Human-Animal Interaction Conference 2026

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.

• Mental Health Professionals with an interest in the human-animal connection
• Educators
• School Teachers
• Child and Animal Welfare Professionals
• Vetrinary Professionals
• Animal-Assisted Service Program Administrators
• Advocates and Explorers of the relationship between people, animals and the environment

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:

1. Innovations in human-animal and nature-based interactions
2. Embodying a sense of belonging for diverse stakeholders and practitioners
3. Exploring the concept of animal consent
4. Examples of methodologies for studying animal-assisted interventions (AAI), particularly evaluating outcomes
5. Introducing specific farm-based education and therapy options

• Canine Consent Training for Social Working Dogs and their Handlers: Sara Karlberg
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Animal-Assisted Services: Obviously, I’m Not From Here – Embodying a Sense of Belonging with the Help of Horses by Veronica Lac, PhD, LPC
• Working With Guinea Pigs: A New Approach Skyler Opromolla, Danielle Zaleski

• Ecopsychological Praxis Towards an Informed Eco-Justice Framework by Derrick Sebree, PhD

• Understanding the Power of Relationship: Innovations in Human-Animal-Nature Interactions by Megan Mueller, PhD

• Benefits and Considerations of Farm Based Therapy Services Suzanne Kapral

• Adopting a Restorative Mindset in Human-Animal Interaction Work: Connecting to Our Best Selves and to One Another by Kristin Licardi, LCSW

See the Conference Program for details, or please contact Michael Kaufmann via [email protected].

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