About Reason To Thrive
Reason to Thrive (RTT) is a registered charity, and public benevolent institution, founded in Warwick in 2017. In mid-2018 Reason to Thrive took a different direction, and the organisation was moved to the western-suburbs of Brisbane to begin its new life providing benevolent, life-skills programs, to at-risk youth, young men, women and families, through a hands-on, practical learning modality, known as Equine Assisted Learning (EAL).
Our evidence-based EAL programs promote mental, physical and social wellbeing, and have been developed by allied and mental health professionals, to support young people at-risk of disengagement from formal education, family or community, as well as women and families whose lives have been impacted by trauma, grief, abuse, loss, incarceration, mental health issues, domestic and family violence.
All of our EAL programs take place in Kholo (western suburbs of Brisbane), on a private property, that provides participants a tranquil and calming environment to learn about themselves, and build essential skills, to better handle the daily challenges in their lives.
Our Mission
To build individual resilience through recovery and prevention programs, utilising hands-on Equine Assisted Learning ground-based activities, to support vulnerable and disengaged people in our community.
Our Vision
Learning from connecting with horses, to develop insights, and build essential skills, to grow strong communities.
Our Team
Michelle has had horses her entire life and after holding many management positions in operational roles within heavy industry, agriculture, aviation, travel sectors, she made a life-changing decision to follow her passion and work with horses in a professional capacity.
Michelle has now spent 15-years in the equine industry in a variety of different roles, including many years on the management team of McIntyre Centre, Riding for Disabled Inc, the largest RDA organisation in Australasia. Her years of experience and knowledge of the therapeutic benefits that horses bring to humans influenced her decision to become a certified Equine Assisted Learning facilitator in early 2019.
Michelle’s drive and passion for supporting women and families in our community to help them gain essential skills and personal growth to be able to face the daily challenges of life, is the reason why our EAL programs are in such demand.
Michelle radiates warmth, compassion, empathy for EVERY participant who attends. Michelle and her team of facilitators, and special horses, are the reason why a number of young people and women in our community have now been able to make positive changes in their lives, find new work and find their voice again.
Michelle currently holds the non-statutory, non-voting position of Secretary on the Reason to Thrive Inc Committee.
Julie brings a potent mix of skills and energy to Reason to Thrive: a love of horses, deep experience in fundraising, and a passion to build corporate and community partnerships that benefit the whole community.
Julie has been working in the marketing and event management industries for more than 38 years, both in the corporate and not-for-profit industries. She has had horses in her life for over 20 years and has spent many years working on the management team at McIntyre Centre, Riding for Disabled Inc, the largest RDA Centre in Australasia.
Julie is excited about being part of Reason to Thrive and working hard to give young at-risk people, and women whose lives have been impacted by domestic/family violence, the opportunity to learn alongside these powerful and natural teachers.
Reason to Thrive promotes “if we have the funds, we run a program”. Thanks to Julie’s passion for fundraising and building strong client relationships, Reason to Thrive has been able to consistently provide benevolent programs each and every term that they have been operating.
Julie’s goal is to partner with as many Trusts, Foundations, Corporate and community groups as possible, whose social responsibility is to support disengaged and disadvantaged youth, women and families in our community.
She says, “I know Reason to Thrive is a small grassroot charity, but when we collaborate with like-minded people and organisations, we CAN make a huge difference to someone’s life and their lifestyle choices”.
Julie credits horses with teaching her patience, empathy and giving her better listening skills, and thoroughly enjoys watching these equine teachers help participants learn to build the necessary skills for them to handle their daily challenges of life.
Although Grace was not born in a stable, she has certainly been around one since she was a very small child.
As a horse owner and active competitor, Grace is very aware of the life lessons that are taught from being around horses on a regular basis. These lessons have been applied to not only her life as an equestrian, but to many other aspects of her very busy world.
Grace is currently studying a dual degree in Paramedicine & Nursing and completed her Equine Connection certification at the beginning of 2021. She is kept busy with the males in her life: two beautiful thoroughbreds, Rocky and Richie, who are both wonderful teachers in the EAL program; and a very loyal Blue Heeler, named Diesel.
