Introducing our Team
Hi, we are Alan and Jonny, the owners operators of Cairns Adventure Therapy.
We are both Mental Health Social Workers with a passion for supporting vulnerable members of our community. We have extensive experience providing therapeutic support to children in out of home care and supporting parents and foster parents to strengthen relationships and connections.
Prior to working in clinical settings we both spent time working as dive instructors, on opposite sides of the country at Ningaloo and the GBR. Coral Reefs were a pretty good office and these days our approach is to get out of clinical settings and use nature as a co-facilitator in creating positive change with clients.
We have skills in delivering a wide range of therapeutic approaches such as Narrative and Art therapy and also have the appropriate skills and experience to combine them with a number of adventure activities such as Bushwalking, climbing and mountain bike riding.
Jonny Marshall
I am passionate about working with children and families and using the beautiful locations and facilities that our region has to help facilitate positive change.
I believe that adventure therapy is an ideal approach to engage with people to improve both their mental and physical health. It is incredibly powerful supporting people to gain new insights into their abilities and relationships
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and have been working in the Human Services field since 2010. I have completed extensive training in a wide range of therapeutic approaches including Sensorimotor Art Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I combine these therapeutic approaches with adventure based activities in nature to work towards mutually agreed goals with clients.
When working with children and young people whenever possible I suggest a systemic approach working with a number of people involved in the care of that young person. Providing support and education to parents is a key part of this and I am accredited to deliver parenting programs including Circle of Security and Bringing Up Great Kids, as well as doing training with the Theraplay Institute.
Alan Zaeh
I've always enjoyed the natural environment while assisting people increase their social and emotional wellbeing while utilising the beautiful environment around Cairns.
I'm a social worker having worked in the field of human services since 2012. I believe in assisting clients in a collaborative approach for positive outcomes. I'm trained in therapeutic approaches such as Narrative Therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Theraplay, Expressive Therapy, and Outdoor Recreational Activities.
I believe in Adventure therapy as it's a unique approach. The power of nature is in partnership with therapeutic interventions in creating a healing partnership for children, adults and families.
Working in collaboration, and not just with the individual through a systemic approach with either their carer, partner or family is important. This holistic approach combined with therapy, adventure and the outdoors, assists in creating positive relationships, trust, social skills, self-esteem, and confidence.
Ayla Ross
Hi everyone, my name is Ayla. I relocated to Cairns in 2019 from WA and haven’t looked back! I have many years of experience working as a Primary Teacher in schools, as well an Educator in Outside of School Hours Care. I’ve always gravitated towards working with children and families and am very passionate about building safe, supportive and caring relationships with individuals, without judgement. I love immersing myself in nature as a way to unwind and recharge, whether it be camping with friends, exploring a waterfall or playing with my dog at the beach. I especially enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, travelling near and far, thinking creatively and trying new things, like indoor rock-climbing and stand up paddle boarding! I’m honoured to start my new adventure with the Cairns Adventure Therapy team and can’t wait to inspire, challenge and connect in the great outdoors!
Leah Stacey
Hi everyone, my name is Leah. I was born in Atherton and spent my childhood in the hills of Kuranda and eventually moved to Cairns after a stint of overseas travel. I am currently studying my Bachelor of Art Therapy with intentions to blend a diverse range of modalities into my practice and have previously worked as a teacher aide. My favourite things to do in my spare time include a recently renewed love for rock climbing, hiking, and trips out into nature with my children which include beach fossicking, bush walks, creek swimming, camping trips and kayaking to name a few activities. I am also a lover of Latin dance and any form of creative expression, taking to a canvas or drawing pad with paints or pens, or making art out of things I find whilst out exploring. I am incredibly excited to be joining the crew at Cairns Adventure Therapy to be able to combine my passion for adventure, the arts, the environment, and early education with my evolving identity as an arts therapist, beginning from one of my most loved places of all: the wilderness.
