Humans of the Hub: Meet Olga Rubio from Spring to Mind
Welcome to another feature in our "Humans of the Hub" series, where we celebrate the inspiring individuals who call the Coffs Harbour Innovation Hub their professional home. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Olga Rubio, the creative force behind Spring to Mind, a unique therapeutic practice offering counselling and expressive arts therapy.
Meet Olga Rubio, founder of Spring to Mind and partner of Coffs Harbour Innovation Hub.
A Journey Rooted in Art, Travel, and Connection
Originally from the vibrant city of Seville, Spain, Olga Rubio is not only a mother of two adventurous young children but also a lifelong devotee of the arts. Her love for theatre, music, and visual arts has been the foundation of her career and a guiding principle in her life.
Her professional journey spans continents—from the UK and Chile to Malaysia and Australia. Olga has used the transformative power of arts in health and therapy to support survivors of domestic violence, marginalised youth, multicultural communities, and people with dementia. Over nearly two decades in Australia, she’s combined her Fine Arts, Dramatherapy, and Psychotherapy qualifications to help individuals and communities heal through creativity.
Before relocating to Coffs Harbour, Olga ran a successful arts-in-health business in Queensland, working across residential and home care settings. Now, with Spring to Mind, she’s bringing her unique approach to her new home.
Operating from the Innovation Hub, Spring to Mind aims to improve the wellbeing and mental health of the local community.
Spring to Mind: A Safe Oasis for Healing
Earlier this year, Olga and her family moved to Coffs Harbour, drawn by its natural beauty and sense of community. Her business, Spring to Mind, is a therapeutic space designed to offer clients meaningful experiences through counselling and expressive arts therapy.
Operating from the Innovation Hub, Olga aims to improve the wellbeing and mental health of the local community. She blends traditional counselling techniques with experiential therapies to help clients process emotions and experiences that words alone cannot express. "This multidisciplinary approach fosters growth, healing, and transformation," says Olga, "and I’m excited to bring this to the Coffs Coast."
"This multidisciplinary approach fosters growth, healing, and transformation. I’m excited to bring this to the Coffs Coast.” - Olga Rubio, Spring to Mind.
What Sets Spring to Mind Apart
Olga’s integration of traditional counselling with evidence-based arts therapies offers clients a unique and holistic therapeutic experience. From visual arts to movement and music, her sessions encourage expression beyond words, making the healing process deeply personal and effective.
One of her most innovative projects involves using creative processes to help individuals reconnect with themselves and their communities, showcasing how art and therapy can serve public health in powerful ways.
Olga’s integration of traditional counselling with evidence-based arts therapies offers clients a unique and holistic therapeutic experience.
Why Olga Loves Her Work
"The best part of my job is that I get to be creative and innovative while helping others," says Olga. Her passion for combining art and therapy has not only enriched her professional life but has also allowed her to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Olga Rubio outside her office the Coffs Harbour Innovation Hub.
Getting to know Olga
Here are 8 random + fun facts about Olga’s life, personality and philosophy in business:
Favorite place to travel: Back home to Spain.
Last played on Spotify: Sana, sana by Nathy Peluso.
Favorite food: Pan Tumaca—crusty bread with fresh tomato, olive oil, and Jamón.
Describe yourself in three words: Vibrant, loud, creative (💥booom!).
Fictional character you’d be: Mirabel Madrigal from Encanto. "She proves that being an active community member is the best magic power one can have."
Best advice for starting a business: "You don’t have to do it alone—asking for help is the best way forward!"
The inspiration behind "Spring to Mind": Olga envisioned a name that would resonate with the diverse communities, celebrating growth, change, and vibrancy for everyone.
Favorite thing about the Hub: "It makes me feel like I’m part of a community, which is so important as a sole trader!"