Grace has a particular interest in the youth engagement programs and loves watching her beautiful horses pass on their valuable teachings to others.
Jenn grew up riding, drawing and dreaming about horses! Fast forward decades and the adventure, freedom, friendship and the teaching that horses brought then, lives on in her today. Currently, 'Billy' the ginger Quarter Horse, with its big personality, definitely keeps her equine dance card full.
After raising a large family, 30+ years working closely with people as a stylist, Jenn achieved a 20yr old goal of certifying as an Equine Assisted Learning facilitator through Equine Connections, Canada.
Jenn is passionate to see people free to grow and evolve into becoming the best version of themselves. She is eager to support every participant in our program to gain the essential life and personal skills needed to enjoy their life to the fullest.
Jenn is very excited to be part of the Reason to Thrive operational team, committed to see what potential is unlocked by our equine friends and our EAL programs.
Deb has over 20-years’ experience in the Disability & Community Services Sector, working to create services and necessary support in mainstream communities to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
Deb has worked in both the government and non- government sectors around Australia, including: Disability Services Qld; Centacare Qld; Knox City Council, Victoria; Spastic Society of Victoria; the Handicapped Persons Association, NT, and Total Recreation in Darwin, which she created from the ground up.
Deb has particular experience and interest in working with young people and assisting them to develop life options beyond school. Her career, skills and love of anything equine led to her involvement in Pony Club and Equestrian Qld committees.
Deb has three children, with two children being autistic, and also having ADHD. Deb has horses of her own, and has encouraged and supported all of her children to be involved in equestrian activities. Due to this, she has experienced first-hand how these majestic animals provide opportunities in their wonderful, non-judgemental way, for people to develop lifelong skills, and enhance their self-esteem and confidence.
Deb is a much-valued member of Reason to Thrive’s operational team, having been one of our experienced EAL facilitators since the beginning of 2022. Deb works across all of our EAL programs, but her real passion lies with supporting at-risk youth in our community.
Cathy is an EA Level 1 coach who specialises in coaching dressage, para-equestrian, and riders with disabilities.
Cathy coached at the McIntyre Centre RDA for 10 years, which at the time was the second largest RDA in the Southern Hemisphere. When the McIntyre Centre changed owners, Cathy established Shine Equine, a private riding school in Pullenvale catering for riders with disabilities, which ran for four years before closing in 2021, while Cathy continued as a private coach.
In 1923, Cathy also took on the position of Queensland Coach for the well-known Equine Pathways Australia, an organisation catering for riders with disabilities, up to and including Para Equestrian level.
Cathy’s involvement with Reason to Thrive started with the inception of the current Reason to Thrive in 2018. She was part of the RTT trip to Sydney with a team of therapy horses to give demonstrations of our wonderful programs to veterans, veteran’s families, and visitors at the Invictus Games in 2018.
After a short time away from RTT due to family reasons, Cathy has re-joined the RTT “family” and hopes to become a key part of this amazing program which delivers such profound and lasting benefits to its participants.
John Bell is a valued member of the Reason to Thrive team, blending his professional background with a deep passion for youth development, and animals. His expertise from the Australian Army in operational management, and planning, significantly enhances our program's effectiveness.
John is particularly passionate about the Men of Tomorrow program, which mirrors his commitment to nurturing and guiding young men towards a brighter future. His dedication to both professional excellence, and personal passions, makes him an indispensable part of our team. John is a keen animal lover, with a particular interest in heavy horses and has recently purchased Banjo, a Shire Colt.
Our Committee
Mark brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and compassion to his role as Chairman of Reason to Thrive (RTT). With a diverse background spanning construction, building, and retail, his entrepreneurial expertise and innovative mindset are pivotal in guiding RTT’s vision and growth.
