Programming & Engaging Students Through Personal Strengths & Motivations
Presenters: Katrina O’Kelly BEd (Hons), Grad Cert Career Edu & Development / Futures Advisor Years 5-12, Pymble Ladies’ College and
Kathryn Taylor CMF HFTGN CAHRI MACE BEd Grad. Cert. Career Dev. Prac. / Director & Owner, Turning Point Consulting Pty Ltd / Director, Wellbeing Australia & Motivational Youth Maps © Lead for Australia.
Workshop Summary
Over the past five years, the landscape of careers advising has undergone significant transformations. Schools have experienced a surge in student numbers alongside a widening spectrum of support needs. Parental expectations often place additional pressure on students, compounded by a notable rise in mental health challenges among students which may lead to disengagement and school avoidance. Careers Advisers find themselves navigating beyond academic data, endeavouring to forge meaningful career paths for students within limited time frames.
In response to these multifaceted demands, career professionals are assuming roles spanning counselling, mediation, advocacy, coaching, and innovation. They are tasked with uncovering latent skills and potentials within students while adapting to shifting profiles and needs. The envisioned scenario of possessing deeper insights into students early on, recognising their transferrable skills, and wielding data to substantiate their roles emerges as a crucial aspiration.
This workshop proposes a holistic approach to careers programming for students in years 7 to 12, grounded in evidence-based practices and strengths and motivations assessments. By aligning future workplace expectations with innate talents, the program aims to validate students' competencies and transferable skills, fostering hope for their future pathways. Through candid and compassionate coaching, it seeks to enhance communication with students and parents, leveraging wellbeing-based profiling to address challenges effectively and optimise time management for Careers Advisers.
About the Presenters
Katrina O’Kelly
Katrina, an educator with over three decades of experience spanning the UK, Channel Islands, and Australia, has a background in leadership. She is committed to wellbeing and educational innovation, and has taught across diverse sectors, including Special Education and Correctional Education in the UK before relocating to Australia in 2002. Currently based at Pymble Ladies’ College, Katrina will share her expertise in Career Development Education from K-12, integrating Motivational Mapping and Clifton Strengths methodologies. Her work influences support initiatives for various student groups, including First Nations Scholars, Elite Athletes, and Learning Enhancement Students, positioning her as a licensed Motivational Youth Maps Coach and an accomplished Clifton Strengths Finder Coach.
Kathryn Taylor
Kathryn, drawing on over 25 years of diverse experience in corporate, educational, and non-profit sectors, specialises in coaching and development tailored to careers, wellbeing, and leadership. Grounded in solution-focused wellbeing practices, she thrives on fostering optimism amidst uncertainty and drives change through proactive, customised programs. Kathryn's expertise lies in identifying potential and enhancing motivation and engagement through evidence-based assessments, particularly in Clifton’s Strengths Finder and Motivational Youth Maps, which she leads for Australia. As Director of Wellbeing Australia and Turning Point Consulting, she spearheads initiatives in leadership, change, and wellbeing, collaborating with educational institutions and organisations to cultivate resilience, empowerment, and engagement. Recognised for her impactful contributions to educational leadership, Kathryn's influence extends globally, underscoring her commitment to advancing the wellbeing and development of individuals and communities.
