Save the DATE for December 2, 2025

                       

***Call for Sponsors our 2025 event by filling out this form: SPONSORSHIP LINK

      

    

              

           

Thank you to all who attended, and spoke at, our 2024 symposium!

Please email PetTherapy@rowan.edu for questions. Thank you for your consideration! 

HOSTS: Michele Pich, MA, MS, CAIS & David Frei, BS 

2025 DATE:  Tuesday, December 2, 2024

The National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium at Rowan University is one of America’s most prominent gatherings devoted to therapy dogs. The day-long conference brings together therapy dog handlers, health care experts & clinicians, academics, those who want to get involved and people who simply love dogs, to share information, cutting edge research, insights from practical applications and best practices.

The conference is hosted by Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, just 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia. The school is home to the ground-breaking Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program where students have access to therapy dogs year-round.

The 2024 conference will be held on Friday, December 2nd from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. (EST). In-person attendance includes lunch and provides additional networking opportunities, and virtual option will also be offered. This is a human-only event (we love your furry ones, but please leave them at home unless they are an actively working medically necessary service dog... sorry no emotional support animals, therapy dogs, pets or other animals allowed). There may be a couple of the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program Therapy dogs working at the event during lunch or breaks.

The symposium is hosted by Michele Pich & David Frei, who also chair the the planning committee. David is the expert analyst on NBC’s National Dog Show, broadcast every year on Thanksgiving, and one of the best known names in the canine world. He is also a prolific writer and founder of Angel on a Leash therapy dog program, who currently volunteers with his therapy dog, True, a sweet Cavalier. Michele Pich is the Founding Assistant Director (Department Head) of Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program and former faculty in Law and Justice Studies at Rowan University. Michele has worked in animal-assisted therapy (and other animal-assisted interventions) for many years, including with her certified therapy dog, Vivian Peyton, CGC, and her newest certified therapy dog, Ralphie, CGC, who  visits as part of the Shreiber Familu Pet Therapy Program at Rowan University and joined his sister on the Therapy Dog Ambassador team for the National Dog Show!

Past keynote speakers include: Dr. Marty Becker, Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Cindy Otto, Dr. Carlo Siracusa, Dr. Rise VanFleet, Ann Howie, and David Frei!

Last year's Event infor below as an example. Help us build the 2025 event by submitting a proposal, sponsoring, or planning to attend!

***Previous CEU's from the 2024 event listed here, 2025 available through Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®) for Behavior Consultants/CPDT-KA/CPDT-KSA [5.0]; through National Association of Social Workers- New Jersey (NASW-NJ) for social workers, through the Association of Animal Assisted intervention Professionals (AAAIP) for certificate holders [4], and for veterinarians licenced in New Jersey [1.0] through the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA). 

 Last Year's 2024 EVENT AGENDA as an example (this year's will vary): _docs/agenda_therapydogsymposium2024_updated-11252024.pdf#AGENDA

2024 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Aubrey Fine (2025 Keynote TBD)

Dr. Aubrey Fine is a native of Montreal, Canada. He received his graduate degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1982. Dr. Fine has been on the California State Polytechnic University faculty since 1981 and is presently a Professor Emeritus and a licensed psychologist.  He is also an adjunct professor at the College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University.

Aubrey has been recognized by numerous organizations for his service and dedication to children, animals, teaching, and the community. In 2001 Dr. Fine was presented with the Wang Award given to a distinguished professor in the California State University system (23 Universities). In July 2016, he received the William McCulloch Award for Excellence in HAI Education and Practice from the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations in Paris, France. Additionally, he was awarded the Educator of the Year from the Learning Disability Association of CA and the 2006 CA Poly Faculty Award for Community Engagement.

Aubrey’s primary research interests relate to the psycho-social impact of human-animal interactions and animal-assisted interventions, social skills training, children with ADHD, and resilience in children. Dr. Fine is the author/editor of several books, including Our Faithful Companions, The Parent-Child Dance, Therapist's Guide to Learning and Attention Disorders, Fathers and Sons, The Total Sports Experience for Children, Give a Dog Your Heart, The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy (5^th edition- 6^th edition to be released in August 2024)  Afternoons with Puppy (2^nd edition),  The Welfare of Animals in Animal Assisted Therapy, and the International Handbook on Human-Animal Interactions and Anthrozoology (October 2023, Routledge Press) He also has had extensive media coverage worldwide. He is the past chair of the Human Animal Bond Advisory Committee for Pet Partners and the steering committee on Human-Animal Interactions for the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Keynote Learning Objectives:

