Gina Gardiner & Friends with Tana Macpherson Smith

Biography: Tana Macpherson-Smith is a mental health advocate, speaker, and storyteller dedicated to transforming the global mental health landscape by focusing on prevention and early intervention. With over 25 years of experience as an educator and as a mother and grandmother, Tana understands the immense challenges faced by young people, parents, and educators. Her work as a drama teacher, boarding housemistress, and senior school leader has left a lasting impact, helping young people build emotional resilience in an increasingly complex world. After experiencing a life-altering mental health crisis in 2013, Tana retrained as a trauma therapist and mindset transformation coach, founding ClearMinds Education in 2015. Through programmes like her groundbreaking Monkey Wisdom initiative, she has empowered individuals from as young as four to their twenties, providing essential tools to process emotions and overcome trauma. Her work has made her a sought-after consultant and speaker, uniting communities in the pursuit of mental wellbeing. Tana’s passion for mental health is deeply rooted in personal experience. After losing her quadriplegic mother at age seven and enduring years of emotional abuse, Tana’s breakdown in 2013 became a turning point, inspiring her mission to help others find their voice and heal. Tana published her debut YA novel, There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder , in November 2024 as a transformative resource for young readers and adults alike. Recognized for her impact, Tana has received numerous accolades, including the LoveBiz Inspirational Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2024 and was a Finalist in the international Speakers Awards 2024. Linktree : https://linktr.ee/tanamacpherson