Enrich Hearts and Minds with Our Speaking Events

Have your audience experience the transformative power of therapy dogs through captivating demonstrations and stories led by our dedicated team of educators and mental health advocates, recognised for their innovative work with therapy dogs, is ready to inspire and engage your audience.

Our team of presenters has pioneered therapy dog programs in schools, enhancing children’s mental health and readiness to learn. They have designed professional development programs and promoted well-being through integrated mental health approaches.

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Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

Our key topics include

  • Empathy & Emotional Intelligence
  • Self-Care & Communication
  • Diverse Learning Styles
  • Kindness Culture

Event Opportunities

  • Educational Conferences: Insights on therapy dogs in education.
  • Mental Health Workshops: Benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
  • Corporate Wellness Programs: Empathy and communication in the workplace.
  • Community Engagement Events: Role of therapy dogs in fostering kindness.
  • Professional Development Seminars: Adapting diverse learning styles.

Looking for a dynamic speaker for your next event?

Our presenter, Sarah Macdonald, is a dynamic leader, dedicated to inspiring and shaping a brighter future for the communities she serves. Her innovative approach to education and mental health has earned recognition and accolades, reflecting her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact with well-trained therapy dogs.

Sarah is a passionate leader with a visionary approach to education and mental health, driving change through the innovative use of therapy dogs. As the Founder and CEO of Canine Comprehension, she has created transformative programs that bring the positive influence of therapy dogs to schools, supporting students’ mental health, social resilience, and learning readiness. With a strong foundation in history, politics, and teaching, Sarah has also contributed to healthcare education as an Education and Events Officer and has inspired students as an educator. Her expertise in animal-assisted therapy, recognised through several awards, reflects her commitment to community well-being and her unique approach to fostering growth through compassionate connections.

Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

Background & Education

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (History/Politics) – University of Notre Dame, Australia
  • Master of Teaching (Secondary)- Australian Catholic University (ACU)
  • Dog Trainer Certification – Alpha Canine Group

Professional Experience

Founder and CEO of Canine Comprehension

  • Designed and managed unique programs that bring therapy dogs to schools, positively influencing countless children’s lives.
  • Empowered students to embrace mental health awareness and readiness for learning through the presence of therapy dogs.
  • Extended services to provide mentoring and support for children facing social anxiety, fostering resilience and personal growth.

Education and Events Officer, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners – National Faculty of Specific Interests

  • Developed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs for General Practitioners (GPs).
  • Provided curriculum development guidance to enhance GP training.
  • Contributed to advancing healthcare education and professional development for GPs.

Educator, Avila College, Mt Waverley

  • Taught Humanities, IT, and English to students from Year 7 to VCE.
  • Held the position of Head of Department for General Studies.
  • Developed a deep understanding of the intersection of mental health and education, driving a passion for promoting student well-being.

Extensive experience as a professional dog trainer

  • Alpha Canine Group – Boronia, Macclesfield & Knoxfield locations
  • Group class dog Trainer
  • Dog Boarding training packages
  • Specialising in fear and aggression
  • Canine Comprehension – Melbourne CBD and outer suburbs
  • Puppy trainer – Eltham Vet & Balwyn Veterinary Surgery
  • In-home training packages
  • ‘Pathway to Employment’ Dog Assisted Learning courses

Training Approach

I use games, commands and exercises to teach dogs communication through tonal contrast and balanced consequences, ensuring ethical learning outcomes for the dog and a manageable ‘lifestyle’ approach for the owners. An expectation of teaching simple manners and clear expectations in all environments will build a solid human-canine bond with the owner/handler as the leader. This approach allows dogs to think independently while seeking the behaviour their owner requires from them to give their dog a happy, peaceful and healthy life.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Commonwealth Bank Australian of the Day
  • Silver Stevie® Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year (Asia, Australia, or New Zealand)
  • Nomination in the Animal Assisted Learning (AAL) Category at the Animal Assisted Therapies Ltd Conference Awards
  • Finalist at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards
  • Australian Achievers Award for excellence in customer relations

Skills

  • Educational Leadership
  • Mental Health Advocacy
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy
  • Program Development
  • Public Speaking
  • Dog training
Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

Book a Speaker for your next event!

We will share our expertise and passion – inspiring and engaging your audience with the unique benefits of therapy dogs.

Book a chat with Sarah to discuss how a speaking event or workshop could work for your business or organisation.

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