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HORTICULTURAL THERAPY INSTITUTE |
Linking people and plants |
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Find out why we are the leaders in the field of Horticultural Therapy Education |
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HTI Connections in Costa Rica 
In December, the Centro Nacional De Educacion Especial Fernando Centeno Guell, in San Jose, Costa Rica, hosted a two-day seminar on horticultural therapy. Presented by Rebecca Haller, of the Horticultural Therapy Institute, the seminar attracted over 50 professionals from across Costa Rica – representing special education, mental health, and corrections, as well as housing and services for older adults with memory loss/dementia. In addition to lectures and lively discussions, participants were treated to hands-on activities in the school’s innovative gardens. Since 2002, Andrina Escalante, a dedicated teacher at the school, has led efforts to create and use several themed gardens to benefit children with developmental disabilities. They are remarkable and valuable plant-filled spaces, prompting children and staff to connect with nature in the heart of the densely built urban area of San Jose. This first-ever HT training event was received with great enthusiasm and energy, and prompted the establishment of a “commission” on HT to further communication and work in this field. They represent a devoted, professional, and eager group – who are passionate about the importance of people-plant-nature connections. Thanks to Andrina, Karla and Damaris, and all who helped to make the seminar a success! Watch the slide show Horticultural Therapy Institute wins award 
HTI director, Rebecca Haller, HTM and program coordinator, Christine Kramer won the 2009 Publication Award from the American Horticultural Therapy Association for their book, “Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health Care, Human Service, and Community Programs”. The award was presented at the 37th annual American Horticultural Therapy Association conference in Pasadena, CA. The book serves as a reference for using horticulture for therapy and human development by describing processes and techniques for practice. The book is available at the AHTA website, www.ahta.org .
Healthcare Design 09 
HTI Director, Rebecca Haller, HTM recently attended the Healthcare Design 09, a conference held in Orlando, Florida in November.
The conference gave us all plenty to think about with trends in the design of healthcare facilities. Evidence-based design was shared and promoted in order to encourage successful outcomes in healthcare facilities. The myriad benefits of views of nature - both real and in art - were described and touted in several sessions and exhibits. Teaming up with Bruce Hendee and Angela Milewski, of BHA Design in Fort Collins, Colorado, we led a round table discussion about horticultural therapy and healing gardens. Discussion focused on therapeutic healthcare gardens that are designed for treatment purposes (HT) and the need for research to build a body of knowledge about effective design. The handout (Creating Outdoor Environments for Healing: Program Design Components, Process, Research and Evaluation)for our session can be downloaded here as a PDF.(7mb file size)
What does the HTI do for you? At the non-profit, Horticultural Therapy Institute (HTI), we train students from all over the country to use plants and gardening to improve the lives of others, and become leaders in this field.In order to broaden the reach of horticultural therapy and increase its impact, there is a need for more highly trained horticultural therapists. HTI works closely with people and organizations to help grow and nurturethe profession. Look to us for:
We strive to understand your needs and wish to create educational options that will work for you. Please let us know how we can help and share this website with a friend or colleague. |
Copyright 2008, 2009 ©, Horticultural Therapy Institute
