Jo McFarlane is a passionate professional who builds respectful relationships with families. Her extensive knowledge of disabilities combined with current research enables her to support children with current interventions and accommodations in school and home environments.

During her 30 years in education, Jo has developed experience in the following settings:

• Giant Steps Tasmania Teacher (School for Children with Autism)
• Vision Impairment Support Service (Children 0 – Year 12)
• Esk Support Service (Support role, support inclusion of students in DECYP schools, School age children)
• Learning Support Coordinator (Accessing funding, working with families and children, 3 years – 12 years, in the school setting)
• Jo has worked closely with Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech and Language Therapists to provide successful programs to support children at home and at school. This multidisciplinary approach is evident in her work.

Jo McFarlane is a passionate equestrian; she enjoys training young horses and has an open mind to expand her knowledge in educating horses. Her knowledge in this area grows as she works with horsemanship professionals who share similar training philosophies.

As a coach, the personal characteristics of a calm, positive, and empathic demeanour combined with strong communication, and self-reflective skills enable her to build trust and set realistic goals with riders and their families. She brings together a professional career in education and a recent focus on psychology to mentor the horse and rider in developing skills at all levels.

Jo is an advocate of the Equestrian Australia Coaching System; she trains and mentors new and upgrading coaches. She encourages coaches to become continual learners. Her highly professional approach encourages the enhancement of learning through self-awareness, the learning of new skills and adopting effective non-judgmental teaching strategies.

Jo is available for coach education, individual lessons or clinics, please phone or email.