• Welcome to Pods Academy! The aim of Pods Academy courses and community is to offer support while building confidence for participants so that they can achieve their goals as teachers. We strive to support teachers and those longing to become teachers to achieve their goals and shine in their teaching activities.

    • Grow as a teacher and/or learner with us 

    • We offer variety of educational tools for you to use as a teacher and/or learner to achieve your goals more easily and effectively. 

    What is clinical education: 

    Clinical education is a crucial component of healthcare training that involves hands-on learning experiences for students in various health care fields. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, often within hospitals, clinics, or community health centers, under the supervision of experienced professionals. This immersive learning approach helps students develop practical skills, critical thinking, and professional behaviours necessary for effective patient care. Through clinical education, students gain exposure to diverse patient populations, medical conditions, and healthcare environments, preparing them for successful careers in the selected healthcare.

    • Be inspired, seek support, achieve your goals

Pods Academy Blog

Welcome to Pods Academy – Where Growth Begins

by Ruth Ruane -

                                                                                                                                                                       

At Pods Academy, we’re driven by a mission to empower individuals and communities through innovative, heartfelt learning. As we develop this platform, our dreams and ambitions grow alongside it.

What began as an idea to support clinical educators and holistic practitioners has blossomed into a thriving space for continuous learning, personal growth, and professional excellence. With each new course, feature, and page we build, we’re creating a home for learners and educators alike—a space dedicated to the transformative power of education.

Building a Community of Support and Empowerment

In designing Pods Academy, our aim has been to foster a community where every member feels seen, supported, and encouraged. Collaboration is the foundation of what we do here. When we work together, lifting each other up, we create ripples that reach far beyond our own lives, impacting the broader world around us. Every project, every course, and every tool we create at Pods Academy reflects this commitment.

The Pods Academy Experience

Developing Pods Academy into the smooth, feature-rich platform you see today has taken many hours of hard work. From creating user-friendly interfaces to setting up streamlined communication and interactive learning tools, our goal has been to make Pods Academy an intuitive, inspiring experience for all. We've worked to ensure seamless course access, easy navigation, and reliable notifications so you can focus on what really matters: learning, growing, and connecting.

Newly Added: You’ll also find a fun way to show off your involvement in Pods Academy with a cool registered members badge! It’s yours as soon as you upload your profile picture, giving a friendly nod to new members and adding a bit of personal flair to your journey here (a little nudge for anyone who hasn’t gotten around to it yet!).

Upcoming Course: Managing Stress

Our courses are designed to be as dynamic and responsive as the needs of our learners. Lara, a skilled clinical educator and herbalist, is working on an upcoming course on managing stress—a timely offering that we hope to launch before the holiday season. This course will blend clinical insights with practical strategies to help you find balance in an often overwhelming world.

A Glimpse into the Future

Our vision for Pods Academy doesn’t stop here. We’re exploring future courses that cater to a variety of educational needs and professional growth areas, from clinical education techniques to personal development in the workplace. And as our offerings expand, so too does our ambition: we’re always open to new ideas and excited to take on fresh challenges, knowing that each step forward lifts us all a little higher.

As we work together to bring these dreams to life, remember that Pods Academy is your community too. It’s a place for sharing ideas, seeking knowledge, and finding strength in a collective journey. With each contribution, each story, and each shared insight, we’re shaping something extraordinary.

Thank You for Joining Us

Whether you’re a student, a clinical educator, or simply someone passionate about personal growth, we’re honoured to have you here with us. Your journey is part of ours, and we can’t wait to see how we’ll continue to grow together. Thank you for being part of the Pods Academy family, where every step we take together brings us closer to a brighter, more connected future.

Looking forward to supporting your journey,
The Pods Academy Team


Available courses

Master the Art of Feedback with Expert Guidance from Lara Jonasdottir, Clinical Educator

In any learning or professional setting, the ability to give effective feedback is a vital skill—one that can transform individuals and teams. "An Essential Course in Giving Effective Feedback" is designed specifically for clinical educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone looking to develop their feedback skills to inspire growth and improvement.

Guided by Lara Jonasdottir, a seasoned clinical educator and medical herbalist, this course dives into the key principles of impactful feedback. Through interactive lessons, real-world examples, and video demonstrations, you’ll learn to:

  • Understand the fundamentals of feedback and its crucial role in learning and professional environments.
  • Deliver feedback that motivates and fosters development, turning constructive criticism into a positive, actionable conversation.
  • Handle challenging feedback scenarios with empathy and practical strategies.
  • Apply effective feedback techniques across various clinical settings, with insights drawn from Lara’s extensive experience in collaborative healthcare.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the tools to deliver feedback that is timely, thoughtful, and transformational—skills that will enhance your professional interactions and empower those you teach and work alongside.

Completion Certificate: Upon finishing the course, you’ll receive a certificate signed by Lara Jonasdottir, recognising your expertise in giving effective feedback—an impressive addition to your professional credentials.


Why Learn with Lara Jonasdottir?

Lara brings over 15 years of experience in clinical education, blending practical insights with a compassionate, hands-on approach to teaching. She’s worked alongside leading healthcare practitioners and developed courses for professional institutions, making her an expert in guiding learners through complex concepts with clarity and empathy. With Lara’s guidance, you’ll not only master the techniques of effective feedback but also learn to inspire confidence and growth in others.

Lara’s Teaching Philosophy: "Effective feedback isn’t about pointing out flaws; it's about guiding someone toward their own strengths and helping them succeed."

Course Duration & Study Time: This course is designed to be completed in just a couple of hours, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. You can take it at your own pace, with engaging activities and practical exercises that reinforce your learning.

Cost: Enroll now for an introductory price of €30. This fee grants you access to all course materials, activities, and a certificate of completion signed by Lara Jonasdottir.

Group Discounts: If you are interested in enrolling a group or a team, please contact us for information on discounted rates and tailored learning experiences.


The Office – Your Campus Hub

Welcome to The Office, the central hub of Pods Academy. Think of it as our online reception and resource center—a place where faculty, admin, and eventually all community members can access essential resources, find announcements, and connect with academy support. Here, we aim to create a friendly space, much like the administrative office on a college campus, where questions can be answered, guidance is offered, and resources are readily available.

Who’s it for? Currently, The Office is open to faculty and administrators, but as we expand, we’ll open it up for self-enrollment, inviting students and all members to join. Our goal is to make it the go-to spot for everyone involved in Pods Academy.

What can you find here?

  • Announcements & Updates: Stay in the loop with the latest from Pods Academy.
  • Resources & Guides: Access tools and documents to support your role in the community.
  • Support & Assistance: Find answers to questions or connect with our support team for extra help.

Whether you're here to check an announcement, download a form, or get assistance, The Office is designed to serve as your reliable point of contact. Join us in keeping Pods Academy running smoothly and fostering a supportive, well-connected educational community.