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Judy’s journey is one of adventure, transformation, and a deep commitment to mindfulness. As an expat who has lived in multiple countries, her path led her from the UK to Hong Kong, then Dubai, and finally to Cyprus, where she found the balance and natural beauty she longed for. Along the way, she discovered a passion for teaching mindfulness and meditation to children, which ultimately led to the creation of Eric the Penguin: Your Inner Penguin Affirmation Cards.
After university, Judy moved to Hong Kong, where she met her husband and embraced the vibrant culture. Their expat journey continued with a return to the UK and then a decade in Dubai. While Dubai offered a dynamic lifestyle, the extreme heat limited their ability to enjoy the outdoors. With a young son in mind, they sought a place where he could grow up surrounded by nature. Cyprus, with its mountains, beaches, and slower pace of life, became their ideal choice.
Their first year in Cyprus was a warm welcome—both literally and figuratively. Judy recalls the incredible kindness of locals, from friendly greetings to farmers sharing their fresh produce with her family. It was a refreshing change and a sign that they had made the right decision.
Judy’s passion for mindfulness began as a personal practice to help her son develop emotional resilience. This gradually expanded into teaching mindfulness classes for children. The turning point came when she learned about one of her son’s friends being bullied. This experience ignited a stronger purpose: to equip children with the tools to build self-worth and confidence through mindfulness.
Her love for affirmations led her to share them on social media. Encouraged by a friend, she decided to transform these affirmations into something tangible and relatable for kids. And so, Eric the Penguin was born—an adorable character designed to make mindfulness fun and accessible for children through affirmation cards.
As someone who has lived in different cultural environments, Judy understands the importance of adapting mindfulness practices to fit various traditions and beliefs. While mental health awareness is still developing in Cyprus, there has been a growing interest, particularly within the expat community and some local educators.
She acknowledges that introducing mindfulness in a country with strong traditions requires patience. However, once people see it as a tool for relaxation and mental well-being, rather than a foreign concept, they become more receptive. The expat community’s existing familiarity with mindfulness has helped, making it easier to integrate these practices into children’s daily lives.
Judy brings creativity into her classes of mindfulness in Cyprus. She keeps sessions engaging by incorporating movement, storytelling, and interactive exercises to ensure children connect with the practice in a meaningful way.
The reception from parents and educators in Cyprus has been overwhelmingly positive. While Eric the Penguin is still new, the response has been heartwarming, with both children and adults embracing his affirmations. Parents have even started using them in their daily lives, reinforcing the idea that mindfulness is beneficial for all ages.
Starting a project in a new country is never without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Judy faced was explaining what mindfulness truly is. Some schools suggested making videos, which initially felt daunting. Instead, she found alternative ways to communicate the benefits of mindfulness. However, she recognizes that pushing herself out of her comfort zone is part of the journey—after all, she teaches her students to “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.”
Language barriers also presented some difficulties, but many Cypriot children have a strong command of English, making communication easier. Judy is still learning Greek to further bridge the gap.
Judy’s mindfulness classes and Eric the Penguin have created a strong sense of community. She has formed meaningful relationships with expat families and local educators who are eager to learn more about how mindfulness can benefit children.
One of her most rewarding experiences is seeing the shift in children’s energy during her sessions. She recalls students who enter class feeling anxious and leave with a sense of calm and confidence—proof that mindfulness can truly make a difference.
Life in Cyprus has taught Judy to embrace a slower pace. Whether it’s walking through Pano Panagia while her family cycles, finding solace in Pikni Forest, or sipping coffee by Coral Bay Beach in the off-season, she cherishes the island’s natural beauty.
For her, balance isn’t just about work and life—it’s about being present, appreciating the little moments, and making space for self-care. Her passion for mindfulness extends beyond her classes; it’s a way of life.
Judy is currently working on an exciting mental health initiative with Friends of TLC, a parent association at TLC School in Peyia. This initiative goes beyond children—it involves parents, too. By equipping both children and their families with mindfulness tools, she hopes to create a lasting impact on mental well-being.
In the future, she envisions integrating mindfulness classes into school curriculums across Cyprus, making mindfulness and emotional resilience a fundamental part of education. As for Eric the Penguin, she sees him evolving into a global symbol of encouragement and positivity for children.
Dream collaborations? Absolutely. She hopes to work with schools, mental health organisations, and brands that share her mission of empowering children.
Judy’s biggest piece of advice? Stay curious.
“When you’re starting a new venture in a different country, things won’t always go as planned. There will be challenges along the way, but instead of resisting them, try to see what they have to teach you. Be open to learning from the people around you, immerse yourself in the local culture, and trust that every twist and turn is leading you somewhere meaningful. Curiosity keeps you in flow, and when you’re in flow, the right opportunities always seem to find you.”
Judy’s journey—from an expat seeking balance to a mindfulness advocate for children—continues to inspire. Through her work, she is shaping a more mindful future, one child (and penguin) at a time.
For more information on Judy’s mindfulness classes, visit www.KidsMeditation.com. To purchase Eric’s affirmation cards, head to www.EricThePenguin.com.
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