Karen began her career as a psychologist in private practice and is now recognised as a leading authority on child and adolescent anxiety. She has worked extensively with children, teens, and families, and in educational and organisational settings.  

Karen created Hey Sigmund, an internationally popular online resource, to provide contemporary, research-driven information on the art of being human, and being with humans. She is also the author of five books, including the bestselling ‘Hey Warrior’ and ‘Hey Awesome’, which creatively assist children to understand and manage anxiety, and build the capacity for self-regulation.  

It is through her work with children, teens, and families that she learned the power of solid information when it is placed in the solid, loving hands of parents or any important person in a child’s world.   

What Karen will share: 

Brain to Brain – The Neuroscience of Calm, Connection and Co/Self-Regulation

Karen will explore the neuroscience behind self-regulation and its impact on behaviour, learning, and relationships. Gain practical, science-backed strategies to manage stress and maintain calm amidst challenges. 

Dr Kaylene Henderson is a medically trained child health specialist and one of Australia’s leading parenting experts. She is also a grateful mother of three zany young kids. 

Popular for sharing her expertise in a warm and relatable way, Kaylene has created a range of resources for educators and parents that provide helpful, expert advice through training, articles and speaker events.  

Kaylene is passionate about ‘translating’ research-based information into practical tips and sharing these with you – parents and educators – since you’re the ones who spend the most amount of time with our next generation! 

What Kaylene will share

Anxiety and Resilience in Under 5s  

In this engaging, highly practical session with trusted Child Psychiatrist Dr Kaylene Henderson, you will gain practical approaches that can be easily incorporated into your daily interactions and routines to foster greater support for anxiety and enhanced resilience among the children (and families) you work with.  

Dr Katherine Bussey is an infant and toddler specialist and Pikler® pedagogue originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, living in Melbourne, Australia. Katherine is a strong advocate for infants and toddlers, having spent the last 24 years actively engaging in international infant and toddler professional learning and developing practice in early childhood education based on the Pikler® approach.  

Katherine mentors, consults and provides professional learning and development to educators and infant and toddler teams by helping them engage in inspiring critical reflection, learning and growth. 

What Katherine will share

Introducing Infant and Toddler Play from a Piklerian Perspective  

Infant, toddler and early childhood specialist and advocate Katherine Bussey introduces key concepts about infant and toddler play from a Piklerian perspective. She will explore how selfdirected play with open-ended resources fosters fine and gross motor skill development, active thinking, and problem-solving. 

Jie Pittman draws from cultural roots spanning the Darug, Yuin, Wiradjuri, Ngemba, and Kooma nations. His cultural competence and commitment to learning from Elders make him exceptionally qualified to bring authenticity and expertise. 

Raised in Blacktown, in Sydney’s western suburbs, Jie’s upbringing is intricately intertwined with the cultural heritage of Sydney’s fresh and salt waters. With over two decades of experience in film, television, education, and training, Jie brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his endeavours. 

Jie’s goal is to promote unity among all First Nations, cultures, and religions by creating an inclusive environment that encourages individuals and groups to embrace diversity. 

What Jie will share

Connecting Through Culture

Highly regarded Cultural Competency Specialist Jie Pittman explores Aboriginal cultural practices and perspectives, including connection to Country, kinship systems, and principles of belonging and identity. This session will include a keynote presentation, an in-depth conversation hosted by a CELA Early Education Specialist, and an interactive Q&A. 

Jen is a skilled practitioner whose thoughtful and empathetic style inspires educators and leaders to think differently. As a support facilitator with ACECQA and a CELA early education specialist, she has worked with leadership teams across NSW to deepen reflective practice and enhance quality for children and families. A passionate advocate for children’s rights, Jen champions inclusive practice as the heart of both education and care.  

What Jen will share

Embracing Difference – Neuroaffirming Practice in Education and Care

Drawing on professional expertise and lived experience, she will highlight how the legacy of standardised education and the myth of ‘normal’ continues to shape how we respond to difference. This session offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity and identify your next steps in implementing neuroaffirming practice so that every learner at your service can feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. 

The recording will be made available to ticket holders via email within 1 week of the event. 

Single ticket holders will have access to recordings for up to 24 hours after the conference.     

Service ticket holders will have access to recordings until 26 April. 

A survey will be sent out after the event to gather attendee details. Details will need to be completed for a certificate to be issued. All certificates will be sent by email before Friday, 2 May.