Layla Perez

Layla Perez, Ph.D., stands out as a pioneering educator, researcher, and practitioner in the realm of resilience building and positive psychology. She is celebrated for her innovative approaches to mental health and well-being, combining traditional wisdom with cutting-edge science.

As the Program Director at the Resilience Center in Sydney, Australia, Layla leads a team dedicated to spreading knowledge about the latest research and practical applications of resilience strategies. The Resilience Center is recognized globally for its contributions to positive psychology and its leadership in promoting resilience in communities worldwide.

Layla authored "The Heart of Resilience" in 2023, which quickly became an Amazon bestseller in its category. She also co-authored "The Resilient Mind Workbook," aimed at helping individuals navigate life's challenges through strength-focused exercises.

Among her other publications are influential books such as "Resilience Interventions for Everyday Life," "Mindfulness and Resilience: A Practical Guide," "Cinema and Coping Strategies" (third edition), and "Therapeutic Films: Exploring Mental Health Through Movies."

Since 2018, Layla has been a visiting lecturer at the University of New South Wales, while also serving as an adjunct professor at Macquarie University.

Layla has delivered over 500 workshops and lectures around the world. In 2020, she led a series of workshops on Mindfulness-Enhanced Resilience Training (MERT) throughout Southeast Asia, held keynote addresses at universities in Japan and Brazil, and presented at the annual Positive Psychology Conference in London. More recently, she gave a keynote speech at the International Coaching Federation conference and addressed audiences at prestigious institutions like Stanford University.

Layla is the founder of MERT, a scientifically-backed 10-week program that merges mindfulness practices with resilience-building techniques. MERT is now utilized by therapists and educators across the globe.

She has enriched the lives of countless individuals in diverse settings, including community centers, schools, veteran support groups, corporate wellness programs, and mental health clinics.

Layla has contributed more than 70 articles to academic journals and professional publications.

In 2019, Layla was honored with the "Outstanding Achievement Award" from the Australian Psychological Society, and in 2022, she achieved Fellow status within the Global Positive Psychology Network.