Meet the Beyond
the Paddock Team
Animal Assisted Therapists on the New South Wales Central Coast.
Our Therapists
Here at Beyond the Paddock we ensure our number one priority is safety –
for you, our therapists and facilitators, and of course our animals.
All of our therapists are highly qualified and experienced Allied Health professionals with extensive horse and animal experience. All of our horses and other animals undergo suitability assessments and are highly trained for the delivery of Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Laura Gould
Horses have always been at the heart of my life. Growing up on our family property, I’ve been surrounded by the love and presence of horses from a very young age. I started riding at the age of two and spent over 11 years playing Polocrosse, a sport that allowed me to combine my love for horses and family.
Alongside my passion for horses, I pursued a career in education, completing a Bachelor of Teaching with specialisations in Early Childhood (0-5 years) and Primary School Teaching at the University of Newcastle, graduating in 2016. Over the following years, I had the privilege of teaching both in Australia and internationally, during which time I developed a strong interest in supporting individuals with additional needs. This led me to complete a Master’s in Behaviourism, deepening my knowledge and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Today, I’ve transitioned from the traditional education system and have been working as a Behaviour Specialist for the last five years, helping children and adults of all ages improve their quality of life.
In 2021, I decided to merge my two passions—horses and teaching—and completed an Equine Assisted Learning course. This combination of skills and experience has allowed me to establish Beyond the Paddock at my property in Jilliby on the NSW Central Coast, where I now offer Animal Assisted Learning and Therapy. My aim is to use the transformative power of horses to support personal growth, healing, and development for those I work with.
Work with laura
Property Owner/Early Interventionist/Behaviour Practitioner
Rebecca Baker
In 2015, I graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. Prior to becoming an Occupational Therapist, I worked with children aged 0-5 and completed my Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Following the completion of my studies, I specialised in Rehabilitation in both the Mainstream and Geriatric setting. I worked across a broad range of domains including stroke rehab, acquired brain injury, spinal, knee and hip fracture rehabilitation after a fall, injury or accident, and cognitive rehab for people living with dementia, a head injury or Parkinson’s disease.
Through my experience working with children and adolescence I have supported children and their families with ASD, ADHD, Sensory Processing challenges, Global developmental delays, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy and Mental Health disorders. I enjoy assisting children to work on meeting their goals in an enjoyable and meaningful way, keeping them engaged and having fun. I love nothing more than children or adolescents leaving my sessions with a smile on their face and feeling proud of themselves. I am passionate about being a positive advocate for the children I support, their families and offering my support in the home, school and community environment.
Work with Rebecca
Occupational Therapist
Melanie Gibson
I am a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (C.P.S.P.) and a member of Speech Pathology Australia. I graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle.
I am passionate about working with children and adults in the context of their families and in the community. I have experience working with people of all different ages, diagnoses and cultural backgrounds.
I have a particular interest in the area of early language development, speech sound development, and autism spectrum disorder and am committed to creating a fun and personalised therapy environment. I understand how busy life is with young children and am passionate about empowering families to ensure therapy and goals are functional and applicable to life outside the therapy session.
Growing up with horses, I love being able to merge my two passions together to support my clients' communication goals.
Work with Mel
Speech Pathologist
Ellen Gould
I am a certified Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and a registered Behaviour Practitioner with the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission. Equine Assisted Counselling has provided me with the opportunity to merge my passion for horses, my enthusiasm for supporting others and my love of family together as a career. In 2020 I joined the Beyond the Paddock team after completing my studies in counselling, and my time supporting NDIS participants as a Behaviour Practitioner. At the time, Being able to work alongside my sister, Laura, where we continue to weave our passions and family values into our careers has been a rewarding journey I am grateful for each day.
I grew up on our beautiful Ourimbah property riding horses from the age of two and playing a sport called Polocrosse from childhood into early adulthood. I have now shifted my horse knowledge and experience into spending my time supporting and empowering others to work towards their goals through the power of our partners and teachers (our horses and other animals).
Work with ellen
Counsellor/Behaviour Practitioner
Kylie Jones
I graduated from the University Of Newcastle in 1993 with a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy). Since then, my journey has been marked by a commitment to my clients and to providing compassionate and effective care. With 30 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
As an avid horse lover who grew up on the Central Coast, I enjoyed taking my horse on trail rides as a way to explore our beautiful natural environment. I continue to value the lessons that can be learned by working with and caring for horses and I believe in the profound impact that human-animal interactions can have. In my current role as a member of Beyond the Paddock’s specialised Animal Assisted Learning and therapy team, I love being able to demonstrate how incorporating animals into therapy can benefit individuals with various physical, emotional, sensory and cognitive challenges.
During my career, I’ve worked both in Australia and in the United States with a diverse range of people throughout various stages of their lifespan. I have experience with a broad spectrum of diagnoses including neurological disorders, developmental disabilities and mental health conditions.
My holistic, people-centred approach aims to respect each participant’s strengths and provide personalised interventions tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Work with Kylie
Occupational Therapist
Charlotte
I’m Charlotte, the admin behind the scenes at Beyond the Paddock. Originally from the UK, I relocated to the Central Coast 13 years ago and have spent a lot of time here at the property, developing a deep appreciation for the animals and the environment.
With a background in bookkeeping and accounting, I now help with the day-to-day operations of the business. While my role keeps things organised, I’m lucky enough to work in an environment where I can look out over the paddocks and be around the animals each day.
