Australia's Practical Framework for SAFE and SUSTAINABLE School Therapy Dog Programs
Australia
Safe, Strategic and Sustainable School Therapy Dog Programs
Evidence-informed professional development and consultancy for Australian schools.
Professional Development Opportunities
Full Day Workshop for School Staff
This is essential training is for school staff keen to learn what they need to know for a safe, ethical and sustainable therapy dog program.
Perfect for prospective handlers, wellbeing teams, teachers and support staff.
Executive Leadership Training - Intensive
The Executive Governance Intensive is a focused strategic briefing designed specifically for Principals, Deputy Principals, Business Managers and Workplace Health & Safety leaders. In this 2 hour session, schools leave this intensive with:
- Clear governance direction
- Understanding of implementation readiness
- Defined next steps
- Reduced ambiguity around risk and compliance
About Us - Meet the Team
Amy - Director and Lead Consultant
I am a registered Psychologist, Teacher and qualified Dog Trainer (Cert IV Animal Behaviour and Training). I am also a trained and experienced Animal Assisted Therapist, having worked alongside my therapy dogs for over 8 years within school environments. In this time I have discovered what works and what doesn't, and investigated national and international research and literature to best understand this field.
I am currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Animal Assisted Education with a specific interest in the school contexts. This research is being conducted in partnership with one of the top Universities in Australia.
I draw on my extensive knowledge and experience to support the successful implementation of safe and evidence-based Therapy Dog Programs. I am passionate about educating school staff on the best practice approaches to incorporating a therapy dog within schools to ensure a positive experience, whilst minimising risks to students and staff, and optimising animal welfare.
My Qualifications
- Psychologist - AHPRA
- Teacher - Queensland College of Teachers
- Dog Trainer (Certificate IV Animal Behaviour and Training)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Estimated completion, 2028)
- National Chair - Animal Assisted Education Committee (ATL ltd)
Therapy Dogs - Wilbur and Lucy
I have been formally trained and accredited to work alongside my two therapy dogs, Wilbur and Lucy. Wilbur is a Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle) and Lucy is a Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle). We successfully completed Therapy Dog training in 2015 and undergo reassessment each year. As a team, we have enjoyed working within schools, office spaces and visiting nursing homes.
Both dogs bring very different strengths to their work and have attracted a large fan club of students, staff and families through their work.
Wilbur enjoys playing with bouncy balls, balloons and he has a fascination with befriending cats. Lucy loves her soft toys and likes to carry these around with her. She likes to sleep-in each morning and is always the last to get out of bed.