Speakers

THE PLAYFUL PSYCHOLOGIST

Emily is a Clinical Psychologist, based in Sydney. She has a specific interest in autism and developmental delay and draws on her personal experiences of having an autistic brother to facilitate her therapeutic practice.

The goal of The Playful Psychologist is to empower parents, children, and professionals through playful, evidence-based resources. Emily prides herself in combining professional psychological knowledge and personal experiences, with a playful, gentle approach to child development.

SENIOR LECTURER

Dr Meegan Brown, PhD, AFHEA (Indigenous Knowledges), is a senior lecturer and the Study Area Co-ordinator of the Master of Education School Guidance and Counselling at the Queensland University of Technology. Prior to this, Meegan worked in remote areas of Queensland as a teacher, principal and Guidance Officer. Her research and teaching interests include trauma-informed schooling, rural and remote education, and educators' and school counsellors’ experiences of working with students living with the effects of trauma.

MANAGER GRIEF & LOSS PROGRAMS AND AUTHOR

Jess has a background in social work and education and is deeply committed to supporting young people. She believes that positive change starts with education and that unnecessary harm can be prevented through the sharing of stories, knowledge, and skills.

Over the last three years, Jess has developed and grown the Learning Through Loss program to reach diverse communities across Tasmania. Learning Through Loss provides free professional learning and resources to all Tasmanian schools. Learning Through Loss's mission is to create grief literate communities, so that no one has to grieve alone.

PSYCHOLOGIST & TEACHER

Judi’s research centers on identifying the cognitive and educational bases of children's mathematical reasoning. Including the basic number abilities/disabilities and the conceptual changes that occur as children acquire mathematical competence. She also run a Maths Learning difficulties and Dyscalculia diagnostic testing centre at the University of Melbourne Psychology Clinic. Where her research has identified important markers of number cognition and diagnostic indicators of Dyscalculia.

FOUNDER - SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY

Mitch, was the 2017 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year and National R U OK? Day Ambassador, after he transitioned from an everyday tradie into a well-respected and purpose-driven public speaker. Mitch’s journey to raise awareness of suicide prevention and reduce the stigma around mental health began after his younger brother Ty took his own life in 2013.

Mitch is also involved in the Tasmanian media and events landscape. When presenting, sharing, broadcasting or hosting, Mitch always speaks from the heart. The connection he creates with the audiences he presents to is both genuine and empowering.

EDUCATIONAL & DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Jodie has over 25-years’ experience working with young people and their families, including 15 years as a school psychologist. Jodie works predominantly with neurodivergent kids and teens and practiced ACT for 20 years. She has developed many resources that assist therapists to adapt ACT for young people, including her recent book Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Children: Applications and Strategies for Using ACT with Children Aged 5 – 12 with Anxiety, Depression, Autism Spectrum Conditions, Attention Deficits, OCD, and More.

PSYCHOLOGIST & DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, NSW Mental Health Commission

Daniel practices in Western Sydney as a Clinical Supervisor, Trainer, and speaker on the topic of Wellbeing, Adolescent mental health and Transcultural Mental Health.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Diane is dedicated to supporting children and young people. Her approach is developmental and relationship-based, meeting children where they are and deeply understanding their unique needs. Her work supports children and families to foster independence, self-regulation, and emotional growth, using frameworks like Stuart Shanker’s Self-Reg and DIRFloortime. She believes that collaboration with families, schools, and professionals is key to creating an environment where children can thrive in their communities and form fulfilling relationships.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Matt is a Clinical Psychologist, consultant, presenter and the Director of Brisbane-based clinic, ConnectEd Counselling and Consultancy. Matt’s career has focused on the delivery of school-based psychological services and his academic work has been cited over 1,200 times, and is being translated into 50 languages. The main areas Matt focused on are school structures, and supporting psychologists, pastoral care staff and schools to identify opportunities to improve school pastoral care and wellbeing processes.

Casey-Rae is an experienced Senior School teacher, Year Group Coordinator and House Leader. She is also a dance teacher, who works closely with students aged 2 to 30 to develop passion and skills in the performing arts.

Casey-Rae is passionate about empowering young people to develop resilience and confidence through the arts and will sit on our panel and use her experience to discuss all things body image and eating disorders.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Myf is a Mental Health Occupational Therapist and Director at Hobart Wonderings Therapy service for Children, Young People and families. She has a Clinical Masters in Family Therapy which underpins her passion for family inclusive practice for children and young people. I have been a Principal Researcher in a project looking at the effectiveness of Single Session Family Therapy and co authored a paper, a book chapter and presented at International conferences. I believe it is a privilege to connect with families and help to make the most of every encounter with therapeutic services.

TEACHER & DEPUTY HEAD

Wendy works at Friends' Primary School as an experienced and passionate educator. She has a desire to assure that all children have access to and an opportunity to become the best version of themselves. Wendy has both international experience as a school leader and an International Baccalaureate Educator, supporting educators to create authentic programs that are inclusive. Building open trusting relationships with families is pivotal in the work that Wendy carries out on a daily basis.

PSYCHOLOGIST & HEAD OF WELLBEING

Bridget is based in Melbourne as the Head of Wellbeing and Engagement at The Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School (Mac.Rob) and is also the Psychologist and Director of her clinic, Welcome to Pod. She has extensive experience in working in mental health and educational settings. However, her unique expertise lies in embedding whole school approaches that optimise the wellbeing of students. It is this passion and background that Bridget will be bringing to our conference.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Vanessa works extensively with clients with complex neurodiversity including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and autism. Vanessa is known for creating frameworks and resources for helping professionals and families understand why people do what they do and how we can work together to improve outcomes across the lifespan. She has also written two books on these topics (FASD and Ability Mapping in Complex Neurodiversity).

PSYCHOLOGIST & AUTHOR

Connie is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience in schools, private practice, and academia. In 2008, she created a social-emotional program for young people, which became the focus of her PhD research. This program evolved into Social Stencil, a neuroaffirming program now delivered by clinicians and educators across Australia in schools and clinics.

In addition to being the author of Social Stencil, Connie is a clinical trainer for clinicians in private practice, as well as a lecturer and research supervisor at the University of Melbourne. She is passionate about equipping clinicians and educators with tools to support the social-emotional development of young people, guided by neuroaffirming principles. Connie frequently presents on creative strategies to support Autistic and ADHD young people, focusing on practical, inclusive support.