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Advancing the understanding, acceptance and accessibility for those in need of animal-assisted services, including assistance animals.
The ATL Code of Ethics and Conduct provides a framework for practitioners to apply ATL’s core values, principles, and standards to their service delivery.
To advance accessible, safe, ethical, evidence-based animal-assisted services through advocacy, education, standards, and collaboration to improve wellbeing for those in need.
Australia’s leading institution for promoting the prevention and management of mental illness, disability, disease and human suffering using animal-assisted services, including assistance animals.
Founder
After a life-changing health crisis in 2014, Wendy Coombe’s recovery was profoundly supported by her assistance dog, Jack. Wendy’s experience revealed the healing power of human–animal interactions and the absence of a national framework for animal-assisted services in Australia.
Founded in 2018, Animal Therapies Ltd (ATL) works to connect people, services, and sectors, advancing health through ethical, collaborative animal-assisted care.
ATL has grown from a personal understanding of animals’ potential to provide safety, connection, and emotional support for people experiencing trauma, disability, mental health challenges, or social isolation.
The ATL Board and leadership team provide strategic governance, sector expertise, and ethical oversight to strengthen animal-assisted services and advance community wellbeing.
30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, providing strong leadership over the course of his career.
In March 2018, Alex completed a successful 30 years career in the federal public sector, working in agencies such as the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Workplace Relations and the Department of Defence. Alex was selected for the Senior Executive Service within the Department of Veterans Affairs in early 2012. Alex joined FearLess as CEO in October 2018 and was responsible for delivering its first National Conversation on Post Traumatic Stress in August 2019.
Scott has comprehensive experience in governance. He presently acts for many of Australia’s largest private and public sector institutions. Scott has previously worked as an in-house counsel at Legal & General and ING, is a regular speaker at conferences, has designed key training programs for boards and responsible managers and has received a number of awards.
Nicole brings extensive expertise in governance and leadership. Her career reflects a strong focus on governance, risk management, and strategic oversight. Responsibilities include overseeing governance frameworks and ensuring regulatory compliance within the organisation.
Susan is Program Coordinator for the BSc(Animal Behaviour) degree at the University of Adelaide teaching animal behaviour, welfare and ethics. Susan is also a Board Member of the Dog & Cat Management Board of South Australia, RSPCA South Australia, and the South Australian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.
Jan Davis has been tagged as Tasmania’s top political lobbyist and one of the most influential people in the state. Jan has held leadership roles in a number of industry groups, including RSPCA Tasmania. Well known for her ability to express key points of an argument clearly, Jan is adept at responding on message in both mainstream and social media environments.
Paris is a marketing professional with extensive experience in both agency and in-house roles. Her career spans a wide range of industries, from finance to pet care. Recently, Paris has specialised in leadership roles that have given her the opportunity to help build good humans, strong brands and healthy businesses in director and general manager roles.
Holding an MBA, Wendy has held board roles and senior management positions across a number of industries, including CEO of a not-for-profit business advisory service which held contracts with the NSW government.
Carolyn has an extensive background in marketing, fundraising & communications in both the corporate and not-for-profit (NFP) arenas. The sectors she has worked in include: disability, blindness/low vision, family violence, animal welfare and emergency services sectors.
Annette is the go-to contact for all membership and National Directory enquiries. With a background in graphic design, she brings a diverse skill set, attention to detail, and creative perspective to the organisation, supporting both members and the wider ATL community.
Supply Nation (Certified) Registered, Fran Dobbie, a Yuin woman from the South Coast of NSW, is the Director of Earthstar Productions, a diverse company that presents awareness and inner strength through the medium of film, television and interactive leadership and cultural awareness workshops.
Candy Gibson joined UniSA’s news and media team in August 2017 after a four year stint as a senior media officer at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), one of the highest ranked universities in the world.
ATL ambassadors generously give their time, and use their voices to support and promote the work of the charity both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Aubrey Fine has been on the faculty at California State Polytechnic University since 1981 and is presently a Professor Emeritus and a licensed psychologist.
Summer Farrelly is an Autistic Advocate, Public speaker, Inclusion & Education Consultant, Artist, Animal Assisted Learning Program Creator & Facilitator, Animal Therapies Ltd Youth Ambassador.
Singer/songwriter Rachael Leahcar’s dynamic range, explosive vocals and powerful performances have stunned audiences across the globe.
Working with Animal Therapies Ltd was a truly professional and compassionate experience. Their approach combines expertise, care, and deep respect for both people and animals. I witnessed first-hand how meaningful connections can support wellbeing, confidence, and independence.
Registered office Queensland.
ATL is an Australian health promotion charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) and holds Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
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Animal Therapies Ltd (ATL) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, and their continuing connection to land, animals, waters and community.
We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and to the Elders past, present and emerging.
