A woman in a black sleeveless dress standing on a stage with a microphone, hands on her hips, near a sign that says 'Bareface Stories' and decorative string lights.

About Me - Katrina Joy

BArts, GradDip, MEd (res)

Hi, I’m Katrina,

Joy Lab Learning was born from both my lived experience and my professional journey. With Joy as my middle name, I’ve learned, often through challenge that joy isn’t just a fleeting feeling, but a practice, a form of courage, and a way of connecting deeply with life.

After over two decades in secondary teaching, academic tutoring, and research, I’ve discovered that learning is deeply connected to our values, attitudes, and self-belief. Learning is both a cognitive and emotional process and students need skilled professionals to link content to lived experience.

It’s important to recognize that there are many ways to become educated, and despite the tendency to feel despondent about the current state of the education system, there are multiple pathways to a successful future for young people. The real power lies in understanding these pathways and in the skills and mindset students develop along the way.

Through Joy Lab, I help students strengthen academic skills, self-efficacy, and a love of learning. When students discover they can succeed, something shifts; confidence grows, and belief in their own potential begins to take root. There are many ways to climb a mountain; the key to every student’s success is discovering which path works best for them, with the right support along the way. My background in life coaching and mindfulness underpins my tutoring, fostering a mindset that moves from “I can’t” to “anything is possible.”

At Joy Lab Learning, I combine creativity, explicit teaching, structured frameworks, and a neuroaffirming approach, helping students thrive academically while also developing resilience, curiosity, and the confidence to navigate both school and life with purpose.

  • A woman in a swimsuit standing on a sandy beach, smiling, wearing a silver swim cap, goggles, a floral bikini top, and purple bottoms, with trees and blue sky in the background.

    Caring for our Community. I joined 9000 people Australia wide to swim for Youth Mental Health in 2023 and together we raised over 3.8 million dollars.

  • A group of people on stage performing at Barefaced Theater, with a woman singing into a microphone at center, surrounded by others, all wearing black and gold scarves, under purple and blue stage lighting, with an audience in foreground.

    I practice vulnerability and courage to live more authentically and model the values I promote.

  • A woman with curly hair wearing a pink dress, smiling and holding a colorful abstract painting.

    I help creative women share their talent with the world - because the world needs them.

  • A woman with long, curly light brown hair and a bright smile, wearing a white shirt and leopard print pants, sitting on a white chair against a plain background.

    Hi, I’m Katrina. a professional educator with over two decades experience in teaching, writing and performing, across many different settings. My unique skillset combines professional and lived experience to help people transform their limitations, become their own inspiration and live the fulfilling life they deserve.