Human-Animal Interaction Conference 2025
Friday, April 25 - 26, 2025
Fri/Sat All Day
400 Doansburg Road
Brewster, NY 10509
Co-hosted by University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work and Institute for Human-Animal Connection
People, Animals and Nature: The Restorative Power of Relationship
The 21st century is bringing greater awareness to the life-enriching interconnectedness between people, animals and the environment. Animal-assisted therapy, nature-based education and farm-based programs illustrate the diverse approaches social workers, educators, mental health practitioners, physicians and others are exploring and applying to enhance quality of life for all.
Join this dynamic two-day conference hosted by The Sam and Myra Ross Institute at Green Chimneys and presented in partnership with University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work and Institute for Human Animal Connection.
In the “living classroom” of Green Chimneys’ farm setting, learn best practices and exchange ideas with experts and peers in a wide range of professions that utilize animal-assisted and nature-based models. Participants will collaborate through interactive group work, discussions and hands-on learning with animals to facilitate the well-being of people, animals and the natural world through models that bring these elements together.
Who should attend hai2025?
- Mental Health Professionals with an interest in the human-animal connection
- Educators
- School Teachers
- Child and Animal Welfare Professionals
- Animal-Assisted Service Program Administrators
- Advocates and Explorers of the relationship between people, animals and the environment
Have a question about the conference content?
See the Conference Program for details, or please contact Michael Kaufmann via [email protected].
Register now on Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.com/e/human-animal-interaction-conference-2025-tickets-927441972907
Prices
- Early Bird – $335 (Until January 15)
- Regular – $385 (Based on availability)
Space is limited; registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meals are included. See the Conference Program for details
Pets are not permitted. Dogs or other pets are not allowed at the hai2025. With 200 children and over 300 animals of many species on our campus, and in order to maintain a safe and cohesive environment in our school, at the farm, and in the wildlife center, we are unable to integrate personal pets into the conference. Even if your pet offers emotional support at other times, we thank you for respecting the needs of our community, including our animals, by leaving your companion at home. Service dogs have full access.
The daily agenda will be guided by the main conference theme of People, Animals and Nature: The Restorative Power of Relationship. In particular, we will focus on these subject areas:
- Innovations in human-animal and nature-based interactions
- Embodying a sense of belonging for diverse stakeholders and practitioners
- Exploring the concept of animal consent
- Examples of methodologies for studying animal-assisted interventions (AAI), particularly evaluating outcomes
- Introducing specific farm-based education and therapy options
Attend informative and insightful presentations, including:
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Animal-Assisted Services: Obviously, I’m Not From Here – Embodying a Sense of Belonging with the Help of Horses
Veronica Lac, PhD, LPC - Ecopsychological Praxis Towards an Informed Eco-Justice Framework
Derrick Sebree, PhD - Understanding the Power of Relationship: Innovations in Human-Animal-Nature Interactions
Megan Mueller, PhD - Training and Professionalizing for the Future
Nina Ekholm Fry and Kevin Morris, PhD - Adopting a Restorative Mindset in Human-Animal Interaction Work: Connecting to Our Best Selves and to One Another
Kristin Licardi, LCSW - The Restorative Power of Relationship
All speaker panel led by Kevin Morris, PhD, and Michael Kaufmann
Leaders in the field of human-animal interaction share their expertise at hai2025.
Click on or tap an individual photo to learn more about a specific speaker.
Skyler Opromolla
Farm Science Teacher, Green Chimneys
Shauna McWilliams, LCSW
School Social Worker, Orchard View Alternative High School
Kristin Licardi, LCSW
Chief Clinical Officer, Green Chimneys
Derrick Sebree, PhD
Masters Program Director, Michigan School of Psychology
Sara Karlberg
Therapy Dog Trainer and Environmental Psychology Master's Student
Suzanne M. Kapral
TEDxScranton Speaker and Author
Becky Cobban, MSW
Riding Instructor, Green Chimneys
Jessica Aiello, LMSW
Residential Social Worker, Green Chimneys
Veronica Lac, PhD, LPC
Founder and Executive Director, The HERD Institute®
Doug Baum
Camel Expert
Samantha Arevalo
Equine Program Manager, Green Chimneys
Michael Kaufmann
Vice President of Nature-Based Programs, and Sam and Myra Ross Institute, Green Chimneys
Nina Ekholm Fry
Director of Equine Programs, Institute for Human-Animal Connection
Kevin Morris, PhD
Chair and Research Professor, University of Denver, and Executive Director, Institute for Human-Animal Connection
Miyako Kinoshita
Farm Education Program Manager, Green Chimneys
Megan Mueller, PhD
Associate Professor of Human-Animal Interaction, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
Danielle Zalewski
Animal Caretaker, Green Chimneys
We are excited to invite poster presentation submissions about human-animal-environment interactions (HAEI) in two areas: research and practice. Research posters summarize research concisely to help publicize it and generate discussion. Practice posters communicate information about a practice concept or other content related to the conference theme/HAEI professional area.
