Kendall

A California native who has called Melbourne home since 2014, Kendall brings diverse experience to her role in animal-assisted education. After teaching high school English in San Diego and completing a Master of Arts degree, Kendall moved to Seattle, Washington, where she flourished as a freelance writer working with universities and non-profit organisations. Her passion for education never wavered, leading her to volunteer at a remote school in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands before moving to Australia, where she recently completed a literacy specialisation through Edith Cowan University. 

In addition to her passion for education and literacy, Kendall has always loved working with animals. She rode horses in her youth and spent every free moment at the barn, helping other young riders learn horsemanship skills and teaching beginner riding lessons. Since achieving her certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy, Kendall fuses her love for animals and education together while helping young people gain valuable skills (and have fun!) through canine-assisted learning. 

With three young boys and two dogs at home, Kendall is adept at keeping many balls in the air, a skill she brings to the classroom and other settings in her role as an animal-assisted educator. She truly enjoys helping each child progress towards their individual goals and fervently believes in the transformative effect of connecting with animals. 

Marle

Born in September 2022, Marle (MAR-LEE) is a Golden Retriever Labrador cross who relishes tummy rubs and loves making new friends (canine and human alike). With her incredibly calm and friendly nature, Marle was always destined for a role helping people. Bred to be a Seeing Eye Dog, Marle’s sociability – including her affinity for children – called her down a different path. After Kendall and her family adopted Marle, she became a certified therapy dog at just 18 months old. 

As a family dog, Marle trots along to every activity from the soccer pitch to the cricket oval and everywhere in between. She loves swimming at the beach (and rambunctiously rolling in the sand afterwards) and can otherwise be found at the feet of whoever happens to be in the kitchen. As a therapy dog, Marle offers a soothing presence and a willingness to learn. Like the students she works alongside, Marle’s journey is just beginning!