Meet The Team
Meet the Heart of Paws 4 Change
Welcome to the heart and soul of Paws 4 Change. The team you’ll meet here is a community of compassionate experts, dedicated facilitators and passionate advocates, brought together by a shared belief in the power of connection.
Each of us has a unique story and a personal ‘why’ that drives our commitment to this work, but we are all united by a deep respect for the gentle, transformative power of the human-animal bond. We believe in creating a space where every person feels safe, seen and supported on their journey towards resilience and well-being.
We’re so glad you’re here and we invite you to get to know the people and the paws behind our purpose.
Sue Cooper | Co-Founder & Neurodiversity Advocate
Sue Cooper is the co-founder of Paws 4 Change, a lifelong animal lover and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Her journey with the organisation is a powerful testament to its mission, beginning with a unique blend of technical expertise and culminating in a profound personal transformation that now fuels her vision for the future.
With an extensive background in technology, web development and digital marketing, Sue initially became involved with Paws 4 Change for a clear purpose: to take a powerful in-person program and make it accessible online. Her expertise in SEO, WordPress and business automation was the driving force behind creating the comprehensive, “business-in-a-box” facilitator program that empowers others to launch and manage their own services effectively.
However, what began as a technical project soon became a deeply personal journey. As a neurodivergent individual herself, Sue was unprepared for the profound impact that immersing herself in the program's content would have on her own life.
"Little did I know the effect that putting the program together would have on myself. It has had a profound impact on my life... how I acknowledge my anxiety and my neurodiverse traits, and just generally how it's improved my social and business skills."
This firsthand experience of the program's power to build confidence, improve social skills and foster self-awareness ignited a deep personal conviction. When the original owner of Paws 4 Change departed, Sue was so moved and empowered by the stories of transformation from participants that she knew the program could not be abandoned. Her belief in its potential was no longer just professional; it was deeply felt.
Today, it is the knowledge of the incredible outcomes Paws 4 Change can achieve that drives Sue to continue building and expanding its reach. She is committed to creating a kinder, more connected world where people of all ages can find resilience, confidence and wellbeing, supported by the gentle, grounding presence of our four-legged co-facilitators.
Tracey Williams | Community Engagement Coordinator
Tracey brings a heart-led, people-first approach to her role at Paws 4 Change, combining strategic growth with genuine care for the individuals and communities the organisation supports. For her, being heart-led means leading with integrity, empathy and long-term vision, building sustainable success that uplifts people, not just outcomes.
She believes resilience is not about pushing harder, but about adapting with clarity and courage. In business and in life, she focuses on steady progress, structured support and creating environments where people feel safe enough to grow. Her passion lies in helping others recognise their capability, especially when they may not yet see it in themselves.
What deeply resonated with Tracey about Paws 4 Change is its unwavering commitment to the power of connection. The vision to create lasting change through the human–animal bond and the mission to provide structured, meaningful support to some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in our communities, aligns strongly with her values. She believes that when confidence, communication and emotional regulation are nurtured with compassion and consistency, transformation follows.
Tracey is particularly passionate about supporting facilitators to build values-aligned, sustainable businesses that extend this impact even further and strengthening families while creating leadership opportunities within the community.
Outside of work, Tracey recharges through exploring the world, building connections across cultures and embracing the stories and traditions that shape communities. A passionate home cook, she loves recreating global flavours as a way to relive and share those experiences.
Looking ahead, she is excited to contribute strategic growth and stronger pathways that allow Paws 4 Change to expand its reach while staying true to its heart. Nothing makes her smile more than witnessing someone step into confidence, that moment when belief replaces doubt and growth becomes possible.
Joanne Barnes | Facilitator & Mentor
Joanne is a heart-led facilitator and mentor who embodies the Paws 4 Change mission of leading with compassion, connection and integrity. For Joanne, this work is not just a profession; it is a deep-seated purpose, born from her own lived experience as a parent of two children with complex disabilities.
Joanne has witnessed firsthand the life-changing power of the human-animal bond, having seen her son’s Assistance Dog bring calm, grounding and connection where the world once felt loud and unpredictable. This personal journey fuels her conviction that every individual
deserves the opportunity to not just get through life, but to experience it more fully. She is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where individuals feel understood and capable, helping them build the confidence, emotional regulation and independence to
thrive.
"Resilience grows when people feel safe enough to try... and supported enough to keep going"
Driven by the belief that every person deserves dignity and meaningful participation in life, Joanne is excited to guide and mentor the next generation of Paws 4 Change facilitators. By sharing her practical insights and the heart behind the work, she hopes to create a ripple effect of positive change that reaches far beyond any one family.
When she’s not supporting others, you can find Joanne on the pickleball court... a fast, fun and laughter-filled hobby that keeps her energised and reminds her that joy and play are just as important as purpose.
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Paws 4 Change respectfully recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original inhabitants and custodians of this land. We honour their rich cultures, identities, and enduring ties to land, water, kin, and community. We express our deep respect for Elders both past and present, and we are dedicated to contributing positively to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through culturally sensitive, safe, and inclusive services.
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