Emma Gentle is an educator, parent, and advocate for reshaping schools through trauma-informed and emotionally intelligent practices. Drawing on her own journey in mainstream education, Emma brings both lived experience and professional expertise to the work of creating classrooms and communities where wellbeing, connection, and authenticity sit at the centre. She is passionate about supporting teachers to understand their nervous systems, regulate themselves, and show up in ways that foster real connection with students.
In this episode, Emma and Megan explore the power of trauma-informed practice and emotional intelligence in education, and how these approaches can transform not only teaching, but leadership and parenting too. Together, they have an honest conversation about moral injury — what it looks like in schools, how it impacts teachers’ mental health, and why it is so often overlooked. They reflect on the challenges of working in systems that can pull educators away from their values, and the importance of curiosity, vulnerability, and authenticity in navigating these realities. Emma also shares practical strategies for nervous system regulation, the role of co-regulation in both classrooms and families, and how authenticity can ripple through a school culture to strengthen wellbeing for teachers and students alike.
This is a conversation about courage, care, and change. Emma’s insights invite us to rethink what it means to be an educator — not just delivering curriculum, but modelling presence, compassion, and humanity. Her work is a reminder that when teachers are supported to thrive, young people and whole communities benefit, too.
You can find Emma on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute
Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au
Wagtail Institute on instagram
Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/
