Barefoot Therapists

23/05/2026

We 💚 Gadara Farm. Sometimes the opportunity for fine motor development is more motivating ‘out in the field’ than in the clinic. Isolating the index finger for pincer grip is an important part of fine motor and handwriting development. We are blessed to be able to offer both indoor and outdoor occupational therapy for fine motor skills. And learning/tutoring programs for handwriting, literacy and specific learning disorders at the farm as well. Because outside is the healthy way to learn!

18/05/2026

We grow in gardens. Photos from our Child & Family Centre in Rosebud. All our therapists have access to our gardens to work with children. We know it’s a therapeutic contribution to many of our sessions and are grateful for the outdoor green space we can grow in.

13/05/2026

We 💚 AAL. Our qualified teacher, Alex, is trained in animal assisted learning. Barefoot Therapists at Gadara Farm use these approaches in our learning and tutoring programs - we have horses, donkeys, sheep, pigs, guinea pigs, goats and even a couple of cows who can contribute to finding your child’s motivation and their learning edge. Academically progress in the gentle vibe of the farm while enjoying the experience.

Animal-assisted learning (AAL) programs integrate structured interactions with animals into educational, social, and therapeutic environments to support the development, wellbeing, and engagement of people, including children and young people.

For neurodiverse youth — including autistic children, young people with ADHD, sensory processing differences, learning disabilities, anxiety, trauma backgrounds, and other developmental differences — these programs provide a highly effective, strengths-based approach to learning and participation.

Research and practical experience demonstrate that interactions with animals can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, increase motivation, and enhance communication and social connection.

Animals create a non-judgmental and calming presence that can support young people who may experience barriers in traditional educational or therapeutic settings.

Animal-assisted learning programs are particularly valuable because they combine experiential learning with emotional safety and engagement. Through guided activities with specially selected animals, participants can develop:

Emotional regulation and self-confidence
Social and communication skills
Literacy and learning engagement
Sensory integration and calming strategies
Empathy, responsibility, and relationship-building
Attendance, participation, and school connection

11/05/2026

Nature can be a great impetus for learning. We offer farm-based tutoring which we have found to be effective at increasing motivation and engagement. This can be really helpful for children who have lost confidence in their academic ability. We have programs which focus on specific issues such as dyslexia, and general literacy and numeracy, all based at gadara_farm.

07/05/2026

Wellbeing for the adult folk on the Pen.

Experience Wyda - Yoga of the Druids Celtic Ancient Wellbeing & Healing. 10 Friday sessions at Gadara Farm, Mornington Peninsula.

06/05/2026

Today we’re reaching out to our community 💙

ATL supports individuals who may not otherwise be able to access life-changing animal-assisted therapy. Every day, we see the difference these sessions make — building confidence, improving wellbeing, and creating meaningful connections.

But we can’t do it alone.

As a registered charity, we rely on donations to meet the growing demand for our services. If you’re in a position to give, your support can help ensure that no one misses out due to financial barriers.

https://chuffed.org/project/104921-atlneedsyoursupport25

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Every contribution — big or small — makes a real impact.

Donate today and help us continue this important work.

06/05/2026

Homeschooling in Victoria has about doubled in 5 years. So our teacher has responded by developing more tutoring programs for those who need specific teaching.

11,691 students in 8,154 households are the stats from the Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority website. Our specialised tutoring service is provided by a therapeutic teacher who has spent years working with our therapists to include therapeutic recommendations within the numeracy and literacy programs.

Focusing on dyslexia and other barriers to learning, are tackled in a farm environment, where animals and purposeful movement breaks can be included to increase motivation and outcomes.

06/05/2026

Flashback to where it all started 14 years ago with Sarah Munn’s first Barefoot business card. And whose toes are those?

02/05/2026

Do you need a tutor? It can be hard to choose the right one.

Working with a qualified teacher who understands numeracy and literacy AND the many related issues when the child is also neurodivergent is essential. Our qualified teacher addresses all these areas with the primary focus on academic skill attainment. Basically she helps them read, write and do maths better and settles them into a positive learning mindset for school.

02/05/2026

Such a great opportunity to work with Sarah Munn, our practice owner and wayfinder here at Barefoot Therapists and at Gadara Farm where we also have our therapists trained by Sarah and working with horses in therapy and learning programs.

Join me for Equine Assisted Therapy & Learning Level 1. Dig in for 10 weeks online and earn all you need to know to earn a certificate in EAT or EAL which is in line with Australian competencies and guidelines. It’s part time so you can work within your own schedule and we meet weekly. Can’t wait to meet you and help you reach your goals. We start on the 13th May.

Email enquiries@sarahmunn.com.au for more info or to book in.