Melissa

Meet Melissa, an experienced and dedicated professional passionate about education and student well-being. Originally from Tasmania, Melissa moved to Melbourne in 2012, where she began her journey in the field of education. She completed her Bachelor of Education and is now a primary school teacher known for her innovative and creative approach to helping students thrive academically and emotionally.

Melissa firmly believes that student well-being is the cornerstone of successful learning, and she's committed to creating a supportive and calm environment for her students. As a lifelong animal lover, Melissa has always seen the special bond between humans and canines, leading her to become a volunteer foster carer for needy dogs. This experience further deepened her understanding of animals' positive impact on vulnerable individuals, especially children.

Melissa's realisation of the transformative effect of the right therapy dog on students' confidence and willingness to explore new challenges motivated her to embark on an Animal-Assisted Intervention and Therapy Dog Certification with Lead The Way Institute. Alongside her loyal canine companion, Boofred, Melissa has been bringing the magic of pet therapy to childcare centres, primary schools, and high schools for several years.

Always eager to expand her skillset and knowledge, Melissa is pursuing a Diploma of Counseling with the Australian Institute of Professional Counselors. She believes this additional training will enhance her ability to support students at risk of disengagement with their education, further solidifying her commitment to student well-being and success.

Boofred

Meet Boofred, our incredible Koolie with a heart full of love for children and a passion for school visits. Boofred's journey began in 2012 when Melissa adopted him. Originally found on the Victorian, NSW border, Boofred's career as a working dog didn't quite take off as expected, but fate had something much more special in store for him.

As an Australian working breed, Koolies are known for their boundless energy and herding instincts. However, Boofred had a different calling – he craved human interaction, pats, and cuddles above all else. This gentle and affectionate nature led him to find his way to the pound, where his life turned fortunate. Rescued and placed into foster care, Boofred was welcomed into Melissa's loving family, and his true potential as a therapy dog soon began to shine.

As Melissa progressed through her teaching degree, she couldn't help but notice Boofred's unique qualities that made him perfect for the role of a therapy dog. Bringing him into classrooms, she witnessed firsthand his incredible impact on the children, boosting their confidence and enhancing their learning experiences. Boofred seemed to flourish in this role, and his purpose as a therapy dog became clear.

With a laid-back, cuddly, and joyful nature, Boofred quickly became a beloved member of our team. For the past few years, Boofred and Melissa have worked together across several schools, where Boofred feels right at home and fulfilled. He relishes every opportunity to interact with children and positively impact their lives. With his heartwarming presence and natural ability to nurture young minds, Boofred embodies the true spirit of a therapy dog, bringing joy, comfort, and a touch of magic to all he encounters.