Testimonials

“Sal delivered an engaging and thought-provoking presentation on a range of topics relating to modern mental health, while also grounding his message with an old-school sense of purpose. Our group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from March to November, and over the years we have welcomed many guest speakers. However, Sal's contribution stood out in a remarkable way.

The true measure of his impact was reflected not only on the night - where our members listened intently and were captivated from start to finish - but also in the days following, as many approached me to share how impressed they were with both his knowledge and delivery.

Sal brought professionalism, authenticity, and real value to our community. I would not hesitate to recommend him as a speaker for any group or organisation.”

Guido Bonanni - Men's Shed at The Veneta Club

“We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Sal from Aspire Wellbeing Education to speak with our coaching team, and we were incredibly impressed. Sal was an outstanding presenter.

He was engaging, thoughtful, and highly relatable. His ability to use real-life examples made the session not only relevant but also impactful for our coaches.

Since the presentation, we've noticed a clear positive shift in our team's approach and mindset. The insights Sal shared resonated deeply and have already made a meaningful difference in how our coaches work with others and with each other.

We're very grateful for the experience and are already looking forward to having Sal back again in the near future. Highly recommended!”

Beth Casey - General Manager, KLTA

“Attending this course was a game-changer, completely transforming my understanding of mental health. Now, I'm self-assured in my ability to notice and react to someone facing a mental health problem, making certain that they receive the professional help they need, or that the situation is diffused. Sal was exceptional in delivering the material in a clear, engaging, and relatable way. His friendly and approachable demeanour made everyone feel comfortable to share and discuss, which really enriched the learning experience. Without a doubt, the knowledge and skills I’ve picked up from this course will have a lasting impact!”

F. Veis - Acting Wellbeing & Personal Development Coordinator, Loyola College

“Sal Valentino’s presentation to the JACSA Student Leaders on ‘Cura Personalis’ and Wellbeing was truly inspiring. His insightful approach to holistic care and personal growth resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impact. Sal’s ability to connect with students and address their wellbeing needs with empathy and expertise is unparalleled. His dedication to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment is evident in every aspect of his work.”

Adam Calderone, Deputy Principal -Ignatian Mission and Identity

"Fintona Girls’ School has had the privilege of working with Sal Valentino (Aspire Wellbeing Education) delivering the Mental Health First Aid program with staff. The program was very well received, with a number noting it was one of the best professional learning experiences, as we continue to build our toolkit to understand and support the young people in our care."

Rachel Falloon - Principal, Fintona Girls’ School

“I recently had the privilege of attending a youth mental health training program facilitated by Sal Valentino. His expertise, empathy, and engaging presentation style made the training not only informative, but also deeply impactful. Sal created a safe and supportive environment where everyone felt heard and valued. His ability to connect with all attendees with compassion and clarity was truly commendable. Thank you, Sal, we all left the program feeling more knowledgeable and empowered to support mental health within our college community.”

Vanda Tolli - Head of House at Loyola College

"Thank you so much for your guidance and support throughout the course. I truly appreciate the time and effort you’ve invested in making the learning experience so engaging and insightful."

Shamira Dutkovich - Head of Learning-English, Al Siraat College

“Thank you Aspire Wellbeing for bringing positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer.”

Camp Quality

“Sal’s presentation was a game-changer for me. His words motivated me to prioritise my wellbeing and approach my personal growth with a new perspective.”

JACSA Student Leader

“I have known Sal for nearly 20 years. We met as colleagues in a ‘Rock and water’ training program and was evident from the start how Sal is enthused about all things, ‘student wellbeing’.

For several years, Sal was the ‘champion’ for the intergenerational programs I facilitated at his school. We worked together on interactive sessions with students and their mothers at school and were alongside each other on the Yarra River at Canoeing Camps for the students and their dads/mentors.

Sal was a great contact internally within his school. He was a natural at being the host for events and thought about all aspects to enhance the experience for the families in his school community. That’s an important point because now Sal is offering wellbeing workshop experiences to school communities – he will know how to guide you if you are his key contact at your school. Sal’s attention to detail and vast experience of being in a wellbeing and positive education role means that he will know how to maximise the impact of the event he delivers for you.

Add to this Sal’s extraordinary passion for the wellbeing of young people in schools and in turn their families: this means that you will receive a workshop or seminar that has highly useful, actionable takeaways for your participants. And Sal’s thirst for knowledge in this area means you will receive up-to-date information in the wellbeing space.

It is worth stating again, it’s an honour to commend Sal Valentino to you. Sal is a great educator and communicator and perhaps most importantly, a person of high integrity.”

Bill Jennings - Founder, Time & Space

“As a dedicated and compassionate educator, Sal’s deep understanding of wellbeing practices, combined with his genuine care for others, has made a significant impact on our school community. His initiatives in providing professional learning and developing student programs in the areas of mindfulness, resilience, mindset (fixed and growth) and overall wellness, have not only benefited students but have also inspired fellow staff members to adopt healthier lifestyles.

In addition to his expertise in wellbeing, Sal has been instrumental in integrating the framework of positive education within our wellbeing and academic programs. His commitment to fostering a positive learning environment has changed the way we approach the education of wellbeing. By integrating principles of positive education, Sal has helped students to understand their character strengths and to develop resilience, optimism, and a growth mindset. The programs have not only assisted in improving academic outcomes but have also enhanced the overall wellbeing of our students.

Sal has also played a pivotal role in the design and implementation of the ‘Positively Ignatian’ initiative, which seamlessly integrates our Ignatian Charism with the pillars of Positive Psychology - PERMAH (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health). In promoting this holistic approach to wellbeing across the entire school community, Sal has fostered a culture of care, resilience, and growth, benefiting students, staff, and the broader community.”

A Salmic - Deputy Principal Students, Loyola College

“We engaged Aspire Wellbeing Education to be the keynote presenter for our recent Year 10 Retreat.

Sal from Aspire delivered an engaging and timely presentation on building Resilience to our students, demonstrating both expertise in the material and skilled audience interaction. His natural ability to connect with students was evident throughout the session, maintaining their attention through a balanced mix of discussion, movement, and practical exercises.

The introduction of techniques like box breathing provided students with simple yet effective tools for managing overwhelming situations. Sal's approach to delivering complex wellbeing concepts was particularly effective with our boys, who responded well to the interactive format and hands-on activities.

What stood out was Sal's capacity to manage a large group while keeping the session both productive and engaging. The impact of his presentation was clearly demonstrated by students continuing to discuss the strategies the following day, indicating that the key messages had resonated with them.

The session successfully balanced educational content with practical application, making important wellbeing strategies accessible and memorable for our students.

We have booked Aspire Wellbeing to work with our Senior School students during our upcoming HeadStart Program, sure that we will receive professionally delivered, research-based wellbeing content.”

Guido Piotti - Deputy Principal (Students), St. Joseph’s Ferntree Gully