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Dr Timothy Sharp (Chief Happiness Officer)

Dr. Sharp has three degrees in psychology (including a Ph.D.) and an impressive record as an academic, clinician and coach.  He set up one of Sydney’s largest clinical psychology practices (www.makingchanges.com.au), a highly regarded Executive Coaching practice (www.positiveld.com), and is the founder & CHO (Chief Happiness Officer) of The Happiness Institute, Australia’s first organisation devoted solely to enhancing happiness in individuals, families and organisations. 

He’s taught at all the major universities in NSW and is currently an Adjunct Professor (in Positive Psychology) within the School of Management, Faculty of Business at UTS and also an Adjunct Professor (Positive Psychology) within the School of Health Sciences at RMIT University.  His primary area of interest is enhancing happiness at work but he’s also actively involved in consulting and research projects in the areas of leadership, resilience, recruitment and positive education, as well as applications of positive psychology to health and wellbeing (see www.thehappinessdiet.com.au). 

In 2008 Dr. Sharp’s achievements were recognised by the Australian Davos Connection when he received a Future Leadership Award and in 2010 he was invited to be an Australia Day Ambassador.  Dr. Sharp is also a bestselling author (of, among other things, “The Happiness Handbook”, “100 Ways to Happiness: a guide for busy people” and most recently, “100 Ways to Happy Children: a guide for busy parents”), a sought after public speaker, and as a result of his frequent appearances in the local and international media he’s been read and heard by millions of people (http://www.drhappy.com.au). 

Ann Folbigg (Chief People Officer)

Ann is Tim’s business partner and since 2004, a part owner of The Happiness Institute. She holds the esteemed title of Chief People Officer. Ann often refers to herself as ‘the love factor’ in the business – making sure all staff and licensees are happy, fulfilled, engaged and flourishing at work. Ann is also responsible for marketing, managing the finances and recruitment.

Prior to joining The Happiness Institute, and after a 7 year career with Macquarie Bank, Ann established, then grew and managed a national Mortgage Broking business, Mortgage Force Australia, for 16 years.

During her time as a Mortgage Broker, Ann (having been elected by industry peers) served 7 years on the NSW council of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA). She was instrumental in changing the mortgage broking industry by introducing minimum education and experience standards and is now a Fellow of the MFAA.

Ann became interested in Positive Psychology during her time at Mortgage Force. She was a mentor to many of her licensees, offering regular coaching sessions.  After seeking Tim’s help to improve her knowledge and skills in coaching, Ann realised her passion for positive psychology. The rest is history!

Ann holds a Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University and a Degree in Optimism from the School of Life.

Dr Paula Watkins (Clinical Psychologist)

Paula is a Clinical Psychologist who was a part of the Happiness Institute team several years ago before heading off to work in the field of refugee mental health. She’s back and splitting her time between The Happiness Institute and her other passions which include instructing yoga and continuing her refugee mental health advocacy.

Paula has a PhD in Public Health and Community Medicine from the University of New South Wales and obtained her Masters and Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology from the University of Otago (New Zealand). She has worked with a variety of client groups in a range of clinical settings including private practice, mental health services in hospitals in New Zealand, prisons and refugee camps.

Paula’s main areas of expertise include:

  • Mood disorders and anxiety  management
  • Stress
  • Self-esteem
  • Women’s health    
  • Health and wellbeing issues

Her therapy approach is solution focused and sensitive to your individual needs.

Paula enjoys working with people from all sorts of backgrounds and is available for one on one sessions.

Jen Knutson, MA. MS. (Wellness Coach)

Jen is a Wellness Coach who has spent the last seven years helping improve the health and wellbeing of others as a personal trainer.

She is passionate about nutrition and how it impacts physical and mental health, and spends much of her free time researching and reading the topic. She also enjoys helping people get more active and find ways that are realistic to fit their lifestyle.

Jen holds a Masters in Psychology from Grand Canyon University (United States) during which she wrote a research proposal looking at how proper nutrition can improve mental health. In addition she holds a Masters in Health Education from the University of Alabama (United States) and a Bachelor in Psychology from the University of Houston (United States), as well as several certifications in the fitness industry.

She has worked with a variety of people from her travels in the US, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.

Jen specializes in:

• Weight loss and weight management
• Stress management
• Health and Wellbeing
• Diet and exercise

Jen understands that people are unique and tailors her programs to fit individual needs. She is available for one on one sessions either face to face or by telephone.