Eileen Haywood

Eileen Haywood grew up in Northern Ireland and was drawn into the world of stories, myths and legends early on as a child. As a means to transcend the social/political challenges and constraints of the era, they fed her imagination, while creating a more expansive inner landscape to balance the outer. Eileen left home at eighteen to work in the US as a volunteer in the international Camphill Communities, living together with SENS children and co-workers alike. She was smitten by their culture, where the arts, including story telling, were a therapeutic part of everyday life, and significantly helped shape Eileen's future life decisions.

She studied Curative Education and Social Therapy, achieving her diploma in Northern Ireland some years later, after taking time to marry, return home and become a mother. In Camphill Eileen eventually became a teacher for SENS children and created many stories to support her work in class and the school in general.

When her own children had flown the nest, Eileen took up new challenges and moved out into her local community to work with adults with complex needs. While she continues in this field, story-telling remains close to her heart. The arrival of her grandchildren, with their sense of wonder and awe, combined with Eileen's work and study of child development, encouraged her to embark on the journey towards getting some of her stories published.