Elani Schmidt

Psychologist and Animal Assisted Therapist

Elani is Registered Psychologist and Animal-Assisted Therapist with masters qualifications in both counselling and psychotherapy, and in Clinical Psychology. Elani has skills and experience working with a diverse range of people, including children with autism, homeless youth, and parent counselling. Elani has a special interest in working with adolescents and completing trauma counselling. Elani has been working as an Animal Assisted Therapist for seven years and has worked with a variety of animals over that time including dogs, cats, rabbits and horses. Elani has also written and runs the group programs offered at Habitat Animal Assisted Therapy.

Madalyn Simpson

Group Facilitator

Madalyn (Maddy) is Habitat Animal Assisted Therapy’s group facilitator who supports with all our group programs. Maddy has her undergraduate and honours degrees in psychology. She has extensive experience working with people who have a mental health condition or disability through her previous roles as a support worker and support coordinator. Maddy also works as a swim teacher for children ages 3 months to 10 years old. This background allows her to bring a wealth of knowledge to our group programs where she is able to support clients to get the most out of the programs, even on days where they may find the session challenging.

Co-Therapists

  • Frida

    Frida is a 3 year old Miniature Schnauzer who is a certified therapy dog (foundation level) with Lead the Way Institute. Frida has been working as a therapy dog her whole life and loves her job. Her favourite things to do are to cuddle on the couch, learn new trick and play ball with clients. Frida is a hypoallergenic dog so is suitable to work with clients who have dog fur allergies.

  • Spiny Leaf Insects

    Hepburn and Hart are our two spiny leaf insects at Habitat. They spend most of their day munching on eucalyptus leaves but also love to be held throughout the session as well. To hold Hepburn and Hart you have to be relaxed and regulated so this is a great way to practice these skills in sessions.

  • Spotted Marsh Frogs

    Our spotted marsh frogs are the newest addition to the Habitat family. We have an army of 5 frogs who we have been lucky enough to watch grow from when they were tadpoles. Frogs can absorb toxins through their skin, so we don’t hold these animals, but we love getting clients to help feed and clean them and engage with them in many other ways.