Ella is a current PhD student under the supervision of Dr Alix Woolard at the Telethon Kids Institute, Professor Karen Martin at the University of Tasmania and Dr Ian Li and Dr Monique Plattell from the University of Western Australia. Her PhD focuses on exploring pre-service teachers and early career teachers’ knowledge, perceptions and experiences surrounding trauma-informed practice in a school environment. Ella’s PhD is investigating if university initial teacher education programs impact the way teachers respond and support trauma-impacted children.

Ella has developed a strong passion for trauma-informed practice and improving the health of vulnerable or disadvantaged populations. Ella currently works as a research assistant at the School of Allied Health, UWA, assisting on the Thoughtful Schools Program.

Ella completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Science, majoring in Population Health and Marketing at the University of Western Australia in 2020. Ella completed first class honours in Population Health 2021, receiving the top mark. Ella is currently completing her Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Western Australia.