Key Skills
Animal-Assisted Learning Facilitation
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consulting
Public Speaking & Lived Experience Advocacy
Program Development & Training
Zoological Research & Animal Behaviour
Science Communication & Public Engagement
Museum Curation & Exhibit Preparation
Confident in Liaising with the Media
While there, they found three other species of turtle, including the eastern long-necked turtle, the Murray River turtle, and most surprisingly, a huge broad-shelled turtle.
In this video, we chat to Bachelor of Zoology students, Summer Farrelly, Morgan Brown and Joel Drew chat about this unique experience.
Video courtesy of University of New England AU
30th January 2026
Attended Workshops
Parrot Training Academy – Parrot Life Behaviour and Training (Courses 101, 102 & 103)
Attended 17–19 May 2020
Completed foundational and intermediate modules in parrot behaviour, learning theory, and positive reinforcement-based training. Developed skills in reading parrot body language, creating enrichment plans, and building trust-based training relationships. Applied ethical, science-backed welfare practices in real-world animal interaction settings.
The Agile Wallaby Project – Tablelands Macropod Rescue Course
Attended 16 July 2023
Gained practical skills for rescuing joeys and adult macropods.
The Agile Wallaby Project – Joey Carers Course
Attended 14 October 2023
Covered licensing requirements, bottle preparation, feeding, toileting, and husbandry. Training also included responsibilities of joey carers, commitment expectations, and available mentorship and coordinator support.
The Agile Wallaby Project – Tablelands Macropod Rescue Course (Online)
Attended 31 August 2025
Flighted Feathers – Recall Training Workshop (Online)
Attended 31 August 2025 Participated in a specialised workshop focused on improving recall training for companion birds, with emphasis on safety, welfare, and strengthening the human–bird bond. Topics included training reliable recall behaviours, applying effective reinforcement methods, problem-solving behavioural challenges, ensuring outdoor safety, and techniques for locating and recovering a missing bird.
Professional Experience
Founder & Facilitator | Chickens to Love
2017 – Present
Developed and facilitate a neurodivergent-led, animal-assisted learning program using chickens to teach social dynamics, self-advocacy, and emotional self-regulation. Train educators, service providers, and allied health professionals to implement the program inclusively. Provide consulting on diversity, inclusion, and neuroaffirming practices to schools and organizations.
Public Speaker & Presenter
2018 – Present
Present on topics including neurodivergence, mental health, education, and animal-assisted learning from a lived experience perspective. Spoken at events such as the Yellow Ladybugs ADHD & Autistic Minds Conference and the Australian Inclusive School Conference. Featured in podcasts and panels highlighting autistic voices and inclusive practices.
Volunteer | Museum of Natural History, University of New England
2023 – Present
Support curators in collection care and exhibit preparation. Gain hands-on experience in museum documentation and natural history curation. Assist with maintaining collection integrity for research and education.
“If you see roadkill, what’s your first instinct?”
In this regional town of NSW, locals pull over, wrap it up, and drop it off to the Natural History Museum.
Reporting by Amal Wehbe.
Awards & Recognition
2025 – Nominated, Young Volunteer Awards – New South Wales
2022 – Winner, A Different Brilliant® Youth Award – Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
2021 – Winner, People’s Choice Award – 7News Young Achiever Awards
2021 – Finalist, Health and Wellbeing Award – 7News Young Achiever Awards
2021 – Finalist, Women Empowering Others Award – 7News Young Achiever Awards
2021 – Winner, Junior Hinkler Innovation Award
2020 – Winner, Chicken Assisted Learning Recognition Award – Animal Therapies Ltd
2020 – Winner, People’s Choice Award – Animal Therapies Ltd
2020 – Present – Youth Ambassador – Animal Therapies Ltd
2019 – Nominee, Inspiration Award for Individual Achievement Youth – Autism Spectrum Australia
2019 – Nominee, Accessibility Award for Enabling People with Disabilities
2018 – Winner, Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year – Bundaberg Regional Council
2018 – Winner, Individual Achievement Award – Autism Queensland
2018 – Baton Bearer – Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay
Memberships
Animal Therapies Ltd (Affiliate Member) – Youth Ambassador
University of New England Zoology Society
The Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASSAB)
NSW Taxidermy Licence (2025–2026)
Vaccinations
Rabies – Vaccinated October/November 2024
Meet Summer Farrelly, an animal behaviourist who wrote a program based off their time spent with chickens, to help others better understand different human social dynamics.
Reporting by Amal Wehbe.
Summer Farrelly 