Donna M. Velliaris

Dr Donna M. Velliaris possesses a distinguished academic background, earning three Graduate Certificates in Australian Studies, Religious Education, and Guidance and Counseling. Complementing these, she holds two Graduate Diplomas in Secondary Education and Language and Literacy Education. Further augmenting her educational repertoire, Dr Velliaris has attained three Master’s degrees, specializing in Educational Sociology, Studies of Asia, and Special Education. In 2010, Dr Velliaris completed a PhD in Education, focusing on the social and educational ecological development of school-aged transnational students in Tokyo, Japan.

In 2023, Dr Velliaris earned recognition as one of the Top 30 Gurus in Education. She is acknowledged as one of the world’s most influential professional speakers, trainers, and/or consultants. Global Gurus are thought leaders who create, not copy. They innovate and break new ground with concepts, systems, and strategies that achieve results. Along with her distinguished Top 30 peers, she not only applies her own principles to achieve outstanding results within her organization, but also plays a pivotal role in developing and influencing others on a global scale.

With publication of six books and over 40 book chapters, titles comprise - Academic reflections: Disciplinary acculturation and the first-year pathway experience in Australia [Garnet]; Conceptualizing four ecological influences on contemporary ‘Third Culture Kids’ [Palgrave Macmillan]; Culturally responsive pathway pedagogues: Respecting the intricacies of student diversity in the classroom [IGI Global]; Metaphors for transnational students: A moving experience [Cambridge Scholars]; and The other side of the student story: Listening to the voice of the parent [Sense].