Tammy Casselson
Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher & Coach | 2023
International VET Practitioner Fellow
About Tammy's 2023 Fellowship
Tammy Casselson’s 2023 Fellowship has become an advocate for change in vocational education, embedding mindfulness and well-being into teaching practice to enhance mental health, resilience, and performance of students and teachers in the VET sector.
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Her international applied research Fellowship took her to Canada and the U.S., where she attended the Positive Psychology Conference and met with global leaders in mental health education.
What stood out most wasn’t just theory — it was connection. “Surround yourself with idea champions,” she says, reflecting on the support and collaboration she experienced throughout her Fellowship.
For Tammy, authentic relationships are at the heart of lasting well-being.
Mindfulness, she explains, is about grounding ourselves in the present. “If we’re here, we can connect—with ourselves and others. And that’s where real learning and growth happens.”
Tammy’s practical approach includes simple techniques like breathwork and sensory grounding to help students focus, regulate emotions, and manage stress — skills that are vital in today’s ever-changing world.
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Tammy has already put her Fellowship learnings into action. She piloted a three-day professional development program with nursing educators at Holmesglen, which is now being embedded into the Diploma of Nursing curriculum in 2025, alongside a research study to measure impact. Plans are also underway to expand the program across other departments.
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The feedback has been powerful. Students who previously struggled to complete assessments or manage personal challenges now report improved confidence, focus, and emotional regulation. “Each small win is a big impact,” Tammy says.
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Personally, the Fellowship has fuelled her confidence and ambition. “It gave me permission to dream big.”
Tammy's advice to other VET practitioners thinking of undertaking a Fellowship:
“Just do it—take small steps and surround yourself with energy-givers.”
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Through mindfulness and authentic connection, Tammy is not only transforming classrooms—she’s changing lives.
“With that confidence I really have felt like I've been making things happen ... knocking on bigger doors and meeting people that I didn't think I'd have the guts to meet and ... just really making things happen that I didn't think I would make happen."
Tammy leading meditation groups.