With Special Guests: Dr. Paula Barrett, Nikki Bonus (CEO and Founder of Life Skills GO), and Gayle Walters
In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, resilience has never been more critical for the wellbeing and success of our young people. But what exactly is resilience, and why is it considered one of the most powerful preventative skills for supporting mental health?
Join internationally renowned psychologist Dr. Paula Barrett—a global leader in resilience research and the creator of the world-renowned FRIENDS Resilience Programs—Nikki Bonus, CEO and Founder of Life Skills GO, and Gayle Walters for an inspiring and practical webinar designed specifically for educators, school executives, and family communities. Together, they will unpack the science of resilience and explore how a whole school, whole community approach can create lasting positive outcomes for students, families, and the broader community
Key Takeaways:
Understand Resilience: What it really means and why it’s one of the most effective protective factors against anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges.
Prevention Through Proven Research: Discover how Dr. Paula Barrett’s extensive, World Health Organization-endorsed research has successfully reduced anxiety and depression in young people across more than 20 countries. Explore why taking a preventative approach is not only more effective but also creates lasting, life-changing outcomes before challenges escalate.
The Critical Window for Action: Why building resilience needs to start the moment a child begins their school journey—and how early intervention shapes lifelong outcomes.
Practical, Simple Strategies: Evidence-based, easy-to-implement approaches that schools and families can use to foster resilience in children and young people.
The Power of Community: How bringing educators, school leaders, families, and communities together creates a supportive ecosystem that empowers young people to thrive.
Who Should Attend?
School Principals, Executives, Wellbeing Leaders, Educators, Family and Parent Groups, and Community Leaders—anyone passionate about shaping stronger, healthier futures for our young people.
Nikki Bonus, CEO & Founder of Life Skills GO, brings over 20 years of experience in social-emotional literacy programs and real-time wellbeing data solutions. Life Skills GO platform helps schools detect patterns, deploy interventions, and enhance student wellbeing.
Dr Paula Barrett is a clinician, scholar and researcher in the field of child psychology. She has been recognised as being amongst the top 1 percent of publishers within the field of Psychology and Psychiatry at an international level. Dr Barrett received the Highly Commended Certificate in the Human Rights Medal of the Australian Human Rights Commission (2009) for her contribution to the wellbeing of children, youth and
the wider community. Dr Barrett is the author of the globally acclaimed FRIENDS Programs, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) based programs, acknowledged by the World Health Organisation, as best practice for the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression, promoting resilience in families, schools and communities. Training in the FRIENDS Programs is delivered worldwide to individuals, charities, organisations, schools and governments. Dr Barrett is the director of Friends Resilience Pty Ltd and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Psychology at Edith Cowan University.
Gayle Walters has a background of over 25 years in the Queensland Public Sector and the Not-for-Profit space and is currently the Executive Director Strategy and Communications for PeakCare the preeminent peak body for the child and family sector in Queensland. Gayle has also previously held the position of Chief of Staff to a Queensland Government Minister for the Education, Youth Justice and Training and Skills portfolios and a Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister for Child Safety Youth and Women and the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Gayle has a strong background in social justice and human services working with and to improve the lives of children and families in Queensland, knowing the importance of early intervention programs and supports that keep families together and children in education so that they are on a pathway to prosperity.
Gayle has also held the position of President and Chair of P&Cs Qld, representing 1260 Parent and Citizens Associations across Queensland and advocating for the best possible educational outcomes for all students. Gayle has been acknowledged and recognized for her long-term commitment to ensuring every child has every chance in education across Queensland.
