Our Team

The Anxiety Project, led by Psychologist Michael Hawton of Parentshop, offers teachers, whole school staff and parents the skills and strategies to reduce student anxiety.

The Anxiety Project is a collaborative initiative between the NSW Primary Principals' Association (NSWPPA) — the professional body supporting primary school leaders — and Parentshop, bringing together educational leadership and psychological expertise.

While rooted in partnership with the NSWPPA, The Anxiety Project is available to all schools across all states and sectors.

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Michael Hawton

Lead Psychologist

Michael Hawton is a registered psychologist, author, and the founder of Parentshop. With qualifications in both psychology and teaching, Michael brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective to his work with families and professionals.

Throughout his career, Michael has worked extensively in child and family services, mental health settings, and private practice. His extensive practical experience has shaped the development of Parentshop's innovative courses and resources.

Michael is passionate about translating complex psychological concepts into practical strategies that parents and professionals can use every day. His warm, engaging presentation style and real-world approach have made him a sought-after speaker and trainer across Australia.

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Rob Walker

Project Lead

Rob Walker is a long-serving Australian educator and current Principal of a K–12 school on the far north coast of NSW. With over 35 years as a principal across three schools — including founding and leading one for its first 25 years — he has extensive experience in rural and low socio-economic communities.

A Fellow of the Australian College of Educators and the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, he has held senior roles with the NSW Primary Principals' Association and NSW Secondary Principals' Council. Rob leads the steering committee for The Anxiety Project, a nationwide initiative supporting students with anxiety through whole-of-school-community processes.

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Hayley Cravigan

National Program Manager

Hayley Cravigan is currently serving as National Program Manager for The Anxiety Project and the Resilience In Our Teens (RIOT) projects, she leads these nationwide initiatives transforming how schools and communities support students with anxiety and build inclusive, future-ready educational environments through whole-of-school-community approaches.

Beyond the project leadership, Hayley is the General Manager of Parentshop, overseeing operations for one of Australia’s leading organisations in evidence-based parent, community and educator training. Her career spans strategic crisis and change communications: leading Australia-wide communication teams, event management, and large-scale change programs across government, universities, and infrastructure projects.

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Dr Rob Steventon

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Trish Peters

Principal, The Anxiety Project Leadership Team

Trish Peters is a prominent Australian educator currently serving as a member of the (NSWPPA). As of January 2026, her primary professional associations include: Principal of Kincumber Public School: Peters has long served as the Principal of Kincumber Public School on the New South Wales Central Coast. Under her leadership, the school has been recognised for its performance in mathematics and engineering challenges.

She is a Life Member of the New South Wales Primary Principals’ Association (NSWPPA) and has previously held the role of Vice President. She is a frequent advocate for student well-being and mental health.

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Drew Janetzki

NSWPPA Professional Learning Officer

Drew Janetzki is the Professional Learning Officer for the NSW Primary Principals' Association (NSWPPA), designing and delivering programs that strengthen leadership capability for primary school leaders across the NSW government school system.

A former principal and past Chair of the NSWPPA Technology Reference Group, Drew recently completed a Master of Educational Leadership through a NSW Department of Education scholarship. He also hosts the NSWPPA podcast Professional Learnings, exploring ideas and practices in educational leadership.

Retired Principal, The Anxiety Project Leadership Team

Rob Steventon has been a Primary School Principal for 37 years and specialised in gifted and talented education, inclusion of students with physical disabilities within mainstream education, and consulting in social/emotional learning (SEL) for students, staff, and parents.

He has a strong desire to support school leaders who face intense challenges in times of unprecedented expectations..