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Meet the Team
Animal Assisted Therapy in Melbourne
Animal-Assisted Counsellor for Schools & Families
Meet Jodee Vella –
Animal-Assisted Counsellor & School Wellbeing Practitioner
I’m Jodee Vella, a qualified counsellor and animal-assisted therapy practitioner with a passion for supporting children, families, and individuals through life’s challenges. I hold a Bachelor of Counselling, Graduate Certificate of Counselling, and am a Level 4 Member of the Australian Counselling Association (MACA).
My work supports people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, low confidence, social skill difficulties, ADHD, autism, school refusal and grief and loss, using a compassionate, strengths-based approach.
Alongside one-on-one counselling, I deliver animal-assisted therapy programs in schools, preschools, and special needs education settings. These include:
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Group wellbeing programs for students and work places
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Emotional regulation and social skills support
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School wellbeing days delivered on-site
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Programs tailored for neurodivergent and additional needs students
Animal-assisted therapy is particularly effective for children and young people who may find traditional talk-based approaches challenging.
Bringing therapy into educational environments helps children feel safe, supported, and ready to engage where they already feel most comfortable.
Who I Work With
I support:
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Preschools and early learning centres
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Special needs and autism-specific schools
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Organisations and workplaces
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Children, adolescents, and adults (NDIS)
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Families seeking therapeutic support
Every session and program is tailored to the individual or group, recognising each person’s unique needs, strengths, and experiences. My approach is:
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Trauma-informed and consent-based
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Neuro-affirming and inclusive
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Child-centred and developmentally appropriate
Through the powerful bond between humans and dogs, clients are supported to build resilience, confidence, emotional awareness, and wellbeing in a gentle and respectful way.
Meet Our Therapy Dogs School-Based Animal-Assisted Therapy
Meet our certified therapy dogs who support emotional regulation, engagement and connection in school and special needs school programs.
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Your Gentle and Affectionate Therapy Dog
Meet Ziva
Ziva is a calm, gentle soul who radiates warmth and kindness to everyone she meets. With her love of cuddles and gentle pats, she offers a soothing presence for clients seeking comfort and emotional support.
As the newest member of our therapy dog team, Ziva is busy learning new tricks and skills, delighting clients with her eagerness to grow and connect. Her empathetic nature and nurturing spirit make her an ideal companion for those navigating life’s challenges, creating a safe and comforting space to build confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
Fully Certified
Visiting Therapy Dog & Handler Team
16 May 2025
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Your Compassionate Canine Companion
Meet Ranger
Ranger is a gentle, affectionate therapy dog who brings comfort and joy to everyone he meets. His calm presence and intuitive understanding of human emotions make him a trusted companion for clients navigating grief, anxiety, and depression.
Ranger knows an impressive range of tricks and is always eager to learn more, delighting clients with his playful nature and enthusiasm for new challenges. Whether offering a soothing lap to rest on or showing off his skills, Ranger provides unwavering support and a calming influence during challenging times. His unconditional love, adaptability, and willingness to learn make him a cherished ally in the journey toward emotional wellbeing.
Fully Certified - Advanced Certificate
Visiting Therapy Dog & Handler Team
23 November 2023
A Bright Spirit Forever in Our Hearts
Remembering Gemma
In Loving Memory of Gemma - R.I.P 28.03.2024
Gemma was a spirited and loving canine companion whose infectious energy and whole-body wiggle brought joy to everyone she met. She truly was a gift to all who met her.
Sadly, Gemma passed away from liver failure at just 6 years old. Her loss has left a deep void for Jodee and Ranger, as her love and light will always be remembered. Gemma’s legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.
Rest in peace, beautiful girl. You are deeply missed.
Fully Certified
Visiting Therapy Dog & Handler Team
8 July 2023
Qualifications
Counselling Qualifications
Jodee Vella BA(Couns), GCert(Couns)
Graduate Certificate in Counselling
Bachelor of Arts in Counselling
Member of Australian Counselling Association (ACA - Level 4)
Member of Animals Therapies Limitied
Lead the Way Certifications
Gemma - Visiting Therapy Dog & Handler Team Certification Level 3 (RIP 28.03.2024)
Ranger - Visiting Therapy Dog & Handler Team Certification Level 4 (2025)
Ziva - Visiting Therapy Dog & Handler Team Certification Level 2
All dogs certified through Lead the Way Institute Australia
Dog Training Certification
National Dog Training Federation - Certificate 3 in Dog Behaviour and Training (2022)