At Beyond the Paddock, we focus on creating positive experiences through animal interactions and Animal-Assisted Therapy. It’s a privilege to be part of a team that combines my passion for animals with the opportunity to support others in their personal growth and well-being.
Admin
Our Teachers
Elvis
HORSE
I am a Shetland pony. I am the oldest AND wisest of them all. I will be your best friend. I love playing dress ups and will happily take cuddles and food all day long.
Poppy
Rabbit
I’m Poppy – a calm and affectionate mini lop bunny. My gentle nature and soft presence bring a sense of peace and comfort to everyone I meet – and of course, I love a little snack!
Switch
HORSE
I am a registered Australian Stockhorse and I am known as the big friendly giant within our team! I love cuddles and get jealous when I’m not picked to participate in a session. Don’t worry though, I’ll just make sure to watch you guys over the fence.
Kath and Kim
Goats
We’re the sassiest, most affectionate dynamic duo this side of Fountain Lakes.
We’re inseparable twin Boer goats that love hanging out and following you everywhere, we’re playful, and we love creating a bond with everyone we meet.
Justice
Horse
I am a registered Welsh pony. I love making friends with everyone and am always ready to teach you something new!
Daisy
Dog
I’m Daisy – a super calm and sociable Kelpie/Border Collie mix. I love learning, being challenged and being a super comforting presence in every therapy session.
Nugget, Goldie, Sonic, Maggie
Chickens
Hey! We’re friendly flock of chickens – we’ve each got our own quirky personality. We’re always ready to bring plenty of smiles with our cheerful antics, a sense of calm with our gentle clucks.
Ruby
Horse
I am an Australian Stock horse. I am very brave, delightful, playful and adventurous. I love to search around the paddock for things to play with – I’ve even been caught playing with a stick in my mouth. I love being around people and would happily spend all my day being loved by you!
Lola
Dog
Hey, I’m Lola, the smallest but mightiest member of the four legged brigade. If you give me a good belly tickle I’ll be loyal to you forever, and will always keep you company during your therapy session.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Animal Assisted Therapy Benefits
Engaging
The natural setting, combined with the calming and non-judgemental presence of an animal, creates a more relaxed, peaceful and engaging atmosphere than traditional therapy within four walls
Empowering
Provides an opportunity to empower individuals to expand personal comfort zones while building confidence & self esteem
Nurturing
Provides an opportunity to attain immediate, honest and observable feedback with cause and effect situations
Transformative
Develops abilities to be smart risk takers and fair-minded team players
Contact us
Recent NDIS changes won’t impact you being able to use our services!
Given the recent NDIS changes, are you wondering if you can still utilise your NDIS Therapy budget (Capacity Building – Daily Living Funding) with us?
Great news – you can!
NDIS INFORMATION
learn more
“My son really enjoys attending Equine therapy.”
Laura and her team are lovely and it’s the only activity that we have done that my son hasn’t suffered major anxiety with. It’s such a calming environment and he loves working with the horses. My son won’t participate in traditional therapies anymore, so it’s great that he can go along and participate in a therapy based program, without actually knowing he is doing it.
- K Meredith
"Amazing place. Laura and her staff are very passionate about working with children using horses."
My son (add/ADHD) loves it and I can see how his behaviour has improved over the last few months working with them. Amazing team ! Thank you!! Highly recommend them
- ANNA
"We've loved our time with Beyond the Paddock so far and are so happy to continue with the service."
The facilitators are wonderful - so knowledgeable, compassionate and intuitive. The surroundings are beautiful and we couldn't be happier with our experience with Laura and Ellen. Highly recommend!
- RS
"He looks forward to his sessions each week and is building confidence more and more"
Our son 7.5 has been going to equine therapy for a few weeks now. He loves it and has taken to caring for his horse ice cream well. He retains all the information laura teaches him and is so excited to share it with us. I recommend this service to anyone who's kids love animals and need help regulating and building confidence.
- Amanda Skinner
"Very happy with the experience my at Beyond the Paddock"
Very happy with the experience my granddaughter has been having with Ellen at Beyond the Paddock. She is lovely with her ... kindly and gently engaging with her as they interact with ice cream the pony. I highly recommend Laura and Ellen’s services to others.
- Chrisanya Ashcroft
"I highly recommend"
I contacted Laura to find out about Beyond the Paddock as my daughter has disabilities and was dealing with bullying issues at school, i thought it might help with what was going on at school, she really lost alot of self confidence due to it. Laura's sessions with my daughter really helped build her confidence back up and she is so relaxed and calm when doing them.My daughter has develeped a special bond with the horses,especially ice cream.Its been fantastic for my girl and she looks forward to her sessions and i do as well :)
- megan burdon
" Laura's approach was outstanding."
I had the experience of laura working closely with my two children. Her approach was outstanding. So intune, patient and nurturing to their needs and most importantly building on their confidence in a new setting. Communication, safety, lesson and benefits are outstanding. If we could manage to do it more often we would.
- bree Oregan
"My son has ASD and absolutely loves and looks forward to attending his sessions with Laura."
We started with private sessions and have since moved into small group sessions with 3 other children. It works on so many aspects of my sons therapy including now social as well as regulation, negotiation skills, behaviour, anxiety etc. All whilst being outdoors in a calming relaxed setting and working with beautiful horses, he doesn't realise he is learning skills whilst doing an activity he loves. The location is great on a private property and away from distractions and is complimenting all of his other therapies nicely. I even walk away feeling relaxed after just sitting and watching the session.
