At Larita Academy, psychological safety is central to everything we do. We believe that when people feel safe, seen, heard and supported, they are better placed to learn, grow and reach their potential.

Our pro-bono partnership with Mind Your Monkey Psychology reflects this commitment, providing specialist, evidence based psychological expertise that helps shape how we design, govern and deliver the Academy.

Co-founded by Anita Pahor, Dr Eamonn McCarthy and Larry Kestelman, Mind Your Monkey plays an important role in creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone connected to our program.

At Larita, we bring together some of Australia's leading professionals from business, art, sport, wellbeing and more, giving young people access to exceptional expertise, experiences and opportunities. We believe this should be matched by the same calibre of care and psychological support.

Through Mind Your Monkey, psychological safety and trauma-informed practice are embedded throughout the Academy, from curriculum development and governance to the way our people engage with young people.

A cornerstone of this partnership is Larita EmPath™, our compulsory, strengths-based, trauma-informed training for staff, coaches and volunteers. Delivered by Mind Your Monkey, it helps our Academy volunteers better understand the experiences that may influence behaviour, build trust and respond with empathy, curiosity and care.

Dr Eamonn McCarthy, Mind Your Monkey Co-Founder and Chief Psychologist, serves as Larita Academy's resident psychologist. He provides specialist guidance across curriculum, coaching and governance, drawing on extensive experience in child protection, youth trauma and homelessness, including previous roles as CEO of Lighthouse Foundation and Principal Practitioner in Victoria's Department of Child Protection.

We believe this combination of specialist psychological expertise and access to leading professionals makes Larita's approach unique in Australia.

Ultimately, our commitment to psychological safety is about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, trying something new and making mistakes without fear of judgement.

For young people, this creates the foundation to build confidence, recognise their strengths, form positive connections and take meaningful steps towards education, employment and greater self-agency.

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