In this episode, I had the pleasure of connecting with Megan Corcoran, the Founder and Director of Wagtail Institute. Her mission is to empower schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities where everyone can thrive. She works alongside leaders, educators and social workers to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice and navigate pathways to healing. 

Megan brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the table as a dedicated advocate for the wellbeing of educators and leaders working in challenging environments.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the significance of trauma-informed practices beyond student-focused approaches, uncovering their benefits for staff, families and the wider community.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to deeply embed trauma-informed practices into the tapestry of our schools
• What trauma is and how our unique lived experience impacts how we respond to traumatic events
• Why trauma-informed practices are beneficial and should be considered as a protective measure
• How trauma-informed practices can help students and staff in complex settings thrive
• The importance of having a shared sense of belonging in settings like schools or workplaces
• Practical strategies to promote a sense of belonging in schools, with an emphasis on teens
• What we can do to transfer our training in student-focused trauma-informed practice to meet the needs of staff
• Recommendations for how leaders can encourage their staff’s wellbeing when working in complex settings
• The most effective ways to support staff who’ve been involved in or witnessed a critical incident at school or work
• Ways to support your wellbeing if you are experiencing trauma, or work in a complex setting

About Megan:

Megan Corcoran is a passionate advocate for the wellbeing of educators, social workers and leaders in challenging environments. She draws inspiration from her upbringing in Wiradjuri Country and the profound influence of her grandparents. 

With twelve years of experience in teaching and leadership roles within alternative schools for young people who have experienced trauma and significant disadvantages, Megan is deeply grounded in trauma-informed practice and wellbeing science. 

She shares her expertise as a lecturer of positive psychology at Monash University, specialising in post-graduate education. Her dedication to fostering belonging as a means of healing, particularly for those who have experienced childhood trauma, is evident through her research and practical initiatives, such as the Berry Street Education Model. 

Megan's commitment extends beyond academia. She actively engages in leadership development and coaching, notably through the Teach to Lead fellowship. Her diverse experiences, from volunteering in Palestine to training in boxing, reflect her holistic approach to personal growth and wellbeing. Megan's journey exemplifies a relentless pursuit of empowerment and resilience, both in her professional and personal endeavours.

Links and Resources:

Explore our Student Behaviour Pilot Program: https://adriennehornby.com.au/behaviour-pilot/ 

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the concept of ‘belonging’, check out Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen, an expert on the topic:  https://www.drkellyallen.com/ 

Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.

Connect with Megan via:

Her website: https://wagtailinstitute.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-corcoran-a5ab1738/ 

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagtail.institute/ 

Connect with me via:

My website http://adriennehornby.com.au

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/

Email hello@adriennehornby.com.au