The Heart Leaders Academy (HLA) Teacher Training Diploma offers a program with international recognition. Our courses are accredited with the International Kinesiology College (IKC) Personal Development School.

While some of our courses are kinesiology-based, all are rooted in the self-responsibility and educational models for Personal and Professional Development.

The self-responsibility model is a non-medical approach to health and well-being. It does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe; instead, it facilitates and empowers the individual to take charge of their own health and success.

The educational model aims to equip participants with effective tools and methods for self-help, stress management, and ongoing personal and professional evolution.

Your Path to a Diploma

The Teacher Training Diploma is a comprehensive 600-hour program to be completed within two years.

The HLA experience is unique because it is a school without walls with accredited teachers located globally. Your success is supported by a community, not dependent on one person. You will be assigned a mentor to guide you, and the HLA Principal is available to welcome and support every Diploma participant throughout the program.

• Course instruction is delivered through a mix of online via Zoom and face-to-face sessions, with both formats presented in-person by our fully trained and accredited teachers.

• The program is designed for accessibility:

• Course fees are paid directly to the individual course teacher.

• The mentoring fee is a convenient once-only payment or a bi-monthly arrangement.

• The Diploma is distinctively awarded without final exams, based instead on meeting clear standards, completing assignments, and attending online meets.

• You will receive a certificate upon the completion of every course or series, and your final Diploma is awarded once all courses, assignments, payment, and hours are complete.

The Vision of Sylvia Marina

HLA is led by Sylvia Marina N.D., a former teacher of specialised kinesiology. Personal development is her lifelong passion to learn, understand and grow. Driven by an inner thirst for knowledge, from a very young age, despite leaving school very early, Sylvia began her formal studies as an adult, building a strong professional background in health, behavioural science, holistic management, and environmental medicine. With a thirst to learn and a deep desire to help others, she opened her first adult learning school in 1984.

Her diverse career includes a successful wellness practice, developing corporate training programs, and founding the not-for-profit International Grief Support foundation (2000-2017). She also ran highly sought-after five- and seven-day residential retreats, fine-tuning personal growth and professional development programs for people of all ages who were yearning for life direction.

Globally, her graduate course participants have proven that personal development precedes professional advancement. Learning within the self-responsibility model enables people to evolve, focus better, and bring a more integrated self to relationships, family, teams, and careers. Her self development mastery programs gained renown both Australia wide and internationally.

While global and state border closure led to the necessary evolution of online teaching in 2020, HLA’s two- and four-day courses are still best delivered face-to-face.

However, most short courses, mentoring, and masterclasses are now effectively presented in-person via Zoom.

Today, Sylvia is teaching less and mentoring more. Since 2020, she has served as the Dean of the IKC Personal Development School, an Executive Board member of the IKC International Kinesiology College, and the Principal of Heart Leaders Academy.

If you are ready to launch a new career and gain international certification,
Heart Leaders Academy is ready for you.

Transform yourself and the lives of all who seek the skills you will master in our
Facilitator/Teacher Training program.

If your heart is drawn to people, and if you have a deep desire to help them create change for the better, then this training is for you.

This pathway is specifically designed for those who are:

• Willing to invest in their own future growth and professional capability.

• Determined to do what it takes to become a truly effective course facilitator.

• Ready to follow our proven protocols and the core self-responsibility model.

• In agreement with the principle that personal development must come before professional advancement.

• A note of clarity: If you are looking to become a theoretical lecturer, this is not the right fit for you.

A Global Legacy of Transformation

Nobody in the world approaches change and transformation the way we do at Heart Leaders Academy.

Our unique approach is the result of years of dedicated work and research by our founder and principal, Sylvia Marina. She has invested decades in teaching across her country of residence, Australia, her birthland, New Zealand, and through journeys to foreign countries and diverse multi-cultural communities. This global experience is woven into every aspect of our training.

If you have reviewed our program (link to course details here) and feel with certainty that this is your next step, please reach out to us to request a meeting for your enrolment agreement.

Email

We are committed to your success. Our intention is that immediately upon graduating from the Facilitator/Teacher Training in a specific modality, you can begin teaching that class. To qualify for your final Diploma, you need to be actively teaching Heart Leaders Academy courses and creating an income from your new career.

The Interview Process

We anticipate you'll have questions, and we have simple ones for you. They usually sound like this:

Q: "Why do you want to learn with us?"

A: The most common answer is, "Because I want to make a difference."

We are approachable and welcome your curiosity.
To set up an interview, please email your request here. You can also contact Sylvia or any Heart Leaders Academy ambassador anytime you need clarity.

The Academic Journey

Our academic year is typically divided into two semesters, usually commencing in February and July. However, you are welcome to begin the program at any time that suits your schedule. Program details here.

The Diploma must be completed within two years, though many participants finish the process sooner.

Prior Learning is Honoured: Any HLA-accredited courses you have attended will be recognised, provided you can submit a course certificate or proof of attendance.

Working with Teachers: You may attend workshops with any of our IKC accredited teachers. You must notify them before commencing the course that you are participating in the Diploma with Heart Leaders Academy. Class fees will be payable directly to that teacher.

Diploma Assessment

The no-exam Diploma requires 600 hours of completed work and is assessed through:

• Classroom Hours (in-person and online events).

• Assignments: Course essays, journal, participation, and maintaining a weekly, up-to-date log record.

• Monthly Mentoring sessions.

Equality is our goal; no one should be left behind. We ask that you attend every class, fully participate, and seek clarification when necessary—your mentor is here to support you in refining your questions and skills.

Competency is evaluated based on your consistent participation, your understanding of core concepts, group collaboration, and respect for others.

Inquiry is encouraged. Please direct your questions to the course presenter or your assigned mentor.

Important Details for Success

Qualified Teachers: You may occasionally be transferred to or choose to work with a different accredited teacher. Always ensure your teacher is aware you are participating in the Heart Leaders Academy Teacher Training Diploma course.

Language: Please submit your application in the English language, though you are welcome to use Google Translate for assistance. Be sure to list any other languages you are competent in.

Commitment to Excellence: To build your competence and ensure your successful career launch, we may occasionally request that you repeat a certain course. We are dedicated to ensuring you graduate and continue building a successful career.

Ready to Begin?

Seeking change? Heart Leaders Academy offers international certification for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Whether you're embarking on a new career path or deepening your mastery in Personal and Professional Development, please complete the Enquiry Form below. We look forward to working with you.