🐾 Meet Jo Barnes & Jess Crowden

At Paws 4 Support, Jo Barnes and Jess Crowden bring together a shared passion for people, dogs, and making a difference—one paw, one person, and one session at a time.

Both Jo and Jess became Paws 4 Change facilitators with a simple yet powerful goal: to create lasting, meaningful change in the lives of others. They believe that when you combine evidence-based strategies with the unconditional love of emotional support dogs, something truly magical happens.

Meet the Human Team

Paws 4 Support – Where Paws Meet Purpose

At Paws 4 Support, Jo Barnes and Jess Crowden bring together a shared passion for people, dogs, and making a difference—one paw, one person, and one session at a time.

Both Jo and Jess became Paws 4 Change facilitators with a simple yet powerful goal: to create lasting, meaningful change in the lives of others. They believe that when you combine evidence-based strategies with the unconditional love of emotional support dogs, something truly magical happens..

  • Jo's journey has been anything but ordinary. At just 19, she was serving in the Persian Gulf as part of the Royal Australian Navy, facing experiences most of us can’t imagine. But her greatest challenges—and greatest joys—came later, as a proud mum to two amazing boys with complex needs including Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, and anxiety.

    For the past 15 years, Jo has lived and breathed neurodivergence, disability, and mental health—both personally and professionally. She’s worked as a disability support worker, NDIS admin guru, and disability employment consultant. Her lived experience gives her a rare depth of understanding, resilience, and empathy that shines through in every session.

    Her mantra? “Progress, not perfection.” Every small step forward is worth celebrating.

  • For Jess, animals have always been at the heart of her life. A lifelong dog lover, breeder, and exhibitor of Standard Poodles, Jess has a deep respect for the bond between humans and animals. Over the past seven years, she’s also dedicated herself to supporting people with disabilities in group homes—work she describes as humbling, life-changing, and full of heart.

    Combining her two loves—people and dogs—through Paws 4 Change was a natural step. Jess brings calm, kindness, and a gentle humour to her sessions, along with her signature belief: “Whatever will be, will be.” She knows the power of going with the flow and creating space for people to thrive at their own pace.

Meet the 4 legged team

  • Molly

    Molly the Labradoodle: Goofy, affectionate, and always ready for a beach adventure or a nap on the couch. She’s a true water baby with a heart of gold.

  • Astra

    Astra the Standard Poodle: Queen of chill with soulful eyes and a taste for chicken nuggets and ice cream. Her calm presence soothes every heart she meets.

  • Asami

    Asami the Standard Poodle: The life of the party! Cheeky, playful, and full of zest for life, Asami brings endless joy (and plenty of laughs).