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Quirky Kid Principal Child Psychologist Dr Kimberley O’Brien presented at the 19th Educador Conference in São Paulo, Brazil, taking Australian child psychology perspectives to a major international education forum.
The conference ran from 16 to 19 May 2012. Dr O’Brien presented on the theme Family, society and school: Where do we want to go?, focusing on the relationship between families and schools and the practical support children need across both environments.
A historical academic record maintained by Dr O’Brien’s Monash University supervisor, Associate Professor Helen Watt, records the paper, conference, location and dates.
Connecting psychology with education
The presentation drew on Dr O’Brien’s clinical work and doctoral research into children’s social relationships, belonging and school transition.
It also addressed practical strategies for social, emotional and behavioural concerns affecting children and adolescents, reflecting Quirky Kid’s broader emphasis on helping parents, educators and psychologists work more effectively together.
Brazilian media interest in family-school relationships
The conference also generated local media interest in Dr O’Brien’s work. Brazilian education coverage published an interview discussing why cooperation between parents and teachers matters for children’s academic and emotional adjustment.
The interview focused on a theme central to the conference presentation: children benefit when the important adults around them communicate consistently rather than treating home and school as separate systems.
Quirky Kid also used the visit to introduce its Australian-developed psychology and educational resources to educators in Brazil.
An early international professional milestone
The 2012 Educador presentation was an early example of Quirky Kid contributing to professional conversations outside Australia, years before its later international publishing awards, education partnerships and digital mental health work.
The experience also strengthened a connection with Brazilian education that Quirky Kid has continued to revisit through professional events and collaborations.
Read Dr O’Brien’s article on family-school relationships and the 2012 conference theme.
