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Hi, I'm Becky.......
Hello and welcome to Sunnyside!
As the owner, I'm deeply grateful for your interest in what we do.
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I'm not just the owner, but also a Mum to two teenagers (and a few furry friends). In addition to running Sunnyside, I work in a High School support unit, which keeps me busy and fulfilled.
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Horses have been a part of my life since I was just five years old when my sister let me ride her Arab gelding, 'Toby.' That experience sparked a lifelong passion for horses, leading me to work as a show-groom and at various racing yards while studying and leasing horses of my own during my late teens. Horses became my rock during the tumultuous teenage years, providing solace and joy, to this day I still don't know what I would have done without them during that time.
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Life took me on a different path, though, and I spent 17 years in TV production and Events before finding love, raising a family, and emigrating to Australia. A career change later in life brought me back to my true calling—to help others.
I pursued further qualifications to work with youth in primary and secondary schools, supporting their learning and emotional well-being, as well as with individuals with disabilities as a support worker.
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But it was a personal tragedy in my own family that reignited my passion for horses and nature. Spending time with them reminded me of their incredible healing power, and I knew I had to share that with others facing similar struggles.
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So from the darkness of this tragedy, the light of Sunnyside was born.
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I embarked on further education to become certified as an Equine Facilitated Learning facilitator and sought wisdom from practitioners around Australia and the world. My diverse life experiences—from the hustle of London's TV world to the joys and challenges of motherhood—combined with my qualifications, have shaped me into the practitioner I am today.
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I officially opened our doors in 2020, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and since that time, the herd and I have been privileged to support many adults and children facing a range of life’s difficulties including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, learning disabilities, brain trauma, and confidence issues.
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Our dedication to supporting our participants was recognised when we proudly received the 2023 Owner Operator award at the Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
It's an honor to be able to make a positive difference in our community and I look forward to continuing our passion and supporting those at need in our new community.
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Becky xx
Why trust us to support you?
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I am an Equine Assisted Wellbeing Endorsed Practitioner, graduating from the Equine Assisted Wellbeing Institute of WA.
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I hold a Certificate IV in Education Support.
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I am a Youth Mental Health First Aider.
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I have many years of experience working with students requiring support in primary and secondary schools and as a disability support worker.
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I am a fully qualified First Aider.
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I am ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills) trained
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I am approved to work with children with a current Working with Children Check.
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We are winners of the 2023 Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce Business Awards - Owner Operator.
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We are a fully insured business with Affinity Equine Insurance & follow Horse Safety Australia's risk management procedures.
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We are professional members of Animal Therapies Pty Ltd - 'Animals Helping Humans'. who work tirelessly to advance the understanding, acceptance, and accessibility of animal-assisted services for those in need.
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I have worked alongside other EFL/EAL practitioners around Australia to broaden my knowledge and techniques.
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I believe strongly in continuous professional development & education, and undertake PD opportunities and self-learning wherever possible. I love reading and self-paced learning from experts in the industry.
