Hi there, I'm Jess.  Welcome to Wildside Wellness and Learning (WWL)

 

WWL is about bringing humans and animals together in a safe and meaningful way.

There's lots to be learnt from animals, we just have to slow down and appreciate

the process.

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Horses have this amazing ability to keep us mindful and present, to find joy in the

small things, and to keep us humble as they respond to the energy we bring to

the paddock. This is why I don't offer set programs for individuals, it's doesn't suit my style of work, as I don't believe that 'one size fits all'.

 

As a Social Worker, I offer counselling, as well as opportunities and activities with animals, nature... and just a place to be heard, feel safe, and be yourself. Sometimes that's the most important of all.

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I don't follow or assign myself to one theory or counselling style in particular, I am what you call an eclectic therapist, using different theories and techniques for different people, based on what comes up in our sessions. I like to work from a trauma-informed, holistic, attachment-based framework.  

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At WWL, we have horses, cows, mini donkeys and dogs that depending on the person, are all able to be incorporated into our work. We also have a space for art, a garden, and many more ideas in the pipeline.

Located in Koah, just past Kuranda on the Tablelands of Far North Queensland. We are about 45 minutes from Cairns, and about 25 minutes from Smithfield. There is the possibility of providing outreach support - so please contact me to speak further on this.

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Qualifications

- Bachelor of Social Work from James Cook University

- Animal Assisted Therapy certification - Lead The Way Institute (2012 &2016)

- Equine Interaction Experience Practitioner certification - Sheez Like the Wind (2024)

 

Memberships 

- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

- Animal Therapies Limited (ATL)

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Certificates and Trainings

- ACT for Adolescents 

- Responding to Sexual Behaviour Problems

- Narrative Therapy for Children

- You, Me, Whichway - This thing they call suicide

- Children on the Autism Spectrum

- Trauma Informed Practice

- Working with Sexual Offenders and their Famililes

- Supervisors for Tomorrow, in Every Position and Stream (STEPS) Emerging Leaders

- Communicating with Young People in Youth Justice

- Cultural Capability

-De-escalation: How to Help Children and Adolescents get back to Calm

- Young Women, Drugs and Intimate Partner Violence

- Ethical Decision Making and Code of Conduct

- Emotional Regulation and Impulse Control (ERIC)

- Changing Habits and Reaching Targets (CHART) Train the Trainer

- Expressive Therapies with Traumatised Young People

- Harmful Sexual Behaviour training

- Therapeutic Life Story Work

-Youth Mental Health First Aid & Non-suicidal self injury

- Three Phased Approach to Trauma

- First Aid Certificate (2024)

- Numerous dog handling, dog behaviour workshops and horsemanship training clinics from local and visiting trainers.

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Experience

- Case Manager and Team Leader for Youth Justice

- Youth Co-Responder for a collaborative Youth Justice and Police response team

- Counsellor for True Child and Family Service

- Specialised Practitioner for Tablelands Sexual Assault Service

- Co-faciliating recycled art workshops in Cairns and Cape York

- Founder and President of North Qld Animal Rescue from 2012 - 2022 

Included in this volunteer role, was the intake and assessment of dogs coming into care.

- Dog trainer for Canine Training School​

- Dog handler for 4 Paws on the Inside - taking rescue dogs into the local prison

- Dog handler for Animal Assisted Therapy nursing home visits

- Dog handler for Kindergarten and School dog safety education visits

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Current Holder of Blue card - The Commission for Children and Young People

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