Affirming Connections

Aleasa Kermode – M.Ed, BA (first class hons), Grad Dip Ed

Founder and Family/Education/Therapy Support Specialist

I am Aleasa, an AuDHD, non-binary person (using she/they pronouns). I have a lifelong passion for education, advocacy, and supporting diverse learners. Over the years, I’ve worked in various educational roles across New South Wales and Victoria, including as a former Primary School Principal, Education Officer, Instructional Leader, and experienced teacher in public and independent schools. I homeschool my child using a PDA-affirming approach while remaining in touch with current and emerging education philosophies and approaches through tutoring at universities. My journey in education and parenting has given me a deep understanding of how to nurture and support children and families from all backgrounds and abilities.

I am currently completing a PhD that focuses on gender-diverse children in education, aiming to recognise and honour the diversity of all children and young people.

I’m also a proud single parent to a gender-diverse, AuDHD, PDA child. They have taught me so much about compassion, humanity, and the strength found in meaningful connections. Raising a child with these complex needs has been a transformative experience that has deeply influenced my approach to parenting, advocacy, and education for children and adults alike. I remind myself daily that I am parenting for their truth, not my traditions.

Driven by the desire to create a world where neurodiverse and gender-diverse people can thrive, I have completed numerous PDA-specific education courses, including:

• Neurodiversity Coach – International Association of Therapists
• Polyvagal Therapy Practitioner – International Association of Therapists
• Somatic Coach – CMA Accredited, International Association of Therapists
• Play Therapy Practitioner – CMA Accredited, International Association of Therapists
• PACE (trauma-informed communication and care) – Social Care Training Solutions
• PDA Society UK
• Kristy Forbes
• Jackie Hall – the Parental Stress Centre
• Casey Ehlrich – At Peace Parents

I have extensive knowledge of the Disability Standards for Education, Universal Design for Learning, differentiated learning, and evidence-based interventions.

I homeschool part-time, focusing on developing PDA-affirming home environments where my child can learn at their own pace and in a way that best suits their needs. My work revolves around advocating for and with diverse people. I provide professional learning and coaching for educators, collaboratively design PDA-affirming learning environments for schools and homeschooling, and support parents and families as they navigate the unpredictable realities of parenting outside the dominant paradigm.

Advocating for and with children and people who exist beyond traditional moulds is where I truly feel in my flow. My driving force is to continue to create spaces where the full spectrum of diversity is embraced and where everyone can thrive.

I hold current accreditation to teach through the NSW Education Standards Authority and a Working With Children Check.