Bio: Ann began her life by being friends with the animals on her farm. As an adult, she found ways to incorporate animals into her psychotherapy practice and to advocate for the dog’s perspective as a dog trainer. She helped develop the first Standards of Practice in the field of animal-assisted services, she has written books and textbooks for both volunteers and professionals, and she continues to develop and teach curricula on-line and in-person. Kindness is central to her way of being, toward both humans and the animals with whom we share this planet.

Abstract: 

The words “therapy dog” cover a broad spectrum of roles for and interactions with dogs in human service and healthcare environments. As we work with these amazing animals (both as volunteer handlers and as professionals), we take on a vital role as their advocate and supporter. Performing this role with mindfulness and compassion is a way to honor them as sentient and valued partners. Rather than seeing therapy dogs as one more tool to use to help humans reach their goals, we can give back in reciprocity, and thus assure the continuation of respectful mutual benefit.

Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to...
1. Identify at least three ways to assure therapy dog welfare during animal-assisted services
2. Describe at least two behaviors that indicate a dog’s wellbeing in a work environment
3. Explain the role of reciprocity in animal-assisted services
4. List at least two ways to build a more reciprocal relationship with therapy dogs

Keywords:

Welfare, respect, reciprocity, wellbeing

Bios: Dr. Daniel J. Dooley is Superintendent of the Absecon School District, and named the 2023-2024 Atlantic County Superintendent of the Year. In his current role, he continues his work regarding school climate and culture, and is devoted to providing the best educational opportunities for all students. Dooley received his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from Seton Hall University. Dooley is the senior member of the NYS-required professional development course for The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) at College of Staten Island, the City University of New York, and is Chairperson for the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals.

Lindsay Reed is the Director of Special Services in the Absecon School District.

Abstract:
The benefits of therapy animals within a K-12 population, post Covid-19. This presentation will not only create an outline on implementation of a therapy animal program, identify who the benefactors are, but will also show a direct correlation in overcoming social and emotional improprieties and achievement gaps.

Learning Objective:

1. Benefits of the animal-human bond through animal assisted activities and therapy

Keywords: 
Therapy Dog, K-12 Education, Intervention, Social-Emotional Learning, Post-Covid Interventions

Barbara Vokatis, PhD

Bio: Barbara is an associate professor of literacy education at University at Oneonta, NY. She is also a therapy dog owner. Together with her golden doodle, Carmel, she has been visiting a school for 5 years. She has been publishing books about this work. The most recent book “Teachers and therapy dog teams” details her innovative work in the area of dog therapy and its promising results.

Lucinda Ormiston

Bio: Lucinda is a veteran teacher of almost 20 years. She is currently teaching second grade children. She has been collaborating with Dr. Barbara Vokatis, a therapy dog handler, to creatively incorporate Barbara's dog into children's learning.

Abstract: 
Research has shown that interactions with therapy dogs can enhance focus, attentiveness, engagement, and motivation and improve academic performance, such as in reading skills (Beetz, 2015). However, further incorporation of therapy dogs in simple but creative activities enhancing a variety of subjects can contribute to learning even more. As educators, authors, and innovators in the area of dog therapy, we understand the profound impact that animal-assisted therapy can have on creating a positive and inclusive environment conducive to learning social and emotional skills and all subjects, including language arts and content areas
such as math.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn effective strategies for developing creative collaborations between teachers and therapy dog teams.
2. Learn several concrete activities in which therapy dogs are incorporated to enhance learning social and
emotional skills and achievement in subjects such as math and literacy.

Keywords: 
therapy dog innovation, therapy dogs in schools

Bio: Brian Galea lives in Miami Fl, where he runs a private dog training and behavior consultation business, as well as launched his startup, Snoot: The New Dog Owner’s Guide for supporting rescue shelters and their adopters. Brian’s education and professional experience started in the medical world, with a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, and anthropology, as well as a master’s degree in human anatomy. He left it all behind to pursue a passion for canine behavioral work, and hopes to modernize and unite the pet industry with quality standards and professional collaboration.

