Febuary 2, 2008 -- Wellesley resident Christine Duvivier spent the past two weeks in Australia co-facilitating a nine-day Positive Psychology program for 120 teachers and administrators at the Geelong Grammar School. Geelong Grammar is the first school in the world to infuse its culture with Positive Psychology, based on the scientific evidence that optimism, resilience, positive emotion, engagement and meaning are crucial to improved student health (mental and physical), productivity and creativity. Representatives from Australia’s Department of Education, local public schools, and other educators also attended the training as invited guests.

Geelong Grammar School (GGS) is one of the world's leading coeducational boarding and day schools, with four diverse campuses educating girls and boys from kindergarten through high school. Duvivier was part of a select team from University of Pennsylvania, led by Drs. Martin Seligman and Karen Reivich, who worked with school officials to develop their skills in applying positive psychology to increase resilience and well-being. Evidence of Positive Psychology’s effectiveness has been demonstrated by more than 20 years of international research.

Christine Duvivier’s research on strengths and gifts in The Bottom 80™ uncovered both damaging Myths of Education™ and exciting opportunities for improving our approach to adolescent education. She speaks with groups of parents and educators on topics including Strengthening Teen Optimism™ and Unwrap Your Child’s Gifts™. She has a master’s in Positive Psychology, a field focused on the empirical study of positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions. Duvivier is certified to teach the Penn Resiliency Program, and was selected to work with school administrators and teachers in Geelong, Australia as they incorporate positive psychology and resilience in order to increase student well-being.