan Pastoral Plan
Kelli’s work in Emerton echoes the aim of the Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 2024 – 2028, which prioritises culturally safe spaces, healing, and stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Learn more about Catholic Care’s First Nations Support Services.