Abstract:
There is so much for handlers to consider when setting their dogs up for a successful career in therapy work that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. This talk will present a framework consisting of behavioral and training considerations, that therapy dog owners can use to structure their preparation for a long and successful career of therapy volunteering. This will give the audience a structure with which to assess their own dog when deciding where to focus their efforts in preparing for therapy work. 

Learning Objectives:

1. The first consideration is the breed or breed makeup of your dog, which will influence their capacity for things like noise, harsh handling by children, or even their ability to sit still calmly.
2. Early socialization and exposure will influence your dog's tolerance to environmental stimuli like loud noises, strange objects, or large and intimidating groups of people. 
3. Basic training and obedience for a newly adopted dog can teach some of the impulse control they may have missed as a puppy, and give handlers the tools to work with a dog they have known for less time. 
4. Finally, having a quality trainer or behaviorist to refer to when things go awry will help you to nip annoying behaviors in the bud. 

Keywords:
training, behavior, puppy, obedience, socialization

Bio: Debra Hamilton is the principal at Hamilton Law and Mediation, PLLC, (HLM). HLM uses understanding based alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methodologies to transform disagreements over animals. Debra facilitates neutral discussions between the parties providing them the opportunity to choose peaceful conversation over litigation. Debra is an international speaker and best-selling author of Nipped in the Bud-Not in the Butt-How to Use Mediation to Resolve Conflicts over Animals. She has an internationally received podcast, Why Do Pets Matter and holds an international pet planning community call, The MAAP Plan, the first and third Wednesday's. of the month at 6:30 PM US-ET. The MAAP Plan community helps its members navigate the journey their pet takes when they can’t care for It. She is the source for using mediation in disagreements involving animals for the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Huffington Post and US News and World Report. She breeds, owns, and shows Irish Setters and Long-haired standard Dachshunds under the prefix, Rumraisin.

Abstract:
In the therapy dog field, there are many points of view regarding training, application and evaluation. How do we actively listen to alternative training or application discussions and find a path forward with colleagues, participants and handlers? An important skill to learn is how one diffuses disagreements. This skill will lead to the expansion of therapy dog training, Implementation, understanding and usage. Continuing to encourage new ideas and exploring and implementing consistent and adaptive training will help the science flourish.

Learning Objective:

Diffusing reactive and defensive responses to bias when working in the therapy dog field.

Keywords:
Bias, diffuse, language, reactivity, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, breathing, active listening and collaborative outcomes

Bio: Georgia is a recent Rowan University grad with her masters in Higher Education Administration. She is now working in the Center for Neurodiversity as the Program Coordinator. While in her master program, she completed her thesis, which she conducted with the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program, and the Autism PATH Program on campus. Identifying as Neurodivergent, she wanted to see the positive impacts that pet therapy has on this student population.

Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to examine neurodivergent students in higher education and their experience with The Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan University to investigate whether therapy dogs reduce anxiety levels and provide relaxation. In addition, this study provides recommendations for The Shreiber Family Pet Therapy program at Rowan University to promote the program and its purpose on campus. These resources are important when discussing the neurodivergent student population in higher education, which this research study discusses, based on previous research and the results found from this quantitative approach. This study also makes recommendations for Rowan University and how the pet therapy program can be promoted more and also attend larger public campus events like career fairs and other events.

Learning Objectives:

1. How pet therapy or petting a dog impacts Neurodivergent college students/individuals

Keywords:
Neurodivergent, anxiety levels, relaxation

Bios: 

Dr. Macy Burr has a BS in Kinesiology, an MS in occupational therapy, and post-professional OTD. She is currently working towards her EdD degree at USAHS. Dr. Burr has experience in early intervention, home health, clinic, and school-based settings. She has certifications in assistive technology, animal-assisted interventions, and autism. She also has experience incorporating her dog, Hops, into pediatric settings and is on the board of directors for the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals. Dr. Burr is currently working towards a certification in sensory integration through the Collaborative For Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration (CLASI.)

Learning Objectives:

• To describe the effectiveness and perceived benefits of AAI in reducing stress and improving well-being outcomes among
  occupational therapy students.
• To describe perceptions of AAI professionals related to the process of implementing AAI in educational settings 

Keywords: 
AAI, OT students, Higher Education, Therapy Animals, Stress and Well-Being