Ella Carton
PhD Candidate
Bsc (Hons)
ella.carton@thekids.org.au
she/her/hers
Ella is a current PhD student under the supervision of Dr Alix Woolard at The Kids Research Institute Australia, P. Karen Martin at the University of Tasmania, P. Rhonda Clifford from the University of Western Australia and Dr Monique Platell from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 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 at 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 on an RTP scholarship in the School of Allied Health at the University of Western Australia and in the Healing Kids, Healing Families team at The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Projects
The Perspectives and Experiences of Trauma-Informed Practice Education and Training: From Early Career Teachers
This study aims to investigate early career teachers’ education, knowledge, perceptions and experiences of trauma-informed practice in Western Australia.
Published research
Pre-service teachers’ experiences with students impacted by Trauma in the school setting
Experiencing trauma can adversely impact a child's education and their lifelong social, physical and mental health. Trauma is poorly understood by those working within the education sector. Teachers play a pivotal role in recognising and helping when children display trauma-related behaviours, but risk re-traumatising children if not adequately trained. Pre-service teachers have limited exposure and experience in responding to the different needs experienced by children impacted by trauma.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science, double major in Population and Global Health and Marketing UWA
- First class honours in Biomedical science -Population and Global Health UWA
Awards/Honours
- Top honours mark for 2021 in Population and Global Health