Palms West Journal

Can animals help us heal? According to Jackie Ducci, founder of the Human Animal Alliance (HAA), the answer is a resounding yes.

Founded in Wellington in 2022, the Human Animal Alliance supports carefully vetted nonprofit organizations across the United States that harness the human-animal bond to improve lives. In this episode, Jackie explains how HAA identifies organizations making a meaningful impact, why the group focuses on "emotional proximity," and how relationships with animals can foster healing for children, veterans, individuals with disabilities and people facing serious health challenges.

We also discuss HAA's partnership with High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Connecticut, where equine-assisted therapy is helping individuals with Parkinson's disease improve balance, mobility and emotional well-being. Jackie shares why horses, in particular, have an incredible ability to mirror human emotions and create a safe, judgment-free environment for growth and recovery.

The conversation also explores Jackie's personal journey, from finding confidence through horses as a child to launching a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to animal-assisted therapy. She also discusses the inspiring stories that continue to validate the organization's mission and its plans to expand into new communities.

Finally, Jackie talks about the documentary Unspoken Bond, which showcases extraordinary stories of people whose lives were transformed by animals while exploring the science behind these remarkable connections. The film premiered in Wellington earlier this year and is scheduled for additional screenings throughout South Florida, with hopes of reaching a national streaming audience.

In This Episode:

• The mission behind the Human Animal Alliance
• How animals help people heal emotionally and physically
• Equine therapy for individuals living with Parkinson's disease
• Why horses are uniquely suited for therapeutic work
• How HAA evaluates and funds nonprofit organizations
• The importance of emotional proximity and nonjudgmental connection
• Jackie's personal story and inspiration for founding HAA
• Behind the making of the documentary Unspoken Bond
• What's next for the Human Animal Alliance

Learn more about the documentary and upcoming screenings at UnspokenBondFilm.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Tareq Salahi to explore his vision for a transformative new polo destination in Palm Beach County—one that aims to reshape how the sport is experienced both on and off the field.

Salahi outlines plans for the International Polo Tour Stadium and Cultural Center, a large-scale development that will be located just outside Wellington, with the exact site to be revealed soon. 

The conversation moves into the broader impact of the project, which is expected to host more than 200 events annually, ranging from polo matches to non-equestrian entertainment. Salahi explains how the venue is being designed not only as a sports facility, but as a year-round destination capable of driving tourism, creating jobs and contributing to the region’s economy. 

The episode also touches on the project timeline and scale. With an estimated cost of up to $300 million, the stadium is targeting a grand opening on New Year’s Eve 2030. If realized as planned, it would mark a significant evolution for arena polo and a major addition to Palm Beach County’s sports and entertainment landscape.

https://www.palmswestjournal.com/post/inside-the-vision-for-a-polo-stadium-and-cultural-center-near-wellington

Manatee Lagoon’s conservation and education manager Rachel Shanker provided an in-depth update on the state of manatees in South Florida.

Shanker discussed the devastating unusual mortality event that led to a significant decline in the manatee population in recent years, and their recent recovery. The conversation also explored the leading causes of manatee deaths today. Shanker emphasized actions the community can take to improve conservation efforts.

Shanker also shared insights into her career path, beginning as a “Manatee Master” educator and evolving into a leadership role focused on environmental education and outreach. She underscored the importance of public engagement in conservation, noting that education remains one of the most powerful tools in protecting Florida’s ecosystems.

visitmanateelagoon.com/manatee-cam/

In this episode, David Abroms discusses the upcoming fundraiser for the Amory Art Center, Art Throwdown, with the center's CEO Jill Brown. Brown described the event as a fast-paced, high-energy experience—“Iron Chef meets the art world”—in which participating artists arrive without knowing what materials they will be given. Each competitor is allowed to bring only one or two supplies, with all remaining tools and materials revealed at the start of the competition.

Jill Brown also discusses how the Armory Art Center is increasingly focused on the role of the arts in wellness and community development. Brown highlighted partnerships with organizations such as the Norton Arts Collective and the University of Miami.

You can learn more about Art Throwdown and purchase tickets at https://armoryart.org/artistry-main-page/

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s signature fundraiser, the Smarty Party, returns to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 15, bringing together curiosity, community and cutting-edge science for one of the most important nights of the year.

David Abroms speaks with co-chair Deborah Norville about the event, including featured speaker Dr. Michael Young and his South Florida upbringing. They also discuss the ongoing renovations at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, as well as current exhibitions.

Learn more at www.coxsciencecenter.org/smarty-party.

When Dr. Brittany Perez opened the doors to AlignLife of Wellington at the end of July, she wasn’t just launching a chiropractic clinic — she was creating a space rooted in education, empowerment and proactive health. Just months in, the practice is gaining momentum, fueled by a clear mission and a hands-on, community-centered approach. 

That environment is welcoming and personalized. Every patient begins with a comprehensive visit that includes a detailed consultation, posture and balance assessments, 3D foot scans, digital X-rays, body composition analysis, and a review of metabolic health. Perez is certified in functional nutrition, allowing her to integrate bloodwork-based supplementation into individualized care plans.

https://alignlife.com/locations/wellington-fl-chiropractor/

https://www.palmswestjournal.com/post/wellington-chiropractor-marks-national-awareness-month-with-community-events

Just months after opening her own salon, Parle de Cheveux in Boca Raton, Corina Valdez finds herself at the center of a fast-growing, highly intentional business—one shaped as much by faith as by style. What began as an unexpected opportunity has quickly become a space that clients and employees alike describe as transformative.

In this podcast, we explore what inspired her to open the salon, the story behind getting started, and what the first few months in business have been like—including the people she has already been able to impact. We also discuss the products she offers and the aspects of her work that continue to inspire her.

In this episode, I discuss the new season announced by Palm Beach Symphony, as well as the Kokedama workshop at Morikami. Kokedama is often described as “bonsai’s wilder cousin,” and involves sculpting a ball of soil, enveloping it in moss and wrapping it tightly with string.

Finally, I discuss some updates to the Palms West Journal website, PalmsWestJournal.com. 

David speaks with president and CEO of the Palm Beach Photographic Centre, Fatima NeJame. They discuss the long history of the center and the 26th annual Members' Best Show which is on display now through Oct. 28 at the center's downtown location in West Palm Beach.

This year’s Best in Show was photographed by Linh Trinh of Palm Springs. The piece, “Red Shouldered Hawk,” features a distinguished hawk landing on the median of a pokey spiked fence. 

Winning pictures can be seen here: https://www.workshop.org/2022-members-exhibition-selections/

Check out are Palms West Journal article: https://www.palmswestjournal.com/post/palm-beach-photographic-centre-celebrates-members-best

David talks with Dr. Luis Peña-Hernández, MD, a lung specialist at the Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Disorders Institute of South Florida, with an office in Wellington. We discuss the research trial PCSI is conducting using a new medical device called Sylvee which uses ultrasound technology to better monitor lung function. 

You can find out more about the study and how to participate by going to:

pcsifl.com/localspecialists-now-recruiting-healthy-and-long-covid-syndrome-patients-pulmonary-patients-invited-to-participate-in-key-research-trial/