Jen Hanson-Peterson, M.A.

Psychosocial Safety & Culture Strategist | Founder of ThriveWise | Creator of The Relational Integrity Framework™

The biggest risk to your school's strategy isn't the curriculum. It’s the capacity of the humans delivering it.

I believe the heart of a thriving school is the wellbeing of its adults. But in today’s landscape, 'wellbeing' is no longer just a nice-to-have; it is an operational necessity and a legal requirement.

My work answers a single, critical question: How do we move beyond surface-level 'wellness initiatives' to build the deep Relational Infrastructure that protects staff from burnout?

The answer does not lie in another student-facing program. It lies in building the internal capacity of the adults who hold the culture. When we secure the adults, we secure the school.

The Culture of Connection

Across 20 years — spanning rigorous university research and the daily reality of schools — I have found that 'Burnout' is usually just a disconnection from three critical elements. My work restores them:

  1. Connection to Self (Authenticity & Integrity): Do your staff have the self-awareness and capacity to manage their stress?

  2. Connection to Others (Empathy & Belonging): Does your staff have the psychological safety to trust one another?

  3. Connection to Purpose (Competence & Meaning): Do your teachers feel competent enough to do the job they love in today's landscape?

We don't just fix problems. We reconnect your people.

The Journey to This Work: From Clinical Trials to the Classroom

My approach is not based on trends; it is grounded in rigorous evidence.

My path began in the data. At the University of British Columbia and later as a Laboratory Manager at Monash University, I didn't just study evidence — I managed it. Overseeing three Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) involving over 1,600 participants, I learned early on that good intentions are not enough. We need interventions that work clinically.

I then spent eight years pressure-testing this science at Geelong Grammar School’s Institute of Positive Education. As a Senior Trainer, I worked on the ground with over 6,000 educators globally, translating complex psychological research into practical, sustainable classroom strategies.

The result of this journey? A unique ability to bridge the gap between Academic Rigour and School Reality.

Why ThriveWise?

The Bridge Between the Boardroom and the Staffroom

I founded ThriveWise because schools are often short on 'connective tissue'. You have the Strategic Plan (The Board) and the daily reality (The Staff), but there is often a gap in the middle where culture breaks down.

I work at that intersection:

  • For the Board (Governance): My background in Program Evaluation and National Framework Design (UAE Ministry of Education) satisfies the need for ROI, compliance, and systemic risk mitigation.

  • For the Principal (Mission): My background in Social-Emotional Learning satisfies the human need for connection, safety, and vocation.

I help you build systems that are clinically sound but humanly soft.

Building Internal Capacity: The 'Cognitive PPE' Approach

This is why I am an accredited facilitator of the 'Tuning in' suite and the iEQ9 Enneagram. I don't believe in adding more content to an overflowing plate. I believe in equipping your community with a shared language and a consistent toolkit.

These aren't just 'programs' — they are risk controls. They build the internal capacity required to handle external pressure.

  • The Enneagram: Resolves friction in the Executive Team.

  • Tuning in to Students: Installs the 'Cognitive PPE' teachers need to manage emotional demands.

I help you build a lasting Culture of Connection from the inside out.

A Foundation of Expertise

  • Global Impact: Trained and mentored over 6,000 educators worldwide in the practical application of wellbeing science.

  • National Strategy: Co-developed the strategic wellbeing guide for the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education, impacting curriculum delivery across 600+ schools.

  • Clinical Rigour: Former Laboratory Manager at Monash University, managing three Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) for parenting interventions.

  • Thought Leadership: Co-authored a foundational chapter in the Handbook of Social and Emotional Learning and served as a contributor for a landmark report for CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning).

Education & Certifications

  • Master's by Research, Human Development, Learning & Culture (SEL) - The University of British Columbia

  • Accredited Facilitator, 'Tuning in to Students®' - The University of Melbourne

  • Accredited Facilitator, 'Tuning in to Kids®' - The University of Melbourne

  • Certified Practitioner, iEQ9 Enneagram (Individual & Team) - Integrative Enneagram Solutions

  • Accredited Strengths Profile Practitioner - Cappfinity

Is This the Right Fit For Your School?

If you are ready to move from 'Wellness Initiatives' to 'Systemic Safety', let’s talk.