You worked hard to get here.
So why does it still feel like you don't quite fit?

I help migrants and early career professionals find their footing at work, with less self-doubt and a lot more clarity on their future.

Book a free 15-minute call

I know this feeling

I'm Dr. Sherrica Senewiratne: a registered Organisational Psychologist and the founder of Stellamari Collective.

If you've ever felt like you are not good enough, because you look or sound different to the people around you — you're not alone.

I came to Australia as an international student and built my career here from the very beginning.

I know what it takes...and I know what it costs.

More about me

"I kept thinking it was because I wasn't good enough."

How we can work together

Let's figure it out together.

Whether you're burning out, stuck, or just not sure what's next, there's a way through.

Coaching gives you the space to work through it with someone who actually gets it.

View coaching options Enquire about workshops

Why I do this

I used to say yes to everything and accept whatever I was given, because I thought that's what I deserved.

It took courage to stand up for myself, fight for what I was worth, and recognise my own achievements.

That's why I do this work.

Read about Sherrica's experiences

The In Between

Read honest reflections on belonging, identity, and what it actually feels like to build a life somewhere new.

Read on Substack

Listen to Sherrica's podcast

Migrant Munch

Authentic, unscripted stories from migrants about the journeys that changed everything.

Listen now

About

I know this feeling because I've lived it.

The name

Stellamari is drawn from Stella Maris — Latin for "star of the sea." It was also the name of the estate where my father grew up in Sri Lanka.

A name that is personal to me and reflects the hardships my family went through to help me build my career.

When I first moved to Australia, I used to look up at the stars at night. It gave me hope — a reminder that a brighter future was possible. The stars became my constant. No matter how hard things got, looking up always reminded me that everything would be okay.

That feeling is what Stellamari is built on.

The Why

I'm Dr. Sherrica Senewiratne.

I came to Australia as an international student in 2015. I worked hard, built a career, and still spent years feeling like I didn't quite belong...I kept thinking it was because I wasn't good enough.

Now, I'm a registered Organisational Psychologist, Lecturer at Deakin University, and the founder of Stellamari Collective.

My work sits at the intersection of psychology, workplace wellbeing, and the very specific experience of building a life and career somewhere that wasn't always designed for you.

I started Stellamari because nobody should have to navigate that alone.

Work with me

"Nobody should have to figure out where they belong all by themselves."

Credentials

The work behind the work.

Registered Organisational Psychologist (AHPRA)
Lecturer, School of Psychology, Deakin University
Contracted to write a book for Taylor & Francis (coming soon)
Global Engagement Fund Grant recipient — Sri Lanka research partnership
2 x EMCR Grant recipient, Deakin University
2 x Students as Partners Grant recipient, Deakin University
Founder, Stellamari Collective
Host, Migrant Munch podcast

The journey

How I got here.

Every step shaped the work I do today.

2014

First job as a news presenter in Sri Lanka before starting university in Australia.

2015

The day it all began — taken outside Deakin when my parents dropped me off to start university.

2019–2024

Five years at Opposite. Started as a Masters placement student. Left as Senior Consultant. This is where I learned what it really means to do impactful work as an Organisational Psychologist.

2024

Presenting PhD research at ANZAM 2024 in New Zealand.

2025

Returning to Sri Lanka to represent Deakin University — this time as the academic, not the student.

2024

Presenting at the APS Organisational Psychology conference in Perth.

2015

The view of Deakin from my first apartment in Burwood — a daily reminder of why I was here.

2016

Invited to join the Golden Key International Honours Society, exclusive to the top 15% of university students globally.

2021

Graduating from my Masters — completed during the pandemic.

2016

When my parents visited me for a short holiday.

2025

Presenting to students and professionals in Sri Lanka — a surreal moment to give back to my country of birth.

2015

Starting work as a waitress after getting fired from a call centre and struggling to find a steady casual job.

2016

Appointed as President of the Golden Key International Honours Society — Deakin Chapter.

2025

Speaking to high school students in Sri Lanka about embracing failure and being open to challenges.

2025

The day I became officially known as Dr. Senewiratne.

2025

Jumping out of a plane in New Zealand to celebrate turning 30.

2026

Joining the Deakin Association of Psychology Students podcast as a guest.

2023

When my first book chapter was published.

2025

Winning a Teaching Award for introducing an innovative assessment at Deakin University.

2024

On site in rural Queensland as part of my role at Opposite — a reminder that organisational psychology happens everywhere, not just in offices.

Beyond the desk

HYROX athlete. Four races in.

Competing in HYROX taught me something I now bring into every coaching session: showing up consistently, even when it's hard, is what actually builds confidence.

Not talent. Not credentials. Consistency.

Work With Me

Let's figure it out together.

Whether you're burning out, stuck, or just not sure what's next, coaching gives you the space to work through it with someone who actually gets it.

One-on-one coaching

For migrants and early career professionals.

All sessions are confidential and grounded in organisational psychology, but it feels nothing like therapy. We work together on what's actually getting in the way.

$150 per session

50 minutes · Telehealth · Confidential

3–6 sessions recommended for meaningful progress.

Discounts available for students and early career professionals — enquire for more information.

Book your free 15-minute discovery call

In the room

Brick by Brick.

Building Cognitive Hardiness to Cope with Stress at Work, one of Sherrica's signature workshops, delivered to teams across Australia.

Every workshop is grounded in real psychology, designed around real people, and built to leave participants with something they can actually use.

For organisations

Workshops & Professional Development Sessions.

I work with HR teams, wellbeing leads and student services to build more inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces, particularly for migrant and early career employees.

Get in touch to discuss a workshop for your team.

Enquire about workshops

Recent work

Workshop sessions delivered.

Brick by Brick: Building Cognitive Hardiness to Cope with Stress at Work
Stress Less — delivered to educators at a leading private school in Victoria
No One Left Behind: Belonging and Inclusion in Sport — for athletics coaches

As featured in

Writing & media.

Sydney Morning Herald

How to avoid burnout once you hit the mid-year slump

Australian Psychological Society

Develop cognitive hardiness to manage work stress

Podcast

Migrant Munch

Raw, honest stories from migrants about the journeys that changed everything. A space for voices that often go unheard and the moments that shift everything.

Now streaming

25 episodes and counting.

Authentic, unscripted stories from migrants about the journeys that changed everything.

Spotify · Apple Podcasts · Amazon Music · Buzzsprout

Latest episode

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Get in touch

Let's talk.

Not sure if coaching is right for you?
Start with a free 15-minute call. There's no pressure to say yes once we chat — it is just a conversation.

Book your free discovery call

sherrica@stellamari.com.au @drsherrica on Instagram 0451 974 774

You worked hard to get here.So why does it still feel like you don't quite fit?

Let's figure it out together.

The In Between

Migrant Munch

I know this feeling because I've lived it.

The work behind the work.

How I got here.

HYROX athlete. Four races in.

Let's figure it out together.

For migrants and early career professionals.

Brick by Brick.

Workshops & Professional Development Sessions.

Workshop sessions delivered.

Writing & media.

Migrant Munch

25 episodes and counting.

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Let's talk.

You worked hard to get here.
So why does it still feel like you don't quite fit?