For the past seven years, Dan was a lecturer at Charles Sturt University in the School of Communication and Creative Industries and worked as the discipline leader of the innovative Theatre/Media program. Dan has a background as an international acrobat, physical theatre performer, director and educator. He developed his foundations at the Olympic Training Centre as a Canadian national gymnast and coach. From 2006-2010 he was the Artistic Director and CEO of the South Australian Circus Centre, home of Cirkidz. 

He now shares his passion and innovative pedagogies as a speaker and consultant for universities, companies and communities. His mission is simple: To dare himself, and those he works with, to think differently as we strive towards growth in business, education, art and life.

The best leaders aren’t those who seek stability—they are those who balance. In an era where life and work shift faster than ever, we often hear we need to “find balance.” But balance isn’t something we achieve—it’s something we engage with. Shifts in industries, communities, and personal lives are constant—our ability to adapt determines our success.

This talk introduces a transformative shift: what if, instead of fearing change, we trained ourselves to engage with shifts like an acrobat—adjusting in real time? Why Adaptability is the Real Key to Resilience – Challenging conventional ideas of stability. Dan’s ability to ignite engagement, challenge perspectives, and create lasting impact sets him apart. Dan doesn’t just talk about adaptability, leadership, and resilience—he embodies them, making complex ideas tangible and memorable through his signature blend of acrobatics, humor, and storytelling.

Lee Barrett is an experienced educator and advocate for innovative teaching practices, specialising in the integration of AI in education. As the Prompt Engineer and AI Advocacy Project Officer at CEnet, Lee has helped lead the rollout of the cechat tool, collaborating with educators and tech designers to enhance classroom and organisational practices, with a strong focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to ensure inclusive access for all learners.

With a Master’s in Educational Leadership and over two decades of global teaching experience, Lee has championed the use of AI and UDL strategies to improve engagement, accessibility, and outcomes for diverse student populations. She has presented at forums like the SMH Schools Summit and the Catholic Schools NSW AI Symposium, offering actionable insights on AI’s evolving role in education.

Passionate about fostering student engagement, equitable access, and teacher success, Lee combines expertise in literacy, AI innovation, and differentiated learning. And yes, Lee absolutely used AI to help her write this bio!

Colin Dobson PSM, is the inaugural Principal of Monash Children’s Hospital School. He is an excellent role model and his knowledge of education pedagogy, learners as inquirers and authentic enablement of student voice and agency have added value to state and independent education through a range of educational settings. Colin has demonstrated exemplary leadership as an educator, director and principal for over 36 years.

Passionate about children’s education and the vital role teachers and professionals play, Colin’s work has been at the forefront of ground breaking initiatives in education. Colin was previously a teacher, Head of School and the Director of Curriculum for Wesley College as well as Principal at Mount View Primary School, inclusive of the outstanding Deaf Facility.  As Principal of Monash Children’s Hospital School he has incorporated education and health in the one environment. His work has supported education and health colleagues to see the important connection between education, health and recovery.

Colin has a strong capacity to build relationships and is an influential advocate of indigenous culture and its importance in educational settings. He has been a consistent supporter of internationalising education which has included the building of sister school partnerships. Colin was instrumental in introducing international primary year programs to schools in Victoria, Australia, and the Asia Pacific region and was an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program workshop leader across this region. He was also co-designer of the first postgraduate certificate in Educational Studies (International Baccalaureate) in 2005.

He is an active member of the Department of Education’s Manningham and Monash Network Executive and is chairperson of the HELP Alliance which brings together leaders from Australia and New Zealand Hospital Schools. Colin is a highly esteemed peer and mentor to education and health colleagues.

Colin’s belief that all students have the right to an outstanding education, regardless of their circumstance, has been apparent in every setting he has led, including his current role as Principal of the innovative Monash Children’s Hospital School. Colin personally took responsibility for recruiting staff, developing policies and teaching and learning initiatives, establishing relationships with local schools and hospital schools nationally and internationally. The growth and effective operation of the school under Colin’s stewardship has ensured positive outcomes for some of Victoria's most vulnerable young people and their families.

In 2022, Colin was presented with a Public Service Medal (PSM) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education.

Colin completed a Bachelor of Educational Studies and Master of Education (Leadership, Policy and Change) at Monash.

Bryan Jeffrey is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, and since 1995 has been employed in a range of senior clinical positions in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health in Scotland, and latterly in Melbourne, Australia.

Throughout his career, Bryan saw gaps in mental health literacy, in people who were hungry for knowledge, and decided to focus the attention of MOAT: Mental Health Services on meeting these needs.

Ranging from delivering keynote addresses at national conferences, to providing workshops for small groups of staff and carers – Bryan’s passion is in mental health training.

Join Bryan Jeffrey as he shares a very simple framework to clarify the links between stress, escalation, explosive behaviour, and de-escalation. This framework has been informed by Bruce Perry’s trauma-related research and learnings, and can be implemented with great effect in any teaching space, any home, or even in your staff room.

• What effect does stress have on staff and students' ability to remain cognitive and focused?
• What are some of the skills that we can learn and teach, to stay calm in a crisis?
• How should we communicate with people who are escalating?
• Can we really help people to de-escalate when they have lost control?
• Why does multi-sensory de-escalation work?
• How does a person's trauma history affect their ability to regulate?

These questions and more will be explored, with an opportunity for delegates to ask questions following the presentation.