Trauma-aware speakers for TAFEs, universities and RTOs

Samuel Tan

Lead Counsellor, ATEC

Samuel (Sam) Tan is Lead Counsellor at the Australian Trauma Education Centre (ATEC) in Berwick and teaches in community services and community mental health programs at Chisholm Institute. He is an ACA registered counsellor with a Master of Counselling, a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapist, and a clinical supervisor for counselling students on placement. Sam will hold ACA Level 3 membership from March 2027.

His sessions give VET teachers, trainers and student support staff practical ways to keep learners engaged when stress, anxiety or past trauma get in the way. In 2026 he presented at the VDC VET National Teaching and Learning Conference, MINTRAC Industry Connect Melbourne and Chisholm Institute's Professional Educator College.

Trauma-aware teachingDe-escalationLearner wellbeing

Feren Yen

Founder and Trainer, ATEC

Feren Yen is Founder and Trainer at the Australian Trauma Education Centre (ATEC) and a Mental Health Educator. She has worked in vocational education since 2015 as a trainer and assessor, lecturer, coordinator and education designer, and is a Doctor of Education candidate at Queensland University of Technology, researching trauma-informed adult education.

Feren is a Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) trainer and certification mentor, and a Standard Mental Health First Aid Instructor. She works with educators, community legal centres and clinicians, and turns research into practical teaching moves.

Universal Design for LearningInclusive teachingStaff wellbeing

Turning Trauma Awareness into Educator Superpowers

An interactive session that turns trauma theory into small classroom habits teachers can use the next day.

Speaker: Sam

For: VET teachers, RTO trainers

Calm in the Room: Trauma-Informed De-Escalation for Educators

Practical steps to prevent and calm escalating behaviour in classes, workshops and student services.

Speaker: Sam

For: Student support, VET teachers, university welfare staff

Mental Health for Gen Z

What young learners need to feel safe enough to learn, and how staff can respond early.

Speaker: Sam

For: VET teachers, TAFE student support

Supporting Learners through Peer-Based Facilitation

How structured peer support lifts participation and confidence in mixed training groups.

Speaker: Sam

For: RTO trainers, VET teachers, workplace trainers

UDL Meets Trauma-Informed Practice

How the two frameworks fit together to reduce barriers for learners affected by stress or trauma.

Speaker: Feren

For: VET teachers, teaching and learning teams

Teaching Students with Anxiety

Classroom and assessment adjustments that help anxious learners take part and complete.

Speaker: Feren

For: VET teachers, TAFE student support

Supporting Neurodivergent Staff

What managers and teams can change so neurodivergent colleagues can do their best work.

Speaker: Feren

For: TAFE and university managers, people and culture teams

Looking After the Helpers

Regulation practices and reflection time for staff who work with learners affected by trauma.

Speaker: Feren

For: Student support, welfare and placement staff