Nikki Nobilo-Mental Health First Aid Instructor

19/02/2026

Happy FriYay!
Leadership thoughts for the end of the week.
This week were you these things? Were other Leaders these things this week?

18/02/2026

15/02/2026

People often ask how I ended up where I am in my career, so I did some small reflections.
I will write about these each week.
Today I'm starting way back when I was a teacher.

Career reflections:

6 things I learned from teaching in the UK and NZ:

* Students of all ages are sponges for new learnings if engaged and supported outside of the school.

* Teachers try their best to cater for all students with the knowledge, skills and tools they have at the time.

* A good teacher will help you find answers and instil passion for learning. They don't know it all. It's not a transfer of knowledge and skills situ.

* Formal school education systems are not for everyone, whether they be attending or working there.

* Teachers do not have school holidays and after 3pm “off”.

* All teachers I know are caring, selfless, kind people genuinely wanting to help our younger people become their best selves, not just academically. Teaching is not just a job to just deliver a curriculum.

So how has this helped my career to date?

It all flows through into my roles on a daily basis.
Doing a 4 yr Degree in Education and Diploma in Teaching really was great foundation for my work.
Don't get me started on time management and organisational skills. Those who know me will tell you hands down I’ve got those sorted personally and professionally!

Teaching was never about imparting knowledge and skills. It was about instilling passion for learning every day. Creating rich learning opportunities in a conscious way. Igniting passions for learning. Supporting learning styles and bringing out the best in others is still what I try to do now in my career too.

Teaching courses in mental health goes deeper than my teaching skills, but it certainly is a huge factor driving my passion by "Spreading the love" through teaching Mental Health First Aid courses.

12/02/2026

Happy Friyay!
It's all about the groundwork, often the mundane and sometimes the harsh experiences along the way, but keep the vision of the mountaintop alive.

11/02/2026

Typically libraries used to be known for being stark, dusty, un-inspiring places one was forced to go to, and run by grumpy Shshshshsers. There was no talking. Heads down solitary work was expected, or you were to leave.

It's so good Libraries have moved with the times.

Whether you believe in Valentine's Day or not, I had a thoroughly positive experience this week, taking a client to the library in Charlestown.
Love was definitely in the air around the calm yet fairly full library. The bubbly Librarians were proud and vocal about the fun they had decorating the Library. That they had made Valentine's Day week about books and libraries, not romance in the typical sense. There were hearts everywhere and quotes about the love of books and libraries everywhere.

On any given day this particular library has art exhibitions, there's puzzles and games to do, theres a coffee machine, there's little nooks to read alone or with others, bigger meeting tales and computers to use with free wifi. The staff are welcoming, helpful and kind and knoweldgeable.

What a positive and cup filling experience for my client and I. My client is fairly new to a library/ reading/ books experience. At his age of 49 years he doesn't have prior bad experiences to draw from, and he loves going each week. His passion for reading, wanting to learn along with the social interactions with staff and others there, have created a community for him.

Libraries have become communities and with that a sense of belonging to many. That can only breed good mental health for those visiting.

More "spreading the love" experiences........ so to speak.

08/02/2026

Last week felt like everyone was back on board in the workforce. Boom. All at once.

I had been sending emails and getting out of office messages. I joked a lot about people not going back to work till school goes back, or after Australia Day. But it seems like a thing. Not a good or bad thing.

However I was feeling pumped about 2025 and the goals I smashed, and the ones I have set for 2026. I was so keen to get stuck into the year.
But I had to hold off somewhat. So - I took a week away instead and that was fabulous on every level.

On my return last week........ It was all on personally and professionally! Just the way I like it. Complete with starting back at my networking groups.

I love mitchdtoner’s casual networking gigs at Modus on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 5-8pm.
Last Thursday I met lots of new people, and caught up with those people I have come to know well.
Apart from helping others get work opportunities, and of course maybe for myself as well, I am simply motivated by surrounding myself with passionate, kind and purpose driven people in business. I love hearing peoples career stories and ambitions. As we are amongst like-minded people in a social setting, we make meaningful connections and that isn't all work talk. It's really getting to know people.

I walked away feeling like my cup was full and thinking "Heck Yes - Lets go 2026!" Thanks Mitch for bringing so many amazing people together.

01/02/2026

An airport is probably one of the most emotionally concentrated buildings around.

There’s excitement, anxiety, happiness, love, sadness, grief and tiredness amongst many others.

We had our exchange student arrive from Italy this weekend. I was so excited and he was too, there were many emotions for both of us as well as my teens.

Whilst waiting I witnessed and soaked up so many people’s moments. I like to ponder what brings all people to airports or what people’s stories are.

I watched 2 really young kids run out of the gate screaming “Daddy, Daddy” and they grabbed him for hugs. He had a big balloon for each child and a big bunch of flowers for the mum, who had clearly travelled long distance as she had 2x trolleys of luggage. A smart move with the balloons, so they could track the kids if they got caught in the crowd. Such a beautiful loving thing to witness. It made me choke up myself.

I watched a sad goodbye between lovers, a happy reunion with tears as a daughter came out of the gates to greet what I assume were her parents, a stressed group of passengers rushing to get to where they needed to be.

It made me think.

There’s so many different languages and nationalities in one spot. All people with a common goal; travel. Seemingly one big beautiful melting pot of people from around the world.
Airports are a place where people seem inclusive. It was hard to believe there is so much love yet so much turmoil in our world.

Also, in an airport it’s sometimes easier to gauge people’s emotions, which is often not the case in other environments.
Some people show emotions, some don’t at work or home or in other communities. We are all different.

My take away was that we all learn from each other and are at different places with our emotional intelligence and connections, and we all have our own different journeys- figuratively and physically.

Airports- gosh I love them!

I’m also loving our new family member who is here for 5 months! Welcome ❤️🪷

29/01/2026

Happy FriYay!

28/01/2026

Thanks Kevin.

Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Su***de Prevention Network is an organisation I am highly invested in as Vice Chair of the Board.

To be able to share Mental Health First Aid courses with the volunteers and staff gives me goodies. These people are incredible humans who are out to serve others. Thank you for all you do.



mhfa_international
Australian Su***de Prevention Foundation suicide_prevention_australia

26/01/2026

2026 staff training.

Book now to upskill staff in Mental Health First Aid.

The courses cover research and information about mental health in general and dives into the range of illnesses. There is then skill development in order for people to help for prevention and early intervention.

Workplaces need to invest in staff for many reasons including creating a caring workplace and staff retention.

Message me for information about the courses available suited to your organisation and the range of ways it can be done.