top of page

About Us

Peaceful Paddocks was born from a lifelong love of animals, a deep respect for nature, and a passion for helping people feel safe, supported, and empowered. I believe that healing happens through connection, nature and being truly seen. Our mission is to help children, teens, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges in a way that feels gentle, personalised, and empowering.​

​

This Steve Jobs philosophy has guided my journey and continues to shape the way I work with people and animals at Peaceful Paddocks.

i3KRZOhY.png
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something—your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

Steve Jobs

Meet Suzanne

The journey that led to Peaceful Paddocks began long before the doors opened. My love for animals and passion for helping people has been a constant thread throughout my life. As a child, I was fortunate to ride and care for horses, discovering early on the unique bond and calm they can bring.

​

I later found immense joy while vetinary nursing in helping stray and rescued dogs heal, both physically and emotionally. Watching them grow into happy, confident companions and find loving homes reinforced my belief in the power of compassion, patience, and care.

​

I then spent 17 years supporting children, young people, and families in foster care. This work deepened my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the profound impact of being truly heard and supported.

​

Every part of my journey has come together in the creation of Peaceful Paddocks. Here, clients are invited to explore their emotions, build resilience, and discover personal growth at their own pace. With a deep respect for the natural environment and the unique gifts of my animals, I am committed to creating spaces where healing can unfold gently, authentically, and with dignity.​​

IMG_7666 (1).jpg

Animals and nature regulate what words cannot reach.

ktnQu91Y.png

Meet MacGuyver 

MacGyver is my equine partner and co-facilitator in therapy sessions. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with some incredibly special horses over the years, and MacGyver brings a unique presence to every session. He is calm, intuitive, curious and brave, naturally mirroring emotions and helping clients gain insight into their feelings and behaviours.

​

Through gentle interaction with MacGyver, clients can explore emotions in a safe, non-verbal way, develop confidence, and experience the grounding, restorative benefits of working with a horse. Together, we aim to share his natural gifts with those who might not otherwise have the chance to experience the magic of horses.

Meet Fonzi

Fonzi is my therapy dog and loyal co-facilitator. I met him as a young puppy, and he quickly became both a cherished family member and a skilled therapy partner. Fonzi has a calm, empathetic nature and an incredible ability to sense when someone is nervous or anxious.

​

Working with Fonzi allows clients, especially children and teens, to feel safe, build confidence, and develop emotional regulation skills. His presence helps people open up, practise communication, and engage in therapy at their own pace. Fonzi’s playful yet grounded energy makes sessions enjoyable and supportive, helping clients experience growth in ways that words alone cannot reach.

pykfzhDs.png

Together, MacGyver and Fonzi create a unique environment where animals, nature, and therapy intersect, offering opportunities for self-discovery, healing, and connection.

Qualifications

Alongside my hands-on experience with animals and people, I’ve completed formal training to ensure the highest standard of care.

​My professional qualifications include:

  • Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

  • Bachelor of Social Work (ECU)

  • AASW Registration

  • Clinical Animal Assisted Therapy Certification

  • Equine Assisted Wellbeing Practitioner Qualification

  • Advanced Accreditation of Nature-based Therapy

 

These qualifications allow me to blend professional expertise with the intuitive guidance of my animals, creating safe and transformative experiences for every client.

A Space for Healing

At Peaceful Paddocks, our approach is grounded in compassion, respect, and collaboration. We honour the natural environment, the unique gifts of our therapy animals, and the courage of every client who steps into our space.

Whether through equine-assisted therapy, canine-assisted therapy, or nature-based sessions, our goal is simple: to help people feel seen, heard, and supported, and to provide a space where healing can unfold gently, authentically, and with dignity.

bottom of page