Workshops in Schools
Empowering school communities to thrive for the benefit of our tamariki, nurturing cultures of wellbeing, connection, and growth.
He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people
At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to supporting the mental fitness and emotional wellbeing of every member of your school community. Backed by leading research in psychology, neuroscience, and integrative health, we deliver tailored programmes that inspire positive change, empower individuals, and strengthen collective resilience.
Approach
Our facilitation is rooted in the latest psychology and neuroscience, combining evidence-based frameworks with dynamic, interactive formats tailored to the specific needs of each school community. We engage staff, leaders, students, and parents through practical workshops and coaching. Using positive psychology, and habit change science, we offer real-world strategies for managing stress, building emotional intelligence, leading through change, and fostering mental fitness. Whether it's staff wellbeing workshops, resilience coaching for SLT’s, or leadership development, our approach is collaborative, flexible, and always grounded in the unique context of New Zealand’s education landscape.
Wellbeing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution — it’s about meeting people where they are, with tools that work in real life. Our evidence-based workshops, coaching, and data-driven strategies are designed to:
- Equip staff to manage stress, navigate change, and thrive under pressure
- Support leadership teams in cultivating emotionally intelligent and resilient cultures
- Empower students with practical mental health tools
- Engage parents with strategies to foster resilience at home
Whether through an energising staff meeting, a focused leadership workshop, or one-on-one coaching, delivery is flexible, inclusive, and tailored to your school’s needs.
Kathy Harding
Kathy is passionate about wellbeing and blends her expertise in psychology and education to help teachers and principals sustain both their impact and their joy in the classroom. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of Auckland and began her career exploring health through the fitness sector, which sparked a broader interest in resilience and mental wellbeing.
Her commitment to supporting young people deepened over time, but she recognised that meaningful, lasting change also required influence within the education system. Kathy has spent 12 years in school governance at both community and national levels. She served on a range of advisory groups, gaining valuable insights into the evolving needs of educators, leaders, and students.
These experiences revealed not only the growing pressures facing schools but also the urgent need to support the people at the heart of education. Kathy responded by joining The Resilience Project, delivering workshops for staff and parents and developing a facilitation style that is both evidence-based and highly engaging.
Today, she brings this expertise to FrontTier, where she designs approachable, research-backed programmes grounded in psychology and neuroscience. Through workshops, coaching, and leadership development, she equips entire school communities to manage stress and build resilience—from the classroom to the staffroom to the family home.
Kathy is devoted to helping educators and parents find clarity, energy, and joy in their everyday lives through practical, sustainable strategies. Her mission is clear: to empower school communities to thrive for the benefit of our tamariki, nurturing cultures of wellbeing, connection, and growth.
"The talk in the staff room today was how great session 2 was! Some of them suggested we carry on next year and have one staff meeting a term with you. I will be pushing for that."
Karen - DP at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate
Outcomes
- Staff feel more equipped to navigate change, manage stress, and sustain personal wellbeing.
- Improved staff wellbeing, confidence, and cohesion
- School leaders develop stronger, more resilient teams and lead with clarity, empathy and confidence.
- Students experience increased emotional literacy, self-awareness, and hope for the future.
- Parents gain practical tools to support the mental wellbeing of their children and themselves.
- Overall, school communities begin to shift toward a culture of sustained wellbeing, connection, and collective resilience.