Meet The Team
Naomi
Mentor
Naomi is an experienced early intervention specialist and educator with more than 20 years of experience supporting children from early childhood through to adolescence. She has worked across education, disability, family support and early intervention settings, with a strong focus on emotional regulation, social development, behaviour support and building the capacity of the adults around each child.
Naomi was drawn to this work through her passion for helping children and young people feel understood, capable and connected. She believes meaningful progress happens when
relationships come first and when children are supported through their strengths, interests and individual ways of learning.
She joined Canine Comprehension because its values, relationship-based approach and use of dogs to support engagement, confidence and emotional wellbeing strongly aligned with her own practice. Naomi particularly values being part of a supportive, flexible and values-driven organisation that encourages mentors to work authentically and responsively.
Outside of work, Naomi is a busy mum of three and shares her home with Ruby, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Billie, her Border Collie. Both dogs have strengthened her appreciation of the powerful connection between children, young people and animals.
Meet my therapy dog
Ruby
Ruby is a friendly and affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a gentle nature and a atural ability to help people feel at ease. She is calm, curious and enjoys being close to others, making her well suited to supporting students who may feel anxious, unsure or overwhelmed.
Ruby loves going for walks, playing with her favourite toys and, most importantly, receiving plenty of pats and attention. One of her endearing quirks is her ability to quietly position herself near someone who may need a little extra comfort.
Ruby’s strengths include her patience, soft temperament and ability to engage students without placing pressure on them. She helps create opportunities for connection, conversation, emotional regulation and confidence-building.
What Ruby loves most about coming to school is meeting new students, being included in activities and helping everyone feel welcome, safe and supported.