12/03/2025
✨ Continuing Education at Rowan University! ✨
Yesterday, Brooke had the great pleasure of attending a truly inspiring continuing education event at Rowan University — the Seventh Annual National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium. This day was filled with passionate experts, meaningful research, and incredible conversations about the power of therapy dogs and the human-animal bond. 🐾❤️
Here are some highlights from the event:
📍 Hosted at:
Rowan University – Chamberlain Student Center, Eynon Ballroom
Glassboro, NJ
🗓 Date:
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
10 AM – 4:30 PM EST
🎤 Hosts:
• Michele Pich, MA, MS, CAIS – Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan University
• David Frei, BS – The National Dog Show Presented by Purina on NBC
🕙 Opening Remarks:
David Frei, Michele Pich, and Dr. Tony Lowman (Chancellor, Rowan University)
🌟 Keynote Speaker:
Steve Dale, CABC
“Therapy Dogs: Where the Heart Intersects with Science”
📚 Afternoon Presentations Included:
• Aviva Vincent, PhD, LSW – Planning with Purpose: Lessons from a University Therapy Dog Program
• Amy Binder, EdD, MA, LAT + Melissa Winkle, OTR/L – Does My Dog REALLY Enjoy the Work?
• Krista Vince Garland, PhD & Michaela Nunez – Project Paws: Motivation in Literacy Learning
• Kelly Lewis & Taylor Chastain Griffin, PhD – Unlocking Potential: The Role of Therapy Dogs in Correctional Care
• Karen Armsey, BS & Heddie Leger – Heart to Heart Communication: The Unspoken Language
• Angela Gizzi, BA; Emi Parente, CAIS; & Shelly Fisher – Advancing Ethics and Justice in Animal-Assisted Services
A huge thank-you to all the presenters, organizers, and therapy teams who make this work possible. Brooke left feeling energized, educated, and excited to bring these insights back to Operation HOPE and her incredible therapy dog, Mocha. 🐶💛
