Connected Roots

Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, DSW, LSW, FOCAE is the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program Director, Social Work Department Chair, and an Associate Professor of Social Work at Trinity Christian College. Cini focused her doctoral research on the similarities and differences between social work education and humane education and how humane education might build a bridge for social work education in its journey toward a more ecocentric lens in which the human world, the natural world, and the non-human animal world are interconnected and interdependent. Cini also serves as an Advisor to the Coalition and is involved in many of our projects, including our forthcoming accreditation program. Listen to our latest episode of Connected Roots to learn about the intersections between social work and humane education, creative ways to work together, and helpful resources to dive deeper into these two disciplines.

It was a pleasure to speak with Victoria Hackett, MEd, the founder of Outdoor-Classrooms.com, a virtual classroom for natural teachers who want to reconnect children with nature. Outdoor Classrooms offers online Master Classes, onsite trainings, retreats, and more. Their mission is to inspire teachers and parents to create one-of-a-kind outdoor classrooms and nature-based curriculum on a shoe-string budget. Victoria joins us on Connected Roots to share helpful tips for developing outdoor learning spaces, ways to build relationships with teachers and schools, and much more.

Liz Walch is the Program Manager for Food for Thought, a program of Animal Place. Food for Thought helps animal and environmental nonprofits adopt animal- and earth-friendly menu policies for fundraising and sponsored events. The Food for Thought campaign can help align your organization’s menu with its mission by adopting a formal policy regarding the types of food it serves... or doesn’t serve! Liz joins us on Connected Roots to share Food for Thought's fascinating background, how humane education impacts their work, and the many resources they offer to help organizations and advocates create a more humane, peaceful, and sustainable world.

It was a privilege to speak with Zoe Weil, president of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE) and author of seven acclaimed books about humane education. At IHE, Zoe created the first humane education graduate programs linking human rights, environmental preservation, and animal protection and preparing teachers to educate a generation of solutionaries. Zoe is considered a pioneer in the comprehensive humane education movement that works to create a peaceful, healthy, and just world for all people, animals, and the environment through education. Listen to our latest episode of Connected Roots to learn about IHE's history, Zoe's transformational books, and how the term "solutionary" is shaping the future of humane education.

Tamira Thayne is an author, animal activist, and the founder of Who Chains You Books. Who Chains You publishes books that educate, entertain, and share the plights of the animals we serve and those who rescue them. With dozens of books published since 2016, Who Chains You celebrates the connection between humans and our non-human friends. Listen to our latest episode of Connected Roots to learn about Who Chains You's books, their plans for the future, and why humane education is important to Tamira.

Virginia Hamilton is an award-winning classroom teacher, Certified Humane Education Specialist, and founder of Canine Commandos in Brevard County, Florida. Canine Commandos teaches basic obedience to shelter dogs, improving adoption rates while providing students with memorable, hands-on life skills experiences. Listen to our latest episode of Connected Roots to learn how Canine Commandos is making an impact for students and animals in Florida. You'll also discover how Virginia has developed meaningful relationships with community partners and hear her guidance for educators who would like to do something similar in their school districts.

It was wonderful to chat with Dezarae Jones-Hartwig, board member at the Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE). APHE is a membership organization that promotes humane education and provides professional development, resources, and networking for those who foster empathy toward people, animals, and the environment. Listen to our latest episode of Connected Roots to learn about APHE's rich history, annual conference, and the many unique benefits of membership.

Nicky Wetzelberger is Community Outreach Director at Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR). For 30 years, DEFHR has been making a difference for horses throughout Maryland in the United States. Their mission is not only to rescue and rehabilitate suffering horses, but to prevent abuse and neglect through education and community outreach. DEFHR offers a wide variety of educational programs and internships, providing opportunities for experiential learning. DEFHR also shares online resources for learning about equine welfare, rescue, and rehabilitation. Listen to our latest episode of Connected Roots to learn about DEFHR's history, unique education programs, and inspirational stories of success with both humans and horses.

It was an absolute pleasure to speak with Dr. Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder and author of many essential books on animal behavior and our relationships with animals. Marc is not only a trusted voice for non-human animals, he is also a steadfast supporter of humane education. Listen to our latest episode of Connected Roots to learn more about compassionate conservation, Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots program, and Marc's perspective on humane education. You'll also hear some helpful tips from Marc's latest books, Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do, and Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible (with Jessica Pierce).

It was a privilege to talk with Jessie Miller, the founder of EPIC Outreach and author of two humane-themed children's picture books. EPIC Outreach is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create a kinder world for people, animals, and the planet by inspiring compassion for all things. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, EPIC Outreach offers humane education and other outreach services to make a difference for animals and people in need. Listen to our latest episode of Connected Roots to learn how EPIC Outreach is positively impacting people and animals in their community. You'll also learn about Jessie's books, Chance: Wings of Hope and Winnie: A Wet and Windy Adventure.