Managing Student Mental Health and Stress

Dr. Ben Milbourn is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University, recognized for his significant contributions to occupational therapy practice and research, particularly in the areas of autism and mental health. His work focuses on vulnerable populations and strength-based approaches for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Professor Sonya Girdler is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of autism studies, affiliated with the School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology at Curtin University. As the Director of the Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG), she leads a team of over 100 members, including academics, PhD students, and autistic individuals, focusing on strengths-based approaches and interventions for autism. Professor Girdler's extensive experience spans various aspects of autism research, with particular emphasis on understanding functioning through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, developing and implementing strengths-based programs, conducting employment research, and evaluating evidence-based interventions. Her work has significantly contributed to improving the participation of autistic individuals in major life areas such as employment and education, with notable successes in peer mentoring programs for autistic university students and social skills training programs for autistic teenagers. Professor Girdler's research is characterized by a commitment to leveraging individual strengths, person-centered approaches, and addressing the priorities of the autistic community, making her a leading figure in autism research both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Craig Thompson is a Lecturer at Curtin University, bringing a wealth of experience as an Occupational Therapist specializing in adult mental health. With a diverse clinical background spanning Western Australia and the United Kingdom, Thompson has worked in various settings including adult inpatient and community mental health, general medicine, orthopedic rehabilitation, palliative care, and vocational rehabilitation. His international experience includes working with the National Health Service (NHS) in Edinburgh, where he gained expertise in clinical audits and service redesign. Thompson's leadership skills were further honed as the Acting Occupational Therapy Coordinator at the Alma Street Centre in Fremantle. Holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy from Curtin University, along with a Master's degree and a Bachelor's in Psychology, Thompson combines academic rigor with practical experience. At Curtin University, he likely contributes to occupational therapy education, focusing on mental health interventions and evidence-based practices, while also engaging in research to advance the field of occupational therapy.

Dr. Viktor Kacic is a prominent child and adolescent psychiatrist in Germany who has made significant contributions to suicide prevention programs for young people. As the Chief Physician at the Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Klinikum Aschaffenburg-Alzenau, Dr. Kacic brings extensive clinical experience to his research and advocacy work

Frank Zimmermann is a distinguished clinical psychologist and psychotherapist serving as the Chief Psychologist and Psychotherapeutic Director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Klinikum Aschaffenburg-Alzenau in Germany, while also maintaining a private practice. His significant contributions to the field of youth suicide prevention include the development of the "Talk-to-Me" program, which has been implemented internationally and adapted for various contexts, including an Australian version delivered as a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)