MEET THE AMAROO TEAM
EXPERIENCED AND DEDICATED TEAM OF EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING PRACTITIONERS, EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPISTS, MENTORS, SUPPORT WORKERS, STABLEHANDS, AND EQUINE CO-FACILITATORS
We draw on evidence-based research to connect with the wisdom of horses, and the power of experience and exploration, to create meaningful change. At Amaroo, we only interact with horses in a mutually respectful and invitational manner.
AWARENESS, CONNECTION & HEALTHY EXPRESSION
MEET OUR PRACTITIONERS
Bel Muiser
DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL PRACTITIONER
Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner
Mental Health certification and Trauma Informed, person-centred practitioner.
AIPC Dip. Counselling (Student)
Memberships with EPI (Equine Psychotherapy Institute, IICT, Student ACA)
Youth Mental Health First Aid accreditation
Bel Muiser, the dedicated director, owner, and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) practitioner at Amaroo Equine, embodies a profound commitment to holistic well-being.
With a rich background in community services and a profound understanding of equine-assisted therapies, Bel has passionately steered Amaroo Equine towards becoming a haven for transformative experiences. Her journey blends a deep appreciation for the intuitive nature of horses with a commitment to personal development.
As an accomplished EAL practitioner, Bel has crafted innovative programs that leverage the therapeutic power of human-horse connections, guiding individuals toward self-discovery, emotional resilience, and authentic growth.
Under her compassionate leadership, Amaroo Equine has flourished as a space where individuals embark on profound journeys of healing and self-awareness, facilitated by Bel's expertise, unwavering dedication, and the wisdom of her equine partners.
Hannah Dunn
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING FACILITATOR
Hannah’s love of animals influenced her to study vet nursing and it was through this experience she found her true calling by becoming an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator with the wonderful Amaroo crew and heard she is now able to support people navigate their pathways in life. “Horses and nature have always had a special place in my heart. A feeling of connection, grounding and peace comes from being with these sentient beings in their natural environment. Horses teach us to be present, breathe and live in the moment. A beautiful reminder to ourselves to follow in their steps.
I have always felt the need to care for and support others around me. Coming from a family of teachers, nurses and psychologists I felt drawn to study childhood education and mental health. It's a rewarding and heartfelt industry I love being a part of”. Hannah’s passions also include photography and art where she finds peace and grounding by exploring nature and going on adventures with her dog Bear. Hannah loves finding opportunities along the way the capture the moment & reflect on the journey. “I love art because it can be a wonderful expression of yourself. You can have lot of fun creating your own masterpiece! Nature and art therapy is something I would wish to share with others”.
Erin Hanlon
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING FACILITATOR
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID ACCREDITATION
Erin is a dedicated Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, blending her lifelong love for horses with a fervent commitment to supporting individuals to achieve their fullest potential.
Guided by a passion for supporting people in living their best lives, Erin specialises in working with children. As the facilitator of the Amaroo Explorers group, catering to those under 12 years of age, Erin orchestrates a unique Equine and Nature-based program aimed at nurturing social and emotional skills. Her belief in the transformative power of horses is rooted in years of experience as a seasoned horsewoman, having trained and competed in various equestrian disciplines.
Erin's mantra is simple yet profound: "I’ve witnessed firsthand, the magic of horses and how they can be our best supports and our most knowledgeable teachers." Join Erin on a journey of self-discovery and growth through the incredible connection between humans and horses.
Dr Elisha Barrett
EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Clinical Psychologist: MAPS, FFCLP, FEWM
DPSYCH (Clin), MPHIL (Psy), BPSYCH (Hons)
EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (Student)
Meet Dr. Elisha Barrett, an exceptional professional with over 20 years of dedicated service in various humanitarian and developmental roles, specialising in community empowerment and social justice on both individual and collective levels.
Elisha holds a Doctorate earned through collaborative research conducted alongside Aboriginal community Elders, focusing on childhood trauma and wellbeing. Her expertise in trauma-informed practice stems from a Masters in Social Work, where she received prestigious awards for her commitment to social justice.
With specific specialisation in critically informed approaches to supporting youths and women dealing with mental health challenges like Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse, and process addictions, Elisha's impact spans a wide spectrum.
For over a decade, Elisha has taught and led programs at Western Sydney University, focusing on Critical Social Work Practice, Adolescent Health, Development and Social Policy, Cultural Studies, and Sociology. Her extensive experience extends to working closely with Aboriginal communities in Western Sydney, establishing pivotal partnerships for programs like the Murama Healing Space for Indigenous youths.
Now combining her lifelong passion for horses with her expertise, Elisha is pursuing qualifications in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Her dedication and wisdom aim to empower clients across all aspects of their lives, bringing culturally informed trauma-related
Dr Kate Baecher
PhD (2019)
Masters of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Science
Kate has spent the last 17 years working as a Clinical Psychologist in slightly atypical environments compared to most. She completed her post-graduate training in the Australian Army, where she served both as a soldier and officer for 15 years. Subsequent to this, she completed a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology and since then, has worked in every environment from sports to reality TV (for her sins) to policing.
Kate has held a passion for nature and the outdoors from an early age, escaping from the city to the mountains and bush at every possible moment. As a result, Kate has felt first-hand the power of nature in healing, and in connection. She believes that the attunement between animals and humans, and nature and humans can be more powerful than that of humans-to-humans; and this is why she loves being at Amaroo – because Amaroo is the embodiment of all of these. Kate’s most recent work has focused on the facilitation of Wellbeing Retreats for first responders experiencing trauma, which focus on the connection between mind and body; and body and nature. It is these very connections that she fosters at Amaroo. When Kate isn’t working, you’ll find her in nature either exploring and adventuring with Ben, her canyon-guide partner, or endlessly chasing after their rescue greyhound, Flynnie.
AND OUR TEAM
EQUINE CO-FACILITATORS
Having calm, healthy, and safe horses as co-facilitators in equine therapy is essential at Amaroo. These horses serve as crucial partners, teachers and co-facilitators in learning and therapeutic sessions, aiding in creating a safe and supportive environment.
Their temperament, health, and personality are carefully considered to ensure they can effectively engage with participants, contributing positively to the therapeutic process.
By prioritising the well-being and suitability of these co-facilitators, Amaroo ensures that its equine learning and therapy sessions are conducive to fostering meaningful connections and experiences for participants.
STABLE HANDS
Our team of Stablehands at Amaroo Equine fulfil a crucial role in caring for the horses' daily needs, encompassing feeding, grooming, exercise, and ensuring overall well-being. They maintain cleanliness and organisation within the stables and paddocks ensuring a healthy and safe environment for the horses.
Additionally, our Stablehands assist during equine-assisted workshops, ensuring the comfort and safety of both horses and participants. Their responsibilities extend beyond the stables, involving care for the land, pastures, and facilities to maintain an optimal environment for equine activities.
Their dedication spans land and stable management, supporting the smooth operation of the facility and contributing to the overall health and welfare of the horses and the Amaroo Equine environment.