1. Defining the human-animal bond.

2. Highlighting the history of the domestication of animals

3. Providing an overview of the benefits of human-animal interactions, including the health benefits.

4. Providing an overview of why dogs are so effective in their roles as therapy animals

5. Providing a brief overview of animal-assisted interventions and the spectrum of services.

6. Addressing the contemporary issues facing AAI in the future

Keynote Abstract:

The roles of animals in people's lives have been sensationalized over the years. Newspapers, magazines, and films are filled with true stories of heart-warming accounts of how animals have impacted our lives. Recently, more attention has been paid to the healing benefits of our interactions with various species of animals.  Science confirms what many have known for years: surrounding ourselves with these beings is good for our well-being and souls. This session will focus on several variables, including defining the human-animal bond, unraveling the psychological and physiological benefits derived, and briefly introducing animal-assisted interventions and how they can be helpful.

This presentation, using a modified quote from Roger Caras (past president of the ASPCA), intends to highlight how animals can enrich our lives and make us whole. A faithful companion animal cheerfully gives many unconditional love and a chance to feel wanted. This animal will become a friend or even an unsolicited therapist for some.

Keywords:

Other Speakers include:

"The Art of Therapy Dog Training and Partnership: The Need for Trust and Open Communication"

Gina Caldwell, PhD (adjunct professor teaching psychology, animal behavior and sustainability science courses; Pet Partners Human-Animal Bond and AAAIP Advisory Boards); Annie Peters (President & CEO, Pet Partners & the Associaltion of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals); Taylor Chastain Griffin, PhD (AAAIP Executive Director, National Director, AAI Advancement Pet Partners)

Bio:

Dr. Gina Fisher Caldwell has dedicated her career and education to animal training, behavior, and welfare She has over twenty-five years of experience in the behavioral science and zoological field. She is a curator at a private zoo working with over 70 species. Dr. Caldwell is an adjunct professor teaching psychology, animal behavior, and sustainability science courses. She is a professional canine behaviorist, a Pet Partners therapy animal evaluator, and a registered therapy dog and cat handler. Dr. Caldwell serves as a subject matter expert on the Pet Partners Human-Animal Bond and AAAIP Advisory Board.

Annie Peters is President & CEO of Pet Partners and the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP). She is a visionary leader, strategic thinker, and exceptional communicator who brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to the Pet Partners team. Annie drives the strategic direction of Pet Partners to improve programming and increase organizational sustainability. During her tenure at Pet Partners, she has refocused the organization on the importance of educating the public about standards for volunteer therapy animal teams and on the underlying research of why animal-assisted interventions work. In addition, Pet Partners expanded internationally while introducing special initiatives including Read with Me™, an animal-assisted crisis response program, and innovative programming solutions during COVID, including animal-related engagement (ARE). Under Annie’s leadership, Pet Partners launched AAAIP in 2022 to serve the needs of professionals who wish to practice AAI and integrate an animal into their professional practice. Mental health practitioners, occupational therapists, school-based personnel, and a wide range of other professionals now have a home for education, networking, and certification.

Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin is the Executive Director of the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals and is the National Director of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) Advancement at Pet Partners. In these roles, she works with other field leaders to motivate standardization and professionalization of the intervention. With a background as a dog trainer, therapy dog handler, and mental health counselor, Dr. Chastain Griffin came to her position with a variety of experiences that inform her work. Having completed her doctorate in research psychology with a focus on the human-animal bond, she works to formally integrate expertise in the field of human services with best practices while working with therapy animals.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify appropriate methods for training a therapy dog
2. Realize practices that build relationship and trust between the handler and the animal
3. Identify the need for an animal to be able to freely communicate and consent in AAI along with strategies that empower this ability in our dogs
4. Distinguish between different kinds of canine body language and appropriate handler responses
5. Understand the goal of therapy dog training

Abstract:

When training a therapy animal, obedience and compliance should not be the desired outcome. Therapy
animals must be able to freely communicate with their handlers, and the training process should establish trust and a shared language that allows the handler, the animal, and ultimately the clients to truly thrive in the intervention. This presentation will explore key considerations related to therapy animal training at all stages of a team’s journey.

