About our Director of Studies

Donna M Smith

Donna Smith holds qualifications in

• Behavioural Sciences
• Practical Industry Award in Behavioural Sciences
• Diploma in Psychotherapy
• Diploma in Advanced Psychotherapy
• Diploma in Mental Health Counselling
• Diploma in Neuro- Psychological Immunity
• Diploma in Curative Hypno-therapy
• Diploma in Behavioural Management
• Certificate in Behavioural Therapy
• Certificate of Child Development and Creative Play
• Statement of Attainment in Child Psychology
• Professional Member of Australian Counselling Assoc. Lic Nº: 2797
• Professional Member of Federation of Victorian Counsellors Inc. Lic Nº: 2797.

In March 2003 Donna was awarded an Accumulative Award of Excellence for 'Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Behavioural Sciences commencing 1996'.

Donna was awarded a Community Service Award of Excellence for 'Voluntary Community Support Services'. Offering support services conducted over a 3 year program.

Natural Therapies

• Diploma in Homoeopathy
• Diploma in Biochemic Medicine
• Diploma in Aromatherapy
• Professional Practitioner Member & Industry Partner
    - Holistic Health Association International Inc

Animal Healthcare Sciences

• Practical Industry Award in Animal Healthcare Sciences
• Diploma in Animal Care
• Cert. in Animal Behaviour
• Cert. in Veterinary Nutrition Level 1,2 and 3
• Cert. in Small Animal Nutrition
• Cert. in Veterinary Healthcare Advisor
• Cert. in Alternative Animal Therapies
• Cert. in Natural Therapies for Pets

Donna owned and managed a Professional Pet Care Centre in Bentleigh, Melbourne for 6 years, this comprised of:
    - Soap & Suds Professional Dog Grooming Service
    - Mind & Body and Soul for Animals - Natural Health and Healing Clinic
    - Canine Paw Behaviour - Animal Behavioural Consultations.

Donna's Dog Grooming Salon won a Highly Commended Award for the Pet Care & Animal Industry in 1999, in the Australian Achiever Awards.

Donna has presented two Dog Grooming instruction videos for Training & Demonstration of Basic Clipping Techniques, and Advanced Clipping Techniques and has authored over 20 educational programs and manuscripts in Animal Welfare & Development.

Donna also conducts seminars and intensive workshops through out Australia.


Training & Education

• Registered PRIDE (Professional Recognition in Distance Education) Guild Award: Professional Training & Education Facilitator
• Government Certificate IV Workplace Training & Assessment
• Diploma in Educational Psychology
• Currently Completing Bachelor of Arts - Society, Life, Learning stream; focusing on University Teaching (General Education)
• In March 2003 Donna was awarded an Accumulative Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Behavioural Sciences commencing 1996.

A word from out Director of Studies
Our short courses are brought to you by a Professional team with qualifications and experience in Animal Welfare and Education, we strive to offer our students professional programs at affordable prices. Unlike many Distance Educations schools of today that offer many programs in various subjects, we specialise in providing education for the adult learner in Animal Welfare and Development.

We also offer a fully interactive online campus that runs virtual classrooms, discussions groups, tutorial e-seminars, library services, lecture forums, workshops and expos. Students with regular access to the internet can complete their program online, including quizzes and assessments. The online campus gives students the benefit of completing the programs in a best suited timetable, as quizzes are graded immediately and feedback given at the time of the quiz. Students do not need to wait for returned papers before progressing. Those students who do not have internet access, enrol as a traditional distance education student and complete the programs successfully without a computer! It is that simple to study with us.

Australian School Of Petcare Studies focuses on teaching students in positive learning methods, using Formative and Summitive assessments, which are based on Criterion- Referenced assessment methods. These methods include assessments that are based on a standard criterion (such as our benchmark competencies). We also incorporate Mastery Learning methods, which means the student reaches a certain level of competence before moving on to the next section of the course. As each of our modules build on from the previous. This ensures all of our students meet our benchmark competency levels and maintain such standards.

The programs are designed to be structured around work and family commitments giving the student the flexibility to continue in the workforce while studying. Students that study just one hour per day can structure most of the short courses over a three month period. Some of our longer programs are usually structured over a six month period.

As the Director of Studies, my desire for study and education will ensure you a commitment to continue to strive towards excellence and professionalism for the Australian School of Petcare Studies and ensure you will enjoy your learning journey with us as many thousands of students and graduates before you have. I personally thank you for choosing to enquire at the Australian School Of Petcare Studies in your pursuit for Adult Distance Education within Animal Welfare and Development and wish you all the best in your endeavours.



Donna M Smith
Director of Studies.