Creating Connections: Where Trauma-Aware and Wellbeing Education Meet

In this special live-recorded keynote episode, we bring together two of the leading voices in education and wellbeing: Professor Lea Waters (University of Melbourne, Centre for Wellbeing Science) and Dr Tom Brunzell (Berry Street Education Model).

Together, they explore the evolving relationship between positive education and trauma-informed practice, asking how schools can move beyond welfare models toward whole-school approaches that are both preventative and promotive. From the early days of positive psychology to today’s challenges of fatigue, regulation, and staff wellbeing, Lea and Tom share candid reflections, practical strategies, and fresh provocations.

Expect insights into the strengths-based foundations of wellbeing education, the nuances of trauma-aware approaches, and the importance of adaptability, systems thinking, and staff care. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers encouragement to take small, powerful steps—the “one-percenters”—that shape sustainable cultures of wellbeing in schools.

To get in contact to share the work that you are doing in your school, please reach out to us at: contact@pesa.edu.au