Heart-led.
Evidence-based.
Built to last.
Paws 4 Change is powered by a small, passionate team who believe deeply in the power of the human–animal bond... and in the potential of every person and facilitator we work with.
Our Founder
Sue Cooper
Founder & Neurodiversity Advocate
Sue Cooper is the founder of Paws 4 Change... a lifelong animal lover, a passionate neurodiversity advocate, and the person who refused to let this program disappear.
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 became the foundation for the comprehensive, done-for-you facilitator program that now empowers others to launch and manage their canine-assisted services.
But what began as a technical project became something far more personal. 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.
When the original owner of Paws 4 Change stepped away, Sue couldn't walk away from the stories of transformation she'd witnessed. Her belief in the program's potential was no longer professional... it was deeply felt. She took on the role of founder and has been building and expanding its reach ever since.
Today, Sue 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.
The team
The people who make it possible.
Every person on the Paws 4 Change team brings lived experience, genuine conviction, and a deep care for the people we serve. We don't just believe in this work — we've felt it.
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 isn't about pushing harder... it's about adapting with clarity and courage. Her passion lies in helping others recognise their own capability, especially when they may not yet see it in themselves.
“ 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... and about strengthening families while creating leadership opportunities within the community. Outside of work, she recharges by exploring the world, building connections across cultures, and recreating global flavours in the kitchen.
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.
She 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.
“ 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 passionate about mentoring the next generation of Paws 4 Change facilitators... creating a ripple effect of positive change that reaches far beyond any one family. When she's not supporting others, you'll find her 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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Lived experience
Every member of our team has been personally touched by the work. We don't just deliver it... we feel it.
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Evidence-based
Built on 12+ years of proven outcomes. We believe in the methodology because the data backs it up.
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Dog welfare first
Our four-legged co-facilitators are assessed, cared for, and never pushed beyond their comfort.
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Growth for all
We're as invested in our facilitators' growth as we are in their participants'. Success is shared.
Become a facilitator
Want to do this work too?
The Paws 4 Change facilitator program is how we grow the team that makes this mission possible. If something in these bios resonated with you... if you recognise yourself in Sue's story, or Joanne's, or Tracey's... this might be your path.
You don't need a clinical background. You need heart, a people-friendly dog, and a genuine desire to make a difference in your community.
🎓 Full certification included
Certified to deliver the WAGS-based methodology and licensed under the Paws 4 Change brand
🤝 Mentored by Joanne & Sue
Personal mentorship from people who have done this work themselves... not just trained others to do it
🚀 90 days to your first clients
A structured pathway from training to a running your canine-assisted learning service... with advertising activated in your region
👥 Join a national community
You won't be working alone... the Paws 4 Change facilitator network is your ongoing support system
Paws 4 Change
Evidence-based canine-assisted learning for children, adults, and communities across Australia. Built on the award-winning WAGS program.
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