Founded in 1947, Green Chimneys is a nationally renowned, non-profit therapeutic organization that restores possibilities for children with emotional, behavioral, social and learning challenges. Green Chimneys operates a residential treatment center for children, a special education school and a variety of programs supported by signature nature-based programs. From a 200-acre campus in Brewster, New York, Green Chimneys serves hundreds of children in the greater New York area who experience psycho-social obstacles in school or at home. Green Chimneys programs employ a wide variety of “learning through experiencing” techniques including hands-on participation in farming, gardening, companion animal care and wildlife rehabilitation programs that help children reconnect and reestablish bonds through living with and caring for animals and nature in an outdoor environment. In the spirit of the „One Health“ model, Green Chimneys seeks to integrate animals not just as incidental components of the therapeutic treatment milieu, but to ensure that the species specific needs of each animal are considered and met. This dual focus makes it possible that human-animal interaction at Green Chimneys has a positive impact both on the children as well as on the animals.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This webinar is designed for anyone who teaches in a forest or nature school program, which could include: teachers, aides, guides, administrators, naturalists. 

MEET YOUR FACILITATOR

Michael E. Kaufmann - VP of Nature Based Programs, Sam and Myra Ross Institute at Green Chimneys School Brewster, NY

Michael E. Kaufmann has been actively involved in Human/animal Interaction Programs, Animal Welfare and in Humane Education for over 30 years. At Green Chimneys, he directs all aspects of the nature based therapeutic/educational programs and supervises the Institute dedicated to education and research on the human connection to animals and the natural world. Kaufmann started his career as a humane educator at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in New York City and continued at the American Humane Association (AHA), a national child and animal protection organization.