About Hailey Otto
Psychologist / Director - children and adolescents
Hailey holds General Registration and is an Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Hailey has a particular talent for working with children and young people. Hailey has a natural intuitive ability to build a strong connection with children and young people, even the ones that are initially reluctant to attend.
Hailey completed her studies at Griffith and Bond Universities, after which time she worked as a Child Safety Officer for more than 6 years before moving to country Victoria to work in the field of paediatric psychology for 4 years. Hailey has relocated back to South East Qld to continue to work in the field she is passionate about.
In her free time, she enjoys travel, and anything equestrian, including show jumping and casual riding.
Hailey would welcome the opportunity to work with
you and your family.
About Danielle Rancie
Provisional Psychologist- children, teens and adults
Danielle is a provisionally registered psychologist who is able to provide psychological services to both children and adults. Danielle already has over 10 years of experience working with youth and is passionate about empowering the next generation.
Danielle completed her undergraduate degree at Griffith University and went on to work in the Disability sector and Mental Health Consulting. She then furthered her education by completing her Honours degree in Psychological Science at James Cook University working in trauma recovery for individuals and communities affected by natural disasters in Far North Queensland.
Danielle has a personable and kind nature that helps people feel accepted and at ease with themselves. She enjoys nature and would spend all of her free time with animals if she could. Danielle is also an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy practitioner and loves helping people connect with themselves through animal assisted therapies.
Danielle looks forward to connecting with you and working with your family.
About Rachel Geary
Children, teens and adults
Rachel is a thoughtful and engaging. She completed her qualifications through Griffith University in Brisbane. Rachel completed her Psychological Science Honours degree research project on the effects of equine-assisted activities on at-risk young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Rachel is also a Circle of Security Parenting program facilitator, Criminologist, and registered Counsellor, who is additionally experienced in disability support and youth work.
Rachel has an affinity with animals and is also an equine assisted psychotherapist who trained through the Equine Psychotherapy Institute.
Rachel partners with animals to richly enhance her client’s therapy experience and support them through the process of improving mental health conditions, addressing relationship difficulties, and adjustment to challenging life changes. Rachel is passionate about all people, especially children and vulnerable people. She sensitively considers her clients’ unique needs, hurts, healing, development, and strengths. Rachel is kind and vibrant in empathy and compassion, making it easy for clients to relax, be open, and feel heard.
Rachel’s therapeutic approach is largely influenced by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology and Gestalt therapy. CBT is the gold standard evidence-based treatment for many types of emotional, behavioural, and psychological problems.
Rachel recognises that there is no “one-size-fits-all’’ approach, and therefore strives to find what works for her clients individually, viewing and supporting them as the experts in their lives. Rachel seeks to empower clients to facilitate the changes they would like to make by utilising an array of resources and tools from her direct experience and training, with animals as co-facilitators and teachers in this process.
Rachel looks forward to meeting and working with you and your family!
Meet the (furry) team
"Kuli"
"Khashmir"
"Khashmir"
Otherwise known Mr sociable, Kuli has been with Hailey for 17 years is a very special member of the family. He has the most vibrant and friendly personality you will ever see in a horse. Kuli often will neigh “hello” when people arrive and often come up to the fence for a pat. He is genuinely interested in people and his general attitude to life is “that looks fun, can I join in too?!!”. Most importantly he offers “you look sad can I give you a hug?” and has been known to just stand with someone and gently nuzzle them if they feel sad. He is incredibly smart and intuitive and has even figured out how to untie a horse knot with his tongue and teeth (he never goes far – just eats the grass). He is very expressive and will let it be known if his rugs make him too warm or cold and will neigh at the window if he is feeling hungry. Kuli is the leader of the herd and the others look to him for guidance. His breed is Arabian crossed with Andalusian (Spanish dancing horse).
"Khashmir"
"Khashmir"
"Khashmir"
Khashmir, or Khash for short, is a multi-championship winning horse who came into Hailey’s life when she lived in Mildura, Victoria. Hailey became friends with Khash’s previous owner Joyce and would compete on Khash in local shows. It was here that Hailey and Khash struck up a friendship. Khash had only ever known Joyce, whom she had lived with since she was a foal (baby horse). Hailey was heartbroken to have to leave her behind when she relocated back to Queensland in mid-2017 but was thrilled when Khash joined the family in late 2018. Since then they have continued to compete in Equestrian shows throughout South East Queensland. More important to note than Khash’s competition achievements is her kind and easy-going nature which makes her the perfect fit for equine therapy. Khash is 11 years old and by pure coincidence celebrates her birthday on the same day as Hailey. Khash has an interest in anything food related and often is referred to as the “cookie monster” at dinner time! She loves attention, and loves being brushed. Her breed is a Friesian crossed with Welsh pony. Fun fact: the Friesians are the horses they like to film in the movies due to their glamourous looks.
"Buddy"
"Khashmir"
"Buddy"
Buddy is a 10 years old Miniature pony and was hand-picked by Hailey after an extensive search. Growing up on a property about 2 hours west of Bundaberg, he joined the family in mid-2018. Often referred to as being ‘cute as a button!’, he is a very special little pony and loved by all who meet him. Ponies are notorious for being cheeky, but Buddy has a very placid and curious nature. He never bites or kicks, is very gentle and loves to hang out with children (because they’re his size!). During sessions, children often plait his mane or tail, and he loves playing dress up and being led around a little obstacle course.
Meet the (furry) team
Cats - "Gyzmo" and "Mystique"
Cats - "Gyzmo" and "Mystique"
Cats - "Gyzmo" and "Mystique"
Gyzmo and Mystique (Missy for short) are two fluffy Ragdolls cats who are brother and sister, and have been with the family since Christmas 2017. Often like human siblings, they are very different in their personalities. Missy (the lilac coloured girl) is adventurous, brave, and inquisitive, and is always keen to meet new people. Gyzmo (the flame coloured boy) on the other hand, is shyer in nature, but once he trusts someone, he is very affectionate and talkative. Once he gets to know someone, he will often follow them around the clinic or yard, and affectionately meows to let clients know he is there. Both Gyzmo and Missy love to sleep on clients laps when the opportunity arises and look forward to seeing their new friends each week.(please let me know if you have any allergies to cats prior to the session taking place)
"Frankie"
Cats - "Gyzmo" and "Mystique"
Cats - "Gyzmo" and "Mystique"
"Frankie"
Frankie is a friendly and playful 10-month-old Mini Dachshund. Frankie loves to give lots of cuddles, pats, and licks. Frankie loves being with people so much that he gets rather sad if he gets left behind. Frankie loves puppy toys, and his favourite ones are those that squeak! Frankie often enjoys a game of chase or a snooze on your lap or in the sun.
Cats - "Gyzmo" and "Mystique"
"Bundy"
Bundy is a 7 year old Kelpie X with endless energy. He has been with Danielle since he was 5 weeks old and has never left her side since. He is very friendly and loves to play fetch. He has a strong affinity for working with people who have experienced trauma. He is very gentle, kind (even to the cats) and very intelligent. He loves being around people, and you will often find him running around outside or sleeping by Danielle’s side. Bundy wants to be a part of everything and join in with whatever is going on around him. If you’re lucky, you can catch him poking his tongue out when he’s sleeping.