Kind Labs launches new Professional Development course for educators

Jenny Dunn, a seasoned educator with 15 years of classroom experience and seven years dedicated to mental health and wellbeing, has officially launched Kind Labs — an organisation built on a simple belief: that true wellbeing begins with self-kindness, and that teachers deserve practical tools to make it real.

To mark the launch, Kind Labs today announced the release of its first online Professional Development course, now available at courses.kindlabs.com.au. The course brings Jenny's evidence-based, hands-on approach to educator wellbeing into a flexible online format for the first time.

From the classroom to Kind Labs

Jenny has taught across both regional and city schools in NSW and the ACT, supporting diverse student groups including those from foster care and trauma-affected backgrounds. Outside the classroom, she has built experience in the mental health and wellbeing space through her work with Headspace, MIEACT, and Life Skills Group. A passionate advocate for the wellbeing of both students and educators, she creates and delivers tailored wellbeing programs, teaches yoga, and leads workshops focused on mindfulness, mental health, and the arts.

Her professional background also spans time working in the Solomon Islands and Africa with various charities, enriching her perspective on global wellbeing practices. A mother of three, Jenny is currently transitioning into counselling while continuing to develop innovative resources through Kind Labs.

“I've seen first-hand how stressed and stretched teachers are. They give everything to their students but have very little left for themselves. Kind Labs exists to change that — to give educators practical, proven tools they can actually use, not more theory to read on a weekend.”

The new Professional Development course

Designed for Preschool to Year 6 educators, the course draws on positive psychology, neuroscience, and social-emotional learning to deliver practical strategies that teachers can use immediately. At the heart of the program is The Daily 5 for Classroom Wellbeing — a structured framework Jenny developed of five simple daily practices that build resilience, emotional literacy, and connection without adding pressure to already-full timetables.

The five pillars are:

• Train Your Brain (MIND routine) — Move, Inhale/Exhale, Now (notice), Debrief — a short sequence to reset the room and regulate together.
• Know Yourself & Care for Yourself — Build emotional literacy and self-compassion with simple daily check-ins and reflective prompts.
• Care for Others — Everyday prosocial practices that strengthen connection, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
• Connect with Nature — A quick outdoor reset or nature-based moment that reduces stress and improves attention.
• Be Creative — Expression through art, movement, and play to build agency, identity, and joy.

The course covers both student wellbeing and teacher wellbeing. On the student side, teachers learn the MIND model for screen-free mindfulness, how to support emotional regulation through yoga and mindfulness games, and ways to strengthen relationships through empathetic listening and co-regulation. On the teacher side, the course addresses the brain science behind stress, strategies to stay centred during high-pressure moments, and how to develop a personalised self-care plan.

Already making an impact

Before launching the online course, Jenny has already delivered professional development at conferences across the ACT, including the Arts Up Front Conference where participants praised the sessions for being “informative, accessible, relevant, and applicable.” Kind Labs works with organisations including the ACT Education Directorate, Arena Counselling, Daily Practice, Nature Fix, and Seasons of Self.

“Jenny recently delivered a wellbeing PD session at an ACT education conference and blew participants away with her expert knowledge, passion and genuine care for teacher and student wellbeing. This is such an important antidote to the tokenistic approaches I've encountered in schools.”

What's next

With the online course now live, Jenny plans to continue expanding Kind Labs' offerings — including in-person workshops, teacher retreats, and bespoke conference presentations. The goal remains the same: to help every teacher thrive so their students can flourish.

The Professional Development course is available now at courses.kindlabs.com.au.

Learn more about Kind Labs: kindlabs.com.au