Announcements

Wednesday, November 6, 2019
8:30am - 3:30pm
Nature has a calming effect on most of us, and many of us seek nature and animals to comfort us when we are in distress or sad. How does this help children who have difficulty in the school environment?
The Sam and Myra Ross Institute will host a one-day symposium to address sensory and self-regulation challenges students may experience in schools and residential programs and illustrate how nature-based activities and interventions can support the development of key coping skills in children.
8:30-9:00am | Registration and morning coffee |
9:00-9:15am | Welcome & Introduction Dr. Ed Placke, Executive Director, Green Chimneys Michael Kaufmann, Director, The Sam and Myra Ross Institute Director |
9:15-10:15am | Keynote Dogs, goldfish, bugs, and horses: mystery, magic and science Martha McNeil, LMFT, CEIP-MH, TRI, TDI, ESMHL |
10:15-10:30am | Break |
10:30-11:15am | Neuropsychology basics applied to animal-assisted therapy Sabrina Donalies-Schell, LMHC |
11:15am-12:00pm | Sensory regulation on the farm Rachael Chiulli, MOT, OTR/L |
12:00-1:00pm | Lunch |
1:00-1:45pm | Why nature? Connecting our personal coping skills and our work with children with sensory and emotional regulation challenges Miyako Kinoshita, MS. ED |
1:45-2:00pm | Break |
2:00-2:45pm | Self-regulation and nature-based interventions Shauna McWilliams, LMSW |
2:45-3:30pm | Facilitated group session Be a part of the solution, innovation, and changes. |
Teachers, clinical staff, paraprofessionals, residential care staff, educators in other settings may benefit from the workshop. Individuals who are interested in how nature, animals, and outdoor environment can help children in school settings, as well as anyone interested in sensory integration and self-regulation are also encouraged to attend.
This event is FREE; but space is limited.
Secure your place before Nov 1.
Registration is now closed.
This meeting is made possible with generous support provided by
Henry J. and Erna D. Leir Foundation.
With the completion of an elaborate new habitat built by Green Chimneys’ woodshop students, the Farm Science classroom was able to welcome Brownie into her new home. Brownie previously lived alone in her cage in the farm and wildlife office, but guinea pigs do best in larger environments. The new habitat allows her to live in a herd as she would in the wild, with many places to hide and ways to practice her skills. Brownie has always been a social creature, and she has taken over the guinea pig herd but is a very peaceful leader.