Speak! The Quality of Interactions Between Humans and Animals

Friday, September 26, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m.
$150* Arboretum Members and Conference Affiliates
$175* General registration.
*Fee includes lunch, dinner, coffee breaks, and Arboretum admission. Please note that this conference is for humans only - please keep your animal partners at home.

Speak! is about our human partnership with animals and the natural world and the ways in which interacting with animals increases individual health and community well-being. This conference will offer new
understanding of how human-animal connections can enhance the work of professionals within schools, non-profits, social services, healthcare, community groups, faith-based organizations, and families.

Conference Highlights  
Agenda
Full Presentation Descriptions
  

MORNING
  
♦ Keynote Address - A Shared Journey: The Power and Responsibility of Animal Assisted Interactions - Suzanne Clothier
  
♦ "Animal Assisted Interactions" in Practice Here in Minnesota - Panel discussion with Ann Cahill, moderator

♦ Integrating Behavioral Healthcare with Primary Medicine and the Therapeutic Farm - Dr. Carlene H. Taylor
  

  
AFTERNOON

  ♦ Tribute to Dr. R.K. Anderson and CENSHARE - Dr. Pamela Schreiner

    ♦ Wolves and Dogs in Relationship and Research - Peggy Callahan, Executive Director of the Wildlife Science Center

   ♦ Art as Translation:  - Ann Cahill will interview a panel of artists on how their work is bridging advocacy and communicating the human/animal relationship. Artists:
Emilie Buchwald, Publisher  
Kari Maxwell, Artist
Mary Ludington, Photographer  
Kristy Walker, Photographer

♦ Ethical Considerations in Animal Assisted Interactions: Potential Potholes and the Road Ahead - Dr. Kirby Wycoff

♦ Keynote Address Part 2: Square Holes, Round Paws: Goodness of Fit Assessment Tools - Suzanne Clothier    

  
EVENING
  
♦ Dinner and presentation - Kevin Kling, Minnesota playwright and storyteller 

Student Scholarships are available for Speak! For further information, please contact Dr. Jean Larson at larso095@umn.edu.

Financial hardship assistance is available for this conference. For further information, please contact Dr. Jean Larson at larso095@umn.edu.

Preferred Conference Accommodations

This conference is designed to bring value to:
Educators
Human service workers
Animal trainers
Health-care professionals
Disability services providers
Community organizers
Students
Pet owners
Local government officials
Social service workers
Animal humane advocates
Parents
Youth workers
Senior center administrators
Spiritual leaders
Integrative care workers
Life enrichment providers
Animal service workers (dog walkers, day care, etc)
Therapy animal handlers

Photo by Gina Easley