Keywords:

 therapy dog training

__________________________________________________________________________

  Lisa DiCerto (Hospice Volunteer Coordinator) & Barbara Silverstein (Alliance of Therapy Dogs Tester/Observer):

"Therapy Dog Visits at the End of Life"

Bio: 

Lisa DiCerto has spent more that a decade in hospice volunteer managememt. She regularly trains therapy dog handlers for their work with hospice patients. She is a Volunteer Coordinator for Samaritan, in Mount Laurel. She is also dog mom to rescue chihuahua Felix Maximus. https://www.samaritannj.org 

Barbara Silverstein earned her BA and MA from Glassboro State College with certification as a Teacher of the Handicapped and Reading Specialist. She is an ATD T/O  - Alliance of Therapy Dogs Tester/Observer, Member CRC - Crisis Response Canines, CNWI - Certified Nose Work Instructor for NACSW(National Assoc. of Canine Scent Work. She has been doing Pet Therapy since 1978 with children & adults at: Voorhees Pediatric Facility, Weisman Rehab, Camp Sun & Fun, Animal Welfare Association, Various Nursing Homes, Various Schools & Colleges, Regular & Special Ed.Classes, Various Community Events, Heartland Hospice Pet Therapy, and Samaritan Hospice Pet Therapy.

Learning Objectives:

1. To educate the community on how therapy dogs support hospice patients
2. To explain the role of the therapy dog handler in hospice
3. To explain how a canine/handler duo becomes hospice volunteers

Abstract:

Therapy dogs and their human handlers are a regular part of our volunteer team that supports hospice patients who live in skilled nursing facilities. They provide physical, emotional and social benefits. Pet therapy has been shown to lower blood pressure, calm anxiety, and diminish pain for our patients. I and at least one of our human companions will outline the kind of work our dogs do with patients. We will also explain the role of the human handler and the training the people go through to work with their dogs in hospice. We will also take questions.

Keywords: hospice, volunteer, comfort, end of life

__________________________________________________________________________

-  Bradford Cole (Founder of K9FR, K9 First Responder, All-Hazards Psychological Trauma Responder; ASHER Program Specialist, PFA, T-PFA, PTSM, CISM, SPR and MHFA):

"Journey of a Therapy Dog to a Crisis Mental Health Canine"

Bio:

Mr. Cole is K9FR's subject matter expert and thought leader. He created the non-profit K9FR which utilizes
specially trained trauma dogs to connection and engage with impacted individuals as part of official crisis
mental health response system. A responder to the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, Mr. Cole's
deployments include Lewiston, ME shootings, United States Capitol PD incidents, Pittsburgh, PA synagogue
shooting, Boston Marathon bombings, Las Vegas concert shooting, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
shooting as well as peer support for public safety. He was deployed to Smyrna, DE to assist in the aftermath of the 15 hour prison siege, hostage taking and homicide.

Learning Objectives:

1.Improve the comprehension of handlers and stakeholders, allowing them to provide assistance and care in a way that minimizes potential harm. 

2. Idenitfy the four classifications of mental health canines along with the suggested training for each category, equipping them to more effectively support individuals in need while doing no harm.

Abstract:

The presence of therapy dogs is prevalent in various settings, with the primary aim of providing joy and comfort. Over time, their role has expanded to assisting individuals in coping with grief and processing emotions stemming from local tragedies, community crises, mass casualty incidents, and hostile events. This growth has necessitated an expansion in the knowledge, training, and experience required of handlers, stakeholders, clinicians and others. Those involved need to understand the role of four primary classifications of mental health dogs in delivering trauma-informed care required to effectively support the objectives and outcomes sought by mental health professionals.

Keywords:

trauma intervention K9, first responder, mental health influencer, mental health dogs, passive and active support, trauma-informed care

___________________________________________________________________________________

 Kate Nicoll (Clinical SW & CEO of Soul Friends)

"Sharing the Narrative Life of Therapy Dogs to comfort children with trauma"

Bio:

Kate Nicoll, LCSW is a clinical social worker and founder of Soul Friends, a CT nonprofit providing Animal
Assisted Services for 21 years serving 10,000 children and families. A graduate of Elms College and Smith
College, she has presented nationally and internationally on the healing benefits of the human-animal bond.
She is the author of a Therapy Dog at Work and Play series. www.soul-friends.org 

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify at least 3 ways narrative theory can enrich therapy dog interactions. 2. Participants will be able to identify three ways their own therapy dogs' story may have narrative impact in therapy dog-human interactions 3. Participants will be able to identify two important indicators in caution in use of metaphors in therapy dog-human interactions.

