Meet the Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Dr Emma Goodall
Director Strategic Translational Research
Department of Premier and Cabinet
South Australia
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Dr Emma Goodall
Dr Emma Goodall was the inaugural Director of South Australia’s Office for Autism which sits within the Department for Premier and Cabinet, delivering a state autism charter and practical outcomes for autistic individuals in South Australia. Now the Director, Strategic Translational Research, Emma is applying research to policy to ensure effective changes are made. Emma has worked extensively in the areas of autism, education, research and public policy and teacher training across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and mainland Europe.
Emma is an autistic researcher, author, educator and parent of an autistic adult. She has a passion for using translation research to support policy and practice across the lifespan and a particular passion for the use of interoception strategies to support emotional wellbeing. Previously Emma was a National Manager in a Federal autism and education project, Manager Disability and Complex Needs for the SA Department for Education, as well as sitting on a number of executive committees and leading a national research project.
Dr Junlei Li
Co-Chair, Human Development and Education; Saul Zaentz Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education
Harvard University Graduate School of Education
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Dr Junlei Li
Junlei Li, Ph.D. is the Program Chair of the Human Development and Education and the Saul Zaentz Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. As a developmental psychologist, his research and practice focus on supporting the helpers – those who serve children and families on the frontlines of education and social services. Studying orphanages, child care, schools, youth programs, he co-develops the “Simple Interactions” approach (www.simpleinteractions.org) to help affirm what ordinary people do extraordinarily well with children in everyday moments. His work is significantly inspired by the pioneering work of Fred Rogers when he served as the Co-Director and Rita M. McGinley Chair for Early Learning and Children’s Media at the Fred Rogers Center.
Brenda Matthews
Co-Founder/Indigenous Director
Learning Circle Australia
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Brenda Matthews
Brenda Matthews is a proud Wiradjuri woman living with her husband, Mark, in Bundjalung country, Queensland.
Brenda co-directed the feature documentary The Last Daughter, which was released in Australian cinemas and on Netflix in mid-2023 and on ABC in 2024 to excellent reviews and critical acclaim. The film is based on her beautifully penned book of the same title, and was also released in 2023 to excellent reviews.
Brenda’s journey from being part of the stolen generation to becoming a Mother, Grandmother, Author, Speaker, Film Director, Storyteller and Co-Founder/Director of Learning Circle is an inspiring testament to the power of healing and reconciliation.
Her remarkable story, as eloquently portrayed in her debut book and Netflix documentary feature film, “The Last Daughter,” encapsulates heartbreak, love, forgiveness, hope and bringing the Country together.