Mark is also the co-founder of Sarz Sanctuary, and the Sarz Spirit Foundation, a registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by traumatic grief, PTSD, and secondary trauma. These organisations were established in honour of Mark’s daughter, Sara Zelenak, who tragically lost her life in the London Bridge and Borough Market terror attack in 2017. Mark, and his wife Julie, have since dedicated their lives to helping others navigate grief and trauma, leveraging their own lived experiences to create a meaningful and supportive community.
His passion for fostering resilience and hope aligns seamlessly with RTT’s mission to provide life-changing Equine Assisted Learning programs for at-risk youth, women, and families impacted by trauma. His deep commitment to empowering individuals, and his drive to collaborate with like-minded organisations, are instrumental in expanding RTT’s reach and impact.
Mark believes in the profound healing power of horses, and their unique ability to teach patience, empathy, and confidence. His leadership reflects his unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for participants to overcome adversity, discover their strengths, and build the skills needed to face life’s challenges.
As Chairman, Mark is committed to strengthening RTT’s programs, fostering partnerships with corporate and community stakeholders, and ensuring the sustainability of its benevolent initiatives. He says, “Healing and growth are possible when we create environments of trust and compassion, and I’m honoured to support Reason to Thrive in helping people rebuild their lives with courage and hope.”
Mark was elected Treasurer of Reason to Thrive Inc in August 2024. He is an accountant with extensive career experience across many roles and industries.
Early on in his career, Mark was an Audit Manager with a large accounting firm in Australia and the UK. He subsequently gained industry experience as Financial Controller, and then Company Secretary, of a listed public company in Queensland, and additional governance experience as Secretary of two large government owned corporations in Brisbane and Gladstone.
In addition to working in corporate and government sectors, Mark has also gained not-for-profit experience as Finance Manager of a Brisbane-based community legal service
(2017–2023), and of Queenslanders with Disability Network Ltd (2017–2020).
In addition to his current role at RTT, and as Company Secretary of QDN (from 2023), Mark operates a finance, governance and administration consulting business, Mark McKeon Consulting.
More than 30 years’ experience in administration and management across government, property, health and not for profit sectors, a record of community service and a life-time involvement with horses, makes Sue a natural fit to support Reason to Thrive.
She has deep experience in stakeholder relations and operationalising strategic objectives and, in her current work role, manages membership and stakeholder engagement for a national research organisation.
Serving 8 years on Equestrian Queensland Board and with decades of instructing in the Pony Club Association of Queensland, Sue appreciates the connection and reflective dynamic between horses and humans and is committed to supporting the purpose and values of Reason to Thrive and to ensure the continued delivery of programs to promote mental, physical and social well-being.
Fiona is an advocate of Reason to Thrive's EAL Women's "Re-Build" program.
With over 25 years of Critical Care experience as a Registered Nurse, and having served on numerous community committees, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and lived-experiences to the organisation.
Fiona's journey with Reason to Thrive began in 2021, following 13 years of experiencing Domestic Violence.
She attributes the organisation's EAL "Re-Build" program and the horses she worked with, as instrumental in helping her regain her confidence and belief in herself. Through this unique, life-skills program, Fiona was able to rebuild her identity, find her voice, and re-discover her true self.
Today, Fiona is a Clinical Nurse Educator, as well as an Academic for the University of Queensland.
Inspired by her own transformation, Fiona became an Advocate for Reason to Thrive's Equine Assisted Learning "Re-Build" program and joined the committee in early 2023. Her dedication and passion for helping other women rebuild their lives make her an invaluable asset to the organisation.
How you can help
Reason to Thrive relies solely on the generous financial support and donations from the general public, community groups, businesses and grants, to be able to provide fully-funded programs to every participant referred to our programs.
As we do not receive any Government funding assistance, it is essential that we build strong, lasting partnerships with organisations, and individuals, that share in our desire to support as many vulnerable young people, women and families in our community, as possible.
Our Partners
Reason to Thrive partners support fully-funded EAL life-skill programs for at-risk youth and women impacted by family and domestic violence, playing a vital role in making a positive impact on their lives.
