FOUNDER | DIRECTOR

Colin is a 40-year veteran of youth, family and community work in service provision, case work, counselling, management and program development. Colin has been developing and operating the Horses for Hope method for 17 years.

Horses for Hope combines his experience, commitment to improve services and service options for children, youth, families and Narrative Therapy practice skills with his love of horses, natural Horsemanship methods of horse education and training.

Colin has an interest in expanding research in the field of Equine Assisted Therapies and continues to pursue research and evaluation of the Horses for Hope, Equine Assisted Narrative Therapy program. Colin has completed a 3-year Diploma in Youth Work (1979-1982 & now considered a Bachelor program), a Graduate Diploma in Welfare Administration and a yearlong training in Narrative Therapy with the Dulwich Centre.

MANAGER

I feel incredibly honoured to be the newest addition to the amazing team at Horses for Hope.

I embrace creative thinking and love being part of innovative programs and services that truly make a difference, which is exactly what the equine assisted narrative therapy at Horses for Hope achieves.

I hold a Masters in Assessment and Evaluation, and I am passionate about quality, program evaluation, and accountability; and believe strongly in the value of lived experience, and evidence-informed decisions-making.

I have had a vast and varied career across rural and metropolitan health services, community, and not-for-profit organisations, as a nurse, midwife, senior manager, board director, and consultant in my own evaluation business.

I welcome all conversations about our equine assisted narrative therapy, future directions, fundraising ideas, sponsorship and/or partnership opportunities with Horses for Hope.

LEAD HORSE PRACTITIONER

Alison was born and raised in Shepparton and joined Horses for Hope as an Equine Assistant, during 2010 as a 19 year old. She soon left the tag of assistant behind and developed into the highly skilled Horses for Hope practitioner that she has remained to this date, other than a break for the birth and care of two children.

Alison joined our team as an already very competent young horse woman and rider, having a history of involvement with horses since childhood, riding and educating young horses. She has held state level championships and has a Certificate II in Equine Studies. Alison also brought a non-judgmental and welcoming personality to the position that has made her a warm, welcoming and much valued member of HFH, by those who attend for assistance and by the team.

SENIOR COUNSELLOR | PRACTICE MANAGER

G’day, I’m Jack. I joined Horses for Hope in 2022.

I have undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in counselling and similar things. It’s a joy to be able to utilise my studies in ways the help horses and humans. Being trusted with the inside of people’s lives makes my work rewarding. I bring who I am to the program, which is a person trying to be respectful, encouraging, and unassuming; I also offer hope, inquisitive’ness, and a love of humour.

The team is slowly turning me into a “horse person”, and they’re being successful!

When I am not working here you can find me reading, gardening, cooking, or spending time with my loved ones.

COMMUNITY + FUNDRAISING | HORSE PRACTITIONER

Amy is very passionate about the community she lives in, her family, friends, and animals. Her background includes a Bachelor of Business and working in Economic Development, Tourism and Events and more recently Community Wellbeing, she has a keen interest in mental health and the desire to assist others to get the most out of life. She’s committed to always providing accessible, inclusive and friendly service.

Joining the Horses for Hope team has allowed Amy to combine her previous expertise in community engagement with her desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives, along with her lifelong passion for horses.

Fortunate to own her own horses, she enjoys working on the relationship and trust paths, with a keen and growing interest in natural horsemanship principles.

COUNSELLOR

I have completed a Bachelor of Social Work and have over 5 years experience working as a therapeutic case manager in family services and mental health, and most recently working as a specialist family violence practitioner for LGBTIQ+ community. In these roles I have worked therapeutically with children, adolescence, adults and families across a broad range of identities and communities.

I was drawn to study Social Work because of the empathy I felt towards people and animals compelled to understand suffering. My social work degree provided me with the knowledge that has fueled my deep passion and commitment to reducing the suffering caused by privilege, oppression and violence. As I have grown professionally, I have also grown personally and politically. I have learnt that where there is a story of pain and suffering there is also a story of resistance and courage.

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to work with people and animals. I feel an immense sense of privilege that I get to realize my dreams here at Horses for Hope.

FINANCE, GOVERNANCE & STRATEGY

Kath looks after our finance, governance and administration needs.