Dr Elaine Aron

In 2013, Dr Elaine Aron - American psychologist and author of The Highly Sensitive Person and The Highly Sensitive Child - was invited to present her research into the temperament trait of high sensitivity at a Victoria University of Wellington conference. Not being an academic, I wasn't able to attend. So, with a small team of volunteers, I co-produced and promoted a public lecture for Elaine, followed by a panel discussion. Our marketing campaign was a roaring success. Not only did the event attract almost 400 paying attendees from all over New Zealand and Australia, but feedback from our audience (many parents and teachers) confirmed that we accomplished our mission: for more people to understand, accept and respect the needs and qualities of highly sensitive people - especially highly sensitive children.