PESA: Positive Education Schools Association | Australia’s Peak Body for Wellbeing Education

Dr Martin E.P Seligman

PESA Patron

Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman is a global leading authority in the fields of Positive Psychology, resilience, learned helplessness, depression, optimism and pessimism, and is often credited as the father of Positive Psychology. He is also a recognised authority on interventions that prevent depression, and build strengths and well-being. He is the Director of the Penn Positive Psychology Center and Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology in the Penn Department of Psychology. He is also Director of the Penn Master of Applied Positive Psychology program (MAPP). He was President of the American Psychological Association in 1998, during which one of his presidential initiatives was the promotion of Positive Psychology as a field of scientific study. He has written more than 350 scholarly publications and 30 books. Read a message from our patron here.

Professor Lea Waters PhD

PESA Ambassador

It is an honour to serve as the Ambassador for PESA. For more than a decade PESA has empowered schools and educational institutions to integrate wellbeing science into the fabric of their culture by building knowledge and capacities in educators to create lessons and experiences that bolster academic success and states of thriving in young people. PESA has held stead-fast to ensuring their offerings are grounded in science and that the programs and strategies endorsed by this associating are evidence-based and high-impact. By accessing PESA membership, schools will be empowered to curate sustainable, long-term positive outcomes not only for their students but also for their staff. PESA’s membership is accessible from anywhere, which positions PESA to support metro, regional, rural and remote schools. This is an Association the embodies its philosophy and core mission and becoming a member opens you to high quality offerings, PL by leading experts and access to a national network of passionate educators. Learn more about Professor Lea Waters and her work in wellbeing education - click here to read her full bio.

Leonie Abbott

PESA Chair

Leonie Abbott is a highly regarded professional who converts theoretical concepts into practical tactics. With expertise at the intersection between trauma-aware and wellbeing pedagogies, she has influenced pedagogical change in thousands of classrooms. Her current role as Head of Student Wellbeing provides Leonie with on-the-ground experience working with students and teachers. Leonie’s considerable experience working as a Senior Consultant at Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) and Assistant Director, co-founder & co-author of the Berry Street Education Model has strengthened her resolve towards influencing change generally and especially in education. She has spent the last few years applying a trauma-aware perspective as a teacher practitioner in her current leadership role at Wesley College. Leonie has faithfully served on the PESA board for two terms and is keen to continue this service for a final term. Leonie see’s that PESA has the energy to unite all sectors nationally and further wellbeing outcomes for our young people and those who work with them. Read a message from Leonie here.

At The Future We Shape, we believe that every conversation has the power to influence the future of learning, leadership, and wellbeing in schools.

Hosted by Kerrin Smith, Positive Leadership and Wellbeing Science Consultant, this podcast explores how educators and system leaders can create environments where people truly thrive—not through quick fixes, but through intentional, evidence-informed action.

Each episode features insightful conversations with experts, school leaders, and changemakers who are rethinking how we lead and care for our communities. From practical strategies to human-centred leadership stories, we’ll explore what it really takes to shape a better future for education, together.

Produced in partnership with Positive Education Schools Association (PESA), this podcast amplifies the voices, ideas, and practices that are making wellbeing an everyday part of school life.

Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or simply passionate about positive change, this podcast is your space to reflect, learn, and be inspired.

What does it really take to create schools where people feel safe, valued, and genuinely connected?

In this episode of The Future We Shape, we explore the power of belonging, connection, and psychological safety with two inspiring leaders in education.

First, Sue Roffey — teacher, educational psychologist, academic, and global advocate for wellbeing in schools — shares decades of insight into why belonging is a fundamental human need, not a “nice to have.” Drawing on research, practice, and her ASPIRE framework, Sue unpacks how small, everyday interactions shape culture, inclusion, and learning for both students and staff.

You’ll also hear from Nicole O’Brien, founding principal of Barayip Primary School, who offers a powerful real-world example of what it looks like to build a school culture from the ground up. Nicole reflects on how gratitude, calm, and connection are intentionally embedded into daily practice — from morning greetings to staff learning conversations — and how these small moments create lasting impact.

Together, these conversations remind us that belonging isn’t created through programs alone. It’s built through micro-moments, intentional leadership, and the way we show up for one another — every day.

Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or education system leader, this episode offers practical insights and hopeful reflections on shaping school communities where everyone can thrive.