About Animal Focused:
Our mission is to provide education & intervention with animal welfare at the heart of everything we do.
Based in Northamptonshire, Animal Focused provides educational consultancy, training and animal assisted interventions.
Animal Focused founder Vicky Skinner has always had a passion for empowering others through animal assisted education and training.
Vicky started her career working for Riding for the Disabled and after obtaining a 1st class BSc in Animal Science (Behavioural Studies), moved into lecturing in a land-based college. As a qualified teacher Vicky worked with a range of learners including those with special educational needs and disabilities and obtaining a level 3 qualification in British Sign Language (BSL). After 13 years lecturing and mentoring Vicky took on the role of Education Manager for a pet professional trade association where she developed courses, qualifications and assessments for pet professionals.
Having gained huge experience working with organisations including Pearson BTEC, City & Guilds, Ifate and Ofqual, Vicky brings a wealth of curriculum development and subject specific knowledge to all projects. Vicky has also written for a range of publications including Edition Dog magazine, Dog Friendly magazine and the Healthy Pet supplement.
After spending the last eight years at a computer its now time for Vicky to re-focus on the therapeutic benefits of animals. Working with Animals In Mind and Easton Way Farm and therapy dog Hero, she delivers animal assisted education and interventions to school children, NHS patients and private clients.
Education Specialist, Michelle (or Shelly to some!) started her career at a private animal collection, where she worked whilst completing her BSc in Animal Welfare. She then taught at a Northamptonshire land-based college, where she first met Vicky. During her 9 years lecturing Michelle taught subjects from levels 1-3, including supporting those with SEND needs, completed her assessor award and was involved with the internal quality assurance processes.
Michelle left teaching to work as the Education Co-ordinator at a pet sector trade association, again alongside Vicky, where she worked closely with awarding organisations and supported dog grooming training centres across the country, ensured the smooth running of courses for pet professionals, and carried out quality assurance audits.
Fast forward to most recent change and Michelle works part time as a University Quality Officer at Northampton University and as a Lead Trainer for an awarding body, supporting centres with delivery of animal and land based qualifications.
Over the years Vicky and Michelle have developed a wonderful friendship and have become a dynamic working duo bring professionalism, enthusiasm and a vast array of skills and knowledge to all projects.