A poster is a mixture of text and tables, graphs, pictures, and other presentation elements. The presenter stands or sits by their poster while other conference attendees view it and interact with the presenter.
We especially encourage students and professionals in their first two years in human-animal-environment interactions to submit posters for the conference.
Learn more about the poster presentation submission process and view the poster brief.
Green Chimneys is the host venue. All hai2025 Conference activities will be held on the Brewster campus. Sessions will take place in various school buildings as well as on the farm and among animals.
Get an intimate overview and gain insight into the diverse nature-based programs that are integrated into Green Chimneys’ therapeutic day school and residential treatment center. Explore the wildlife rehabilitation center; a PATH Intl. accredited therapeutic equine program, a teaching barn and its farm animals, and two organic gardens.
This meeting is hosted by The Sam and Myra Ross Institute at Green Chimneys which was established in 2012 to deepen the vision and impact of its animal and nature-based programs by demonstrating how purposeful contact with animals and the outdoors can enhance formal therapies and traditional education, and sharing knowledge to bring continued growth and leadership to the field. The Institute is inspired by the remarkable work of Green Chimneys Founders Sam and Myra Ross and strives to honor their legacy through education, advocacy, and research.
Green Chimneys’ Brewster Campus is located in Putnam County, New York and is only an hour away from midtown Manhattan. Below please find travel information, which may be helpful in planning your trip.
Airports
- Westchester Airport (HPN)
Approx. 33 miles away in White Plains, New York - Stewart International Airport (SWF)
Approx. 40 miles away in New Windsor, New York - LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Approx. 60 miles away in Queens, New York - John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Approx. 65 miles away in Queens, New York - Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Approx. 75 miles away in Newark, New Jersey - Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Approx. 75 miles away in Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Train Travel from New York City
- Via Metro-North Railroad
- Take the Harlem Line to Southeast Station
- You will then need a taxi to take you from the train station to 400 Doansburg Road, Brewster.
By Car
Please visit Getting to Green Chimneys
Parking
Free parking will be available to hai2025 attendees. Signage onsite will direct you to designated attendee parking.
Hotel with Conference Rate for Attendees
Hilton Garden Inn Danbury
119 Mill Plain Road
Danbury, CT 06811
203.205.2000 (If calling, ask for “Green Chimneys Event”.)
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn for the HAI Conference at a rate of $139 per night. This rate is available until April 9th; the rate begins on Thursday evening, April 24 and goes through Sunday, April 27th. Rooms at the conference rate are limited so it is suggested that you book early.
Book online:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/dnbdhgi-hai-21f78fc1-26fa-48d6-a3fc-5d688686e4f8/
Group Name: Green Chimneys
Group Code: HAI
Check-in: April 24, 2025
Check-out: April 27, 2025
Cutoff date: April 9, 2025 (All Reservations must be made prior to the Cutoff Date)
The Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of several casual restaurants, Starbucks, and other shops. The hotel also has a restaurant on the property.
Transportation to the Hilton Garden Inn Danbury
Shuttle Transportation
GO Airport Shuttle
www.2theairport.com
Reservations are required for shuttle service. When making your reservation, tell them that you are going to the Hilton Garden Inn Danbury, and they will make a stop at the hotel.
Private Transportation
Lindsey Limo
www.lindseylimo.com
860.289.5466
Contact: Becca Mockalis
Green Light Limos
www.greenlightlimos.com
866.304.7336
See highlights from past conferences and what to expect at hai2025.
Gyrfalcon
Crowned the best for falconry in medieval times, gyrfalcons were once reserved for kings. As the largest falcon in the world, with exquisite plumage ranging from bright white to deep charcoal, gyrs are revered for their powerful skill of flight. Their long wings make hunting waterfowl from 3,000-feet-high a feasible and fantastical feat. This falcon was flown in the sport of falconry for several years.