Biography I am a native New Yorker who has called Cairns, QLD home since 2009. As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers, I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from James Cook University and a Master of Mental Health Science with a specialization in Child Psychotherapy from Monash University. Currently, I am completing a Certificate in Animal Assisted Therapies through the Animal Assisted Therapies Program in Colorado, USA. As a mother of three daughters and two stepchildren, I find joy in hiking, paddle-boarding, yoga, and nurturing my budding interest in farming. I have a special affinity for bearded dragons, goats, and horses, and I am grateful for a supportive partner who shares my love for animals. My therapeutic focus lies in animal-assisted interventions (AAI), which have proven invaluable when working with adolescents facing severe and complex mental health challenges. Although I have yet to conduct formal research in this area, I am expanding my knowledge through my current studies in AAI. My experiences, alongside anecdotal evidence from clients and families, affirm the efficacy of this innovative approach. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that children in state care have access to animal-assisted therapies and emotional support animals as part of their recovery from complex trauma. Many youths advocate for their voices to be heard in this context, highlighting the need for simple yet effective coping strategies for managing stress and rebuilding their trust and relationships. In addition to my work in the community, I run a small private practice, Heart Counselling & Animabilia, where I offer a diverse range of therapeutic modalities tailored to the unique needs of my clients and their families. I also enjoy working with adults presenting with a wide range of mental health and personal challenges in their lives.