Abstract:

This presentation will explore the integration of therapy dog interactions and animal-themed interventions in child-centered play therapy and family therapy with children who have experienced traumatic experiences utilizing the guiding principles of storytelling in the a model of animal assisted interventions (Nicoll, 2006), as well as the incorporation of trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy techniques to assist children in the development of personal narratives, including both a trauma and successful story which can assist with cognitive and affective processing of events (Cohen et al, 2006; Faoite,2011, Martsen,2016) In addition, the integration of trauma and attachment informed principles of polyvagal theory as an essential component of incorporating the somatic in the clinical work involving therapy animals in play, or animal-themed play in sand tray or child-centered play therapy (Sanders, et al, 2021, Marks-Tarlow, 2017). Through the exploration of the children's stories in their play, the narrative threads will be discussed including their personal descriptors in the process of sharing their trauma narrative to demonstrate issues of connection, co-regulation and healing.

Keywords:

trauma-informed, narrative and storytelling

_____________________________________________________________________________________

-Therapy Dogs in Schoold Panel:

  Panelist 1: Kate Finnerty Krispin (MS in School Counseling)

Bio:

Kate Finnerty Krispin, a school counselor for 16 years at Tunkhannock Area School District, has been a handler since 2022 and incorporates a game room to work with Sunny, her full-time therapy dog. She uses a person-centered approach combined with play methods to build a comprehensive school counseling program, fostering strong connections with the community and project base learning. By integrating a therapy dog, Kate creates a unique, supportive environment that promotes students' emotional and academic growth. Her dedication to her work and innovative practices reflects her commitment to enhancing the well-being and resilience of every student, making her an essential part of the school community. www.tasd.net 

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the research-backed benefits of therapy dogs in school counseling, including their impact on student attendance, social-emotional learning, and academic outcomes.
2. Develop strategies for integrating therapy dogs into their school counseling programs effectively.
3. Assess the ethical considerations and best practices for using therapy dogs in a school environment.

Abstract:

Therapy dogs are increasingly recognized as valuable assets in school counseling programs and schools, offering emotional support and enhancing student well-being. This session will delve into the transformative role therapy dogs can play in school environments, focusing on their impact on student attendance, relationship-building, reading fluency, and mental health. Attendees will explore the benefits of incorporating therapy dogs into their programs and learn practical strategies for successful implementation.

Keywords:

 School Therapy Dog

 Panelist 2: Maria Borchardt (teacher, MA Instructional Leadership)

Bio:

Maria Borchardt is currently a 4th grade teacher in Villa Hills, Kentucky. She has been working in the field of education for over 20 years. For the past 4 years she has been working alongside her therapy dog, Corie.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to successfully and purposefully introduce therapy dog to a school setting. 
2. Develop a set of guidelines for safe student interactions with a therapy dog.

Abstract:

Maria Borchardt has created a presentation to be used with students at the beginning of each school year to introduce her therapy dog, Corie, to the student body of her elementary school. The presentation sets boundaries and expectations for all students to remember when interacting with Corie in various settings through the school day. Maria will share this presentation with conference participants and share ideas for how to start off on the “paw” when introducing a therapy dog to a school setting.

Keywords:

School, guidelines, safe interactions, introduce

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*** IF YOU ARE REGISTERED FOR THE VIRTUAL PROGRAM AND HAVE TECHNOLOGY ISSUES DURING THE EVENT, EMAIL: ROTH@ROWAN.EDU ; IF YOU ARE ATTENDING IN-PERSON AND NEED ASSISTANCE, YOU CAN CALL THE WELLNESS CENTER: 856-256-4333. 

Hotel Accommodations for the National Dog Show Symposium at Rowan University

Hotel accomodations for the National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium at Rowan University can be made at:

The Marriott in Glassboro, NJ (1.5 blocks from event)

To book, click HERE. 

*If staying at the Marriott in Glassboro, please leave your car parked there & either plan to walk to the Chamberlain Student Center or you will be able to request a golf-cart transport if you are mobility impaired.

Campus Map: https://www.rowan.edu/about/visiting/main.html