Krystal MorierDirector of Kids Compass, Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Qualified Play Therapist
BSc(Hons), MOT(Prac), Post Graduate Certificate in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Diploma of Dance (Teaching and Management), Post Graduate Training in Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ (Levels 1 and 2)
For as long as I can remember, helping people has been something I’ve been passionate about- though I was uncertain on how…I finished high school not knowing what I wanted to do – so I tried pretty much everything!
I started as a Scientist, then trained to be a Dancer/Teacher, Massage Therapist, and even tried Law School. But it wasn’t until I started teaching dance to special needs children and adults that I discovered Occupational Therapy – the rest is history!
The quest to start my own practice was a decade long journey – but I was lucky (and grateful) to have met many amazing people who helped me find my way…
My goal with Kids Compass isn’t just to help children and their families therapeutically, but to share with others, the same opportunities to ‘find their way’ with professional support, encouragement, and understanding.
I’m known to be a creative person by nature. It brings me great joy to be able to create with dance, art, music, and drama – it is a huge part of me as a person, and as a therapist. I love being able to share the joys of creative expression in my work with children – it is like a universal language that unites all abilities.
Embarking on this venture has taught me many lessons. One of the more valuable insights I’ve gained is that – some of life’s best therapy can be found in companionship with pets and animals. Shortly after the loss of my beautiful childhood dog of 15-years, I felt like a piece of me was missing. My beloved dog left such an impression in my life, that I had to share that experience with others. I remember telling my mentor at the time:
“My next dog will be a Therapy Dog, a Chocolate Labrador, and his name will be Magick…because magic happens between kids and dogs”
– and that was it. Working as a Human-Canine therapy team, Magick has joined me helping others through therapy. With a lot of hard work, Magick and I have gone on to be the first certified Animal Assisted Play Therapy team in Australia through the International Institute of Animal Assisted Play Therapy ® (IIAPT®). We are also grateful to have been chosen as the winners of the 2024 prestigious ‘Kirrie Award’ by the IIAPT® in recognition for our dedication and commitment to the field.
Attaining my qualification in Child-Centered Play Therapy has enhanced my ability to connect with the heart of the child and facilitate change from within. It is truly an amazing and rewarding experience to be able to use these modalities in therapy, to help children liberate their potential so they can achieve their most meaningful goals.
Magick MorierCertified Therapy Dog
Puppy Obedience Levels 1 & 2, Adult Manners, Animal Assisted Play Therapy Training (Level 2)
Hi my name is Magick, I’m a super friendly, giant, Chocolate Labrador! I come from a long line of gentle spirited Labradors who have gone on to be amazing Therapy and Service Dogs – I hope to do just the same!
I live with my Guardian, Krystal – she keeps me safe, gives me really tasty treats, and teaches me a lot of important things. I’ve been training to be a therapy dog since I was 12-weeks old. It’s a lot of hard work, but my guardian gives me plenty of time to have fun! I especially love catching up with my litter mates, playing with my pack, going on holidays (I’ve been on 12 so far, and hope to go on many many more!), and stealing left shoes from my humans. I get into a lot of mischief too, but most of the time Krystal doesn’t mind.
I spent my first year of puppyhood training alongside Krystal, at a special clinic with a lot of fun equipment to play on! I learnt a lot from my first clinic family – they taught me how to greet people politely, to help set up games, how to encourage little humans to use their hands, and to play a lot of fun games (though I’m a natural, and don’t need a lot of training to know how to play!). Now that Krystal has started Kids Compass, we can have a clinic family of our own!
I’m really good at knowing when humans are feeling sad, hurt, scared, or lonely. You can always count on me to greet you with a big smile and wagging tail. I’ll help to make you feel better by laying at your feet, or resting my paw on your leg – Krystal and I will sit with you until you’re ready to feel happy again.
Krystal and I just completed our Level 2 training for Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ – it is an American training model that helps Krystal and me learn to work as a team in Play Therapy sessions. It was a tough workshop, but we passed! With only one component to go, Krystal and I hope to be a certified Animal Assisted Play Therapy duo!!
Spirit Morier
Basic Obedience (current), Canine Manners, Canine Confidence, Nose Work “Extraordinaire”
Hi, I’m Spirit! I’m a sensitive, curious, playful and soulful Labrador puppy with eyes that will see through any ‘mask’ you put on. I come from a line of working Assistance and Therapy Dogs- so it’s in my genes to help others!
I became a part of Krystal and Magick’s family late in 2023 and it has been a fun and amazing adventure. I am currently learning a lot about manners, nose work, play, and being brave with new things.
I LOVE to snuggle and lean into you- it’s my way to telling you that “I’m here”. I also love nose work, ‘Hide & Seek’ and search & rescue games are my favourite – You can always count of me to find you!!
When I’m older I hope to become certified like my big brother Magick. There is so much to learn, but right now I’m enjoying my puppyhood!