Meet the Team
Why I Started Assistive K9s
My passion lies in supporting both humans and their dogs, empowering them to lead more fulfilling and harmonious lives.
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My journey in support work began early in life. From the age of four, I would accompany my mum as she worked in care homes. My sisters and I would visit residents, and through these experiences, I saw the profound impact meaningful connections could have on a person’s day-to-day life. Whether it was the laughter sparked by wheelchair races or quiet moments of companionship, witnessing the joy we could bring to others inspired me to pursue a life dedicated to fostering these kinds of connections.
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As someone with lived experience of neuro-affirming disabilities and mental health challenges, I deeply understand the limitations of traditional support methods. For me, caring for and training my own dogs became a transformative outlet. It gave me purpose, helping me push beyond my comfort zone and build a sense of accomplishment. Over time, I witnessed the positive changes not only in my dog’s skills but also in my mental well-being, confidence, and overall motivation. This personal journey inspired me to explore dog training as a unique and empowering support tool, especially for individuals facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges.
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Dogs have always been a constant in my life, offering companionship and teaching me invaluable lessons about patience, connection, and growth. After relocating from the UK to Adelaide, I began volunteering at a local dog obedience club, where I fell in love with the way training could strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
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To formalise my passion, I earned a Certificate IV in Animal Training and Behaviour while working for an assistance dog organisation. I’ve since expanded my knowledge through self-study, exploring diverse training methods and philosophies, and most recently completing a Service Dog Fundamentals course with Cooperative Paws. My professional and personal experiences handling reactive and anxious dogs have solidified my commitment to addressing the root causes of behavioural challenges while prioritising mental well-being—for both dogs and their humans.
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My training philosophy is centred on a force-free, positive reinforcement approach, creating a fun and engaging learning environment. My goal is not just robotic obedience but to empower clients to strengthen their bond with their dogs, using that relationship as a foundation to achieve goals once thought unattainable. Ultimately, I strive to enrich lives, foster independence, and create opportunities for connection and growth—both for humans and their canine companions.